Category: posture

Songs of the eight postures

Attributed to T’an Meng-hsien (as researched by Lee N. Scheele) The Song of Peng What is the meaning of Peng energy? It is like the water supporting a moving boat. First sink the ch’i to the tan-t’ien, then hold the head as if suspended from above. The entire body is filled with springlike energy, opening and closing Read More

The Bridge Power Training Deeper Strength

The Bridge If you look carefully at the point where the pillars of a bridge bear the structure’s enormous weight, you will often find a small cylinder. This astonishing feature is known as a “bridge bearing.” The purpose of the bearing is to take the weight while giving the entire structure maximum flexibility. Bridge bearings Read More

What is the use of suppleness?

Q: Tai Chi seeks to be supple but what is the use of suppleness? A: Seeking suppleness enables you to separate your body into pieces. If an opponent pushes against your forearm, your elbow doesn’t move; if against your elbow it moves, but not your shoulder; if against your shoulder it moves, but not your Read More

Analysis of Yin-Yang Structure of the Internal Energy in Taijiquan

Zhu Datong from the promotion text to “Analysis of Yin-Yang Structure of the Internal Energy in Taijiquan DVD Series” (Red.) Eighty-one Forms of the Natural Taijiquan (Internal Energy) There are Eighty-one Forms in the Natural Taijiquan, including three chapters of Internal Energy, Practical Combat, and Health Care. Nine forms in nine sections, a total of Read More

Seigo Okamoto on Aiki in Aikijujutsu Daitoryu Roppokai

Seigo Okamoto (b. 10 February 1925). B. Yubari City, Hokkaido. First taught by Kodo Horikawa in 1963 in Kitami, Hokkaido. Received 7th dan from Horikawa in 1974. Okamoto was promoted to shihan by Horikawa in 1978. He separated from the Kodokai to found Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu Roppokai after moving to Tokyo in 1977. Okamoto’s art is characterized Read More

Wang Hao Da’s Message

Correct central equilibrium {Zhong Ding} is the basis for everything else in Taijiquan. One must focus with their complete intention {Yi} to differentiate, that which is external and separate from one’s center. The center is the key; it must remain straight and hidden, concentrated, deep inside the body constantly changing, spiraling into the earth for Read More

The Secret Method of Release

The Four Characters: Support, Lead, Relax, and Release Support the opponent’s power and borrow his force. This involves agility. Lead the opponents power to the front of your body, then begin to store your force. This involves concentration. I relax my force without bending. This involves stillness. I release my force from the waist and Read More

Waves of Movement

Author: Patrik Kelly (by courtesy of patrickkellytaiji.com) All fluids move in waves. Energy moves through fluids either as a transfer of mass with a stored momentum, or as a wave of elastic displacement that leaves the medium undisturbed once it has passed. Stored momentum gives a more external force and elastic displacement a more internal Read More