Read more about the article The basic principles of practicing Tai Chi Chuan’s upper, middle, and lower body coordination. – Hong Jun Sheng
Tai Chi

The basic principles of practicing Tai Chi Chuan’s upper, middle, and lower body coordination. – Hong Jun Sheng

Upper Body          From the top of the head to the neck area, the upper body includes the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, tongue, teeth, and facial region. The upper body serves as the guiding mechanism for the overall body movement, as explained below: Neck            The Baihui acupoint at the center of the head's top is the center of "ding jin" (upward force). It should be slightly raised, as if suspended. Properly managing "ding jin" results in a light and agile body, embodying the concept of "full body lightness."

Continue ReadingThe basic principles of practicing Tai Chi Chuan’s upper, middle, and lower body coordination. – Hong Jun Sheng
Read more about the article The basic principles of practicing Tai Chi Chuan for the shoulders, elbows, hands, wrists, and fingers. – Hong Junsheng
Tai Chi

The basic principles of practicing Tai Chi Chuan for the shoulders, elbows, hands, wrists, and fingers. – Hong Junsheng

Shoulders: Should be relaxed, resembling the arms hanging from the shoulders like ropes. This not only keeps the arms and hands flexible but also maintains the body's balance even when the arms are moved or pressed by external forces. Elbows: Elbows should frequently sink with the relaxation of the shoulders. The extension and contraction of the arms should shift direction from the movement of relaxed shoulders and sinking elbows. This ensures that the body's power reaches the hands appropriately and can adapt to changes when facing an opponent.

Continue ReadingThe basic principles of practicing Tai Chi Chuan for the shoulders, elbows, hands, wrists, and fingers. – Hong Junsheng
Read more about the article Tai Chi Silk reeling energy
martial secrets

Tai Chi Silk reeling energy

The term "缠法" (Chán Fǎ) was proposed by Chen Xin, also known as Chen Xinyi, in his book "Illustrated Explanation of Chen-Style Taijiquan." He stated, "Taijiquan also involves 'Chán Fǎ' (Entwining Techniques)." He further emphasized, "Without understanding this, one cannot comprehend the essence of the martial art." Chen Xin affirmed the significant position of "Chán Fǎ" in the Chen-style Taijiquan routines and elaborated on its various forms: "there are 'Jin Chán' (Advancing Entwining), 'Tui Chán' (Retreating Entwining), 'Zuo Chán' (Left Entwining), 'You Chán' (Right Entwining), 'Shang Chán' (Upward Entwining), 'Xia Chán' (Downward Entwining), 'Li Chán' (Inward Entwining), 'Wai Chán' (Outward Entwining), 'Shùn Chán' (Clockwise Entwining), 'Nì Chán' (Counterclockwise Entwining), 'Dà Chán' (Large Entwining), and 'Xiǎo Chán' (Small Entwining)."

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Read more about the article Story of Chen Zhaopi’s Insights on Tai Chi Quan in His Later Years
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Story of Chen Zhaopi’s Insights on Tai Chi Quan in His Later Years

To practice Tai Chi Quan, one must understand what is 'Chan Si Jin' (Silk-Reeling Energy). In Tai Chi Quan, we cultivate internal energy, and internal energy is 'Chan Si Jin.' Anything produced in a circular manner carries the essence of 'Chan Si Jin.' Chen-style Tai Chi Quan encompasses movement in all directions: up, down, left, right, front, back, internally involving the five organs and the skeletal structure, and externally encompassing the muscles, skin, and hair. There is no pulling or lifting, no flat or straight lines, no defects or protrusions, no breaks or interruptions. It is a harmonious whole that meets the standard. Therefore, Chen-style Tai Chi Quan relies entirely on circular force and 'Chan Si Jin.' Because it lacks flat or straight lines and does not rely on pulling or lifting.

Continue ReadingStory of Chen Zhaopi’s Insights on Tai Chi Quan in His Later Years
Read more about the article How Tai Chi Fa Jin – Release Energy ?
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How Tai Chi Fa Jin – Release Energy ?

The explosive power of being relaxed, flexible, and bouncing is the essence of Chen-style Tai Chi Quan, and it is one of the main differences between Chen-style Tai Chi Quan and other Tai Chi Quan styles. Many Tai Chi enthusiasts admire the ability to emit force, but after years of diligent practice, only a few can fully grasp and freely control it with their intention, Qi, and power in perfect harmony. The reason behind this scarcity is the lack of proper guidance and understanding. However, if one truly comprehends the principles of emitting force in Chen-style Tai Chi Quan, mastering it becomes an achievable task.

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Read more about the article Tai Chi – How to  prepare  the form
Tai Chi

Tai Chi – How to  prepare  the form

Sometimes, we can witness a situation where someone practices Tai Chi hurriedly without any proper adjustment. They start comparing moves without focus, their hands and feet lack stability, and once they finish, they hastily leave. What are they missing? They lack the essential adjustments and perseverance required to enter the realm of Tai Chi. The so-called entry into the realm of Tai Chi primarily involves adjusting both body and mind. The lessons from many years of practicing Tai Chi have taught me that before every practice session, one must diligently adjust their body and mind. If this adjustment is neglected, the effectiveness of the Tai Chi practice will be greatly diminished. Moreover, this adjusted state must be maintained throughout the entire practice. Ignoring the preparation of body and mind before practicing Tai Chi will hinder the path to understanding Tai Chi deeply, and at its worst, one's entire practice session will be in vain.

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