Sunday, November 3, 2024

The Yielding in Sit Back

Yielding Sit Back Video Link 



When I “Take the opponent higher” I sit back but there is a “tilt”.


I am in “sit back” and yielding” in response to Master Hwas forward motion


Classical Tai Chi Yielding

In Classical Tai Chi, the “sit back” movement is a crucial “Form” aspect, found in and integral to every posture. It involves a subtle yet profound contraction of the abdomen, pulling backward with the rear leg and yielding the body, thus allowing for the transmission of internal energy. 

Key Principles

. Softness: The sit back movement requires a soft and relaxed quality in the joints, particularly the pelvis and knees. This softness in “Yielding” enables the body to absorb and redirect external forces, rather than resisting them.

. Weight Transfer: As the body “sits back,” the weight is transferred from the front leg to the back leg, creating a sense of sinking and relaxation. This weight transfer allows for a more efficient distribution of energy and a deeper connection to the ground.

. Core Engagement: The core muscles, including the abdominals and lower back, engage to support the body’s movement and maintain proper alignment. This engagement helps to generate internal power and stability.

. Body Alignment: The alignment of the body is critical in the sit back movement. The shoulders, hips, and ankles should be in a straight line, with the weight appropriately Yielding/Sit Back Video Link distributed between both legs. This alignment enables the free flow of energy and prevents unnecessary tension.

Practice Tips

  • Start by practicing the sit back movement in isolation, focusing on the subtle yielding of the joints and the transfer of weight.
  • As you integrate the movement into the larger form, pay attention to your core engagement and body alignment.
  • Practice slowly and deliberately, allowing yourself to fully relax into the movement and feel the energy flow through your body.

By mastering the “sit back” movement of Classical Tai Chi, practitioners can develop a deeper understanding of internal energy and its application in the form. This movement serves as a foundation for the development of internal power, balance, and coordination, ultimately leading to a more refined and effective practice.


Monday, October 28, 2024

Tangents (aka for direction & points of attack) are important in Square Form


Classical Tai Chi Square Form Tangent Video Link


In the Classical Tai Chi Square form, tangents refer to the points where the movement’s straight lines or angles intersect with the curved paths of the form. These tangential points mark changes in direction, where the practitioner transitions from one movement to another.


According to Master Stephen HWA, in his YouTube video on TAI CHI SQUARE & ROUND FORM, these tangents are crucial in understanding the Classical Tai Chi Square form. He emphasizes that the end of each straight line or angle is not just a physical endpoint but a point where the movement’s trajectory intersects with the curved path, creating a subtle yet significant shift in direction.


In Classical Tai Chi Square Form, tangents refer to specific movements where the practitioner’s body parts (arms, legs, or torso) intersect or touch each other, creating a dynamic, attacking-oriented pattern. These tangents serve as a means to generate power, redirect energy, and execute effective attacks.



Key Characteristics:

  • Pausing at end points: Tangents in the  Square Form involve pausing at the end of each movement to ensure proper posture and preparation for the next action. This pause allows for a brief moment of “attack readiness.”


This concept is reflected in the 108-posture Classical Tai Chi Square form, where the practitioner must integrate these tangential points to maintain the form’s fluidity and harmony. The instructional videos by Classical Tai Chi offer guidance on mastering this intricate aspect of the form.


Every movement in the Square Form has a clear starting and ending point. The movement between these two points is usually in a straight line and done very crisply and resolutely. Directional changes are typically 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 an end. Instead, it is incorporated into the movement as a smooth curvature. Also, the movement in the Round Form, instead of being crisp and resolute, should be deliberate and thoughtful. 


People are often surprised at the direct opposite requirement between the Square and Round Form. This is not unique; just think about how you learned the art of calligraphy or, for many “old timers,” how to handwrite. You first learned how to write in print form. Then, you realize the cursive form. These two writing forms are analogous to the differences between the two Taiji Forms.


By acknowledging and incorporating these tangents, practitioners can refine their technique, enhance their understanding of the form, and cultivate a deeper connection with the art of Classical Tai Chi.

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

What is Small Circle Martial Art Taijiquan

Video of Small Circle Explanation  


Import of Martial Intent



Classical Tai Chi in Martial Arts

Stephen Hwa, a 2nd generation disciple of legendary Tai Chi Master Wu Chien Chuan, has dedicated his life to mastering and teaching Classical Tai Chi. In the martial arts context, his approach focuses on the internal dynamics and principles of Wu Style Tai Chi, emphasizing the development of internal energy and discipline.

Key Features:

  1. Small Circle (Small Frame) Tai Chi Form: Master Hwa was fortunate to learn this advanced form, where every movement originates from the body's core. This form is characterized by subtle, precise movements that generate internal power.
  2. Internal Discipline: Master Hwa’s teaching methodology emphasizes the development of Internal Discipline, which is essential for achieving accurate martial arts applications and health benefits. This discipline involves coordinating movements with the body’s natural energy flow, cultivating awareness, and integrating the arms and legs with the core.
  3. Martial Arts Applications: Master Hwa’s online courses and teachings focus on the martial arts aspects of Tai Chi, highlighting the effective use of internal energy and discipline in complex movements for sports and combat applications.
  4. Scientific Approach: As a PhD in Engineering, Stephen Hwa has applied his scientific background to deconstruct Tai Chi, creating new teaching methods to overcome learning obstacles and make the art more accessible to a wider audience.
  5. Incorporating Wu Style Principles: Master Hwa’s teachings are rooted in the Wu Style Tai Chi tradition, emphasizing the importance of proper body posture, Fajin (generating power), Qi Gong (energy cultivation), and Silk Reeling exercises.

Notable Resources:

  1. Book: “Uncovering the Treasure: Classical Tai Chi’s Path to Internal Energy & Health” by Stephen Hwa, PhD
  2. Online Courses: Master Hwa’s online courses include “Health and Strength with Tai Chi” and “Martial Arts Applications with Small Circle Tai Chi.”
  3. DVD Series: Classical Tai Chi DVD series featuring Master Hwa’s teachings on Small Circle Tai Chi Form and Internal Discipline

By studying Classical Tai Chi with Stephen Hwa, practitioners can gain a deeper understanding of the martial arts aspects of Tai Chi, develop internal energy and discipline, and cultivate effective techniques for sports and combat .

Thursday, October 17, 2024

An O.T. on CTC Benefits

Teaching students with potential 



𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐓𝐂 𝐉𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐠𝐞𝐫 O.T. 𝐏𝐡. 𝐃.


𝟏. 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐢 𝐂𝐡𝐢 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲. 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐓𝐂’𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫, 𝐈 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐓𝐂’𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲. 


𝟐. 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐓𝐂, 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲, 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬. 𝐂𝐓𝐂 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝-𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲-𝐭𝐨-𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞. 


𝟑. 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐩 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐓𝐂 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭. 𝐀𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧, 𝐬𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐂𝐓𝐂 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲, 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐞. 


𝟒. 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐢𝐟𝐮 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐓𝐂. 𝐒𝐢𝐟𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭. 𝐇𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐓𝐂, 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐟 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. 𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐒𝐢𝐟𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡. 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐭. 


𝟓. 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐓𝐂 𝐝𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞. 𝐀𝐬 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐭, 𝐈 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐓𝐂 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐒𝐢𝐟𝐮 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭. 


𝟔. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐓𝐂 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲, 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐓𝐂 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧.


𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐰𝐚 𝐏𝐡.𝐃. 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐉𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐡. 𝐃.  𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Your Opinion is just that...an opinion!

New Student Square Form 





Jim Roach said: “I’ve been studying Tai Chi for 50 years, and I don’t know enough about it. The problem with opinions in Tai Chi is that they are like that part of the body that we all sit on! Everyone has one in Tai Chi, but butt causes problems when proffered by sticking out and not corrected.”

Did you hear the story of the young woman working for her Ph.D. in climate studies, modeling how ice caps move, etc? She said: "I don't have an opinion about climate change. I simply don't know enough about it." She was fed up with hearing opinions about things, especially from people who don't know... about most things. By saying it like this, she made sure that people would understand that if she, having studied all this for years, cannot have an opinion, other people surely also cannot know enough.

Monday, September 23, 2024

Slow Form, Small Circle Tai Chi

SLOW FORM, SMALL CIRCLE VIDEO



In the transcript of this video, Master Stephen Hwa said: “The difficulty of slowing down is that the movements and intention cannot have any break.” The word to describe this is “continuity” of movement, essential to promote internal energy and qi in the body. It is also interesting that he talks about the role of the practitioners back. Evidence of stretching and contraction on the back proves that internal energy and martial intention “Yi” is leading the movement.

I recall a World Tai Chi Day demonstration in Rochester, NY, in 2007. At that demonstration, our group of students demonstrated this slow form. There was very clear evidence of “stretching and contraction” on the back because our T-shirts were tucked in. Additionally, our group was facing away, and the large audience of people who watched could see our backs. As we did the form, Master Hwa pointed out this evidence to the audience.

Slower speeds: "Uncovering the Treasure, Classical Tai Chi's Path to Internal Energy and Health" on the Amazon website, p. 95: "When the playing speed slows, the movement's internal force level does not change. In other words, if you stop your internal movement midway, you will find that the internal force remains energized (it is almost like an isometric exercise). So, playing slowly gives you more time to sense and experiment with the details of the internal move. What is changing with slower speed is the slower circulation of the internal energy in the body. Eventually, one will have a diminished sense of circulating energy, or energy flow will become intermittent. That means the playing speed is too slow, which will probably happen when it is close to 20 minutes for the complete set."

Friday, September 13, 2024

Connect Internal Energy of Walking with Upper Body

 https://www.facebook.com/1793291045/posts/pfbid02ibSS5HsZMszXYb8FUVb51bFfcdceT8C4BhQVynsbws6D8jehjCNPcy7BqNe3NDzxl/?mibextid=cr9u03



I am very grateful to my teacher for his work in making this video.  Over the years of practice and training students, I have discovered a few other methods and observations that can be used for the training. Classical Tai Chi's introductory walk is done with the knees slightly bent and remaining so. When practicing the first lesson of Classical Tai Chi Walk, one should look at stretching the neck.  Students should also check that they are not watching the ground to see if their feet are correct.  Check the position of the feet in one of the exercise methods outlined below, wherein the student will stand in one spot. The position of the legs can also be checked in this “one spot” method, thus making sure that the thighs line up when the student sits back or the knee does not go over the front toe when the student leans to the front.  As the student progresses, they should find they are automatically stretching their heads up and looking forward.  This is an integral part of the “lean” forward posture where, unless checked, a student will watch their feet. When one “sits” back, the body should be vertical and perpendicular to the floor


As training progresses, the student will keep the body weight back when they are dropping the foot.  It is a sign of a perpetual beginner to have the body weight lurch when the foot takes a step. The foot pushes down until it is completely flat on the ground, then used to pull the body forward or back.  Until the foot plants firmly, the body does not move, so the body moves from one weight shift to another.  One wants to learn to recognize, then end, any rocking action with either lead foot as the weight shifts.  I show this “rocking” in my class by students pulling me by the arm AS my lead foot is being planted, then pulling me  AFTER my lead foot is planted.  This also holds for stepping backward and planting the foot by touching the heel to the floor first.  Eliminate the rocking action that occurs when stepping onto the ball of the foot. I will also have them do the same comparative movement.  They readily see the instability of rocking the foot as one shifts the weight vs. “planting” the foot.


Students who do the introductory walk for a while will not stand up when they lift their legs to take a step.  By “standing up,”  I mean that the weight-bearing leg does not flex and straighten itself.  This flexion will result in the student bobbing up and down as they walk.  Or what might be called a kind of duck walking.  To do the walk correctly, the bend of the standing knee will not change as you lift the other leg,  whether moving forward or backward.  I have my students lightly touch a wall as they move, so lightly that the fingers gently slide as they walk.  I tell them that if they are aware enough, they will feel the hand move up and down if the “standing” leg is bobbing up and down as they walk.  Another technique I recommend is to put a piece of tape on a mirror at the level of one’s head as one stands with one's knees bent. Students watch the top of their heads as they walk toward it.  Do not bob up and down, and keep looking forward while not watching the ground.  The top of the head should not rise above the tape as the student moves.


Another use for a wall, post, kitchen counter, etc.,   isolates the walking practice into a few basic walking steps.  The first advantage of this method is that one does not have to worry about balance.   In the beginning,  students will inevitably be overly concerned with balance and unable to concentrate on the natural movement.  Withholding on to the wall or post, at least the balance problem takes care of itself so one can give full attention to the actual practice and training of movement.   In the first step, planting the foot while holding the pole will make the body less likely to lurch forward.

Additionally, the student can check their posture in either lean or sit-back positions because they can take an extended pause without concern for maintaining balance.  Is the rear end tucked in, is the neck stretched up, is there a continuous stretch from the top of the head to the bottom of the heel, etc.?  In this one position, one should slowly and deliberately shift the weight from front to back while pausing to self-check each posture.


Another method for these exercises is to do numerous continuous walking steps while sliding the hand along a wall.  This method is slightly different from my teachers, which, as I iterated, involves holding support without moving the hand.  I teach students to practice various exercises while using both methods. The “holding” onto support is very useful for lessons that involve training core movement to move the body.  Students doing this can do many repetitions where they can contract the lower abdomen or tan tien area to move the body either front or back and shift the weight by pulling.  Eventually, one learns to feel the contractions of the abdomen engage the lower back, buttocks, legs, feet, etc.   I tell students who struggle with feeling the contractions to engage with other muscle groups to “pull” with the legs. Or, as Mike Fittipaldi, a teacher, put it, to “pull with the knee.”  That is how I started, as I gradually began to learn not only to contract the abdominal muscles but also to learn where they contract, how they feel, and how to engage the other parts of the body.


Another method I use for “core contraction” training is having students simply sit in a straight-back chair with one foot slightly in front of the other.  I then tell the student to contract the lower abdomen muscles while leaning the upper body slightly forward.  From the “lean” position, I then tell students to contact the lower abdomen while pulling the body back to a straight and perpendicular sitting position.  Like the “holding” onto support while one stands, this sitting in a chair method can generate many, many repetitions to train such core contractions and body movement.  The student thinks and feels what sensations are happening and looks for such things as engagement with the feet to coincide with the pulling action. One can also gradually learn to detect engaged muscle groups such as the back, buttocks, etc. 


Another component or method for training the walking is to hold the support, take a couple of steps forward or backward, and pause at each juncture.  At each “pause,” it is essential to check the head is stretched up and stretched from the top of the head to the bottom of the heel.  However, an additional check is made on how well the rear end is “tucked” in with both the forward lean and sit-back postures.  For the forward lean, one still has to try and tuck in the buttocks.  For the sit-back posture, one must tuck in the buttocks.  In the lean, of course, one will not fully tuck under the buttocks as much as one can when sitting back.  I frequently point out to beginners how important the tuck is.  To illustrate this, I have them move to touching a wall with the backs of their body.  With their legs straight and not bent, they see they can run their hand through the curve in their lower back between the back and wall.  Then, I have them bend the knees and tuck in the behind while feeling the same lower back area.  With their back to the walls, I can also have them practice the “one step” method of shifting the body repeatedly.  When they pull back, I urge them to see which part of the back will touch the wall first.  If the shoulders or even the head touches the wall first, the apparent correction is to tuck in the buttocks fully.  The lower back near the sacrum should touch the wall with no other portion of the back in contact. These types of additional practices, besides breaking down the various components of walking, thus enable students to practice the most difficult portions of the walking.

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Internal Power of Classical Tai Chi

 VIDEO LINK 

INTERNAL POWER VIDEO





Regarding Tai Chi, the best advice is not to do what’s easy; do what’s right! If you are wondering how the internal energy of classical tai chi is used as a power source, you should also visit Master Hwas Classical Tai Chi online course at Teachable.com. 

In his book "Uncovering the Treasure," Stephen Hwa quotes Jou Tsung Hwa.  From: "The Tao of  Tai Chi Chuan, The Second Stage".  "The hallmark of the second stage is using the torso method.  Torso method is characterized by the use of the body, specifically the waist and spine, to initiate and empower the movements of the arms and legs...Only those who reach this stage can truly be said to be practicing Tai Chi, yet these are few indeed."

Uncovering the Treasure

Classical Tai Chi's Path to Internal Energy & Health by Stephen Hwa


This video analyzes how classical tai chi utilizes the body to derive internal motion and power. Still, it also utilizes comparison and an understanding that internal energy comes from places in the body that most people are unaware of. 

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Learning at a workshop




Suggestions for improvement


Thanks for this workshop Master Hwa! 


I noticed a few things! A number of  students here turn from the shoulders, not the waist. They also do not droop the buttocks (Tuck)! Too much shoulder involvement of students coincides with excessive hip involvement 1. Tucking the pelvis better while standing prevents hip involvement 2. Or try sitting in a straight-backed chair; it holds hips still 3. Folding arms while sitting or standing contributes to "dropping shoulders" and facilitates not raising or turning from shoulders, improving just turning from the waist.

Friday, August 9, 2024

Wrung out

 https://www.classicaltaichi.com/internal-discipline.html



Quarter Body and More

It’s back to 2003. It’s just for a moment here as a long-time teacher and instructor, Sifu Bill Cranstoun, of this group, describes his learning experience:
I have been working with the classical tai chi tapes for two weeks. As a twenty-year practitioner of the Yang family style, I want to make the following comments:
Now, I am informed of the differences in moving the waist while the pelvis and hips remain still. I feel like a towel that is being wrung out, with the center of the wringing out dynamic in my abdomen. Also, I have never been instructed to pull from the leading foot. I was having a hard time with this until, in practicing the walk, I had the feeling at first in the backward walk that there was a suction force pulling me back, and it felt pretty effortless. It is taking some time to get used to, but my practice formerly was to play the form with a big step.
Now, I need to think of a new dynamic and remind myself to place my heel near the toes of the other foot. Amazingly, this small step produces such an excellent whole-body stretch. I am finding ways to practice the quarter-body movement repetitively in many situations, including my physical work, mainly in repetitive single tai chi moves.
I have never shown the difference between internal discipline and momentum. I am interested in the history of this form, not to prove its validity, which is borne out in the practice.
Thank you, Master Hwa, for the excellent instruction!
William C.
Response from Master Hwa:
Your method of practicing the quarter-body internal movement is right on. My class tells me they practice this single movement when driving, standing in line, or working.
The history of this form is well recorded up to the Yang family founder. There is a very
interesting article talking about large circle tai chi and small circle tai chi, and how Wu, my lineage, learned tai chi from the Yangs, http://www.wustyle.com.
Earlier history about the form passed down from the Chen to the Yang is not quite as clear.
The form I am teaching is an intermediate circle simply because, as I mentioned in the video, a small or compact form should not be taught to beginners. When one is proficient with the intermediate circle, one will be able to evolve into a small circle naturally.