Yep, Yang style T'ai Chi Ch'uan (Taijiquan).

Most people think of Tai Chi as "dancing" or a low stress exercise. But what you are seeing is basically like a Kata in Karate. It's a formalized form to learn the many postures, stances, and energies of Tai Chi.

The hard part of Tai Chi is finding a good teacher. Many people learn the form and claim themselves to be a teacher. If they don't know the martial applications, they don't know Tai Chi.

Few blocks away from my friends house is large hard top playground field. Every morning 10 or so people of Asian decent practive Tai Chi. Lately other group joined them practicing with swords. I usually pick him up in the morning to go hiking or kayaking and just stare at them with amazment. I anticipate every move and wait for it and eveything is so beautiful and graceful.

I just practiced Ju Jutsu for 6 years and I rememeber how harsh it was. It was brutal. Maybe it was a Sen Sei who cared much for proper execution not transitions. But I guess that's what you get for combining Judo and Karate into one. Other forms of fighting like Kung Fu, Aikido and even Capeoira have so much more grace. Not only you kick some but you also look good doing it.

Matt

Points well taken. Thanks!