– 太極答問 附單式練法 ANSWERING QUESTIONS ABOUT TAIJI Including SINGLE POSTURE PRACTICE METHODS 陳微明 by Chen Weiming [1929] [translation by Paul Brennan, Oct, 2012] – 太極答問 Answering Questions About Taiji 附單式練法 including “Single Posture Practice Methods” – [calligraphy by Chen Weiming] – 剖晰毫芒 “Analyze and make clear the smallest details.” 李景林題 – calligraphy by Li Jinglin […]
Tag: taiji
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Tang Haos analysis of Wang Zongyue
– 王宗岳太極拳經 / 王宗岳陰符鎗譜 AN ANALYSIS OF WANG ZONGYUE’S TAIJI BOXING CLASSICS AND CONCEAL & REVEAL SPEAR MANUAL 唐豪 by Tang Hao [published May 1, 1936] [translation by Paul Brennan, Nov, 2023] – 王宗岳考 [PART ONE] A LOOK AT WANG ZONGYUE HIMSELF – 王宗岳考目錄 CONTENTS FOR PART ONE 王宗岳的姓氏 [Chapter One] His Name 王宗岳的傳受源流 [Chapter […]
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Taiji Boxing according to Wu Tunan
– 科學化的國術太極拳 A MORE SCIENTIFIC MARTIAL ART: TAIJI BOXING 吳圖南 by Wu Tunan [published by 商務印書館 The Commercial Press, LTD, Oct, 1931] [translation by Paul Brennan, Feb, 2017] – 科學化的國術太極拳 A More Scientific Martial Art: Taiji Boxing 褚民誼題 – calligraphy by Chu Minyi – 吳啚南著 by Wu Tunan: 科學化的國術太極拳 A More Scientific Martial Art: Taiji […]
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The essence of Chinese Martial Arts
The essence of Chinese martial arts, also known as Wushu or Kung Fu, lies in the cultivation of physical, mental, and spiritual aspects to achieve overall self-improvement, self-defense, and harmony with nature. Chinese martial arts have a rich history and encompass a wide range of styles and techniques, but their core principles can be summarized Read More
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The Five elements in martial arts
The Five Elements Theory has a strong connection to Chinese martial arts, where it serves as a framework for understanding and categorizing techniques, strategies, and principles. Each element is associated with specific qualities, movements, and energies that can be applied to martial arts practice. Here’s a brief overview of how the Five Elements relate to Read More
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Adam Mizner 2022
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16th International Push Hands Meeting in Hannover
International Push Hands Meeting push-hands.de
This was my first time at the yearly International Push Hands Meeting for Taiji Quan practitioners in Hannover, Germany, running from Wednesday the 6th. through Sunday the 10th. of April 2016. Workshops in the mornings and free push hands in the afternoon. There was a wonderful vibe all week – and it only grew in the weekend! The love of Taiji. I had a great time, meeting many push hands practitioners, and making new friends. I even learned a couple of new words in German during a nightly bar raid with some new Taiji friends. I look forward to get the chance to go next year.
The event is well organized. You can really tell its the 16th. push hands event in Hannover. The organizer, Nils Klug, runs a tight ship. If you fall out of line Nils will certainly let you know. I had a Hotel problem when I arrived Wednesday morning. Nils readily sorted this out in a few minutes time. He even booked a room for me in his name. Hotel Lindenkrug was just a few stops with the tram. What he did not tell me, was that the Hotel was next to the tram station. It did not matter much thou, because I was so tired in the evenings from all the excitement during the day.
I choose to participate in Adam Mizner’s workshop in the weekend. Adam had the most attendees and therefore he was given the main hall all three days. I was not disappointed with my choice. I quite like Adam’s straight forward teachings with emphasis on Song Gong. Adam told us that it’s almost the only thing he does nowadays.It was truly wonderful to be able to touch so many different bodies and souls during the push hands event in Hannover.
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The Understanding of the Thirteen Postures
1. The Xin (mind/heart) motivates the qi, directs it to sink, so that it can be stored and concentrated into the bones.
2. Let the qi motivate the body without hindrance, so that it will effortlessly follow your xin (mind/heart).
3. If the shen (spirit) is raised, there will not be any sluggishness. This is the meaning of the crown being suspended from above.
4. There should be agility in the interaction of the yi (mind intention) and qi, so that it [the qi] will be circular and lively. This is what is meant by, ‘changing substantial and insubstantial’.
5. When executing fajin (releasing the force) the body should relax and sink. Focus on the one direction.
6. When the body is upright, loose and tranquil, the feet will support all eight directions.
7. Direct the qi like threading the ‘nine bend pearls’, by flowing continuously it reaches everywhere unrestricted.
[When the qi flows throughout the body] the jin (relaxed force) is like tempered steel, overcoming all solid defences.
8. Have the appearance of a falcon preying on a hare. Concentrate the shen (spirit) like a cat stalking on a mouse.
9. Be calm like a mountain and move like a river.
10. Store up the jin (relaxed force) like drawing a bow, discharge the jin (relaxed force) like releasing an arrow.
11. Seek the straight in the curve, first store then discharge.
12. Force is released through the back, the steeps change with the body.
13. To receive is to release, if it disconnects then reconnect.
14. In moving forwards and backwards, there should be folding. In advancing and retreating, there should be changes of direction.
15. Extreme softness yields to extreme firmness and tenacity.
16. Only with the ability to inhale and exhale, will there be agility.
17. When qi is cultivated naturally, there is no harm. When jin (relaxed force) is stored, there will be a surplus.
18. The xin (mind/heart) is the commander, the qi is the flag, and the yao (waist) is the banner.
19. First seek exspansion while opening then seek contraction while closing. It will lead to perfect refinement.
20. Its said: “If the other does not move, I do not move. If the other has the slightest movement, I move ahead”.
21. The jin (force) seems song (relaxed), however it is not song (relaxed), it is about to expand, although it has not yet expanded. The jin (relaxed force) might disconnect, but mind must not.
22. It is also said: “First the xin (mind/heart), then the body”.
23. When the abdomen relaxes, the qi sinks into the bones. When the shen (spirit) calms, the body becomes tranquil.
24. Keep this in xin (in your heart). Remember; when you move, every part moves. When you settle every part settles.
25. When moving forwards and backwards, the qi sticks to the back and permeates into the spine.
26. Internally be acutely aware of the shen (spirit), externally appear calm and relaxed.
27. Step like a cat. Transmit the jin (relaxed force) like reeling silk from a cocoon.
28. The yi (intention) should be on the jingshen (spirit), not on the qi, otherwise the qi will stagnate. With qi, extra-ordinary power will develop. Without qi there will only be li (brute strength). Qi is like a cart wheel and the yao (waist) is like the axle.
Reference: Taijiquan Wuwei: A Natural Process translation by Wee Kee Jin 2003
ISBN: 0473097818p. 104 – 112
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Substantiality and Insubstantiality
How can substantiality and insubstantiality be distinguished between left and right or between top and bottom parts of the body?
The muscles, the skeleton and the nerves are parts of the body system. When practicing the movements, the use of consciousness to sink and relax the body is most important. The centre of gravity is moved while preserving the uprightness of the central axis of the body. It is important to focus on steadiness, tranquillity, relaxation and rootedness. The movements propel the external movements in a continuous or uninterrupted fashion. Internal force is generated with turning movements. After a long time, the whole body is in balance. When left and right is distinguished, one is substantial and the other insubstantial along the pattern of “cross alignment”. For instance, together with the distinction between top and bottom parts of the body, when the left upper part of the body is substantial, the left lower part is insubstantial and similarly when the right upper part of the body is substantial, the right lower part is insubstantial. This pattern of cross alignment is used in shifts of the centre of gravity from one leg to the other. This is similar to the “cross-roads” of the nervous system. When moving Qi, therefore, one must separate substantial from insubstantial, move the step without moving the body or moving the body and not the hand. If in moving a step, the body also moves, then it is not separating substantial from insubstantial. If in moving the body, the hand also moves, then the shoulder and the hands are not relaxed. It is important to follow the principles of using consciousness to propel movement. The top and bottom, left and right portions of the body must be coordinated. A rounded grinding stone may move but the centre is not moving. All parts of the body become one system characterized by lightness and agility, roundness and smoothness, even respiration, alternate opening and closing like that of the sea where with movement from one part of the sea, all parts are also moved. The movements are guided by consciousness and are properly regulated like the regular movements of the waves in the sea.
Reference: Interview with Master Huang www.paulrenalltaiji.info
Links: Yin Yang
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Effortlessly
Fong Ha
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Tsa Pi Shiu Lin Jing – Interpret energy
There are many different forms of jing with shenming or Tsa Pi Shiu Lin Jing as the highest form of jing where you sense the opponents jin and yi (intention) before is visible or manifested and you control and release your opponent with Yi (pure intent) or Shen only. (Thomas compilation from different sources)
At this stage the tingjin (listening) has refined into a kind of intuitive sixth sense, jiejin (recieving energy) has be cultivated, and the fajin (relaxed force) has become almost entirely internal. Like the ultimate in dongjin, when your opponents do not move but intent to, you have already moved ahead.
Finally comes the ability to issue without issuing, which is fajin (releasing the relaxed force) by a subconsious direction of the mind, and with out effort.(Taijiquan Wuwei: A Natural Process (okt 2003) Kee-Jin Wee p. 46)
You are able to sense the opponents chi and are able to pass chi into (fajin) or out of him (drain). Thus shocking his internal organs or disrupting his energy flow in the meridians (Dian Xue – pressure point). Understanding the opponents chi pattern with a light touch or without touching at all.
The passive aspect of this jing is the ability to sense the opponents intention (Yi) and resist his chi attacks. ( Advanced Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan: Tai Chi Theory and Tai Chi Jing: 1 (dec 1986) Jwing-Ming Yang p.104 )
Four Character Secret Transmission
Spread. To spread means that we mobilize our chi spread it over our opponents energy and prevent him from moving.
Cover. To cover means that we use our chi to cover our opponents thrust.
Check. To check means that we use chi to check our opponents thrust, ascertain his aim and evade it.
Swallow. To swallow means that we use chi to swallow everything and neutralize.
These four character transmission represents what has no form and no sound. Without the ability to interpret energy and training to the highest perfection, they cannot be understood. We are speaking here exclusively of chi. Only if one correctly cultivates the chi and does not damage it, can one project it to the limbs. The effect of this on the limbs cannot be described in words.
(attributed to Wu Yü-hsiang)
Master Sam Tam are able to to spread the energy over you and prevent you from moving by “sinking the energy”. (Thomas)
Vlad Gaevskiy
Huang Zhen Huan
Morihei Ueshiba -
Pushhands
Li HeshenTaiji quan Push-hand of Master Zhu Datong 1
Zhu Datong
Ma Yongqing
Ma Jiang Bao -
Huang Sheng Shyan
黄性贤(杨式太极拳)-示范一
黄性贤(杨式太极拳)-示范二
黄性贤(杨式太极拳)-示范三
黄性贤(杨式太极拳)-示范四
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