24 Step Simplified Taijiquan Form

Introduction

Taijiquan is a major division of the traditional Chinese Wushu and has a recorded history of some three hundred years. During the early 1950's the State Commission for Physical Culture and Sports of China published the simplified set of Taiji Boxing consisting of 24 Forms.

This simplified form has gained widespread popularity both in China and abroad. The first English publication appeared in 1980. The 24 Step was devised as an introduction to the art and can be seen as a stepping stone for those wishing to pursue more difficult and strenuous routines. After the simplified 24 Steps the 32 Sword Form was choreographed. Both routines were taken from the Yang Style Taijiquan. Later the complete Yang Form was presented as the 88 Forms Taijiquan. Again based on Yang Style, it preserves the order of the traditional Taijiquan movements, while expressing the character of the Yang Style. Special attention was paid to collecting and assessing these materials which were to be evaluated and verified by a committee of Taijiquan masters and coaches with Li Tian-Ji as their chairman. Because of the ancient tradition of handing down martial arts from master to pupil in the manner of word of mouth and personal presentation, literary sources and teaching materials are scarce. Much of this information is scattered widespread throughout China. The famous masters of the early 20th century have passed away, leaving a legacy of unrecorded history and facts.

Instructor for this course - Bob Weatherall

Bob Weatherall has been practising the Martial Arts since 1965 and teaching since 1970. He has trained extensively, both in Britain and the Far East with Chinese masters such as Luk Chi Fu and Huang Jifu, gaining extensive knowledge. From Luk Chi Fu, Bob learnt the world famous martial art style of White Crane, of which Luk Chi Fu was one of the world's six Grand Masters, until his death in 1995. From Huang Jifu, who was the head of the UK Chin Woo, he gained his knowledge of Tai Chi Chuan, Chi Gung and Northern Shaolin. He has also studied with Dick Watson head of Longfei Taijiquan Association of Great Britain and Professor Li Deyin Head of Physical Education, The Peoples University, Beijing China, coach to the Chinese national team.

Bob increased his professional profile and status, when in 1988 he became the British Sanshou (Chinese Boxing) coach for the British Council for Chinese Martial Arts, the United Kingdom's official governing body for Chinese Martial Arts, a position he held until his retirement in 1999. During this time he coached and entered a successful medal winning team every time, both at European and World Championships levels. In addition to this, he was also a recognised and well respected International Judge and Referee.

Bob is currently the Secretary General of the Executive committee of the British Council for Chinese martial arts which he has held since 1999. Prior to that, he was the Vice Chairman for the BCCMA.

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