tai chi Archives - Page 3 of 7

Li Dao zi

Tang Dynasty Taoist Li Daozi’s Seven Levels of Tai Chi Internal Cultivation Practice

In the "Great Dictionary of Chinese Buddhist Personalities," only Li Daozi's proficiency in "Nirvana Sutra" and "Abhidharma" is recorded. This matches exactly with the records in the "Biography of the Ten Powers," which mentions his expertise in "Nirvana and Abhidharma." However, the dictionary does not mention Li Daozi's other areas of knowledge. In contrast, the "Biography of the Ten Powers" provides detailed accounts, describing him as proficient in literature, martial arts, medicine, and the Yi Jing, covering a broad range of skills including "Nirvana, Abhidharma, the Huang-Lao teachings, promoting the teachings of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism." Yet, there are no records of Li Daozi's writings in historical materials. The "Biography of the Ten Powers" specifically highlights Li Daozi's martial arts achievements, namely his creation of the "Wuji Life-Preserving Martial Arts." It also details the theoretical foundation of this martial arts system, identifying it as crucial for understanding the origins of Tai Chi theory,

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February 27, 2024

Chen Xiaowang

Tai Chi Masters

Excellent Reads The Tai Chi Philosophy of My Mentor, Chen Xiaowang / Li Wenkui

My mentor, Chen Xiaowang, is a renowned Tai Chi master of our times. His mastery of Tai Chi Chuan is intricate and profound, with a unique and deep philosophy. He is also a person of humility and high moral standards. I am fortunate to have received his teachings, which have greatly benefited me. Studying and researching my mentor's views on Tai Chi, whether in relation to the art of Tai Chi itself or to work and life in general, can be immensely beneficial. My own understanding is limited, but I will attempt a preliminary exploration of his perspective on Tai Chi, hoping to enlighten Tai Chi enthusiasts:

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February 22, 2024

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

martial secrets

Tai Chi Masters

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.

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August 2, 2023

Read more about the article Must Read Yang Yutan’s “Three Principles”/Guan Zhenjun

martial secrets

Other Tai Chi Styles

Must Read Yang Yutan’s “Three Principles”/Guan Zhenjun

Yang Yutan, the martial arts master, was highly respected in the martial arts community. I've heard many stories about Master Yang from my teachers Wang Peisheng, Zheng Shimin, my martial uncles Li Bingci, Weng Fuqi, as well as senior fellow students Gao Zhuangfei and Chen Xingbo. The most memorable aspect to me was his "Three Principles": "Not afraid of criticism regarding martial skills", "Do not argue about martial theory", and "Do not compete for fame and gain". These "Three Principles" were the guiding principles for Master Yang's martial arts practice and personal conduct.

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February 20, 2024

wang xian

Events / Tai Chi Masters

Obituary | Mourning Mr. Wang Xi’an with Heavy Hearts

Born in July 1944 in Chenjiagou, Wen County, Mr. Wang Xi'an was a disciple of the tenth generation of Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan inheritors Chen Zhao Pi, Chen Zhao Kui, and Feng Zhiqiang. He won numerous national and provincial martial arts championships. Mr. Wang dedicated his life to the promotion and dissemination of Tai Chi Chuan, teaching in over ten countries including France, Japan, the United States, and Spain, and establishing nearly 200 Tai Chi research and training centers worldwide. He was hailed as the "International Tai Chi King" by "US News" in America and awarded the title of "Permanent Honorary Citizen" by Osaka City in Japan and Bagnolet City in France. His works on Tai Chi Chuan, including "Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan Old Frame," "Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan Push Hands Techniques," and "Secrets of Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan Old Frame," have been translated into English, French, and Japanese, reaching audiences worldwide.

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February 19, 2024

Tai Chi

Principles

Incredible guides Hong Junsheng : Tai Chi Upper, Middle, lower rules

The tongue should lie flat against the upper palate, preventing the mouth from drying and excessive saliva production. Some suggest the tongue tip should touch the upper palate, allowing saliva to flow and be swallowed. However, this might interfere with proper breathing during practice. A flat tongue position is recommended.

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October 17, 2023

Tai Chi

Stances

Why Tai Chi is the change of Yin and Yang under the feet

Master Yang Yuting, in his later years, described the essence of Tai Chi, saying, "Tai Chi is the change of Yin and Yang under the feet." This is truly insightful. To deeply understand the essence of Tai Chi, the actual movements of the form are not as important as the concept. This reminds me of what Wang Zongyue said, "Its root is in the foot, and it manifests in the fingers." Its Root in the Foot The boxing theory states: "Its root is in the foot, and it travels from the foot to the leg to the waist, all must be connected as one." and "Upper and lower body must follow each other, making it hard for others to penetrate." The wisdom of the ancient Tai Chi masters has saved many later generations from taking the wrong path in their studies. Enlightened by these predecessors, I had an epiphany and deeply realized that the essence of Tai Chi is in the foot; the foot is the root.

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October 17, 2023

Tai Chi

BeginnerGuide

How Every part of the human body embodies Tai Chi ?

The phrase "人体处处皆太极" originates from Chen Xin, a Tai Chi theorist from the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China. This theory resonates with the famous Tai Chi master Gu Liuxin's saying "太极浑身都是手" (Every part of the body in Tai Chi is a hand). Gu's statement sharply highlights the offensive and defensive functions in Tai Chi. On the other hand, Chen Xin's phrase not only embodies the Yin-Yang theory of the human body but also aligns with the Tai Chi principles of circular movement and offense-defense. What does "Every Part of the Human Body is Tai Chi" mean?Wang Zongyue's Tai Chi proverb states, "Tai Chi is born from the limitless, the mother of Yin and Yang." This means only when there's a balance of Yin and Yang can the essence of Tai Chi be realized. A body…

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August 30, 2023