Intuition? Not always…

In Classical Tai Chi (Wu Style Small Frame), one may intuit that all movements are internal whereas in fact they are external, yes that’s “intuition” for you. 

Contrary to this “intuition,” the small circle is counterintuitive. "Counter-Intuition" refers to the practice of Internal Discipline, where external movements are strictly prohibited if they do not originate from the body's core. 

Intuition? Not always video link!

Unlike many forms that focus on flowing arm movements, Classical Tai Chi methodology emphasizes that the limbs should remain relatively still or "engaged" while the torso does the work. 

Counter-Intuitive Principles

• Core Over Limbs: Standard intuition suggests using the shoulder muscles to move the arms; however, the Art teaches that the abdominal and back muscles must move the arms.
• Pulling, Not Pushing: While most people naturally push off the back foot to move forward, Classical Tai Chi requires using the front foot to pull the body forward by engaging the core.
• Stillness as Movement: The "Square Form" training method is designed to teach the student to keep most of the body perfectly still while moving only one specific part—a concept described as harder to master than the movement itself. 

Correct Body Structure

Classical Tai Chi structure is built on the interaction of Yin and Yang within the torso to generate internal power. 

• Internal Junctions: Every movement has a "junction" where a moving part (Yang) works against a stationary part (Yin). In authentic internal movement, this junction must reside in the torsorather than the joints (shoulders, hips, or knees).
• Quadrants of the Body: Movements often utilize only a "quarter" of the body (e.g., the upper-left quadrant) while the other three-quarters act as a solid supporting structure.
• Vertebral Folding: Instead of simple waist turning, the structure uses "folding along the vertebrae," where one side of the back folds in while the other remains stationary to create torque.
• Engaged Arms/Legs: Arms and shoulders must follow the core with minimal independent motion. Moving an arm independently is considered a "weak link" that disrupts the flow of internal energy.

Training Progression

1. Square Form: A "blueprint" for beginners that uses distinct, paused movements to ensure correct internal discipline without taking shortcuts.
2. Round Form: The continuous, fluid version where the pauses are removed, but the internal core-driven mechanics remain identical to the Square Form

Classical Tai Chi is "Non-Intuitive"

 

The psychology of practitioners who study a demanding, disciplined style like Classical Wu Style Tai Chi—which emphasizes Internal Discipline, structural integrity, and martial application—yet challenge their instructors, often stems from a combination of ego, incomplete understanding, and the unique challenges of learning complex, non-intuitive movements. 

 

Tao Te Ching also provides "Non-Intuitive" wisdom in Chapter 2.

When everyone in the world sees beauty,

Then ugly exists.

When everyone sees good,

Then bad exists.

 

Merriam-Webster Dictionary: "Non-intuitive" describes

something not easily understood, learned, or grasped through instinct or common sense, often requiring conscious effort or explanation. It indicates a lack of immediate clarity or self-explanation. Common synonyms include unintuitive, counterintuitive, complex, and subtle

Based on principles of martial arts psychology and the specific context of Classical Tai Chi, here is an analysis of that behavior:

 

1. The "Mid-Journey" Illusion of Knowledge

• False Confidence Phase: Studies of student progression show that after 1–2 years, students often develop a "false sense of understanding". They have mastered basic forms and feel confident, yet lack the depth to realize how much they don't know regarding Internal Discipline.
• Misinterpreting "Softness": Because Classical Tai Chi focuses on relaxation rather than brute strength, beginners may mistakenly believe that any application of force or structural alignment is "incorrect" or "not real Tai Chi," leading them to challenge instructors who are teaching the necessary structural conditioning. 

 

2. Defensiveness and Cognitive Dissonance

• Framework Mismatch: Students who have learned a different, perhaps "softer" or more dance-like version of Tai Chi often become defensive when confronted with a "classical," harder, or more martial approach. Challenging the teacher is a way to defend their previous, less effective training.
• Ego Defense: The process of learning Tai Chi requires relaxing and letting go of the ego. When a student's ego is tied to being "good" or "advanced," they may act out when corrected to protect their self-image, rather than embracing the "empty cup" mentality required for learning. 

 

3. Misalignment of Goals (Martial vs. Wellness)

• The Pursuit of "Magic": Classical Tai Chi emphasizes that internal energy  is generated through strict alignment and physical training, not magic. Students looking for an effortless or purely spiritual practice may argue with a teacher who forces them to do the difficult physical work required for real internal power.
• Disdain for Proper Structure: When a teacher emphasizes the precise mechanics required for martial application, a student focused only on light exercise may feel this is unnecessary or "wrong," which can lead to conflict. 

 

4. Psychological Barriers

• Self-Sabotage: When faced with the difficulty of training their bodies to move in new ways, students may sabotage their progress by arguing with the instructor to avoid the uncomfortable, humbling reality that they are not progressing as fast as they think.
• "Imposter Syndrome": Paradoxically, some students who argue do so because they are insecure and, once they feel the "deeper levels" of training, feel the need to argue to cover up their fear of not being able to achieve it. 

 

Stephen Hwa’s teaching emphasizes that true understanding requires strict adherence to internal principles over the long term. Those who tell teachers they "know better" often possess a "fixed mindset," believing their current, limited understanding is the pinnacle of the art.

Seeing the truth about knee use

Link The truth about knee use

 

“Seeing the truth is a gift”

Knee injuries do not happen only to older people.  

People often resist using logical principles, even when they get clear feedback and advice from experts. This is a big problem.

Over the past 50 years, I studied with five teachers. Four of those experiences were rough, and one led to chondromalacia patella, which means my knee cartilage softened. When I asked questions, I often got short or even unfriendly answers.

 

In 1978, sports doctors diagnosed my knee problem. They asked me to show what I was doing and warned, “…omigosh, that can get worse…”.  Some teachers never explained how to avoid injury. Only Master Stephen Hwa who is a noted Chemical Engineer, gave clear, science-based answers in simple, caring language. He became my fifth teacher 23 years ago. 

 

I once told him, '…I was reading about your accomplishments, and I saw what you did just with your patent for wiper blades. That alone tells me you understand the science regarding shear force and torque…'

 

Re. Engineers and knee injuries in Classical Tai Chi

An engineer, even without medical training, would likely understand knee torque and displacement. These ideas are based on mechanics and physics, which are central to engineering.

 

Here's why:

• Core Principles: Biomechanics is the study of how mechanical principles apply to living things. It uses engineering principles such as Newtonian mechanics, kinematics, and dynamics to understand the human body. Engineers learn these topics in their training. Education in physics, Newtonian mechanics, kinematics, and materials science provides a direct and powerful lens for analyzing biomechanics.
• Torque (rotational force) and displacement (change in position or angle) are basic ideas that engineers use all the time. Using these concepts to understand the knee is a natural step for them.
• Engineers use math, modeling, and problem-solving to study complex systems. These skills help them understand the forces and movements in the human body. They sometimes create computer models of the musculoskeletal system.
• Engineers may not know as much about anatomy or the body's healing process as doctors do, but they understand force and motion very well. That’s why engineers often team up with orthopedic surgeons for research, prosthetic design, and surgical planning.

Classical Tai Chi focuses on preventing knee injuries, which often happen because of poor technique or twisting. With more than 40 years of experience, Master Hwa teaches that doing Tai Chi correctly should make your knees stronger and healthier, not hurt them.

 

These are the main ideas and techniques for keeping your knees safe in this method:

Key Principles for Protecting Your Knees

• Move from the Waist: In Tai Chi, the twist should start at your waist, not your knee. Turning from the waist helps protect the meniscus from strain.
• Knee Alignment: Your knee should always line up with your toes. It should never drop or twist inward when you shift your weight.
• Proper Weight Transfer: Shift your weight smoothly, without rocking or bobbing. Otherwise, you might put too much pressure on your knees.
• Continuous Internal Movement: The movements should flow smoothly, which helps your joints move safely.
  
  

Martial is both relative & subjective

 Link to "Winning Execution of Applications"

 

“At  first  glance,  it  appears  to  be  very  complex,  but gradually  it  becomes  simpler  because  every  element in  it,  no  matter  how  minor  it  is,  follows  certain  rules and  these  rules form  a  logical structure  with  calculated, scientific reasoning behind it.  Every element  is  optimized toward  two  objectives; martial  art  applications and  health benefits.”

Excerpt From

"Uncovering the Treasure Tai Chi's Path to Internal Energy and Health"

link to sample of the book above

by Stephen Hwa  

 In the book it answers these questions which are also links:

 * What is meant by "internal energy" and what is the way to get it?
* How do all those types of "forms", (large,compact, square, etc.) fit into a learning program?
* What pieces am I missing in order to learn Tai Chi?
* How does the way I align myself contribute to gaining internal energy?
* Why are there seemingly so many rules to follow when learning this?
* Why does it seem so complex and difficult many times?
* If Tai Chi originated from martial artists, why is it what I see many times looks like dance?
* What in the world can I gain from doing Tai Chi?
* Are there any dangers in doing this, what should I cultivate, what should I avoid?
* Why does it take so long to learn?
* This art has no "belts" what distinguishes beginners from advanced?

The need to learn the martial aspects of  Classical Tai Chi is both  subjective and relative, depending largely on a practitioner’s personal goals, physical condition, and dedication to mastering the full, original intent of the art. While Master Hwa's teachings emphasize that the martial aspect is the foundation of the art’s health benefits, the "need" to train for combat is not universal. 

Here is a breakdown of why this need is subjective and relative:

1. Subjective Aspects (Personal Goals & Needs)

• Health vs. Combat: For many practitioners, the primary goal is improving balance, flexibility, and stress reduction (health), rather than fighting. In this context, the intense, sometimes higher-risk martial training may not be necessary.
•  
•  "Internal Power" vs. Fighting: Master Hwa emphasizes that understanding martial applications is necessary to unlock the full internal power (using the torso, rather than arms) needed for better health. Therefore, one might study martial arts subjectively to enhance personal energy and strength without ever intending to use them in a fight.
•  
• Mental Well-being: The martial aspects can be viewed as "metaphorical" or a way to cultivate discipline, focus, and emotional resilience. 

2. Relative Aspects (Context and Intensity)

• The "Small Circle" Method: Classical Tai Chi teaching of the "Small Circle" (or Small Frame) is rare, focusing on precise, advanced internal movements meant to preserve the art's original, highly efficient self-defense capabilities. The "need" to learn this depends on whether one seeks an authentic, traditional experience or a modernized, simplified version.
•  
• Individual Capability: The "need" for martial training varies by the individual’s physical capability and age. While martial Tai Chi is effective for self-defense, modern life seldom requires actual physical fighting.
•  
• The "Square Form" Necessity: Hwa teaches a "Square Form" for beginners to learn structure, which is vital for those intending to teach correctly, but less critical for casual practitioners. 

Why Study Classical Tai Chi Martial Aspects Anyway?

Master Hwa suggests that without understanding the martial roots, the Tai Chi form becomes just a "geriatric dance" and loses its depth. The "need" to learn the martial applications is, therefore, a desire for depth and authenticity, rather than an immediate need for self-defense.