wujimon taiji blog

The video below is part 1 of a DVD series that covers the November 2009 weekend workshop with Master Chen Zhonghua on the Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method:

URL: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJ8zVbqE77c

Here are a couple of things I wanted to point out in video.

• Throughout the video, you can see how “hands-on” Master Chen is with the students. This is rare to find.  Also note the various methods of teaching: demonstrations, discussions, lectures, diagrams, etc.  This is why I would highly recommend attending one of Master Chen’s workshops to anyone. In fact, he will be conducting a workshop in Wisconsin during the fall of 2010, so stay tuned!
• At 1:40 into the video, Master Chen begins discussing the “Rule of Thirds” as noted in my previous post, Chen Zhonghua Workshop Notes Unfiltered Part 2
• 2:46 – Note the detailed individual correction given to the student. Master Chen will often walk around and provide this level of instruction and correction with EACH student during the workshop
• 4:37 – Master Chen is fond of using analogies and common day examples to teach student taiji principles.  This is a great example of bridging the gap between eastern and western paradigms for clear, concise knowledge transfer
• 5:35 – the position of the elbow is of great importance. As Master Chen notes in the video, a lot of students don’t pull their elbow in enough. When the elbow is “IN”, the shoulder joint will be in the correct position
• 6:36 – Master Chen describes the mystical nature often associated with taijiquan and then explains the practical method of how this is achieved.  In the video, the ability to “shift one’s body in space/dimension” is through the manipulation and rotation of the joints.  This creates the feeling of emptiness as your opponent will not be able to push on your center if you are constantly rotating about his contact point
• 8:00 – demonstration of movement vs stretch
• 8:52 – demonstration of stretching the kua
• 9:25 – Not only does Master Chen give hands-on demonstrations, he actually allows the student to touch him so they can feel what is happening in Master Chen’s body. This is a very rare that a Master will allow this.

Overall, looks like a great workshop. It’s amazing that Master Chen is willing to make footage from a teaching workshop available to all. For more of the workshop material, be sure to check out part 2, part 3, and part 4 of the workshop trailers!

… at the school [Wujifaliangong] we talk about the difference between "brace" and "internal strength" a lot. Now, the brace idea is basically locking your body into the strongest possible linear structure in opposition to a force, whereas true internal strength has much more freedom and flexibility inherent in it. Brace is strong, but tends toward rigidity.

– Source: Why It’s Better Not to Know | Dan’s Wujifa

What are the differences between Bracing and Internal Strength? What are the commonalities? I had a glimpse of internal strength when I paid a visit to Rick of Wujifa a few months back.  We were on his deck and he stood up, got on one leg, lifted up one arm in a “ward off” posture and told me to push him. I used both hands and *really* pushed him. He did not budge and was able to ground my push pretty easily. I’ve seen this demonstration by other masters on YouTube, but very different when it’s done in person TO YOU.

What surprised me even more was during the push, Rick told me to touch his forearm and bicep. To my surprise, both muscles were relaxed!  I noticed that when I tried to do the same demonstration, with both feet on the ground, my bicep would often feel tense.  Connected. Relax. Not Limp

… In the wuji stance, the form before starting the form, I find three breaths method helps. What I mean is after standing in wuji for a moment and relaxing, take a in a breath into the upper chest and let it out… Then breathe into the center chest and let it out… Then breathe into the belly and let it out…. Then simply belly breath and let go of any intention and notice without judgment. Then when you are ready begin ones form. – Source: Comment on Basic Training | TaijiQuestion

The above is a great tip from Rick of Wujifaliangong and something I will definitely incorporate into my own training. Often times, I have noticed that I will move before I am ready to move. Either my mind is lagging or my body is lagging. There is a disconnect or mismatch.

How do we know when we are ready to move? Though we hear that taiji should be continuous and never stopping, is there a brief stopping or “settling” point in the form before the next movement? 

Back in my wushu competition days, my instructor would tell us to take 3 deep breaths before we began our form.  Only more when we are ready to begin. Sometimes closing my eyes would assist in connecting my mind with my body. The breathing would help me become present.  Current thoughts are connecting with past experiences …