Category: taiji
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Spirit – Shen Concentrated
Having the above four, then you can return to concentrated spirit: if the spirit is concentrated, then it is (continuous and) uninterrupted, and the practice of chi (breath) returns to the shen (spirit). The manifestation of chi moves with agility. (When) the spirit is concentrated, opening and closing occur appropriately, and the differentiation of substantial…
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Yang Cheng Fu – The Story of a Cotton Thread
by Mei Ying Sheng Translated by Ted W. Knecht In the year 1932, Master Yang Cheng Fu and his disciple, Fu Zhong Wen, traveled south to the city of Guang Zhou in Guang Dong Province to teach the art of Taijiquan. One day, a martial arts teacher by the name of Liu and his disciples…
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Taiji Diagram and Yang Style
by Mei Ying Sheng Translated by Ted W. Knecht Introduction In Yang Chengfu’s book entitled Applications of Taijiquan, there is a section which states that “the meaning of the Taiji diagram is in the production of Yin and Yang; the mutual relation between hardness and softness; and the changing nature of all things; Taijiquan originates…
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Cat Walk Benefits
by Mei Ying Sheng Translated by Ted W. Knecht Late Grandmaster Yang Cheng Fu described in his book, “The Practice of Taijiquan”, that “the two legs be differentiated into yin and yang, and should raise and lower as if walking like a cat”. In the book entitled, “Essentials of Free Sparring”, Master Wu Yu Xiang…
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Yang Style Bow Stances
by Mei Ying Sheng Translated by Ted W. Knecht The Influence of the Bow Stance on the Frame The bow stance is one of the most basic components in the practice of Yang style Taijiquan. The traditional Yang style contains 17 postures that employ what is called a front bow stance. Examples of some of…
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Single Whip of Yang Style Taijiquan
by Dr. Mei Ying Sheng, Si Chuan Province, China Translated by Ted W. Knecht, Shen Zhen, China The Single Whip posture of Yang style Taijiquan has a historical record of three generations. Among the large frame postures as standardized by the late Yang Cheng Fu, Single Whip is one of the most precious postures characterizing…
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Hook Hand of Yang Style Taijiquan
by Dr. Mei Ying Sheng, Si Chuan Province, China Translated by Ted W. Knecht, Shen Zhen, China From the books of many famous traditional Yang style Taijiquan practitioners (Diagrams 1, 2) and also from the books of the newly formed styles of Taijiquan (Diagrams 3, 4), one can see that the basic method for performing…
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Combative Aspects of Taijiquan
by Ma Yueliang Translated by Ted W. Knecht Using softness to defeat hardness Hardness and softness are two types of energies within Taijiquan. One type carries with it a character of resistance and no matter if it is large or small it is called hard energy. The other type follows the incoming attack with no…
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A Brief Introduction to Sun Style Taijiquan
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…
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Words of Experience by Tung Ying Chieh
Translated by Albert Tang 1. Tai Chi Chuan is an internal martial art exercise. Strength is produced in the bones. Power is reserved at the muscles. It does not require one to have tough skin or thick muscles, but sunken “chi” and strong bones are required. Therefore, learners have no suffering of broken bones and…
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Chen Wei-Ming on Internal Power The Complete Chin
The chin of the (whole) body, through practice becomes one unit. Distinguish clearly between substantiel and insubstantiel. To fa chin (discharge) it is necessary to have root. The chin starts from the foot, is commanded by the waist, and manifested in the fingers, and discharges through the spine and back. One must completely raise the…
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Explanations of Neigong (Internal Skill) Principles
Taijiquan practice must be conducted internally and externally, Yin and Yang must melt together into one. If one wants to achieve Internal Skill (Nei Gong) of Taiji, one must first grasp practice methods conforming with Taijiquan principles. Principles and methods of Internal Skill are the only way to cultivate Spirit (Shen), Intent (Yi) and Qi;…
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Song of Application
Light, agile, and alive, seek Dong Jin (understanding Jin); Yin and Yang cooperate mutually without the fault of stagnation; If (you) acquire (the trick), four ounces neutralizes one thousand pounds; Expand and close, stimulate the “drum,” the center will be steady. “Alive” here means alert and active. In practice you must pay close attention to…
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Chen Wei-Ming on Breath To Gahter the Chi
If the chi is dispersed, then it is not stored (accumulated) and is easy to scatter. Let the chi penetrate the spine and the inhalation and exhalation be smooth and unimpeded throughout the entire body. The inhalation closes and gathers, the exhalation opens and discharges. Because the inhalation can naturally raise and also uproot the…
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The Ten Essentials of Taijiquan
Narrated by Yang Cheng Fu Recorded by Chen Wei Ming 1. Straightening The Head Stand straight and hold the head and neck naturally erect, with the mind concentrated on the top. Do not strain or be tense; otherwise, the blood and vital energy cannot circulate smoothly. 2. Correct Position Of Chest And Back Keep the…
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