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.

Walking causes extraneous head movement

 Daily Classical Tai Chi Walking

Ordinary vs. Classical Tai Chi lower body movement

When discussing ordinary walking, we note extraneous head movement rather than what happens with Classical Tai Chi Walking. People’s heads naturally bob up and down when ordinary walking due to a pendulum-like mechanism. This movement helps to reduce energy expenditure by allowing the head to oscillate in sync with the body’s stride. Research suggests that humans bob their heads about 0.5-1.5 cm (0.2-0.6 inches) with each step, primarily during flat walking.

In addition to energy conservation, head bobbing might contribute to gaze stabilization. As the body moves forward, the head bobs up and down to momentarily fixate the eyes on objects ahead, ensuring a stable visual perception.

Comparison to Other Bipedal Animals

Humans seem to have the most vertical head movement! While humans exhibit head bobbing while walking, other bipedal animals, such as birds, do not. Birds have a different gait and visual system, which may not require the same level of head stabilization. In fact, birds’ heads tend to move more laterally, perpendicular to their direction of motion, rather than vertically like humans'.

Evolutionary Adaptation

The human head-bobbing mechanism is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation to our unique bipedalism. Our relatively straight legs and upright posture require adjustments in our visual system and head movement to maintain stability and efficiency while walking. This adaptation allows humans to conserve energy and maintain clear vision while navigating their environment.

In Conclusion

When ordinary walking, people’s heads naturally bob up and down due to a pendulum-like mechanism. This mechanism helps reduce energy expenditure and stabilize gaze. This unique adaptation is a hallmark of human bipedalism and distinguishes us from other animals.

Classical Tai Chi Movement Principles

According to Master Stephen Hwa, classical Tai Chi emphasizes internal discipline, where movements are initiated from the internal core of the body rather than from the external parts. This approach enables the cultivation and mobilization of internal energy for health benefits and martial arts applications.

Pulling vs. Pushing

Classical Tai Chi uses " pulling " instead of “pushing” the body. This means that the movement is driven by the contraction of the core rather than by the external muscles. This approach helps to maintain balance and stability and prevents the head from bobbing up and down.

Core Contraction and Movement

In classical Tai Chi, movement is initiated by the contraction of the core. For example, when taking a step, the abdomen and back lift the pelvis, which in turn lifts the leg. The foot is then moved forward, and the pelvis is stretched downward until the foot is fully planted. This movement is internally driven, with the upper body remaining still.

Benefits of Internal Movement

The use of internal movement in classical Tai Chi offers several benefits, including improved health and well-being and enhanced martial arts and sports performance. This approach is demanding to learn, but the results are unparalleled.

Prepare to keep your shoulders down

Preparation to keep shoulders down Video 

 

 

Elbow Rotation in Tai Chi

In Classical Tai Chi, the elbows are crucial in maintaining proper alignment and preventing the shoulders from rising. As seen in Master Hwa's video, the elbows rotate downward in the first round form move, setting the foundation for subsequent movements. Elbow instruction in the Classical Tai Chi Square Form written instructions .pdf, in the first movement "Preparation Form."

 

Rotation of Elbows

The elbows' rotation in subsequent moves keeps the shoulders from rising. Rotation maintains a relaxed and downward orientation of the elbows, which helps keep the shoulders in a neutral position.

 

Importance of Elbow Alignment

Proper alignment of the elbows is essential in Classical Tai Chi, as it allows for the efficient transmission of internal energy and helps to maintain balance and stability. By keeping the elbows rotated downward, practitioners can avoid unnecessary tension in the shoulders and upper body, promoting a more relaxed and natural movement.

 

Shoulder Alignment in Tai Chi

Maintaining Relaxed Shoulders in Classical Tai Chi: A Crucial Aspect of Internal Discipline

In Classical Tai Chi, keeping the shoulders from rising is vital to Internal Discipline. This principle is rooted in the art's emphasis on using internal movements and power to direct and empower external movements. When the shoulders rise, it indicates a loss of internal control and a reliance on external strength, undermining the entire practice.

 

Why Relaxed Shoulders Matter

Rising shoulders can lead to:

1. Disconnection from the core: When the shoulders lift, the connection between the torso, arms, and legs is disrupted, causing the movement to become external and lacking internal power.
2. Loss of internal energy circulation: The shoulders' upward movement can block internal energy flow (qi) throughout the body, hindering the practice's intended health benefits and martial arts applications.
3. Inefficient movement: Elevated shoulders can lead to strained and inefficient movements, as the body compensates by engaging external muscles, rather than utilizing internal power and coordination.

 

Techniques for Maintaining Relaxed Shoulders

To cultivate Internal Discipline and keep the shoulders relaxed in Classical Tai Chi:

1. Focus on the core: Engage the abdominal and back muscles to generate internal power and movement, rather than relying on the shoulders.
2. Use gentle, subtle movements: Perform movements with a soft, relaxed quality, avoiding jerky or abrupt actions that might cause the shoulders to rise.
3. Integrate arms and legs: Coordinate the movement of arms and legs with the core, ensuring that the entire body works harmoniously.
4. Practice mindfulness and awareness: Pay attention to the shoulders and adjust your movements accordingly, maintaining a relaxed and connected posture.

 

By prioritizing relaxed shoulders and Internal Discipline, practitioners of Classical Tai Chi can develop a deeper understanding of the art, improve their overall technique, and experience the full range of benefits this practice has to offer.

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.

 Duncan Watts, a social scientist at the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg School for Communication. "People don’t actually respond to facts anyway. What people respond to are stories, narratives." 

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.