by Wee Kee-Jin Master Huang was a renowned practitioner, but it was as a teacher that he most stood out. He developed exercises and a systemised training method that recognised the stages of a student’s development. Physical Mechanisms When learning Taijiquan we all start with poor posture and awkward actions. So we need to work Read More
Category: principle
The Importance of Sequence and Timing to Achieve Synchronization
by Wee Kee-Jin The Taiji Form regardless of what style, was created as a means to train moving in a synchronized and harmonious Taiji way. During Pushing-hands we extend the practise of synchronized movement to include when being effected by an external force. When we can synchronize all the physical (external) and mental (internal) movements Read More
Questions and answers with Master Huang
Are there different schools or sects of Tai Ji? Tai Ji embodies a comprehensive set of knowledge, developed and handed down by our learned predecessor with mystifying principles and profound philosophical learnings. The Tai Ji movements are scientific as the principles are based on scientific fundamentals. Our predecessors developed the art for improving human health, Read More
The 10 Guiding Principles of Master T.T. Liang
1. Nobody can be perfect. Take what is good and discard what is bad. 2. If I believe entirely in books, better not read books. If I relay entirely on teachers, better not have teachers. 3. To remove a mountain is easy, but to change a man’s temperament is more difficult. 4. If there is Read More
The Harmony of Yin and Yang
As the Yang energy arises in another it is embraced with your Yin energy and becomes one harmonious energetic interaction. Dualistic thought is lost as one flowing energetic movement is embraced so that it is only one movement and not two. When this is demonstrated it appears as one seamless, graceful flowing movement without any Read More
Master Huang’s 14 Important Points
1. Calmness – use Deep Mind (Xin) to calm and balance the energy. 2. Suspend the head – empty the neck, send intention (Yi) to top of head. 3. The gaze is level – use peripheral vision to be aware of left and right. 4. Loosen and open the chest – ensure breastbone and upper-spine Read More
Chen Wei-Ming on Calm
The mind should be calm. If it is not, one cannot concentrate, and when the arm is raised, (whether) forward or backward or back, left or right, it is completely without certain direction. Therefore it is necessary to maintain a calm mind. In beginning to move, you cannot control (it) by your self. The entire Read More
Jeijin – receiving energy
According to Huang Sheng-Shyan, the difference between taiji and other martial arts, is that taiji can ultimately develop jeijin (receiving energy), where yielding, neutralizing and discharging, all happen simultaneously. There is hardly any physical movement, and no mental intention at all, everything happens spontaneously and naturally. The practitioner is in a state of absolute central Read More
The way to relax your shoulders
With your feet shoulder width apart, slowly raise your arms as if lifting a ball. Breathe in with the upward movement. Turn your arms outwards and gently lower them back to the start, breathing out. Don’t hunch your shoulders or stiffen your arms. Make at least 30 complete circles with your arms. Reference: The Way Read More
Wang Xiangzhai’s directions in verse for Dachengquan
Extremely subtle and profound, Boxing theory is not to be taken lightly. At the beginning of history martial art was of paramount importance; And it was there that science of learning has its root. Its essence has largely been lost, having been distorted to a sheer absurdity. This Boxing is based on spirit and mind, Read More
Chen Wei-Ming on Agility
If the body is clumsy, then in advancing or retreating it cannot be free; therefore it most be agile. Once you raise your arm, you cannot appear clumsy. The moment the force of the opponent touches my skin and hair, my mind is already penetrating his bones. When holding up the arms, the chi (breath) Read More
The Mighty Warrior Exercise
(Ichuan, Dachengquan, Yiquan, exercise, qiqong, chikung, breathing, energy) The Mighty Warrior Exercise Stand with the feet about double shoulder-width apart and toes pointing ahead. Bend the knees while lowering the body to stand in a horse-riding posture. Raise the arms sideways to form each an angle of about 60 degrees with the torso, the palms Read More
Expositions of Insights Into the Practice of the Thirteen Postures
by Wu Yu-hsiang (Wu Yuxian) (1812 – 1880) sometimes attributed to Wang Chung-yueh as researched by Lee N. Scheele The hsin [mind-and-heart] mobilizes the ch’i [vital life energy]. Make the ch’i sink calmly; then the ch’i gathers and permeates the bones. The ch’i mobilizes the body. Make it move smoothly, so that it may easily Read More
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 Read More
Grasp Sparrows’s Tail is like two men sawing
This is the push-hands sequence of Wardoff, Rollback, Press and Push. The action is that of sawing. When you saw, the force at both sides should be equal; then the action is smooth. If one side tries to change the force, the saw’s teeth will bind. If my partner binds the saw, then even if Read More