Internet-based Lessons
Chen Family style Tai Chi Chuan - beginners
Tools - Tai Chi ruler
Here are links to 3 short YouTube videos of the first tai chi ruler exercise. In class you would expect
a teacher to walk around and correct postures. Then he or she will make a second pass and, in the
beginning, he or she will lightly hold the center bead and guide you. The idea is get the diameter 
(about 8 inches for most people) of the circle that you are rolling the tai chi ruler around right for  
you. Remember - relax the shoulders and the elbows. Just enough inward force from each wrist  
and hand to keep the ruler in place. For now, the fingers are on vacation. You want to do 8 circles
per minute. As you can see in the videos, start by going downward and out - from 3:00 to 6:00 on
an imaginary clock. YouTube links: https://youtu.be/XD8o3EMwNyk (front view)
https://youtu.be/JufQ4CqisPs (side view - note my hand is moved so you can see the ruler)
https://youtu.be/QKCxKUF3ocs (fancy ruler made by Larry Robinson; in formal silks with Pi Sha) 
Work on smooth, slow circles first. Then we will add shifting weight, breathing and rotating the ruler
If you need or want to visualize check out the link to some geometry. A special treat at the end 
Prior lesson
 
Some geometry

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