Taiji Ball Qigong Exercises

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Taiji Ball Qigong Exercises

Postby stephenbuck415 » Thu Mar 22, 2007 4:38 pm

What size and weight is the ball used in the Taiji Ball Qigong exercise DVD's?
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Tai Chi Ball Info

Postby abersold » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:53 pm

Heres some info:

Tai Chi

Tai Chi students of all levels will improve every aspect of their art by practicing with a wooden ball. Regular practice with a ball will improve:
Dan tian/whole body connection
Postures, refining the four gates expressions in all of the postures
The students understanding of the many axes and how they are connected to the Dan tian
Improve Qi cultivation, circulation and extension
Training balls made of wood are the best choice for the Tai Chi player.

This is because they are natural and have the best feel for practicing ball Qigong. Many of the Tai Chi postures require the arms to be extended away from the body. For this reason it is better to start the practice of the various ball patterns with a lightweight ball. This will prevent lower back strain and allow the practitioner to practice many exercises in one session without injury. The hollow balls were developed for this reason.

Hollow Balls

The hollow mango wood balls are made from one piece of wood that has been cut into two halves and then hollowed out to achieve a weight of just over two pounds. These lightweight balls are also a much better choice for the beginner's energy circulation, because the movements can be performed with very little muscular tension enabling a smoother Qi (chi) circulation. The hollow balls are best for Tai Chi players who are in their first couple of years of Tai Chi training and are also the best choice for seniors. The 9" hollow balls were developed for practitioners with larger hands. Many people who are 6'2" or taller will prefer the 9" balls.

Solid Balls

Once the student can perform the various patterns, or the ball form smoothly with a lightweight ball, then it is time to try with a heavier ball. We recommend the 8" solid mango ball for this intermediate level of training. When the practitioner can perform the various patterns and or the ball form with the solid ball without using muscular tension, it would be time to consider the larger size Redwood ball. The Redwood ball has the best conductivity and is best suited for the ball Qigong (Chi Kung) training. The solid one piece Redwood balls are intended for the advanced practitioners.

Tai Chi Beginners & Seniors:
Recommended Ball = 8" or 9" Hollow Mango Wood

Tai Chi Intermediate:
Recommended Ball = 8" Solid Mango Wood

Tai Chi Advanced:
Recommended Ball = 9" Solid Redwood

Hsing Yi Chuan

The balls are an excellent training tool for any martial art. The foundation of Hsing Yi is built on San Ti Shih (Three Body Posture). The standing San Ti Shih training is enhanced when the practitioner holds two 6" or 7" solid balls.

The balls can also be incorporated into the five phases and can be used while training the linking form. Many practitioners have experienced greatly improved hand strength while developing a better hand form. It is recommended that the practitioner first practice with the balls and then without. This type of training will expedite the practitioner's progress.

Hsing Yi Chuan Beginners:
Recommended Ball = Two 6"or 7" solid mango Wood

Hsing Yi Chuan Intermediate to Advanced:
Recommended Ball = Two small solid balls (6 to 7") and introduce the 8" solid ball while using the different sizes to improve the practitioner's understanding of the various animal forms.

Baguazhang

Usually the smaller size solid wood balls are used while practicing the circle walking but can also be used as a training tool with many different exercises. See Jiang Jian-ye's ball videos for more ideas about how to train with the ball.

visit greatbaytaichi.com for more info
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Postby joeblast » Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:29 pm

I have that DVD, its a good one!
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Postby Dvivid » Sun Jun 15, 2008 3:01 pm

1. Master Yang has a Taiji Ball book coming out, maybe next year.

2. Check out these wicked cheap wooden balls.

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1460&f=5362
"Avoid Prejudice, Be Objective in Your Judgement, Be Scientific, Be Logical and Make Sense, Do Not Ignore Prior Experience." - Dr. Yang

http://www.ymaa.com/publishing
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