Tai Chi, The Eight Ways, Roots and Branches Five-Element Qigong A Comparative Look By Pat Gorman, 2012 ~ (Aug 2020)

The Tai Chi Foundation teaches tai chi through three different programs. Each of these programs addresses different needs, is learned in different ways, and contributes to a complete understanding of tai chi as a protective, healing path to an awakened state embodied in the laws and principles of movement.

Each of these three programs addresses the needs of different populations, and we can teach whatever works best in a given situation.

The Yang style Tai Chi Form, as shortened by Professor Cheng Man-Ching, is appropriate for students who are healthy enough to easily stand and perform the movements; when there are enough continuous scheduled classes; and especially when a deeper work is wanted for the Spirit on the path.

The tai chi solo form is the Pearl, the complete, perfect, simple yet multi-layered teaching which is at the core of our school. The tai chi form encompasses:

• All principles of movement: shifting weight, uprightness, central alignment, relaxing and sinking, etc.
• Deep single-weighting, working to build bone, blood, and qi.
• The meditative focus in the dantian, the “one point,” the source of unity between inside and out, macro- and microcosm, where all is perceived and experienced as the Dao (Tao). (The dantian is at the core of several other spiritual practices, notably Chan Buddhism in China and Zen Buddhism in Japan and the US.)
• The path of the Dao. By doing the form, one traces in postures and movements the path to consciousness.
• A complete breath practice of internal circulation (uroboros or golden orbit) if done morning and evening.
• The unification of body, mind, and spirit through sinking the “yi” or heart-mind, compassionate mind, to the dantian. The heart is the home of the spirit, while the mind dwells in the brain and the “officials” of each organ system. The dantian is the integrative center of both the body and all other aspects of our selves. By the practice of “sinking” mind and heart (yi) to our dantian, we unify body, mind and spirit.
• The full natural range of motion of the body, moved by the dantian or center.
• The circulation of qi through all the acupuncture meridians and governing and conception vessels in different parts of the form.
• The circulation, generation and balancing of qi through the sheng (or creative) cycle and the ko (or controlling) cycle of the five elements/phases.
• In special trainings, such as summer and winter form work, the incarnated self is pacified and the spirit aspect further awakened through reliance on the spirit and breath.

The Eight Ways

This program is Professor Cheng’s practice to identify and focus on the principles of tai chi, making them accessible to everyone, especially those who are older, injured, or recuperating. Imagery helps create the desire to both practice the movements and improve one’s ability. The major purpose of the program is to teach the essence of tai chi and link it to functioning in the world. Each movement has everyday applicability—how to be stronger and more in balance while walking, climbing stairs, sitting and rising, carrying, reaching, etc.

The Eight Ways can be done by the weak to become stronger, by the stronger to become more fluid and supple, and by everyone to strengthen their legs, improve circulation all over their body, and increase coordination in ordinary living and sports. The program can be completed in a limited time, and the moves are easy to remember when learned with the imagery.

Roots and Branches Five-Element Qigong

Our Roots and Branches program is intense, rich and powerful healing work which addresses the three major levels of qi within our bodies; works with yin, yang, and the five elements/phases; and has a strong impact on the body, mind, emotions, and spirit.

The core of this program are movements originally used by Professor to heal himself from tuberculosis. Since he was a Chinese physician, he later taught the movements to his patients. We have further developed this work and now have Roots and Branches trainings that address three levels of practice:

1. Level One: Personal practice and healing.
2. Level Two: Practice directed at groups with specific needs, from illness to rehabilitation, from exhaustion to depression and rage; and in institutional settings such as hospitals, prisons, or outreach centers.
3. Level Three: Practitioners of Roots and Branches working with individual patients within the Five Element approach to healing. Specific moves and positions are assigned to support and transform an individual.

Roots and Branches is the most flexible and adaptive of all our programs. Teachers learn to create special trainings as needed, and the work can be taught in single classes, drop-in classes, or a series of classes.

For more information about any of our programs and free online classes, check out our website:

www.taichifoundation.org