Monday, June 29, 2020

What about "Tension and Relaxation"?

What about "Tension and Relaxation"?


The picture was taken in 2006 and the video (link)  was taken in 2020.  In the picture Master Stephen Hwa points out that one side of his arm is firm and the other side is relaxed.  You can see the student in a red shirt starting to tip from the pressure and firmness/tension of the top side of the arm.  You can see the other student touching underneath and on the bottom side of the arm to sense the softness/relaxation of the underside. Master Hwa is using "internal discipline" from the body core so that his strength comes from inside the body and affects the external, namely the arm.  

It is interesting that the arm "by definition is relaxed" even though the forearm exhibits "tension".  This is because the entire arm does not exhibit tension but only part while the other part remains without tension or "relaxed".  The arm presents "substantial/insubstantial", aka "Yin and Yang".  Even more interesting is what happens when arms make contact and the body core tenses up to provide power, leaving the arm relaxed.  The arm moves imperceptibly but the core movement is more noticeable in response to the push. One can say there is a "spike" of tension under external pressure and when the pressure is removed it returns to relaxed. 

"The topic of "energized" and "relaxed" has been touched upon before. A relaxed body and mind is the most commonly cited benefit of Tai Chi. Students spend countless hours trying to relax their shoulders, arm, face, breathing, etc. Therefore, the word "tension" is abhorred. The word "energized" used here is partly to avoid this stigma and partly to indicate that there is an active, transforming muscle tension for a specific purpose. The energy generated from this tension is called "jin" in Chinese. When an advanced practitioner plays the Form, there is a streak of active, transforming muscle tension circulating, zigzagging in an otherwise relaxed body giving rise to the sensation of stretching and energy flow."



Youtube video: Tension and Relaxation -Insight Into Small Circle (Frame) Tai Chi, Stephen Hwa, May 24, 2019, URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq6xubR83gI&t=500s


Text article:  Chapter 7, "Relaxing and Energizing", p. 89  

Uncovering The Treasure: Classical Tai Chi's Path to Internal Energy & Health Paperback – May 12, 2010



Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Mind-Body Connection ("sticking") and Cognitive Load

There is "sticking to the opponent" (connection to the opponent) in Tai Chi but why is it so important for the mind "sticking" (mind-body connecting)  to the solo movements of the body? Hint...it's more than you think. Students think I am thoughtlessly relentless in keeping them on track, but there are reasons that you probably have missed. You know it is not easy but don't you wonder why Master Stephen Hwa says Tai Chi is so enjoyable? My student Jason tells me he has tried meditation but never been able to do it for more than 20 seconds because it’s too boring and his mind wanders to more interesting aspects of his life. 

Even as a very long time practitioner, I still, fortunately, experience what is called "Cognitive Load" and it is that which prevents my mind from flitting around here and there. I have to get full concentration but I have no Master Stephen Hwa to see if I am not moving precisely. So I have to have a "sticky" mind and think precisely about body movement, every little detail. This "stickiness" (mind-body connection)  keeps me from thinking about stress such as COVID 19, health, and/or family conflicts. This cognitive load prevents my mind from wandering. "Calming the body sends signals to the brain that complement the re-appraisal that comes from not being able to think about stressful aspects of life. Tai Chi lowers stress by regulating emotions as well as by diverting thoughts" 

There is a more advanced stage that still has a "connection" and cognitive load but for the most part, works subconsciously.  This is called the "Evolvement of Mind". Beginners struggle to engage the mind and body with no clear goal for their Form training.  "The goal is to make ALL movements internal originating from the body core. The eventual goal for Form training is that during form playing, all movements are internal and are fully integrated with the limbs to achieve "using internal movement to direct external motion". Internal energy will circulate in the body continuously without break. At this stage, the advanced practitioner should be able to play the Form without thinking, entirely subconscious.
Also, one should be able to integrate internal moves into everyday life, naturally, without effort.

The mind-body relation starting from the intense struggle and engagement of the beginner's stage progresses to total disengagement. The mind is now free to enjoy the pleasurable sensation of stretching and energy circulation in the body during Form practice as if the mind belongs to an independent observer. This last state of mind is indistinguishable from motion-induced Qi Gong exercises. This is when Tai Chi and Qi Gong exercises become one."




References
Hwa, Stephen, May 12, 2012  Uncovering the Treasure, Tai Chi's Path to Internal Energy & Health
Thagard, P. 2020 Why does Tai Chi Feel Good Psychology Today
Huston, P., & McFarlane, B. (2016). Health benefits of tai chi: What is the evidence? Canadian Family Physician, 62(11), 881-890.
Wang, C., Bannuru, R., Ramel, J., Kupelnick, B., Scott, T., & Schmid, C. H. (2010). Tai Chi on psychological well-being: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Altern Med, 10, 23. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-10-23


Thursday, June 11, 2020

Student concern over "perpendicular" vs. "leaning" in Tai Chi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jwlgN4cJoY&feature=youtu.be

Viewing the link above: There is concern among students  over "perpendicular" vs. "leaning" while doing Tai Chi. Concern because of its bare-bones reasoning of not being able to defend oneself while leaning. Analysis of this video shows the reaction force effect of remaining "perpendicular" while applying force vs. "leaning". On the other hand, the video also shows "perpendicular" can be used effectively with "fajin that uses internal discipline". Master Hwa is perpendicular with a tight compact stance in the photo yet it is Tom Kostusiak that lurches back and there is no reaction force on the 50 lb. lighter and smaller Stephen Hwa. He is perpendicular in the video when he does "Cai" and yanks Tom, using internal discipline then he is going into a moving lean with the "reaction force" as ordinary force kicks in.

Thursday, June 4, 2020

Liked on YouTube: Single Whip Intent mp4

Single Whip Intent mp4
Single whip is a wonderful example of "martial intent" and how to use it with "internal discipline".
via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbMwpHKzC9U

Liked on YouTube: Importance of Martial Arts Intent In Tai-Chi Form Practice

Importance of Martial Arts Intent In Tai-Chi Form Practice
Internal Exercise for Power and Vitality course https://ift.tt/2zZwPsZ Small Circle Tai Chi Form course part I https://ift.tt/36ZiCIr For more info https://ift.tt/36WwzHk
via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZSbG5jkn6w