Tai Chi Chuan, also spelt as 'taijiquan', is considered by many as the highest level form of kungfu. The most basic form of kungfu is only for combative purposes. The next level of kungfu enables not only self-defence but also the promotion and maintenance of good health. The highest level of kungfu, e.g. taijiquan, is for self-defence, good health and spiritual cultivation.

There are many types of taijiquan being practiced in the world today. If the style that is practiced provides all three benefits, then that taijiquan can be called the highest level kungfu.

One of my favourite patterns that I love to train is Cloud Hands. It is found in all of the major styles of Tai Chi practiced today: Chen, Sun, Yang etc. Interestingly, the execution of Cloud Hands is slightly different depending on the style of Taijiquan. But in the end, what counts is not the appearance of the pattern so much as whether it can be used in an application context, whether it succeeds in helping to improve the flow of the energy meridians in the body for optimal health, and whether the mind is elevated to an overflowing, abundant quality of inner peace and joy.

So, Cloud Hands is my favourite pattern... Would you care to jump in and share what yours is, and why?

Best,
Sifu Emiko