Chán sī gōng (纏絲功), literally, chan si work

 Quite a skill moving 1/4 body video

Master Stephen Hwa has a specific way of using “Silk-Reeling exercises” for training within Classical Tai Chi. The Classical Tai Chi Round Form provides many linked movements that can also be used for Silk-Reeling. This involves unlinking specific movements from the Long Form and using modifications to simplify them yet maintain their continuity. The purpose is to capture the internal benefits of classical tai chi.

 

These exercises are designed to be choreographically simple but require subtle and demanding neuromuscular control. They focus on internal movements originating from the body's core. When one converts a segment of the form into a symmetrical, continuous movement, a unique process is involved. This allows beginning students to isolate and refine the principles of body unity, internal energy, and coordination. This method is intended to make the advanced internal movements more accessible, particularly for those who may not be ready to learn the entire Long Form.

 

One can then concentrate on practicing just those few movements. This is, of course, different than practicing the Tai Chi form, which, as we know, is vast in scope. So, we have reduced things to an effortless motion and can work on that. This concentration is concerned with the movement's kernel and goes to its heart, which is the internal.

 

These movements are not easy, and some of them are highly advanced. Regarding these movements, we see that practitioners in old times did not begin silk reeling until after about 10 years of experience. Now, however, considering improved teaching methods, we can teach beginners and see that people do get it and enjoy it. Our pride and joy of improved methods being at “Teachable”:

https://classical-taichi.teachable.com/

 It is convincing that anyone you want to teach can incorporate this into the teaching program. This incorporation can parallel teaching the Tai Chi form to maintain the students' interest.

 

A movement considered the most advanced but simple to learn is moving one hand in conjunction with the body’s core/torso movement.  The hand becomes a tool of the body's core movement and does not move independently.  

 

With either the right or left arm hanging down at the side, you slightly stretch it down at the shoulder.  I repeat "slightly" for you, so you don't want to bend your body as you stretch.  One can concentrate on the elbow and slightly stretch at the shoulder as you do this.  Then you move the body on the right or left side to move the arm.  Ask yourself if you feel the connection between the arm and the abdomen.

 

A common mistake occurs when that movement is taught.  This mistake occurs when students start bending the arm at the elbow.  Once the elbow is bent, you immediately lose the connection between the abdomen and the arm.  This loss of connection occurs because your concentration goes to the forearm instead of the body.  So the whole arm has to move like a unit and not bend at the elbow.

 

In observing students try this, one also sees them angling the arm across the front of the body from right to left or left to right.  You should keep the arm moving straight ahead and not across your front.  Other mistakes I observe are students drooping the engaged shoulder, sometimes drooping one entire side of the body, and even cocking their head down as well.  If you observe the students in the attached video link above, YouTube “Quite a skill…” you will see what I mean and what to avoid.

Acid Test of Discipline

  

How to learn Internal Discipline Video

The Acid Test of Discipline

I am Master Stephen Hwa’s senior student and the first certified “small-circle”, Classical Tai Chi teacher. Before learning from him, I was a disciple in the same family that Master Hwa's teacher, Grandmaster Young Wabu learned from; I was in the first group of disciples chosen by Eddie Wu, Gatekeeper of Wu’s Style Tai Chi.  Compared to Classical Tai Chi, Wu’s Style is a “large-circle.” 

Classical Tai Chi  values the quality of what it teaches, thus demonstrating quality over quantity. However, I have also learned from other teachers of tai chi who “vette” students and sometimes make students “wait” for some time. 

Therefore, the particular form of “waiting” is testing their patience before the person is accepted as a student. Doing this works for both teacher and student as a "vetting" time, allowing both to determine if they are well-suited for each other. Well-suited, not only initially, but for a long-term duration. 

During this time, the prospective student may be asked to observe classes, perform basic tasks, or practice foundational movements without immediate access to advanced teachings. This patient approach, not to exclude, but to ensure the student possesses the necessary maturity, discipline, and genuine interest in the art, prepares the student for the journey ahead. 

When teaching at a university, I was repeatedly asked, "Are you my teacher”? It's not a rhetorical question to answer the question with a question and ask an aspiring student, "Are you my student?" It also helps filter out those seeking quick results, ego validation, or romanticized notions of mastery. How can students last a lifetime if they cannot show patience and persevere? Despite its seeming difficulty, the attention to such assessment can create inspiration and motivation for long-term commitment.

This waiting period reflects the cultural and philosophical roots of Tai Chi, where the teacher-student relationship is viewed as a deep, long-term commitment akin to a familial bond. Tai Chi was traditionally taught in families. Relatives had the familial bonding to give essential effort and time to teaching their offspring for the duration of their childhood and beyond. It is natural for many teachers to assess seriousness. The teacher invests time and energy in preserving and transmitting knowledge, and thus seeks students who demonstrate humility, perseverance, and respect.

Looking at a student’s character has been a part of Chinese Martial arts history for some time. Is the student reliable, patient, and willing to learn without immediate reward? Classical Tai Chi is subtle, and its internal discipline is not apparent to the untrained eye. The concept of “internalizing” the internal discipline is one of absorption that “cannot be accomplished overnight” for want of a better term. 

This tradition also protects the integrity of the art and prevents misuse by those unprepared for its diverse dimensions. While modern-day schools may not consistently enforce such strict requirements, many respected teachers still emphasize gradual acceptance, valuing the quality of what is taught over the quantity of students.

Internal Discipline in Tai Chi

Internal Discipline is central to Master Stephen Hwa’s approach to Classical Tai Chi, and its practice is presented as a rigorous test of a student's commitment and sincerity. Master Hwa emphasizes that Internal Discipline involves initiating movements from the body's internal core—the abdomen and back—rather than from the limbs, which requires a significant mental and physical effort to learn. 

This demanding nature of the practice, which involves cultivating internal energy and power to direct external movements, is a fundamental aspect of Classical Tai Chi. The difficulty in mastering this discipline, which requires years of dedicated study and practice, is highlighted as a key indicator of a student's genuine dedication. 

As noted in the context, the knowledge cycle of learning Classical Tai Chi to understand its full consequences is very long. It requires several years to become proficient in the form, additional years to test its effectiveness in martial application, and even longer to confirm its health implications . This suggests that the path demands a deep, long-term commitment. Therefore, the challenge of learning Internal Discipline first is a significant test of a practitioner's sincerity and perseverance in the Classical Tai Chi tradition.

What to do or not do!

What to do and not video!

 (from beginning of form)

See the video at approximately 2:45 and Master Hwa showing “what not to do”. Inserting large circles, also known as large frames into Classical Tai Chi movements can be a common mistake for individuals beginning the study of  Classical Tai Chi as taught by Stephen Hwa, as the two styles fundamentally differ in their approaches and objectives.

 

Small circle Tai Chi minimizes arm movement, keeps shoulders down, and generates power from the core. The large Circle style has excessive arm moves, movement at the shoulders, and power from the legs. In contrast, the Classical Tai Chi taught by Master Stephen Hwa and certified teachers, emphasizes internal discipline. Every movement originates from the core of the body, specifically the abdomen and back, and the Yin/Yang Junction in the Core, a point where yin and yang energies meet, is located within the torso, not at the limbs.

 So many things are moving extraneously in the large frame. The primary purpose of the Square Form in Classical Tai Chi, the first step in the Classical Tai Chi teaching method is to teach the student how to delineate yin and yang by moving only one part of the body while keeping another still, a principle essential for internal movement.

 

When practitioners attempt to perform the Small Circle ( often referred to as small frame)  form using large, external movements typical of large frame Tai Chi, they practice a different art form. This can interfere with the development of the internal energy as external movements create localized yin-yang junctions at the joints (shoulders, elbows, knees, hips), which impede the smooth circulation of qi throughout the body.

The Small Circle form is internal with its energy and continuity. This is achieved by minimizing external movements and focusing on subtle, internal movements originating from the core. The ultimate goal is to achieve seamless transitions and a smooth, continuous flow of energy throughout the body, a state that cannot be attained through the large, external motions of the large frame style. 

 

 Large Circle contradicts the principles of internal discipline and core-driven movement that define the Small Circle art.

However, it's common for practitioners, particularly those who started with the more widespread 'large frame' Tai Chi, to perform large, expansive circles in their movements mistakenly. Recognizing and correcting these mistakes is a crucial part of the learning process, and it's a sign of your dedication to mastering the art of Tai Chi. 

• Initial Training Focus: Many styles begin with large frame movements, which focus on developing whole-body connection and stretching through a broader range of motion. These larger movements might persist while doing a small circle form if not carefully transitioned to small circle principles.
• Misinterpretation of "Roundness": Classical Tai Chi Round Form emphasizes rounded, continuous movements. However, misunderstanding this principle can lead to exaggerated circular motions that lack the specific internal mechanics of small circle Tai Chi, such as the use of the waist and spine to initiate and direct movements.Focus on External Form: Beginners sometimes focus primarily on the external appearance of the movements, rather than the internal mechanics central to small Circle Tai Chi. 

 

Why are large circles less effective in small circle Classical Tai Chi?

• Dispersal of Force: Large, uncontrolled circles can dissipate energy and weaken the practitioner's structure, making it harder to generate power and maintain balance.
• Lack of Internal Containment: Small circle Tai Chi emphasizes containing movements within the practitioner's body frame, maintaining structural integrity and control. Large circles can violate this principle.
• Reduced Effectiveness in Push Hands and Applications: While a large circle is valuable for building foundational connection and flexibility, a small circle is often regarded as more martial, as it teaches more efficient and precise force application, crucial for push hands.

 

Correcting this involves:

• Understanding Internal Discipline: Focusing on using the core and internal movements to initiate and direct external actions.
• Precision and Control: Learning to perform movements with smaller, more contained circles while maintaining fluidity and relaxation.
• Paying close attention to the movements of the waist and spine, as these are critical for generating and directing internal energy. 

 

Ultimately, the progression from larger to smaller circles or frames is a natural evolution in Tai Chi practice. It's a sign of your growth and dedication, allowing you to refine your internal understanding and enhance the effectiveness of your movements. Trust in this process, and you'll see the benefits in your practice. 

Use the Core, not "Plain Vanilla"

  

Internal Power in Small Circle Video

Ground Force and merely a means to Internal Energy

 

In Tai Chi, one hears the term “ground force”. This term is associated with "large frame" (large circle) Tai Chi. Keep in mind that Sir Isaac Newton cannot be wrong since this involves an "action" of pushing with the legs/extremities and a "reaction" of the body moving. Keep in mind as well that this is "external energy" AND “Momentum Force” gained from pushing with the extremities. It involves the transfer of energy from pushing movements of the legs as the feet contact the ground. It is a misunderstanding that "ground force provides internal energy"! It merely provides the means of rooting, what is called "Peng," and is not the same as Internal Energy. 

 

Mechanically, it is the primary, not necessarily sole, means to generate internal energy in such large stances. Internal energy in Large Circle Tai Chi, often referred to as "Jin," is a refined and efficient use of the body's mechanics combined with strategic thinking during engagement. It requires years of study and practice to develop the ability to remain stable and relaxed while generating and controlling internal energy. The integration of whole-body storage and release of Peng requires detailed attention to body mechanics and relaxation.

 

While the ground path is essential for rooting and Peng in the Large Circle,  it is not the sole source of internal energy. Rooting involves allowing force to go deep into the ground and manipulating energy beyond the physical body. Proper Peng uses the ground path and other principles to generate internal energy.

 

In summary, while ground force plays a role in Large Frame/Large Circle Tai Chi, it does not alone provide the internal energy that is central to the practice. Internal energy in Large Circle Tai Chi is developed through a combination of body mechanics, relaxation, and strategic thinking.

 

 

Tai Chi Internal Energy Comparison

 

The ground force of Tai Chi does not provide internal energy, in the same manner or as well as the core dexterity of Small Circle Classical Tai Chi.

 

I quote my own teacher Master Stephen Hwa when I say:

"Small Circle Classical Tai Chi, or Tai Ji, utilizes the philosophy of yin and yang in every aspect of its practice, which asserts that every entity needs to coexist and interact with a counterpart of opposite nature to achieve balance and vitality. For every internal movement, a moving part of the body (yang) works against a stationary part (yin) that provides support and power for the move. The junction between yin and yang is always located in the torso. When you perform an internal movement correctly, you will feel the sensations of stretching and intense energy flowing across the junction in an otherwise relaxed body. Classical Tai Chi, or Tai Ji form, teaches students how to use Internal Discipline in every move, allowing internal energy to circulate continuously throughout the body during form practice, tuning, and cultivating internal energy.

 

The appearance of internal movement is very deceptive. Most uninitiated observers will think it is a small, unremarkable, and simple movement and may opt for a more showy style. Internal movement is demanding to learn, both mentally and physically. But the results of the effort will be unparalleled in improving health and well-being, as well as in martial arts applications and sports performance. The actual health benefits and the foundation for martial arts application of Tai Chi can only be achieved when the practitioner incorporates "Internal Discipline". That is, using internal movements and internal power to direct and empower external movements into Tai Chi practice."

 

 Note: I use the term "plain vanilla" in lieu of saying that large frame/circle is the most common Tai Chi that one sees.