TAI CHI GRADINGS
Grading is optional for Tai Chi. There is no requirement that students attend Gradings or that they progress through the formal proficiency levels - many Tai Chi students practice purely for long-term health and fitness and for enjoyment.
For those students of White Tiger wishing for a focussed, recognised advancement in their Tai Chi, however, we provide a graded Syllabus for you to follow that directs and focuses your learning.
Training is broadly structured around key syllabus elements according to the grading level that each student is at. Gradings are available once or twice a year and allow students to demonstrate their proficiency in those syllabus elements. Students who demonstrate the required proficiency are awarded the next grading level and receive a Certificate.
Grading levels encompass standing Tai Chi, moving open hand forms, silk reeling, push hands and (at higher levels) weapon forms.
Grading Level 1 is Yiji
Students are required to demonstrate the following skills to a good standard: -
Warm up
A self-directed basic warm up covering all major joints
Standing Tai Chi
Standing Post
Silk Reeling
Basic single and double-hand silk-reeling
Push Hands
Basic single and double-hand push hands
Form
Old Frame 11 form
Grading Level 2 is Dì èr jí
From Grade 2 onwards we study Old and New Frame in parallel. This approach provides a richer understanding of moves as they are learned and developed. The opportunity to compare and understand equivalent new and old frame techniques directly means the apparent simplicity of the old frame is revealed as something subtler and more powerful, whilst at the same time the student is able to see how the more segmented moves of the New Frame can be flowed and internalised into Old Frame moves. The skill with which you perform the moves, and the benefits you gain as a result, can greatly increase through this approach. We believe this produces rounded Tai Chi practitioners. For Grade 2, this appreciation of the relative virtues of New and Old Frame begins, as students maintain their practice of the Old Frame 11 Form whilst learning the New Frame 15 Form (which comprises the first 15 moves of the New Frame Long Form Xing Jia) to a good standard.
Grade 2 also introduces the first of the Tai Chi Weapons Forms - looking at the first section of the Jian Sword Form.
The final element of Grade 2 extends student’s understanding of Push Hands by introducing two handed exercises.
The Level 2 Grading reflects the above areas:
Students wishing to undertake Grading to Dì èr jí standard are required to demonstrate the following skills to a good standard: -
Old Frame
11 Form
New Frame
15 Form
Weapon Form
Jian first section.
Push Hands
Basic Two Handed push hands with partner.
Grading Level 3 is Sān jí
At level three we further emphasise an understanding of Old and New Frame by learning the first 30 moves of the Old Frame Long Form Lao Jia, and the first 30 moves of the New Frame Xing Jia.
We also add to the students knowledge of the Jian Long Sword Form - adding two more sections.
Push Hands continues to be practiced through Sān jí, with students expected to display increased skill in single and double-hand push hands practice.
The Level 3 Grading reflects the above areas:Students wishing to undertake Grading to Sān jí standard are required to demonstrate the following skills to a good standard: -
Old Frame
Lao Jia - first 30 moves.
New Frame
Xing Jia - first 30 moves.
Weapon Form
Jian first three sections.
Push Hands
Two Handed push hands with partner to an improved standard.
