Tag: taiji

  • The Treatise on Tai Chi Chuan (太極拳論)

    太極拳論 by 王宗岳 太極者,無極而生,陰陽之母也。動之則分,靜之則合。無過不及,隨曲就伸。人剛我柔謂之走,我順人背謂之黏。動急則急應,動緩則緩隨。雖變化萬端,而理為一貫。由著熟而漸悟懂勁,由懂勁而階及神明,然非用力之久,不能豁然貫通焉。虛領頂勁,氣沉丹田,不偏不倚,忽隱忽現。左重則左虛,右重則右杳,仰之則彌高,俯之則彌深,進之則愈長,退之則愈促。一羽不能加,蠅蟲不能落,人不知我,我獨知人。英雄所向無敵,蓋皆由此而及也。斯技旁門甚多,豈虛學哉!有旋轉之法,得心應手,惟口傳心授,方能得之。 The Treatise on Tai Chi Chuan by Wang Zongyue “Tai Chi is born from Wu Chi (the state of undifferentiated and limitless potential), and it is the mother of Yin and Yang. When there is motion, it divides; when there is stillness, it unites. Do not exceed or fall short; follow the…

  • Dong Zhong Qiu Jing (动中求静)

    Dong Zhong Qiu Jing (动中求静) i.e. “Seek stillness within movement” is a fundamental principle in Tai Chi Chuan. The phrase encapsulates the harmonious integration of movement and stillness. In essence, “Seeking stillness within movement” teaches practitioners how to integrate mind and body seamlessly so that they can maintain a state of inner peace and balance…

  • Ju Shou Tou Zu (举手投足)

    The Tai Chi Chuan phrase “Ju Shou Tou Zu (举手投足)” translates roughly to “raising the hand and moving the foot,”. This phrase embodies the principle that even the simplest actions carry profound energetic intent and unity. Each movement, no matter how minor, is deeply integrated with the body’s inner Qi (vital energy) flow, driven by…

  • Shou Xin Ru Yi (手心如意)

    The Taiji phrase “Shou Xin Ru Yi (手心如意)” translates to “Hands and heart as one” or more commonly, “Heart’s desire fulfilled.” This phrase emphasizes the harmony between intention and physical movement in Tai Chi practice. Explanation: In the context of Tai Chi, “Shou Xin Ru Yi” means that the movements of your hands should be…

  • Taoist Wudang

  • Huang Xingxiang Five Loosening Exercises

    Master Huang Xingxian (Huang sheng Shuan) performing the 5 Loosening Exercises. Book reference: Relax, Deep Mind Taiji Basics Patrick Kelly ISBN 047600425x p.37 – 45 Links: Huang Sheng Shyan wikipedia.org

  • Silkreeling Training

    A perspective on silk-reeling training by Zhang Xuexin, a student of Feng Zhiqiang, 18-generation. Chen style Taijiquan and founder of Chen Style Xinyi Hun Yuan Taijiquan. Feng Zhiqiang, a leading student of Chen Fake is one of the most famous exponents of Taijiquan in the world. He is also well-known for promoting a complete set…

  • Fang Ning On Tai Chi Chuan Kung-Fu

    Translated by Vincent Chu   It is common among martial artists to discuss their skills. The same is true of Tai Chi Chuan practitioners. We have seen a competition match where an older man defeated a younger man; we heard from our teachers and read from books how the Yang Family members’ kung-fu was so…

  • Fang Ning Push Hands

    Fang Ning Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Professor Fang Ning, 83 years old, speaks fluent English and Japanese, graduated from an Amercian Mission School, St. John University in Shanghai, China, in 1947 with degrees in Political Science and Economic. He has been practicing and researching qigong for more than 50 years. He is the 5th…

  • Yang Style Tai Chi Ball

    By Yang Fukui, as told to Bob Feldman The Taiji ball or “qiu” is an integral part of intermediate and advanced training in Yang Taijiquan. While there was some interest in the ball among Taiji practitioners in the 1920’x and 1930’s, interest subsequently diminished and few people, even in China today, are familiar with its…

  • 80 Years Old – Wei ShuRen

  • The key points to observe in T’ai Chi Practice

    1. Relax the neck and suspend the head from the crown point. 2. The eyes should focus and concentrate on the direction in which the ch’i flows. 3. Relax the chest and the back. 4. Drop and relax the shoulders; drop and relax the elbows. 5. The wrist should be set comfortably while the fingers…

  • Grandmaster Wang Yongquan (1903 – 1987)

    Yang Style Taiji Grandmaster Wang Yongquan (1903 ~ 1987) Student of Yang Jianhou, Yang Shaohou and Yang Chenfu 楊氏太極拳第四代宗師 / 汪永泉 (1903–1987)

  • The Five Virtues of T’ai Chi Ch’uan

    1. Your study should be broad, diversified. Do not limit yourself. This principle can be compared to your stance, which moves easily in many different directions. 2. Examine and question. Ask yourself how and why T’ai Chi works. This principle can be compared to your sensitivity, which is receptive to that comparison which others ignore.…

  • The Eight Truths of T’ai Chi

    1. Do not be concerned with form. Do not be concerned with the ways in which form manifests. It is best to forget your own existence. 2. Your entire body should be transparent and empty. Let inside and outside fuse together and become one.. 3. Learn to ignore external objects. Allow your mind to guide…