TJZ L1 1-GEN 1-Training-Plan v1
TJZ L1 1-GEN 1-Training-Plan v1
TJZ L1 1-GEN 1-Training-Plan v1
Level 1 Overview
Level 1 is carefully designed to help you begin learning the key essentials of Taiji Zen. In this level, you have
three very important training goals: 1) learn the four Kinetic Concepts, 2) learn how to start to structurally
relax your body, and 3) learn how to begin to relax your mind.
1) Kinetic Concepts & Applications: the Taijiquan Essentials #1-4 (thirteen in total)
On the technical side, you’ll learn about Taijiquan’s four most elemental concepts, also known as the “Four
Cardinal Energies” (Sì Zhèng Shǒu or 四正手):
1. Péng (掤), or Expanding Energy
2. Lǚ (捋), or Deflecting Energy
3. Jǐ (挤), or Pressing Energy
4. Àn (按), or Pushing Energy
These are Taijiquan’s four most basic building blocks. While seemingly disconnected concepts, they in fact
form an interactive set of attack / defend energies. You’ll experience how this works for yourself in the
Kinetic Applications section through two person partnered training. Then you’ll combine all four energies
into a flowing form called the ‘Four Cardinal Energies Form’.
In the beginning of your training, the overarching focus is to learn how to RELAX. First, you will become
more aware of the incredible tension your body is holding by focusing on two Key Principles:
1. Xū Líng Dǐng Jìn (虚领顶劲), or ‘Suspend from the Crown of the Head’ – properly aligns your head,
neck and spine, which creates the necessary conditions for your muscles to relax naturally within the
body’s structure
2. Hán Xiōng Bá Bèi (含胸拔背), or ‘Hollow the Chest, Round the Back’ – releases tension from the
chest and back, which frees your deep breathing ability and allows for better structural connectivity
Recognizing tension is the first step to releasing it. When your body is aligned and you are fully relaxed, you
will have more efficient motion, faster reaction time and greater ability to deliver power.
Your mind processes countless bits of information each day. When’s the last time you let it rest? Daily Zen
will systematically teach you methods to let your mind relax…that is to Simply Observe.
We first start with our sense of sight. In our information overloaded era, the constant deluge of visual
stimulus makes our eyes one of the most overused organs. (Ironically, you’re using them now to read this
information!)
You will learn how to Meditate on Sight, applying a concentrated awareness to allow your mind to rest.
Much like in your physical training, we will recognize tension, and then start to release it.
Lastly, you will build leg strength through a fun 2 Person Game, ‘Steady as a Rock.’
Taiji Zen Online Academy. Copyright 2013 Taiji Zen Worldwide Limited. All Rights Reserved.
LEVEL 1 TRAINING PLAN
Taiji Zen Online Academy lets you train on your own schedule. We recommend doing a session every 2-3
days (at least) for best results.
Taiji Zen Online Academy. Copyright 2013 Taiji Zen Worldwide Limited. All Rights Reserved.
LEVEL 1 TRAINING PLAN
(Solo) 7 min Jǐ 挤 Trance Mode View and practice 1x
Taiji Zen Online Academy. Copyright 2013 Taiji Zen Worldwide Limited. All Rights Reserved.
LEVEL 1 TRAINING PLAN
(~45 min) 8 min Form: '4 Cardinal Energies' Mirror (same as above)
(Partner) 5 min Self-Practice Practice 5x together
Take turns,
10 min KA #1/#4: Péng 掤 + Àn 按
alternate sides
10 min KA #2/#3: Lǚ 捋 + Jǐ 挤 (same as above)
1 min Level 1 Exam Prep View 1x
Taiji Zen Online Academy. Copyright 2013 Taiji Zen Worldwide Limited. All Rights Reserved.