Why do people ignore the "Facts" of Classical Tai Chi?

The "Facts" as a discussion video link 

Learning Classical Tai Chi with Master Stephen Hwa: A Journey of Depth and Patience

Classical Tai Chi is a comprehensive and nuanced system that requires dedication and time to master. Master Hwa's approach emphasizes the underlying principles and internal discipline of Tai Chi, which can take time to understand and integrate fully.

Scientific Rationale

The underlying principles of Classical Tai Chi are rooted in Chinese philosophy and informed by an understanding of body mechanics, joint health, and energy transmission and generation in the body. Master Hwa's teachings emphasize the importance of logical thinking and scientific analysis in Tai Chi practice, departing from the often-used ethereal language used in modern Tai Chi instruction.

On a side note about oft-used ethereal language, Master Hwa often encounters "Doubting Thomas" and "Trolls" on his YouTube pages!

People who troll classical tai chi may do so due to their own insecurities and biases towards the practice. This behavior can be attributed to various factors, including:

• Insecurities and weaknesses: Trolls often target what they perceive as others' weaknesses and insecurities. In the case of classical tai chi, they may be reacting to their own feelings of inadequacy or insecurity about the practice. By mocking or belittling classical tai chi, they may attempt to deflect attention from their vulnerabilities, beliefs, misconceptions, and intolerance of facts.

Regarding "Facts", it is often difficult to persuade with facts because facts often fail to convince minds.

According to various studies and experts, the human mind is wired to resist changing its beliefs and opinions in the face of contradictory facts. This phenomenon is rooted in our evolutionary history, social interactions, and cognitive biases.

Key Facts Contributing to the Learning Process

. Internal Discipline: Master Hwa's teachings focus on developing internal energy and power, which demands a deep understanding of body mechanics, joint alignment, and energy transmission. This requires patience and consistent practice to develop the necessary awareness and control.

. Wu Style Tradition: Hwa's Classical Tai Chi lineage originates from Wu Chien Chuan, a renowned master of Wu-style Tai Chi. This tradition emphasizes the importance of proper body posture, alignment, and movement, which can take time to master.

. Multi-Dimensional Practice: Master Hwa's teachings incorporate various aspects of Tai Chi, including forms, Silk Reeling exercises, and martial arts applications. This multifaceted approach requires a willingness to learn and integrate different components over time.

. Personal Experience and Insight: Master Hwa's book, instructional videos, and online courses offer a unique blend of personal experience, insight, and practical guidance. While this makes the learning process more accessible, it also underscores the importance of individual practice and dedication.

Tips for Students

. Start with the Fundamentals: Focus on developing a solid foundation in the basic principles of Classical Tai Chi, such as body posture, alignment, and movement.

. Practice Consistently: Regular practice is essential for integrating the principles and developing internal energy and power.

. Be Patient: Learning Classical Tai Chi is a journey that requires time, effort, and patience. Don't rush the process; be gentle with yourself as you progress.

. Seek Guidance: Master Hwa's instructional materials and online resources provide information. Supplement your learning with guidance from a qualified instructor to deepen your understanding.

Conclusion

Classical Tai Chi is a rich, complex system that rewards dedication and patience. By understanding the key factors contributing to the learning process and following the tips for students, you can embark on a transformative journey that cultivates internal energy, improves health, and enhances your overall well-being.

Classical Tai Chi and BP are a serious matter

Grandmaster Young Wabu

 Master Stephen Hwa

Classical Tai Chi and Blood Pressure

Classical Tai Chi is a “Small Circle” style of Tai Chi that emphasizes the art's traditional and authentic methods. While there is limited information on Classical Tai Chi and blood pressure, we can draw insights from the broader research on Tai Chi and its effects on blood pressure. 

Sifu Jim Roach, a teacher of Classical Tai, relates an incident about using caution in the study and states that one should not stop taking blood pressure medication. A student of his stopped her medication on the days she attended class. The student said she “just wanted to see if it worked.” Jim Roach told her this was incredibly foolish and dangerous. The student did not continue her Tai Chi studies. 

Studies and Findings

Several studies have investigated the impact of Tai Chi on blood pressure, including:

. A systematic review of 26 studies found that Tai Chi reduced blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) in patients with and without cardiovascular conditions.

. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials concluded that Tai Chi exercise significantly lowered blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension.

. Another study found that Qigong and Tai Chi may effectively reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular risk factors. It should be noted that Master Stephen Hwa points out that classical tai chi is also a “movement Qigong.”

Potential Mechanisms

The mechanisms by which Tai Chi may lower blood pressure are not fully understood but may involve:

. Reduced stress and anxiety, which can contribute to hypertension.

. Improved cardiovascular function, including increased blood flow and reduced peripheral resistance.

. Enhanced nitric oxide production can help dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

. Increased parasympathetic activity, which can promote relaxation and reduce blood pressure.

Conclusion

While there is no specific research on Classical Tai Chi and blood pressure, the available evidence suggests that Tai Chi, in general, may be beneficial for lowering blood pressure. As a style of Tai Chi that emphasizes traditional methods,  Classical Tai Chi may also offer similar benefits. However, more research is needed to investigate the effects of this style on blood pressure specifically.

“Tilting” Time

 https://youtu.be/nht3O7vtFVU?si=TMD6vnTHLAXEEDN9

Tilted Time a way to practice

Time perception in Classical Tai Chi

Classical Tai Chi emphasizes slow movement, and it is linked to altered time perception. Research suggests that slowly moving the body can correspondingly slow our perception of time. This phenomenon is attributed to the neural connections between the brain, body, and senses.

Internal Discipline and Time Perception

Master Hwa’s approach to classical Tai Chi focuses on Internal Discipline, a unifying principle that integrates the body’s movements. This emphasis on internal awareness and coordination may be the major contributor to slowing time perception. As practitioners focus on subtle, slow movements, their brains' time processing may adapt, leading to a subjective experience of time dilation.

Mindfulness and Meditation

The mindful and meditative aspects of martial arts practices, including Tai Chi, have been researched and shown to have psychological benefits. The slow, deliberate movements in Classical Tai Chi induce a meditative state, influencing time perception. This mindfulness can lead to a greater sense of presence and reduced time passing.

Neural Connections and Time Perception

The neural mechanisms underlying time perception are complex and multifaceted. Research suggests that the brain’s internal clock interacts with other brain regions, including motor control and sensory processing. The slow movements in Classical Tai Chi engage these neural networks, influencing time perception and contributing to the subjective experience of “time dilation.”

Practical Applications

For those practicing Classical Tai Chi, the slow movements can be seen as a means to:

• Cultivate mindfulness and meditation
• Develop internal awareness and coordination
• Influence time perception and subjective experience
• Enhance overall well-being and physical fitness

By embracing the principles of Classical Tai Chi and slow movement, practitioners may experience a deeper connection to their body and a more profound sense of time and space.

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.

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.

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 .