So before we getting into why its important, let make sure you did it properly . 1. Starting Posture (Qi Shi) Body Position: Stand upright with feet shoulder-width apart. Feet should point straight forward, without inward or outward angles. Ensure full contact between the soles of your feet and the ground. Arms & Eyes: Let arms hang naturally by your sides. Look straight ahead or close your eyes to focus your mind.
Master Chen emphasizes making Tai Chi more scientific by applying modern principles from disciplines like kinesiology, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and traditional Chinese medicine. He believes that Tai Chi's past mysticism arose because its internal mechanisms weren’t fully understood. His approach involves systematic explanations grounded in science to make Tai Chi comprehensible and practical for all learners.
1. What is “Silk Reeling Energy” (缠丝劲)? Most martial arts enthusiasts are familiar with the term “Silk Reeling Energy” (缠丝劲), but few can explain what it really means. At its core, silk reeling energy refers to power that moves in a spiraling or coiling pattern, much like winding silk thread or metal wire. In daily life, winding silk thread can happen in two ways: On a flat horizontal plane. In a spiral motion, which can move upward or downward, forming arcs or helixes. In martial arts, this spiraling action is more dynamic. According to my personal understanding, “rotation” occurs when a body part moves along a curved path in the same plane, while “spiraling” involves movement along both vertical and horizontal planes in a helical motion. The power generated from these motions forms what we call "Silk Reeling Energy."
Zhaobao Tai Chi refers to a style of Tai Chi closely tied to Chen-style forms. But what does "Zhaobao" means? Zhaobao is the name of a street in Wen County, located near the Meng Feng intersection. For those unfamiliar, locals refer to it as "Zhaobao Jie," or Zhaobao Street. It’s only about a 3-4 minute ride from Chen Village, making it incredibly close to the birthplace of Chen-style Tai Chi. Zhaobao Street is shaped like a "Y," with one branch leading toward Jiaozuo City and the other toward Chen Village. The long tail stretches back to the Wen County center. In the early 1980s, Zhaobao Street was relatively small, entired street with buildings about 200-300 meter long, and with a large factory at the center of the "Y," flanked by a mini-hospital, a small theater, and local government offices. Over time, the theater are closed down, the area developed into a bustling hub. Shops began opening up, and vegetable and meat markets became regular fixtures. On trade days, (Ji Hui) , every months there one or two days is trade days, all the small business gather around the street to sell, you’d find tricycle cars lining on two side of the street, offering everything from clothes and shoes to household essentials.
Living in Chen Jiagou, or Chen Village, for over five years (2017–2023) has been nothing short of life-changing. Coming from Boston, a city filled with incredible Tai Chi teachers, you might wonder why I decided to travel halfway across the world. The answer is simple: I wanted to find the source, the birthplace of Tai Chi, and learn its original style in its purest form. Don’t get me wrong, you can learn a lot from a senior instructor or even a short class, but Tai Chi is an ocean of knowledge. You can’t truly grasp its depth in just a few days.
When starting Tai Chi, beginners must first pass the "Mind Gate," which means deciding on their commitment: "yes" or "no." New practitioners often struggle with inner conflicts: “Should I really learn Tai Chi?” “What exactly is Tai Chi?” “Is it useful?” Thoughts like, “Maybe I'll start when I have more free time,” or “Am I too old for this?” are common. Thoughts influence beliefs, beliefs shape attitudes, and attitudes drive actions. To succeed in Tai Chi, beginners must first resolve these mental doubts. In reality, Tai Chi, a recognized national intangible cultural heritage, is based on the principles of balance and harmony from Confucian and Taoist philosophies. At its core are the concepts of yin-yang and the five elements. Tai Chi combines exercises for physical health, inner peace, self-defense, and breathwork, creating a soft yet strong martial art. It promotes a deep connection between people and nature and offers boundless benefits for those willing to embrace it.
Not a lot people know that there is two Major shaolin temple exist, like the name, one from norther and one from southern China, So why is that ? The martial arts world is full of styles and traditions, but few are as iconic as Shaolin Kung Fu. Known for its intense training, spiritual undertones, and mind-boggling athleticism, Shaolin Kung Fu is famous worldwide. But did you know there’s more than one Shaolin style? Yep! In fact, the world of Shaolin splits into two main branches: Northern Shaolin and Southern Shaolin. Both are ancient, both are powerful, and each has its own distinctive approach and philosophy. So, if you’re curious about what sets these two styles apart, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into why Northern Shaolin and Southern Shaolin are unique, and how each style has carved its own path in martial arts history.
If you’ve ever watched a Muay Thai fighter in action, you’ve probably noticed that this isn’t your average martial art. Known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” Muay Thai has a brutal reputation for a reason. Practitioners don’t just throw punches and kicks—they use elbows, knees, shins, and fists, turning their entire body into a weapon. But beyond the explosive strikes and relentless conditioning, Muay Thai holds a rich history, deep-rooted techniques, and unique training that make it one of the most powerful and effective combat sports in the world. In this article, we’re going to break down exactly what makes Muay Thai so deadly, why it’s loved by both fighters and fitness enthusiasts, and what you should know before stepping into the world of this ancient martial art. So grab a water bottle, settle in, and let’s dive into everything you need to know about Muay Thai.