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SOHMA – Instructor Course Lesson 1
Welcome to the first video of our Tai Chi instructor certification series! In this 100-hour program, we will guide you through the foundational principles and practices of Tai Chi, as well as provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary to teach others. In this initial class, we will review the course layout, agreements, and standards, and familiarize ourselves with the student handbook. We will then dive into the practice of fundamental Tai Chi stances, followed by an in-depth review of the World famous Tai Chi 24 form, providing constructive feedback to all students. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned Tai Chi practitioner, this series will equip you with the skills and certification necessary to become a confident and effective instructor. Let’s get started!
SOHMA – Instructor Course Lesson 2
Welcome back to the SOHMA Tai Chi instructor certification video series! In this second class, we will be exploring the martial applications of Tai Chi and how to work with a partner to practice them safely and effectively. We will begin by learning the martial application of “Parting the Wild Horses Mane” and its practical application in self-defense situations. The students are guided through the techniques and provided valuable feedback on their form and execution.
Next, we will introduce the fundamentals of single hand push hands, starting with sticky hands and gradually progressing to push hands with different partners. Our goal is to develop sensitivity, balance, and relaxation in order to effectively apply Tai Chi techniques in martial arts and daily life.
As a special highlight of this class, each student will have the opportunity to practice push hands with Doctor Daniel Hoover, DC, LAc, MH, CCSP 5th Dan. We encourage you to ask questions and engage in the process, as we believe that hands-on practice with experienced instructors and peers is key to becoming a proficient Tai Chi practitioner and instructor. Let’s continue our journey together towards Tai Chi mastery!
SOHMA – Instructor Course Lesson 3
Welcome to the third video of the SOHMA Tai Chi instructor certification series! Today, we are excited to have a special guest lecturer, Dr. Jonathan Lin, DC, LAc, who is not only a proficient martial artist but also a professor of Tai Chi at SCUHS.
In this class, we have two lectures, starting with an in-depth discussion on the history and philosophy of Tai Chi Chuan. This lecture will provide valuable insights into the origins and evolution of Tai Chi, and how these have influenced its practice and application today. After a brief break, we will dive into anatomy and physiology, and explore how these concepts apply to Tai Chi. We will also discuss the three different ways of learning and how they can be applied to our Tai Chi practice.
In the second half of the class, we are privileged to have Dr. Lin and Dr. Daniel Hoover co-teach the session. They will review the martial applications of “Repulse Monkey” and “Snake Creeps Through the Grass,” as well as demonstrate the transition from “Jade Lady Works Shuttles” into “Needle at Bottom of Sea.” The instructors will provide expert guidance and feedback to help you refine your techniques.
Finally, we will conclude the class with an exciting demonstration of two-handed push hands with a competitive edge, led by Dr. Lin and Dr. Hoover. This is a unique opportunity for you to practice push hands with experienced practitioners, and to gain valuable insights into the techniques and strategies of Tai Chi. We encourage you to ask questions and engage in the process, as we believe that this is the key to becoming a proficient Tai Chi practitioner and instructor. Let’s continue our journey together towards Tai Chi mastery!
SOHMA – Instructor Course Lesson 4
In the fourth video of the Tai Chi instructor certification course, Dr. Hoover covers two important lectures. The first lecture is on the topic of Energetic Anatomy, where he provides an overview of the body’s energy and the flow of Qi through meridians, chakras, and other energy centers. He discusses the 12 primary meridians and the eight extraordinary meridians used in Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine and their correlation to the Qi Gong form, the Eight Brocades, also known as Ba Duan Jin.
The second lecture focuses on Acupuncture Points in Healing and Self Defense. Dr. Hoover shares a rare video of himself with Master Dunchok, both 5th-degree black belts and masters in their respective arts at the time of filming, demonstrating the mysterious Dim Mak pressure points with martial applications. This video was done in one take with these two masters sharing some of their pressure point fighting techniques for a project in their Points Prescription II class that they took together in the Masters of Acupuncture program.
Finally, Dr. Hoover reviews the 8 point blocking system and teaches the four fundamental blocks to deepen the students’ understanding of the block in the Tai Chi form. Teaching the 8 point blocking system to the students was requested by the special guest, Dr. Daniel Hoover’s original Shaolin Kempo Sensei Master Hank Horvath, a 6th-degree black belt who will be in the next class to help the Tai Chi students deepen their understanding of martial applications.
Overall, this video is an excellent resource for Tai Chi instructors and students looking to deepen their understanding of energetic anatomy, acupuncture points, and the martial applications of Tai Chi.
SOHMA – Instructor Course Lesson 5
Welcome to video number five of our Tai Chi Instructor Course! In this class, we have a very special guest, Master Hank Horvath, 6th degree black belt and original Sensei of Dr. Daniel Hoover. Master Horvath has been teaching Dr. Hoover since he was 13 years old in the art of Shaolin Kempo, and in this class, he shares his expertise in the 8 point blocking system, sticky hands, push hands, and self defense applications.
In addition to demonstrating self-defense techniques, such as how to get out of wrist grabs and choke holds, Master Horvath and Dr. Hoover also discusses the overlap between external martial arts, such as Shaolin Kempo, and the internal martial art of Tai Chi Chuan. By learning how to get out of a wrist grab with Master Horvath, students are better able to understand and perform techniques like Perry Block and Punch effectively.
So, get ready to practice and learn along with the martial applications in this video. Let’s dive in!
SOHMA – Instructor Course Lesson 6
In this class, Dr. Hoover leads a comprehensive review of the eight energies of Tai Chi: Peng – 掤 (Wardoff), Lü – 捋 (Rollback), Ji – 擠 (Press), An – 按 (Push), Cai – 採 (Pluck), Lie – 挒 (Split), Zhou – 肘 (Elbow), and Kao – 靠 (Bump). He demonstrates each energy application and explains how they relate to posture, frame, the “track of power,” and martial applications.
The class then moves outside to practice these eight energies in a hands-on manner. Dr. Hoover emphasizes the importance of maintaining good biomechanics and staying in their power while executing the energies, even when applying them on him. He provides guidance and feedback to ensure that every student understands the distinctions of each energy and can effectively execute them.
Among the eight energies, Wardoff, Push, and Rollback are identified as the most challenging ones. Dr. Hoover provides detailed instruction and guidance to help students grasp these energies and integrate them into their Tai Chi practice. It is evident that the students’ relationship with Tai Chi is transformed forever as they grasp the nuances of these energies and gain confidence in their application.
Overall, this class is an exciting and transformative experience for the students as they delve into the intricacies of the eight energies of Tai Chi and learn to apply them effectively while maintaining good biomechanics and staying in their power. Dr. Hoover’s expertise and guidance provide invaluable insights for the students’ growth as Tai Chi instructors.
SOHMA – Instructor Course Lesson 7
In Lesson Seven, Dr. Hoover focuses on reviewing the energy of Peng, also known as Wardoff, in the context of martial arts. The class primarily revolves around the Yang Style 24 form and it is practiced and reviewed multiple times throughout the lesson.
Dr. Hoover provides constructive feedback to the students, offering guidance on refining their technique, posture, and overall execution of the form. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong sense of Peng energy, which involves a balanced and expansive energy that allows for effective warding off and redirection of an opponent’s force.
To illustrate the martial arts applications of the form, Dr. Hoover demonstrates various self-defense scenarios where the movements of the 24 form can be utilized. He explains the principles behind each application, such as redirecting an opponent’s attack or using leverage to neutralize their force.
At the end of the class, Dr. Hoover challenges the students with a homework assignment. The homework assignment aims to further deepen the students’ understanding and mastery of the Tai Chi form. By providing this homework assignment, Dr. Hoover encourages his students to actively engage with the material, practice regularly, and apply the principles they’ve learned. This approach promotes a holistic learning experience, integrating theory, technique, and practical application in their martial arts training.