Body Transformation

Body change within Taijiquan is developed through a series of fundamental exercises and internal practices which form the root of the art and underpin all later training. Within the ongoing weekly classes, students are guided step by step into this process, beginning with the careful reorganisation of posture, alignment and structural integrity so that the body may begin to function as a unified whole.

As training deepens, attention is gradually drawn away from the outer mechanics and towards the internal connections that link the body through Qi and stabilised-attention.

Through this layered approach, Taijiquan becomes a method of genuine body change rather than mere external form practice. 

Forms Training

The Taijiquan forms form the central moving practice through which the principles of the art are embodied and refined. Within the Academy, training begins with the Huang style Taiji 37 Form, which is taught in a clear and progressive manner, addressing posture, stepping and coordination while steadily introducing the internal mechanics that give the form its depth and function.

As the training develops, students are guided onward into large and medium frame Taijiquan forms, allowing the principles established in the earlier material to be expressed through broader movement ranges and more complex structural relationships.

Alongside this, Taiji sword training is introduced, providing a precise method for refining alignment, intent and whole body connection through the extension of the weapon.

Taiji Nei Gong

What is often missed is that Yang Taiji IS a form of Nei Gong. To separate the system from the idea of inner-development is to kill what Taijiquan is. If we approach the art as just a series of movements or choreographed sequances, we are essentially practicing a form of contemporary exhibition-wushu. 

For this reason, many of the lessons in the Internal Arts Academy are focused not upon ‘new moves’ but on transforming the body and developing internal power through various static and moving Nei Gong exercises. We approach the Yang system as a whole and so many of the Nei Gong exercises are taken from Damo’s experience in the Huang Xingxian lines, the Zhaolin and Shaohao systems. 

The end goal of Taiji is to transform WHO is practicing Taiji, not WHAT is being practiced and understanding this is the key to authentic and classical Taijiquan. 

Weaponry Training

The Taiji sword is traditionally regarded as the pinnacle of Taijiquan training and occupies a central place within the internal development of the art. Far from being a decorative or purely technical practice, sword training reveals the deeper internal mechanics that underpin Taijiquan, with the weapon acting as a direct extension of the body, intent and Qi. Through this relationship, subtle errors in structure and connection are exposed, while correct internal organisation is immediately reinforced.

As training progresses, the sword refines qualities that are difficult to access through empty hand practice alone. Precision of alignment, clarity of Yi and continuity of Jin are all developed through the requirement to project internal power beyond the body into the length of the blade. In this way, sword practice demands a high level of internal integration and calm presence, making it both challenging and deeply revealing.

Push Hands Training

Pushing hands occupies a central role within Taijiquan training and provides the bridge between solo practice and partner interaction. It is through this method that the internal qualities developed in form and Nei Gong are refined and brought into direct relationship with another person. Sensitivity, structure and intent are explored in a dynamic and responsive environment, revealing the true functional nature of Taiji principles.

As training develops, pushing hands trains the ability to listen through touch, recognise incoming force and respond without resistance or collapse. The practitioner learns to maintain sung, root and clear alignment while adapting continuously to change.

Within the Academy, pushing hands is taught as a progressive and methodical practice rather than a competitive exercise.