Understanding Ward off Left Yang Style Tai Chi

The first actual movement in the form is called “Ward off Left”. When practicing Ward off Left we imagine an opponent striking us in the middle of our chest. We first avoid the punch by stepping with our left foot, slightly to the right side of the opponent. While preparing to stride we close the arms in a circle, right hand high and forward, left hand back and low to the right hip. Once the root is in place by stepping forward with the left foot into bow stance, the right hand contacts the opponent's right wrist. Lift up the left forearm while shifting forward contacting opponents right elbow with the middle of our left forearm while pushing down on the right hand. The ending posture is bow stance left foot forward, back straight, left arm showing ward off left and the right arm is by the right side palm flat. Head up, eyes to the right following the left hand direction. As always, if you want to learn more about the experience of learning Tai Chi and what it can do for you check out this video:    • Introduction to Tai Chi   Learn about The 10 Essentials of Tai Chi:    • The 10 Essentials of Tai Chi   For more information about our school visit our website: https://reddragonschoolofmartialarts.... Check us out on Facebook:   / reddragonschool   We stream LIVE every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:00am Eastern Standard with a new Tai Chi lesson.If you want to learn more about the experience of learning Tai Chi and what it can do for you check out this video:    • Introduction to Tai Chi   Learn about The 10 Essentials of Tai Chi:    • The 10 Essentials of Tai Chi   For more information about our school visit our website: https://reddragonschoolofmartialarts.... Check us out on Facebook:   / reddragonschool   We stream LIVE every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:00am Eastern Standard with a new Tai Chi lesson.