by Master Sun Jian Yun, Beijing, China and Translated and compiled by Ted W. Knecht
The founding father of Sun Style Taijiquan was Master Sun Fu Quan, also known as Sun Lu Tang. Master Sun was born in Wan Xian district of Hebei Province. Since the time of his youth, Master Sun loved the practice and study of Chinese wushu. Master Sun learned the true essence of Xingyiquan from Li Kui Dan and ? Yun Shen. He studied Baguazhang from Cheng Ting Hua. After many years of training and research his skill level became very profound. Later after learning the above styles, he studied Taijiquan from Hao Wei Zhen. From his years of research and compilation of the techniques of Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, and Taijiquan, Master Sun took the essence of all three styles and combined them into a complete entity which became Sun Style Taijiquan. Sun Style was originally termed Open/Closing Active Step Taijiquan (Kai He Huo Bu Taijiquan). However, to commemorate the founder, the style is often called Sun style Taijiquan.
The essential characteristics of Sun Style Taijiquan consists of the following: advancing mutually follows retreating; advancing must have a follow step, retreating must have a moving back motion; the movements are relaxed, comfortable, rounded, and full; movements follow nature. During practice the feet should be able to differentiate fullness and emptiness. From beginning to end, the movements of the routine must be like flowing water and clouds floating in the sky, continuous without interruption. Within each turn of the body, there is a “opening” and “closing” action. This is why the style is often called Open/Closing Taijiquan.
In the practice of Taijiquan there must be movement within silence. The thoughts must be concentrated and the mind tranquil; only then will the movements be smooth and alive. One should use the mind without the use of external strength to conduct the movements. Because Taijiquan emphasis invigorated energy, the body must be relaxed and open. The use of brute force will cause stagnation of the blood, tendons, and internal energy. During practice the “intent should lead the internal energy and the internal energy should lead the movements of the body”.
In regards to the practice of Taijiquan, Sun Lu Tang often said that his teacher, Master Hao Wei Zhen, would say there were three levels of development in the training of Taijiquan. The following are the three levels often mentioned by Master Sun: “in the initial stages of practice one will feel as if walking on the floor of the ocean. The movements will feel heavy as if all the water was pressing down on the body. The second stage feels as if the feet are not touching the floor bottom, but the body is floating within the water. The movements of Taijiquan will feel more natural at this stage. The third stage is when the body is light and agile where one will feel as if walking on the oceans surface. At this stage achievement in Taijiquan has been obtained”.
This style of Taijiquan is suitable and practical for all types of people. No matter the physical condition, everyone can benefit and enjoy the practice of Sun style Taijiquan.
Master Sun Jian Yun is the daughter of late Master Sun Lu Tang. Even though she is in her 80’s she still practices and teaches Taijiquan in the city of Beijing.
Links:
Sun Taijiquan egreenway.com
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