Tai Chi Certification 4th Degree Black Belt Grading: Si Jie Chrisee Everett

Special Congratulations to Tai Chi (also called Tai Ji Quan) Si Jie Chrisee Everett upon achieving her 4th Degree Black Belt grading on Saturday, 16th of August 2008.

Si Jie Chrisee gracefully performed a number of forms on the day, comprising barehand and weapon forms. We watched in awe as Si Jie moved methodically through each form, her strength, precision and high level of training making complex and challenging movements look simple and effortless.

Si Jie performed the Wu Style form, with its upright but slanting spinal alignment and compact movements demonstrating precision and inner strength. Then we watched her adept performance of the Yang 40 with its flowing circular movements.

The demanding and precise techniques of the Spear Form were smoothly performed using control and skill. The Fan Form was demonstrated by Si Jie Chrisee, with elegance, strength and purpose as did the Sabre routine.

In addition to this, many movements of both the barehands and weapons routines were executed effectively as applications, with Si Jie’s training partner, Si Hing Steve Williams. (Several times the audience held their breath in anticipation and in awe). It was fascinating to see how effective Tai Ji Quan is as a means of self-defense, when performed with skill and precision.

Si Hing Steve also partnered Si Jie Chrisee when demonstrating Push Hands on the floor. The Push Hands forms included static and walking basic techniques in addition to more complicated movements.

It was a joy to watch the inter-play and exchange of advance and retreat, absorb and deflect, effectively controlling and neutralising oncoming force from different directions as Si Jie Chrisee responded accordingly with counter-attacks.

Si Jie Chrisee delivered an informative theoretical presentation on ‘The 13 Postures of Tai Chi’, being the fundamental principles of Tai Ji Quan's effectiveness as a martial art.

‘The 13 Postures of Tai Chi’ (Eight Gates and Five Directions):

1. Ward Off – Peng
2. Roll Back – Lu
3. Press – Ji
4. Push – An
5. Pull Down – Tsai
6. Split – Lieh
7. Elbow – Chou
8. Shoulder – Kao

1. Advancing Steps – Jin
2. Retreating Steps – Tui
3. Stepping to the Left Side – Ku
4. Stepping to the Right Side – Pan
5. Settling at the Center – Ding

Following the presentation, Si Jie Chrisee & Si Hing Steve provided an enlightening demonstration of each posture’s application in self-defense.

It was apparent to all, the amount of effort, skill, time, study and research Si Jie Chrisee had done in preparation for this grading. Also obvious was the amount of training time required with Si Hing Steve which resulted on the day, in such a successful display of teamwork and dedication.

Si Jie Chrisee’s grading is more than an individual accomplishment. We are fortunate and honoured to have instructors of such high calibre and skill at the Golden Lion Academy, from whom, we may gain much knowledge, wisdom and inspiration.

Si Jie Sandra Neal, Tai Ji Quan Instructor

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