Chen Family Taijiquan 13 Posture Long Pole

The curriculum of Chen style Taiji includes the practice of a 13 movement long pole (Da Gun) form. Practice of the form trains the fundamentals of Taijiquan including the Eight Methods - Peng (Ward Off), Lu (Roll Back), Ji (Press), An (Press Down), Cai (Plucking), Lieh (Splitting), Zhou (Elbow), Kao (Lean) - plus "grasp & block" (Qin Na) and spiral movement (Silk Reeling). Of the Eight Methods, the practice is especially helpful and beneficial to the training of Lu, Cai, horizontal Lieh and the ability to release energy (Fa Jing). Practice of the long pole can increase the strength and power of the muscles of one's shoulders, back, waist, and legs. Through the practice, students improve their ability to release energy and increase their understanding of the Eight Methods.

In empty-hand practice, one learns to direct energy to the hands (Fa Jing). In long pole training, one learns to collect internal energy (Nei Qi) and internal strength (Nei Jing) and direct them to the tip of the pole. In practicing the long pole, the body and the pole combine to become a single unit, the pole becoming an extension of one's arms. This training aids one in understand how to release energy (Fa Jing), a critical element of self defense in Taijiquan. When the long pole is practiced with a partner, "sticky pole" exercises train many of the same skills used in push hands practice. Consequently, partner practice with a long pole can enhance push hands skills and self defense techniques.

Practice of the long pole form can be beneficial for students of all ages and physical abilities. Students can practice the form with a longer or shorter pole, choosing a length that is suited to the physical build and abilities of the individual student. Practice of the long pole provides students with an additional form of physical exercise, one that will improve their practice of Taijiquan forms and, for students who practices diligently, also enhance their self defense skills.