Do Classical Tai Chi as Art

Sir Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen adresses a letter from Kurt Vonnegut to a group of students!

Sir Ian McKellen it is said “could make a tire repair manual sound like Shakespeare”! 

Kurt Vonnegut it is said that the “ease with which he writes is sheerly masterly, Mozartian".

“Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.

Seriously! I mean starting right now, do art and do it for the rest of your lives.

Make art and in so doing, learn about life, and yourself.”

Hence the importance of practicing any art form, not for money or fame, but to explore and express one's inner self. The question being, how anyone can say that  Mind/Body discipline Classical Tai Chi is not an Art? 

Is Classical Tai Chi Art?

Embracing the statement by Master Stephen Hwa that Classical Tai Chi has to serve 2 purposes: Classical Tai Chi  is considered an art in multiple forms. It has its roots from the Bodyguards and Corps of Imperial Palace Guards of China and accordingly is recognized as a martial art. It is also practiced as a health art, promoting numerous,  scientifically  proven benefits. Additionally, Classical Tai Chi can be seen as even more of a multifaceted art that not only encompasses martial, health, but  philosophical aspects as well.

“Qi”? “What Qi”?

Grandmasters Young, Wabu and Wu Chien Chuan

Master Eddie Wu at Discipleship Ceremony with Sifu Jim Roach

Qi and Internal Energy in Classical Tai Chi

(video on Qi)

Sifu Jim Roach said, Dear Master Hwa, here's my question: This is regarding approximately 7:30 of the video, "...Qi...internal energy..."! In the YouTube video, you state in so many words, "...the qi is something you cannot feel...but you do feel the energy..."! 

I recall both you and Eva stating that you both visited the Taoist Tai Chi studio in Buffalo at their “open house”. If memory serves, I once conversed with Moy Lin Shin in 1976. People may not know that he founded Taoist Tai Chi, a worldwide Association. He approached me at a practice to correct my Tai Chi. Instead of making a physical correction, he said something perplexing in Cantonese. The translator said, “Mr. Moy said you should let your Qi (Chee) come out. I said, “What is Qi”? I only was in Taoist Tai Chi for less than a year! The translator said, “Mr Moy says you will know it when you feel it”!

I left the Taoist group after a year and a half. On another occasion, I told that story to an engineering Professor at the University of Buffalo. His name was Dr. Ching Liu, and he taught Yang and Chen Style. He looked at me and said, “Your Qi? “What Qi? “ 

In sum, after 30 years now, in 2006, it might be more of a fine point, but is it correct to say one does not feel the qi; one feels the evidence of qi? I'm considering an analogy to electricity, such as "one does not see electricity, but one does see the evidence of electricity when a light bulb goes on." Or, one does not feel electricity, but one does feel the evidence of electricity when one gets an electrical shock.

Thank you for that video; I would say it is a down-to-earth explanation of Qi.

Jim

“Yes, Jim. You may feel your fingers tingling, but you will not feel the Qi flow because it is there instantly. Other people may feel your Qi when you touch them, and sometimes, others feeling your Qi works well.”

Master Hwa, I will relate a story where I  “…felt someones Qi when they “touched me”, ...and it worked well…”!  I read the Forum for June 2003, once again with more interest, especially the statements about the Wu family's healing ability and that intrinsic to Tai Chi once there is sufficient Qi development. In 1985, I injured myself severely. I sustained one bruise that was the length of my entire thigh. I was attending Wu's Tai Chi Academy. I went to practice, but Sifu Eddie Wu noticed my limp and asked what had happened. When I told him of the injury, he called me in the office about my leg. Wu rubbed his hands together for 5 minutes and then hovered the hands closely over the bruised area, moving slowly over the region, not touching it. During this time, he closed his eyes and breathed deeply and regularly from the Tan Tien. 

After about 15 minutes, the treatment was completed. However, I felt considerable heat during the treatment, and my leg felt good. My leg felt more aches after, and I thought, "Oh wow, this did not work." Incredibly, I noticed that my range of motion had increased by at least 50%, and the more I moved, the better the leg felt. 

On numerous occasions, Eddie Wu taught us, as disciples, the “small circulation” with reverse breathing. After a year or two of that training, Wu began gradually teaching us to do the "external qi gong healing," and we got to practice on each other. Some people reported feeling nothing. As for myself, I felt fortunate that my injury provided a point of reference that I used in my practice. By the way, Yoga Journal published a massive article about the Wu Family's healing ability around that time. 

The article included quite a bit about your teacher, Master Sonia Young's healing ability. Watching the Bill Moyers series Healing and the Mind in 1995, one can see examples of external Qi Gong in Traditional Chinese Medicine. A lot of people dismiss this out of hand because it looks like chicanery to us from the "other" culture. I can personally vouch for its efficacy. 

As for being able to "do" it, I can only say that one must keep up one's practice of "reverse breathing" as a prerequisite. The power of the mind is paramount in these practices, and using "Yi" not as martial intent but as "healing intent" must precede the practice. If one has no "Yi," then the practice is unlikely to work. Since my injury preceded my practice, it was not a great stretch of imagination on my part to begin to learn the healing techniques. I've never told anyone of these incidents, and I hope the story is worthwhile. 

“The Way of Classical Tai Chi”

  

INSTINCTIVELY THE WAY

Delineation (Square Form)

Extensive Delineation

“Segmentation is the physical characteristic by which the human body is divided into repeating subunits called segments arranged along a longitudinal axis.”

In the above video, the movements of the Square Form are crisp, resolute, and due to what we see as a "delineation" along segmentation between what is moving and not moving:

Is this a Yin/Yang symbol, a white figure on a gray figure, or a gray figure on a white? Is this what one might call "ambiguous"? Yet, we see a yin-yang "pair" clearly delineated when not caught up in ambiguity. The Classical Tai Chi Square Form has this "delineation" as its primary purpose, and it is our "template" for learning the "Round." This is necessary because most of us move instinctively, one might say "ambiguously."

An instinct is a linked set of behaviors that an organism undergoes unconsciously in response to external conditions. However, the strength of these instincts can diminish in modern life due to limited physical activity and poor movement in adults.

Most do not understand that our bodies have segments. We are naturally segmented but have never learned how to use them. One part of the body moves, and the other part is non-moving. This has to be taught to the conscious mind! 

As Master Stephen Hwa states in his book "Uncovering the Treasure," the subconscious also has its role: "We gradually absorb the essence of the forms and shapes we practice into our subconscious. Eventually, every move we make will instinctively follow the way." He says we will not continue to move instinctively, ambiguously, but that the moves we make will "...instinctively follow the way..."

Mirror Neuron/Mirrored Form

The Brush Knee video shows left and right

 "Raise Hands" is only one example of a "right" side form, yet it, along with others, should be "mirrored" and learned on the "left" side. 

Mirror Neuron/“Mirrored Form”

The Tai Chi Classics emphasize symmetry and balance in practice, often stating that what you know to the right, you must understand to the left. This principle is in performing Tai Chi forms and their mirror images, which equally train both sides of the body and promote balance.

The Tai Chi Classics have some good things that surprisingly fit well with Classical Tai Chi. In Tai Chi Classics, the phrase "What you know to the right, you must know to the left" means that to truly master a movement on one side of your body (right), you must also fully understand and be able to execute the same movement with equal skill on the opposite side (left), emphasizing more than a principle of balance and symmetry throughout the practice. 

When we speak of a mirror image of the body, we must consider the mirror image of the mind.

A good example: Someone yawns, and you yawn because of "Mirror Neurons." 

Mirror neurons play a significant role in learning Classical Tai Chi by facilitating the imitation and internalization of movements. These neurons activate both when observing and performing actions, allowing learners to create an internal representation of movements they see, which helps them copy and master them over time.

According to research, when you watch someone perform Tai Chi, mirror neurons in your brain fire as if you were performing the movements yourself. This process helps create new neural pathways that accurately copy the observed movements. For instance, infants often mimic the chewing actions of their parents, demonstrating the effectiveness of this learning mechanism.

Moreover, studies have shown that mirror neurons can be effectively stimulated through video recordings, allowing learners to slow down and repeat what they see. This is particularly useful for detailed and precise movements like those in Classical Tai Chi.

Your mirror neuron system becomes more active the more expert you are at an observed skill. For instance, I have a video of Master Hwa watching a student do the form, shall we say not so well. Master Hwa moves his body in sync as he stands to the side and just watches. And it looks like his body is telepathic in urging the student to do things correctly. To the extent that you relate in a fundamental sense to the act of balancing and moving forward, your mirror neurons will resonate. But that student's mirror system activity will pale next to that of an expert like Master Hwa watching the same. 

Key points about this concept: 

• Full awareness signifies the importance of focusing on one side of the body during practice and being fully aware of both sides simultaneously. 
• Specific moves of Right Side: When performing "Right Side" Classical Tai Chi moves like "Brush Knee," "Fair Lady," etc., the right and left sides are both done. You are doing a basic mirror image. 
• ANY MOVEMENT: That understanding of the "right" side movement means you must also understand how to perform the "left" OF ANY MOVEMENT, thus applying the mirror image in practice with the same fluidity and intention as your "Brush Knee," "Fair Lady," etc. 

Square & Round Form Compared

 Several general characteristics between the Classical Tai Chi Square and Round Form 

国

Classical Wu Style

Square

and Round Form

Stephen Hwa

Produced June 2016

Classical Wu Style Tai Chi Square and Round Form

Youtube Video

Round and Square Form Video

Reference found at Amazon: “Uncovering The Treasure: Classical Tai Chi's Path to Internal Energy & Health” Stephen Hwa, Ph.D

Page 44, 45

“I want to compare several general characteristics between the Square and Round Form. Not every move in Square Form is internal. It is preparatory training for the Round Form, which is internal in all its movements. Every movement in the Square Form has a clear starting point and ending point with a stop between the moves. The movement between these two points is usually in a straight line and done very crisply and resolutely. Directional changes are usually carried out at these two points. 

These characteristics are opposite to the Round Form, which should have a continuous movement with no apparent starting or ending point. The hand movements are mostly rounded with few straight-line movements.

Therefore, directional changes do not appear at a point but are incorporated into the movement itself as a smooth curvature. Also, the movement in the Round Form should be deliberate and thoughtful instead of crisp and resolute. 

People are often surprised at the direct opposite requirement between the Square and Round Form. This is not unique. Just think about how one learns the art of calligraphy. One first learns how to write in print form, then learns the cursive.

Generative summary

The Square Form also avoids using upper quarter-body movements and other advanced internal movements. These advanced internal movements will only be taught in the Round Form. As a result, some of the movements in the Square Form are different from the Round Form. In the Round Form, the hand does not contact the body. However, there is no such restriction in the Square Form.

I have emphasized the differences between the Square and Round Forms in the above discussions. Actually, there is more sameness than difference. The Square Form fully develops the Internal Discipline of lower body movements. Lower body movements are the foundation of Tai Chi. Poor footwork and poor lower body posture will prevent one from learning Internal Discipline later. It is logical to learn the lower body movements first. In fact, a Square Form lesson by itself is called 'Tai Chi Walk. This should be the first lesson for the student.

Upper Body Turning a Lesson

Example of  a Move Using Internal Discipline

Upper Body Turning a Lesson  a Video

(Reframed from Uncovering The Treasure: Classical Tai Chi's Path to Internal Energy & Health

by Stephen Hwa, Ph.D.)

This is submitted as a first lesson for students who are new to the art and as reference for all.

 

Turning the Upper Body

 

Try to stand two feet parallel to each other, about shoulder-width apart. Then, turn the body without moving the feet. Most people who have not been trained in classical Tai Chi will turn at the hip, carrying the torso with it, while the legs will twist following the hip.

 

This is a weak external move without much power, and the body structure has poor balance and stability. In Classical Tai Chi, the turning move is carried out at the waist using the power of the abdomen and back, while the pelvis and the legs essentially are not moving, providing a stable framework and grounding. When this move is done correctly, a strong internal energy flow in the waist region can be felt. This move is classified as a half-body body, upper half vs. lower half. The upper body is yang (moving), while the lower body is yin (not moving). The yin-yang junction is at the waist.

 

For the beginner, the difficulty lies in the mental discipline in which all attention has to be concentrated on the core region. Any attention on the shoulder and the turning move will be partially initiated from the shoulder. One can see whether or not the shoulder is involved by making the move in front of a mirror. When done correctly, there should be no sensation feedback from the shoulder and arm. The yang part of the body, i.e., upper chest, shoulder, and arm, is relaxed, just following the movement of the waist. 

On the other hand, the yin part of the body has some complex, small, and powerful moves. The portion of the core just above the pelvis, together with the buttocks, exerts a counter-twist to keep the pelvis stable.

In other words, the upper abdominal muscle turns in one direction, carrying the yang part of the body, while the lower abdominal muscle turns slightly in the other direction to stabilize the pelvis.

 

“Qi”? ; “What Qi”?

Qi and internal energy video

 We can all pretty much make large circular movements using arms and legs.  Infants and kids can do it very well, with no Tai Chi. It does not endow you with the skills necessary to reach many angles of movement however. 

Classical Tai Chi is a small frame/small circle Tai Chi. The mechanics of a small circular movement shows one can reach every angle and reach it faster. An analogy that appeals to me is of putting a Porsche engine in a BMW. It is because of those smaller circles of internal moves and the establishment of neural/energy pathways. 

The question a long ago teacher, also a Tai Chi teacher/Mechanical Engineer in the “70’s” asked rhetorically is: "Qi? What Qi?" Master Hwa, a Chemical Engineer, with excellent mechanical understanding and the patents to show it told me about Qi or the lack thereof. If one has no energy/neural pathway established by physical internal discipline, there is no Qi. 

As a student of the last 20+ years, I know from Tuishou (private push hands) with Master Stephen Hwa that he can move in 3 dimensions, reaching all angles. Smaller circles mean being able to push along the x, y, and z-axis. I never got that in 20 years previous Tai Chi. I can assure any martial artist that working with his Neigong (internal work) lessons ensures you get Neijin (internal energy) so that “internal work/discipline = Internal energy ." A bonus is that your internal physical movements get smaller, "tighter," and smaller circles can cover all angles, which is not available with the large movement of external training.

What's your strategy to counter other martial arts?

 Classical Tai Chi comparison to other martial arts Video

 

I concern myself with "cutting" or "lengthening" my own line rather than comparing it  with "others"!

With Master Hwa!  This was very powerful and one I like to do for myself!

Before I met Master Hwa, I was a disciple of the Wu Family and yes, they are really good with Tai Chi as a martial art.
 

 

"What is your strategy to counter other martial arts?"

 

Is Tai Chi a martial art or not?

 

While tai chi is acknowledged as a martial art by those who have done their homework, its perception on the internet as a form of self-defense is often overshadowed by its reputation as a health and wellness practice. That may well be a question with no answer because martial applications are endless in number. So,these are non-rhetorical questions that you need to ask and answer for yourself.  

 

First of all, how good is your Tai Chi, how much do you practice, do you have practice partners or are you confined to Form practice, etc.?

 

What specific qualities or techniques in Tai Chi contribute to its effectiveness in martial applications? 

 

How do individual skill level and training differences impact the comparison between Tai Chi and other martial arts? 

 

In what ways could Tai Chi practitioners develop strategies to counteract other martial arts styles effectively?

 

"How can such a soft, slow-moving Tai Chi Form be preparation for martial arts?". 

 

I guess some people missed this chapter in Master Hwa's book, for he says this and then explains.  At about 4:30 of the video, we hear even a long-time student repeat the same, refrain:  "How does Tai Chi fare against Brazilian JiuJitsu?". You can listen to the refrain echoed in what seems like a thousand YouTube videos; in those same videos, you will sometimes hear the fighting capability of the individual asking the question. 

 

 

Speaking only for myself, I have never been bothered by this question; there are far more essential questions I ask of Master Hwa.  I flew to Florida over the weekend of May 11, 2013 (the Jet Blue tickets were my birthday present from my wife Barbara) and spent a great, long weekend visiting with my teacher, Master Stephen Hwa, and Eva.

 

After I wrote thank you emails, I sent a handwritten card of thanks to Master Hwa and Eva for their generosity and hospitality.  While I was there, he would come to the apartment at least 2 times a day and spend hours with me on my form; one might say I lived with him.  We ate all our meals and walked together; the training went nonstop. I asked questions about my form, and he never wavered in giving answers.   I had hour after hour to question and do my form for him.  I never thought of saying: "How does Tai Chi fare against (insert your  martial art)?" 

 

It may be because I finally realize that in my heart, there is no end to it, and more importantly, I cannot put an end to it, for it truly is endless.  How do people miss hearing him say: "There are no winning strategies, applications, etc. (insert your martial art), there are only winning executions of those strategies, applications, etc."? Listen to  4:30 of the above video in response to: "How does Tai Chi fare against Brazilian JiuJitsu"?   

Master Hwa: "You know this is all individual. We practice the form and can reach a particular stage called Mastery. You know you can learn and do the form so that every move is internal, that you don't have to think (about what comes next). You know, at that stage, you are mastering the form, BUT with martial arts application, there will be no mastery.  With martial arts applications, there is endless improvement.  So it's harder to compare one to the other.  "

 

 

"When the first Tai Chi master went to Beijing, most Tai Chi was in the countryside, and people didn't know that much. So he went to Beijing, where he liked challenging people and beating up everybody. So he went to one master there and wanted to challenge him, "Oh, I know you are better than me now," the master said.  The challenger said, "Please, let's just do some". He just wanted to try it out on other martial artists.  Sincerely, he begged the guy not just to build the name. "Let's do something"

"So in that sense, at that time, he beat up everybody; there is no other martial art that can beat him; certainly, at that time, consider your knowledge; that is another thing people do not know about Tai Chi. So people may not have developed a way to counteract it."

 

 

"Now, if you know Tai Chi, like in the fight between Wu Gong Yi and the other guy. Now, both sides know each other's art very well.  Now, I'm sure they both develop a strategy to counteract the other guy's strength. Now, the other guy, if you watch the fight video (click here for LINK). Now I know (pointing to me) you watch it many times, you find (the other guy, an "external" White Crane martial art) he changed the way; in other words, he doesn't use momentum, body momentum at all. He knows Tai Chi is good for counteracting momentum and body momentum. Body momentum is what Tai Chi is good at defending against.  And he just chopped away, using his arms, so there is no body momentum. There was just a flurry of arms without body momentum. Indeed, in that way, he cannot develop all the power. At least he tried to avoid being thrown by the Tai Chi. If Wu Gong Yi is not using Tai Chi, you cannot blame him because he is not using body momentum. 

 

 

So, at that time (and even on YouTube), people said Wu was not using Tai Chi.  He does not use Tai Chi, so he has to block it every time.  So he uses this (on the side of the hand)  and hits him (on the arms) after a while.  So, after a while, the guy's arms got tired because the muscle got hit.  So he went in and hit his nose (he walked into Wu's blocks, and his nose started bleeding profusely).  You cannot blame him for not using Tai Chi because the other guy does not use body momentum (he moves, I move; if he does not move, I do not move).  So the guy did this with his arms, and Wu did this to block him and block his chops. One of his hands he cannot raise or something."