Internet-based Lessons
Chen Family style Tai Chi Chuan - beginners
Tools - Tai Chi ruler - sometimes known as Tai Chi Chih
In our classes the tai chi tools have three purposes: (1) they act as a transition from externally static
practices such as standing or sitting to more dynamic practices such as actually doing a set
(2) they re-prime the body and brain after a break for a snack or water without going back through
all the warmups (3) for students with stiffness or other mobility challenges in their fingers, hands,
wrists or forearms (all too common in many types of cerebral palsy, alas) the tools provide extra 
stretching. I, sadly, do NOT have much information about the history of the tai chi ruler, but
I doubt very much that the modern tai chi ruler came from a sword hilt. Maybe a mace handle.
There are three key concepts to start with: (1) contact is with a circle of points in the palm 
(2) focus on the central "bead" of the ruler itself (3) be mindful of level with respect to the floor
and your centerline. Start in wuji standing and slide the left foot forward so its heel aligns with the
toes of the right foot. We will reverse feet later - we are going to use the one side to teach the other.
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Comments on the origin of the ruler

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