Chen Style

Can it still fight? Unveiling the truth behind the evolution of Tai Chi

The simplification and focus on health aspects have greatly influenced the transmission of Tai Chi's martial arts and techniques. The more challenging and bias-prone Taoist qigong has been diluted, replaced with the safer, modern practice of push hands. 1. **Background of Traditional Martial Arts Not Evolving into Combat Sports** Tai Chi, and traditional martial arts as a whole, have encountered significant difficulties in contemporary times. Originally combat-oriented, traditional martial arts have shifted towards sports, fitness, and health in the modern era. However, with the rise of various attractive fitness programs, the market for traditional martial arts has shrunk. In recent years, traditional martial arts have been under scrutiny.

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March 19, 2024

BeginnerGuide

After Practicing for a While, How to Further Improve Your Tai Chi Level?

After a period of training, the body becomes appropriately supple, the central Qi (energy) increases internal strength, and the mind gains clear awareness. Subsequently, a natural sense of relaxed heaviness emerges, along with intuitive sensitivity and a soft yet resilient power. The effect of these conditions, in terms of Tai Chi terminology, is called "Jin" (force). Experiencing this force and then learning various pushing hands techniques and further studying the skill of "understanding Jin" can lead to sudden enlightenment.

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March 17, 2024

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

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

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