tai chi Archives - Page 2 of 5

Chen Zhaopi’s Insights on Tai Chi Quan in His Later Years

August 2, 2023 rain 0

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. […]

How Tai Chi Fa Jin – Release Energy ?

August 2, 2023 rain 0

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. […]

How to prevent knee injury when practicing Tai Chi ?

July 29, 2023 rain 0

As Tai Chi, an outstanding martial art of Chinese Wushu, has gained recognition for its health benefits with the development of society, an increasing number of people now participate in learning and practicing Tai Chi. However, among those who practice Tai Chi, some individuals often experience varying degrees of knee joint pain and, in some cases, even long-term knee joint injuries. So, how can one avoid injuring the knee joints while practicing Tai Chi? […]

The Story of Chen Jia gou 7-8

July 29, 2023 rain 0

And with a pointed finger, he broke the rabbit’s leg and threw the rabbit to the ground. Then, with a triumphant posture, he looked at Wangting. Wangting, witnessing this situation, was also greatly surprised. He thought to himself that it’s no wonder Li Jiyu entrusted this person with the responsibility of patrolling the mountain. He stared at Jiang Fa for a moment and asked, “That day, when I went up the mountain, was it you?” Jiang Fa replied, “Indeed, it was me.” […]

Tai Chi – How to prepare the form

July 29, 2023 rain 0

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. […]

Why stretching is extremely important for Tai Chi

July 29, 2023 rain 0

Every morning, in the park or by the lake, you can always see many morning exercisers bending and stretching to stretch their ligaments. This type of exercise method is well known to everyone. As long as someone wants to exercise, even without a teacher’s guidance, they will instinctively and naturally perform leg stretches and waist bends. Similarly, professional gymnasts, acrobats, dancers, etc., also consider leg stretches and waist bends as fundamental training. The purpose of this training method is to stretch the overall ligaments. The benefits include improving the flow of qi and blood in the body, achieving fitness effects, and making body movements more flexible and aesthetically pleasing. For example, gymnasts and dancers’ movements present a gentle, coordinated, and graceful visual beauty to the audience. […]

Tai Chi Dantian Internal Rotation

July 29, 2023 rain 0

The earliest reference to Dantian can be found in the “Huangting Jing,” an important Taoist scripture comprising the “Inner View” and “Outer View” sections. It is believed to have been transmitted by the famous female Taoist practitioner Wei Huacun during the Western Jin Dynasty. The “Huangting Jing” first introduces the concept of “three Dantian”: “Breathe into the Dantian between the hut and the palace,” “Within the Dantian, the essence and qi are subtle,” “Stand in the Ming Hall and look at the Dantian to open the gate of life.” The text emphasizes the significance of the Lower Dantian, stating, “With essence or fetus, handle both sides, core and child combine to extend life and brilliance.” […]

The Practice and Principles of Shaking Long Pole in Internal Martial Arts

July 29, 2023 rain 0

The practice of shaking the Long pole (Dǒu Gǎn) in internal martial arts has its origins in ancient spear techniques. During the era of cold weapons, long spears were generally over eight feet long. In martial arts families, when teaching their disciples, they would first learn the techniques of the medium-sized and circular spears. In the north, white waxwood poles were used, while in the south, they used rattan poles. Only after achieving a certain level of skill were they allowed to use the big spear. Before the Ming Dynasty, the Sha Family Pole and Yang Family Big Spear were both very demanding in terms of skill. Often, when their spear skills were accomplished, they would also have developed the whole-body coordinated power, making it easier to practice techniques like hand strikes. […]