Form practice

The theory behind our practices

Most Chinese martial arts styles make use of training in the broad arsenal of Chinese weapons for conditioning the body as well as coordination and strategy drills. The basic theory for weapons training is to consider the weapon as an extension of the body. It has the same requirements for footwork and body coordination as the basics Forms are series of predetermined movements combined so they can be practiced as a continuous set of movements. Forms were originally intended to preserve the lineage of a particular style branch, and were often taught to advanced students selected for that purpose. Forms contained both literal, representative and exercise-oriented forms of applicable techniques that students could extract, test, and train in Today, many consider forms to be one of the most important practices in Chinese martial arts. Traditionally, they played a smaller role in training for combat application, and took a back seat to sparring, drilling, and conditioning. Forms gradually build up a practitioner's flexibility, internal and external strength, speed and stamina, and they teach balance and coordination. Many styles contain forms that use weapons of various lengths and types Forms are meant to be both practical, usable, and applicable as well as to promote fluid motion, meditation, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Movements are not always identical to how techniques would be applied in combat. Many forms have been elaborated upon, on the one hand to provide better combat preparedness, and on the other hand to look more aesthetically pleasing. One manifestation of this tendency toward elaboration beyond combat application is the use of lower stances and higher, stretching kicks. These two maneuvers are unrealistic in combat and are used in forms for exercise purposes. forms practice is mostly known for teaching combat techniques yet when practicing forms, the practitioner focuses on posture, breathing, and performing the techniques of both right and left sides of the body also develop both hemispheres of the brain and contributes to improved motor skills, forms practice also trains the muscles to execute many complex techniques of the art (muscle memory) and can improve balance, flexibility, and the cardiovascular system.

Benefits of these weapon courses

  • Tai Chi and Kung Fu routines help to focus and relax.

  • They improve muscle toning, flexibility, stamina and posture.

  • They increase concentration and calmness

  • They strengthen the respiratory system and it is good for your heart

  • You’ll have a physical workout routine as well as a mental practice available anytime & anywhere.

  • You’ll have an esthetical workout routine to practice indoors as well as outdoors.

  • The routines will maintain or improve the health of your physical and mental well-being for the present, as well as the future.

  • They are useful for multiple kinds of performances or showcase purposes.

  • By training in a social setting, you’ll spend quality time with a friend, partner or child while practicing together.

  • Method

    The lessons are centered on independent training, as well as having an element of showmanship. The latter has proven to be useful in increasing intrinsic motivation . This is where we separate ourselves from the most common available forms. These all have their benefits. But they are not very motivating to keep practicing on the long run. In the “about” section we offer the first lesson of each section free of charge. Afterwards you can decide if the course is something for you, without committing from the start

  • Origin

    The concepts of Tai Chi are rooted in Chinese history, Taoism, and Confucianism. Kung Fu is a general term for Chinese martial arts, rooted in Tai Chi. The founder is believed to be Zhang Sanfeng, a 12th-century Taoist monk. Some forms lean towards health maintenance and improvement, while others stress competition or self-defense. The forms were further developed by martial artists who studied the most efficient and most effective method for combat.

  • Vision & mission

    We choose to practice the Chen style as this is a more active, sportive, martial arts kind of style, which can easily be modified for different ages, bodies and goals. Certain weapons are used in Tai Chi because they are useful for learning to extend the chi (energy) outside the body. It is a misconception that one should know the hand forms before practicing with weapons. However, knowing the basics is obviously a benefit. Tough it isn’t a pre-requisite. Our greater mission is to popularize and export these rare routines. It would be a great loss for the world if they got into oblivion as they are so readily available and accessible for young and old, whether experienced or not.

  • Weapons of choice

    The Cane and Umbrella forms are chosen as tutorials for their practical reasons. They are not only accepted as use in daily life, but they are also legal everywhere. It would also be strange, as well as impractical, to walk around town with a large staff, swords, or other weapons. With these routines, you always have your practice tool with you to practice everywhere. Furthermore, we promote these choreographies as they are not only rare to find, but also dying. This website is a mean to increase their common use and popularity again.

Free lessons

The first lessons are offered for free to  familiarise yourself with the content, without being financially committed from the start.
When you've committed to a course, the teacher is available for you trough multiple online appointments for tips and pointers. 

Upper video : Walking Cane (Tai Chi) 

Lower video: Umbrella (Kung Fu)