Levels Five & Six Tai Chi

The Earth and Man Forms

The Earth and Man forms can easily be categorized as some the most complex Tai Chi forms in practice. They are not difficult to learn in the context of White Willow training, but they demand attention to sequence and balance. The Earth form contains 120 movements and the Man form contains 180. The two are practiced together with the Heaven form to comprise a form of 360 movements and completes the cosmology of Heaven, Earth and Man. It takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete this sequence of movements. The forms develop extended relaxation, focus, concentration and physical conditioning. Although it may sound like a daunting and overwhelming task, these forms induce great peace and well-being.

All the benefits of a "runner's high", the conditioning of power yoga, the calorie expenditure of fast walking - all without breaking a sweat.