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DVDs: Sha Guo Zhen
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NOTE: The publisher has removed the English language subtitles from this series. Prices reduced to reflect this. The movements are slow and purposeful. Upper body motions are smooth with a “live torso.” Precise and compact. Smooth flow but not of the Contemporary Wushu flavor. Very pronounced jings with notable augmentation by lifting and dropping of the heels to an amount I have never encountered before. This makes for a pretty powerful Fa Jing. Besides the full set, there are further demonstrations by some younger students which more resemble what most people think when they hear Tong Bei. These performances heavily emphasize Jing, speed and whip. Very interesting to see the structure of how this branch is presented. Double DVD |
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Well, at first impression we can once again see and recognize the sricts standards of Sha’s students, not to mention the breadth of skills shown in the introductory film with Sha himself demonstrating Tai Chi, Bagua, Xing Yi and LiuHe TongBei. (Note: in this case Bei refers to the spine, different from Tong Bi, which is "through the arm"). Though I definitely see the “wave” action of Tong Bei, this is generally more conservative, almost Xing Yi like. There is a completely different approach to footwork with many heel-up stances and crouching movements. The practitioner is well rehearsed. The techniques here are quite clear and any trained practitioner should be able to pick up the key actions. Sometimes, when a student has reached a good level of familiarity, it can be useful just to be exposed to a different version of, say, the style in question. After all, like music, there is a constant acquisition of style just by relating to other version’s and styles. The key is to learn and experience the best as much as possible. |
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Here is the Tai Chi first Road of what is now being called “Sha” style after the creator of these sets Sha Guo Zhen. His son demonstrates this beautiful and well-constructed form. Sha’s style is a fluid, powerful and interesting variations with a true Tai Chi feeling. It is possible to make a Tai Chi form with almost none of the movements of any standard style and draw all these other sources. I’m not saying Sha has done this, but many of the movements in this set are different and unusual. The fluid, logical and very clean appearance and construction of this set make it one of the better “new” Tai Chi styles.. Double DVD |
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This beautiful variation is strongly based on the "13 Method Sword" of Yang style Tai Chi. Many sections are similar but with extended counts per move and entirely new sections added. All of the additions re logical extensions of the formal content. Graceful and well-structured, its refined nature belies that it in very few ways resembles those forms where most time is just spent showing that you can twirl a sword. Woven into the refinements of Sha's vision there is a sense of certitude and authority. Not easy but no gymastics. Triple DVD |
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Another well constructed and elegant set from Sha Guo Zhen. We like the classical construction with a modern attempt to reduce repetition and tighten the overall structure of the form. Li Bin gives a superior rendition of straight sword without resorting to theatrics. Special emphasis is put on rhythm and beautifully controlled pacing and transitions. Double DVD |
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Sha’s son demonstrates this basic but essential Xing Yi form. The Five Elements but with a slightly recombination though less than many other sets. The movements are clear and, authentically Xing Yi. Sha Jun Jie is very clear and direct. The transformations, which are at the core of this form, are clearly demonstrated though no applications are shown. Single DVD |
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Another winner, with a full demonstration of the set by archival video of Sha Guo Zhen himself. This if followed by the complete breakdown by his son and his daughter-in –law, Li Bin, who do not play it safe by zooming through the set with intention and ferocity. This set is fast, logical and continuous. It would give any partners a workout. The movements are clear though and no applications are necessary because the entire set is a series of applications and counters. This and the footage of Sha make it a good bet. Double DVD |
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A dynamic performance by Sha JunJie, son of Sha Guo Zhen. This is a historic double DVD set no matter what you think of the form. Old footage of Sha himself showing the set, a LONG set, too. The kind of historic record you would want to have even if the subject were your enemy. Then breakdowns of the set with young Sha’s very dynamic and focused presentation. Xing Yi with a little heart (xin). Breakdowns, introductory information, the entire set performed by Sha himself. What’s to want? Double DVD |
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Ou Dao Sheng performs the Sha style Xing Yi sword with a dynamic, non-showy but true-to-heart rendition. This DVD also contains the entire form done by Sha Guo Zhen himself. I was particularly impressed with the sort of old fashioned and straight forward Xing Yi interpretation of the form. The movements are fast and direct but carry much of Xing Yi’s inward and outward folding, subtle misdirection and impressive blend of the obvious and the completely misleading. Not pretty, just right. Single DVD |
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