Explore the art, philosophy, and incredible benefits of this ancient practice for improved well-being and inner harmony.

Push Hands

The Essence of Tai Chi Push Hands

Embracing the circle and maintaining unity, from Wuji emerges Taiji, and from Taiji returns to Wuji, from nothingness comes existence and returns to nothingness. The whole body relaxes, each joint seamlessly connected. By adapting to the opponent's immense and abundant force, bending when necessary and extending when possible, against rigidity I remain soft, I follow when the opponent resists, rendering their relentless assault ineffective, graceful as bamboo swaying in the wind, using softness and flexibility to remain stable under fierce attacks. "The way that can be told is not the eternal Way; the name that can be named is not the eternal Name." All lies within the natural shifting and handling of Taiji, where movements reveal agility within stability, embodying the boxing classic's saying, "Let him bring forth all his strength to attack me, I only redirect a fraction to control his might," utilizing minimal force to overcome great strength, achieving softness overcoming hardness through evasion and engagement.

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March 14, 2024
Bagua Zhang / Xingyi Quan

Baguazhang Q&A: Grandmasters on Circle Walking, Palms & Principles

　Traditional Baguazhang song formulas attributed to Dong Haichuan repeatedly emphasize that the feet must keep changing and that standing still makes the practitioner vulnerable. Different lineages preserve slightly different wording, but the message is remarkably consistent: Bagua should remain mobile. 　I think this is one reason beginners sometimes misunderstand circle walking. They believe walking is merely the warm-up before learning the “real techniques.” In traditional Bagua, the walking itself is one of the real techniques because it changes how the rest of the body learns to function. 　When I first spent more time around Baguazhang practitioners, I noticed that very experienced people could make the walking look almost boring. There was no dramatic bouncing or athletic display. Yet the feet kept placing the body at useful angles, and the upper body stayed organized while the direction changed underneath it. That kind of boring-looking skill usually takes a long time.

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March 12, 2024
Read more about the article In Tai Chi Kung Fu Cultivation, “Four Mores” Are the Most Essential and Indispensable Mental Techniques
Tai Chi
Principles

In Tai Chi Kung Fu Cultivation, “Four Mores” Are the Most Essential and Indispensable Mental Techniques

After a certain period of training, when the body has become suitably supple, the internal strength in the "zhongqi" (central energy) has increased, and the mind has become more alert and aware, a naturally sinking momentum, sensory responsiveness, and a soft yet resilient strength will naturally emerge. Due to these conditions, what is referred to in the terminology of Tai Chi Chuan as "Jin" (a kind of internal force) is experienced. After experiencing this "Jin," learning various push hands techniques and further studying the skill of "understanding Jin" will not be difficult to master thoroughly.

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March 9, 2024
HealthMartialBenefits

How Powerful is Tai Chi for the Human Immune System?

Tai Chi is a very healthy form of exercise, with a large and diverse group of practitioners. It has become very popular among many people. There are numerous benefits to practicing Tai Chi, one of which is the enhancement of the body's immune system. Tai Chi is an ancient health-promoting exercise that has become fashionable. The advantages of practicing Tai Chi are manifold.

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March 7, 2024
Other Martial Art / Xingyi Quan

Master Che Runtian, a Distinguished Practitioner of Song Style Xingyi Quan, Discusses the Realization of Releasing Internal Power

Master Che Runtian, a distinguished practitioner of Xingyi Quan, possessed exceptionally high internal strength. He often shared insights on how to unleash internal power, based on his experiences annotated in the "Internal Power Classic" during his lifetime. His understanding is organized as follows: The release of internal power is a comprehensive manifestation of the unity between mind and intention, intention and energy, energy and strength, shoulders and hips, elbows and knees, hands and feet – both internally and externally. The foundation, particularly the lower body, is crucial. The capability of the Six Harmonies requires persistent and rigorous practice and insight.

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March 5, 2024
Read more about the article How Xingyi Quan Can Be Extremely Lethal Within a Year ?
Xing yi quan
Other Martial Art / Xingyi Quan

How Xingyi Quan Can Be Extremely Lethal Within a Year ?

Xingyi Quan is a form of boxing known for its strong combat effectiveness. It is widely acknowledged for its simplicity and quick mastery; some may develop considerable fighting ability within a year, while others might achieve it in just a few months. However, many Xingyi Quan enthusiasts today possess minimal combat skills, and there have been instances where individuals practicing for years have been severely beaten in street fights. Why hasn't the effectiveness of "being able to fight within a year" been demonstrated in these cases?

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March 1, 2024
Read more about the article Yao Style Traditional Tai Chi Chuan Cultivation Method
Yao fun chun
Other Tai Chi Styles

Yao Style Traditional Tai Chi Chuan Cultivation Method

Mr. Yao Minglan, styled Fuchun, from Zunhua City, Hebei Province, was a renowned martial artist during the Republic of China era, dedicating his life to martial arts and advocating for the national skill. In 1929, Mr. Yao, together with his fellow disciple Mr. Jiang Rongqiao, co-authored "Lectures on Tai Chi Chuan," which was published in Nanjing and Shanghai in 1930. The book, easily understandable and an excellent teaching material for Tai Chi Chuan, received endorsements and prefaces from Zhang Zhijiang, Li Jinglin, Yu Youren, Zhang Zhankui, and Huang Bainian. Unfortunately, their planned publication of Wang Zongyue's direct lineage of Tai Chi Long Fist (108 forms) did not come to fruition. Nevertheless, Tai Chi Long Fist continues to be passed down in Zunhua, characterized by stretching and bone pulling, encompassing ten major forms including dragon, snake, crane, tiger, horse, chicken, eagle, bear, phoenix, and monkey, with a 20-character secret to its application, offering excellent training effects.

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February 29, 2024
Read more about the article Mr. Li Qiguang’s Notes on Martial Arts Practice Insights
martial secrets
Principles

Mr. Li Qiguang’s Notes on Martial Arts Practice Insights

Practicing boxing emphasizes specialization; through specialization comes mastery, and with mastery comes profound insights and endless discoveries. Consistent practice is crucial; seize every moment to practice. Practicing boxing requires concentration; with concentration comes calmness, and from calmness comes vitality. Not only should one remain calm in stillness, but also maintain calmness in motion. Achieving a calm mind is essential; a calm mind leads to a clear spirit, and a clear spirit leads to harmonious energy. The initial focus should be on relaxation and calmness; relaxation brings agility, which allows for smooth circulation of blood and qi; calmness leads to focus, which is essential for delivering powerful strikes. Therefore, relaxation and calmness are key to practicing boxing. The essence of martial arts is nothing but concentrated effort. When learning boxing, one must not be clever or hasty, as this leads to carelessness and superficial understanding, missing the essence. Constant reflection and examination are necessary; where the mind goes, energy follows, and with energy comes strength. Boxing techniques, ultimately, depend on mental agility.

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February 28, 2024