tai chi ruler

[vvanesse59]

Any practioners of taiji ruler on the forum. I have recently started studying the yoga/qigong TJR and find it intriguing. I read the "search" response from 2004 on this forum but nothing since then on this list. (Didnt know where to put this thread as there is no qigong heading)

[stanton]

There are many version of Taiji "Ruler"!

The only documented versions(?) are those taught by Ken Cohen and those teachers who learnt from his grand teachers meaning there is a line of instruction that goes back a few generations based on the historical record.
(Note: K. Cohen documented this in an "Empty Vessel" magazine article a year or so ago, I believe)

Taiji Ruler is not necessarily qigong though it can fit into the same category as jian and dao being used a daoyin type activity to invigorate circulation and decrease stagnation. Taiji Ruler does, at times, integrate with the 'bang" but the latter may be more of a training tool to asist with qinna.

[vvanesse59]

Say Stanton, Thanks for input. I recently bought "T'ai Chi Ruler" byTerry Dunn. He refers to it as Chinese Yoga or Health and Longevity. Very interesting book and he provides pix of the seven basic and eight advanced sets but still pix are hard to learn by. As I have been learning there are different exercise sets that have been developed - One fellow has designed the taichi chih in or about 1970 -- an American.

I am interested in the principles as I have been in taichi and what it may do as a health enhancement. One fellow I e-mail between has opined that Dunn reference to yoga inthis matter is more or less an older reference to the new word set qigong. I have Cohen book "the way of qigong" and in it he has a short description of a set of TCR commonly done in rocking motion but it is very brief and points out the exercise can be performed without a "ruler".

I have seen reference to "bang" being "external" whereas "ruler" is "internal" I have seen it being used as part of training for Chen taiji for that strengthening of wrists and forearms in particular.

Just trying to learn more from any others that may be practicing.