Insight or Fight

 

https://youtu.be/mZSbG5jkn6w Video

Tai Chi with Momentum vs. Classical Tai Chi with Internal Discipline

" Master Hwa, I have become impatient with the slowness of the learning curve regarding Classical Tai Chi for this reason alone: the forms playing do not seem to be leading to martial application, and there do not seem to be any partners out this way who know Classical Tai that I can practice.

I am enrolling in a Wing Chun class through a park district near my home. However, the Sifu was able to tag me in the face.”

There is more potential reasoning why people might quit Classical Tai Chi with internal discipline for Tai Chi that uses momentum to fight. It is not entirely due to “impatience and/or partners.” 

Students feel a lack of immediate gratification: Classical Tai Chi with internal discipline focuses on developing internal energy and subtle movements, which may not provide the same sense of immediate physical accomplishment or excitement as Tai Chi or other martial arts that use momentum to fight. Practitioners seeking a more dynamic and physically demanding practice might find Classical Tai Chi too slow-paced or subtle.

Incompatibility with martial arts goals: Tai Chi, or martial arts that use momentum to fight, is often geared towards developing combat skills and physical power. Classical Tai Chi with internal discipline, on the other hand, emphasizes internal energy development, relaxation, and subtle movement. Practitioners seeking a more martially oriented practice might find Classical Tai Chi too focused on internal growth and not enough on external physical technique.

Difficulty transitioning from external to internal movement: Classical Tai Chi with internal discipline requires a deep understanding of internal movement and energy transmission. Practitioners accustomed to using momentum and external force might struggle to transition to internal movement, finding it difficult to relax and generate power from their core.

Perception of lack of “fighting” effectiveness: Tai Chi, or a martial art that uses momentum to fight, is often designed to be more physically confrontational and aggressive. Practitioners prioritizing effectiveness in a physical confrontation might perceive classical Tai Chi with internal discipline as too gentle or ineffective in a real-world fighting scenario.

Inadequate instruction or guidance: Practitioners who switch from classical Tai Chi with internal discipline to Tai Chi or an external martial art that uses momentum to fight might do so because they also feel they lack proper instruction or guidance in internal movement and energy transmission. With “ the shoe on the other foot,” students also look for quick results. They might struggle to integrate internal movement into their practice without understanding internal discipline.

Misconceptions about classical Tai Chi: Some practitioners might quit Classical Tai Chi with internal discipline due to misconceptions about its effectiveness or relevance. They might believe that Classical Tai Chi is only for relaxation or health benefits rather than recognizing its potential as a martial art that develops internal power and energy.

Personal goals and preferences: Ultimately, individuals may switch from Classical Tai Chi with internal discipline to Tai Chi, or a martial art which uses momentum to fight due to personal preferences or goals. Some might prefer a more physically demanding or aggressive practice, while others might appreciate the subtlety and internal focus of Classical Tai Chi.

It’s essential to note that each individual’s experience and motivations are unique, and there may be other reasons why people quit Classical Tai Chi with internal discipline for Tai Chi or a martial art that uses momentum to fight.

Not because it’s easy, but because you thought it is easy!

But, you thought it was easy! Video Link

The young man asked, “Where are the people for this class”? I said, “They don’t want to do the work”! I love that non-escalating comment from my teacher, Master Stephen Hwa! 

“Why does Tai Chi have to be so hard”? The young woman said that in a class at Buffalo State University. My tongue-in-cheek thought was, “Would it be more straightforward if new students could leave their brains at the door to the Tai Chi studio”?  One thinks the intellect gets in the way and hinders learning Tai Chi. 

Students seek a way to attach their intellect and logical brain to each new movement rather than learning through the body. As a teacher, I think the brain gets confused as it cannot find a way to attach an experience or association of the movements to memory, so their minds fight them all the way to try and intellectualize what is being learned.  

Perhaps it might sound aloud like this: "I must find something to relate this to..... there is no way I am going into that body down there; I am the brains here..... oh, I haven't a clue; it's too difficult, so I'll give up".  

As beginners, students are usually stuck in their heads, and it's hard to change how we do things unless it fits the same groove we are used to.  In a sense there is a logic and rationale to not shut off but “turn down the volume” on beginner's critical thinking which is the left brain.

Whether they realize it, beginners pay the most attention to their hand movements, and as a teacher, I see it is evident. Watching their movement, I also see their heads turn so the hands can be seen. This is a DISCONNECT from their body. Faithful Classical Tai Chi must come from the core. Their eyes follow their hand postures, and they become disconnected from the body. Accurate Classical Tai Chi movements must instead come from the core, which drives the moves of the limbs. 

Classical Tai Chi is a complex movement practice. There is no route to quick learning and no shortcuts to take.  It's impossible to learn through intellectualizing the moves; you need to move the body repeatedly. There is no perfection to aim for; ask Master Stephen Hwa, who has been practicing for 50 years and says “…I am still learning…”.   

 

The young man asked:

 “Where are the people for this class”? 

I said: “They don’t want to do the work”!

There are many layers to unfold and practice; this all takes diligence, time, and patience. There is no rush. Your Tai Chi should be an enjoyable, rejuvenating, and meditative experience.  The journey is endless; we don't worry about reaching the mountain summit as the journey is much more fun.

 

An Engineer is an ideal teacher of Classical Tai Chi

The science of Yin and Yang 

 

Interestingly, a 3-year tai chi student of another Tai Chi Style (Yang slow style) with a background in research gave such relevant commentary on Master Stephen Hwa in an Amazon book review. He was speaking about the book "Uncovering the Treasure" that Master Hwa wrote. By relevant, I mean he said, "...It reflects the author's engineering background...";

"... the book's solid conceptual framework should help clear some of the fog that seems to arise around tai chi chuan occasionally..."; "... Thank you, Dr. Hwa, for a scholarly and practical guide...".

 

 

He has never discussed it with me, but as an engineer, I am sure his analytical and problem-solving skills apply to Tai Chi. I know as a student I have been on numerous "buggy rides" of so called tai chi over many years.  I really appreciate his scientific approach. On the other hand, he noted in the book that he also liked the "...scientific approach..." that his teacher, Grandmaster Young Wabu, had. "...I was attracted to Young's teaching not only for its impact on my body's well-being but also for the logical, rational, and scientific approach...".

 

The book "Uncovering the Treasure" p. III,Introduction: 

"At first glance, it is very complex. Still, gradually, it becomes simpler because every element in it, no matter how minor, follows specific rules, forming a logical structure with calculated, scientific reasoning behind it. Every element is optimized toward two objectives: martial arts applications and health benefits. As a result, every aspect is tightly coupled with other components, even though they may appear unrelated."

 

• Related to the above paragraph, Master Hwa has taken a systematic approach to learning and teaching: Engineers are accustomed to breaking down complex systems into manageable components and understanding how they interact. Classical Tai Chi's emphasis on precise movement, structural integrity, and internal discipline can be seen as a system of interconnected elements, where each part influences the others. By applying an engineer's analytical mindset, one can better understand and optimize the relationships between these components.
  
• Mechanics and Kinematics: Engineers are trained to analyze the mechanics and kinematics of physical systems. Classical Tai Chi's slow, controlled movements of both "Round and Square Forms", can be viewed as a study in applied mechanics. This is where the practitioner manipulates the body's core with internal discipline of movement to achieve balance, coordination, and fluid motion.
• Whether they realize it, beginners pay the most attention to their hand movements, and to this teacher, it is evident. Watching their movement, I also see their heads turn so the hands can be seen. This is a DISCONNECT from their body. Faithful Classical Tai Chi must come from the core. Their eyes follow their hand postures, and they become disconnected from the body. Accurate Classical Tai Chi movements must instead come from the core, which drives the moves of the limbs.

Tai Chi for Depression

https://taichibasics.com/tai-chi-for-depression/

Thinking How You Can Use Classical  Tai Chi or, as Master Hwa says:  "getting your emotions under control."

Classical Tai Chi can be our anchor while "the mind and emotions race on."

According to an excerpt (please read article at link above) from an article by Scott Prath, who teaches Chen Style in Austin, Texas: "One summer, I worked in the county hospital and came in Monday morning after the city's motorcycle rally. Needless to say, the ICU was packed. I had the distinct privilege of watching a man come out of a coma. He was in bed with a metal halo stabilizing his neck, his worried wife sitting next to him, and his leather biker jacket and chaps hanging on the wall. He erupted into the foulest swearing against his wife that you could ever imagine. It was so bad that a nurse took her outside and asked if she was in an abusive relationship and wanted information about the women's shelter. Meanwhile, he took off running down the hall in his Halo, with his catheter dragging along the ground and hanging down from under his gown! "

Jim Roach said: On the flip side, there was a time in my younger life when I wanted to work in the medical field. But this was after 4 years in the Marines, where, to put it simply, one is not taught how to fight but how to  Combat. After a happy, honorable discharge,  I took my first well-paying job, which was the soon-to-close Republic Steel. Then, it was a couple of years of working as an attendant on the graveyard shift for the now-closed Columbus Hospital.

I came in at 11:30 PM to a parking lot filled with police cars, and lo and behold, 2 Ambulances from my place of employment at Columbus Hospital. There was a gunfight that had occurred in the Hospital parking lot between two rival and violent motorcycle gangs. The President of one club ended up on a gurney, where I helped transport him into the ER. He was in a coma and headed for surgery because of the bullet in his abdomen.

I also had the "indistinct pleasure" of seeing him emerge from his Coma. However, I had also been in a potential kill-or-be-killed situation with a couple of the weeks before this. I "had one too many," some acquaintances lured me into attending a party at their clubhouse. One extremely skivvy biker yelled out that they were going to rape both men and women at the party. I proceeded to start, sticking my fingers into his eyes and attempting to rip out the eyes of a very stink-ridden biker. (Something they teach in the Marines to kill people). I was hit once and ran out of the door to the police station. I had an "axe to grind" with motorcycle gangs in general. 

There I was at the shooting and later with the President of the club. His worried girlfriend came in after the surgery, sitting next to him, and his leather biker jacket and chaps hanging on the wall. He also erupted into the foulest swearing against his girlfriend that you could ever imagine as he came out of his Coma. His "colors" were laden with Lice, and they began showing up on his bed and then into his body hair. With assistance from another attendant and Nurse, we shaved him entirely because of the recovering wound.

Here's where I distinguish between riding for riding for the hell of it, and, strangely enough, riding for Religion. In both cases and after the Coma, the bikers jumped out of bed and proceeded to run down the hospital corridor, yelling obscenities. In my case, his girlfriend made an incredible and loud complaint that we were disrespecting his filth and lice-laden jacket. He rode for "the hell of it" because he was more interested and coma-furious over his "colors" than getting well. In the case of the biker replete with Halo, he also took off running down the hall but wearing his Halo.

In both cases, their catheters dragged on the floor as they staggered. With the "Halo" guy, the Nurse called for security and described the violent patient who was fleeing. With Biker President, I was the security. Not much except obscenity was said by the girlfriend as I wrestled him back into bed. In the case of Scott Praths "Halo" guy, that's when the wife said: "Wait! You don't understand. He's a preacher! He rides for Jesus!"

My point, as well as Scott Prath's, is based on the example of emotional turmoil (that incredible anger in both men) after people come out of Coma. As a prime example, Coma "anger" is a human emotional reaction to things out of our control. It is said that anger is a phony emotion because its contents are held by fear, sadness, and hurt. After the anger, those guys had to recover from the bullets. While you may not be in motorcycle gang fights, you still can become aware of your fear, sadness, and hurt, aka, you got angry over something. Classical Tai Chi does not dispense with anger but makes you aware of it, focusing on the present. At least you can set your stage and opportunity to live through it.

Its a Tip to be Square

 

Master Hwa spoke at this New Year celebration and coined the analogy of calligraphy and Classical Tai Chi. 

 Of the numerous Tai Chi styles, there is only one that has a "round" form and a truly "square" (”fang”) form. With all its derivatives, the Classical Tai Chi Wu Style often surprises people with the opposite requirement between Square and Round. 

This is not unique, however:

“As has been said, think about how one learns the art of calligraphy.”

My experience with learning inkbrush Chinese calligraphy taught me how to write in print form (brush and ink, of course). Then, one learns the cursive form. These two writing forms are analogous to the differences between the two Tai Chi Forms.

Square Form is analogous to the block printing of (pinyin) Kai Style or "Kai Shu." The round form is analogous to the Tsao Style, "Tsao Shu/Cao Shu," or the cursive script.

In Square form, as in calligraphy, movements occur in relatively straight lines between points (start and end points of inflection). 

The Round form, with its curves, has curves going through those points. The Square is like a template for the round.

Master Hwa and I discussed this, and he said: “Jim, like the Calculus of mathematics, however, I would like to point out that the round form is like calculus, which integrates a tiny segment of a curved motion as a straight line to form the curved motion. Square form is like taking one of the essential tiny straight lines and expanding it into a linear movement. I guess the way of the universe is based on similar principles for everything, which appears to be unrelated.”

In Jou Tsung Hwa's book Tao of Tai Chi, I think he states that movement is like individual frames in a movie. Taken separately or even in two or three, it makes no sense, and one sees no motion. We only imagine motion when one puts all the frames together.

Regarding square form and perhaps to the critics: Although the principal purpose is to teach students to delineate yin and yang, there are many, many individual "points," "stops," "pauses," etc. As it was said, "changes of direction occur at those points." the more "points" are present in something such as a square form, the more capacity there is for those points to join and produce a round form. It would seem then that, much like the individual frames in a film, many make a fine product that gives us the illusion of motion.

If I only have 2 or 3 points, it would be hard to see the round if I join them with straight lines. If I put 10 points in that same situation and join them, one sees the round very clearly. As in the eight consecutive lines joining and changing direction in the I Ching diagram, one can draw the circle around those 8 points. It would also seem that lines joining like this form angles at the joints. Ideally, an excellent place to mount an attack would be at an angle or "tangent."

The points where one changes direction are called "Dingdian" or fixed inflection points. Those starting and ending points define the curved movement in the round form. Of course, nothing begins or ends in Tai Chi, like ocean waves and breathing; each has its peak and trough…sine waves come to mind. This considers the concept of "reversal, " a mainstay in the I Ching.

When learning calligraphy, I appreciated the stop-and-go of the strokes in Kai Shu. It allowed me to reflect on my stroke and prepare for the next movement. The square form of Tai Chi enables us to gather energy, align the joints, and strengthen the "points." I can prepare for the next move by gathering energy for the coming action. This is why the moves in the Square are resolute and appear abrupt.

Based on this, I would say that Tai Chi is not only very analogous to calligraphy but also very scientific. In light of Calculus, one can appreciate mathematics.

Thanks

James Roach

When I think of understanding the analogy “calligraphy and Tai Chi” the biography of the Chows is at this link. They were both outstanding artists, calligraphers, and Tai Chi teachers. They both learned from Wabu Young, who was my own teacher's teacher.

http://www.enlighteners.com/history.html#transcript

Teachers are professional

 

Misconceptions of students about Tai Chi as a Martial Art and Teacher’s Role

“You work for us, so why do what you say, like do this or don't do that”? 

“You can help new students; why should I?”

“I already know how to walk, so why Tai Chi Walk”? What would you do if I grabbed your arm like this”? “I already know this; you’re just repeating what I’ve read in books,”!

“I’ve seen better demonstrations online; why are you teaching it this way?” 

“I want your teacher to meet my teacher so we can get better Tai Chi”! “Don't you do warmups at least?”  “This is too slow,”,  “You’re not explaining it enough.” , “I have Youtube”! “My Wing Chun teacher said you don't hold your fist like that”! “Why would you teach someone for free”? “I teach Pilates, and we don't do things like that”! 

I would have almost preferred if the students who said these had intended it to be disrespectful. As prelude to seeing me in class and unsolicited, one of my teachers said, “…if people give you shit, knock them down…”! I have heard many more comments so I really would have considerable “knock them down” to do. Then there were the ones who attacked without warning, and the “knock them down” became a reality. Had they asked it as a question—“Don’t you work for us?” etc? I could at least explain the following, with you dear reader “reading between the lines”!

Imagine robbing a bank and telling police officers it is their job to prevent you from committing the crime in the first place. Imagine burning your own house to the ground and then telling a firefighter it’s their job to keep your home from becoming rubble and ash. Imagine you are involved in an accident, and when a paramedic comes to save your life, you tell them it was their job to prevent your injuries. It’s unthinkable. It is not done. 

Tai Chi teachers are martial arts teachers, or public servants?

Some students may not fully understand or respect Tai Chi as a martial art, viewing it as a mere exercise or relaxation technique. This misconception may be fueled by the art’s emphasis on slow movements, which can be misinterpreted as lacking martial efficacy.

Additionally, some students may not recognize the teacher’s role as a Sifu, Master, or instructor and instead perceive them as a public servant or someone providing a service. This lack of respect for the teacher’s expertise and authority can harm the learning process and lead to misunderstandings about the art.

Things Students Say to Disrespect Tai Chi Teachers

We have outlined specific examples of things students say to disrespect Tai Chi teachers. We can easily infer some possible comments based on disrespectful behavior toward teachers. Here are a few examples:

• Talking over the teacher while they are instructing
• Making sarcastic comments or jokes during class
• Refusing to follow instructions or ignoring the teacher’s corrections
• Making fun of the teacher’s accent or pronunciation 
• Disregarding traditional Tai Chi etiquette
• Questioning the teacher’s authority or expertise in Tai Chi
• Making comments that undermine the teacher’s instructions or methods
• Using a condescending tone or language when speaking to the teacher

It’s essential to note that disrespect can take many forms; these examples are not exhaustive. Like any other educators, Tai Chi teachers deserve respect and professionalism from their students.

YOUR WAIST IS NOT WHERE YOU THINK

VIDEO

 YOUR WAIST IS NOT WHERE YOU THINK

Waist-Hip Confusion in Tai Chi

Proprioception and the Misconception of Waist Movement in Classical Tai Chi

In the video said the Student “…I use my back…”, Master Hwa said  “…USE YOUR WAIST…”, “…DO NOT TURN THE HIP YOU WILL BE UNSTABLE…”, “…I SEE HE TURNS HIS HIP TOO MUCH, DESTABILIZING HIS STRUCTURE, WEAKENING HIS STRUCTURE…”. 

Jim Roach : As a teacher, I encounter Proprioceptive problems in every student I teach or have taught. A prime example: In Classical Tai Chi, many students often confuse the movement of the waist with the hips due to a lack of “proprioceptive” awareness. This awareness, or lack thereof, is also perennially lacking in many other areas of the body. Proprioception is the ability to sense the position and movement of one’s body or its parts without visual or auditory cues. In Tai Chi, proprioception is crucial in distinguishing between the waist and hips, as both regions are involved in movement.

While mentioning Tai Chi along with other disciplines it still makes a good point. According to Sandra Blakeslee’s book The Body Has a Mind of Its Own (co-authored with Matthew Blakeslee), proprioception is vital to bodily awareness. Blakeslee describes proprioception as “the sense of your body’s position and motion in space” (Blakeslee & Blakeslee, 2008). This internal sense allows us to perceive and understand the location and movement of our body parts without relying on visual or auditory cues.

The Waist (Yao) vs. Hips (Kua)

In Classical Tai Chi, “waist” (yao) refers explicitly to the lower back, including where the spine meets the pelvis. This region is responsible for generating power and movement in Tai Chi. In contrast, the hips (kua) are the joints that connect the femur to the pelvis.

Proprioceptive Confusion

When students focus on the hips instead of the waist, they may:

. Tightening the hip joints can lead to stiffness and restrict movement. This often leads to the body losing balance or even knee torque with subsequent shear forces and knee injury. 

. Compensate with the arms and legs rather than engaging the core and lower back. Practitioners collapse the arms too close to the body and can easily be pushed off balance. 

. Misdirect energy causes movements to feel forced or unnatural.

This confusion arises from a lack of proprioceptive awareness, making it difficult for students to distinguish between the subtle movements of the waist and hips. As a result, they may:

• Overemphasize hip rotation, neglecting the crucial role of the waist in generating power and movement. Students need to understand that legs using a pushing motion turn the hips. Classical Tai Chi is small circle, pulls the body using the legs, turns the waist and does not become subject to Proprioception pitfalls. 
• Fail to relax the lower back, leading to tension and stiffness.

Correcting Proprioceptive Awareness

To rectify this issue, students of Classical Tai Chi can focus on developing proprioceptive awareness by:

. Practicing slow, deliberate movements allows them to tune into the subtle sensations in their lower back and hips. Classical Tai Chi Square Form is ideal and Internal Discipline, turning the upper body, turning half body, quarter body movement is of great necessity. See Master Hwas Teachable.com Classical Tai Chi streamlined course. 

. Engaging the core and lower back rather than relying solely on hip movement.All of the methodology above is De riguer. 

. Relaxing the hip joints allows for smoother, more natural movement.The recommended methods enable this.

By cultivating proprioceptive awareness, students can better distinguish between the waist and hips, leading to more effective and efficient movement in classical Tai Chi.