Classical Tai Chi Blog: "Muscle Memory" means putting brains into muscle

Sunday, August 22, 2021

"Muscle Memory" means putting brains into muscle

"Square Form Manual", Stephen Hwa, Ph.D. , "J.R." James Roach, "Classical Tai Chi Forum Index", J. B. Milne "Wuji (無極) Positions & Zhan Zhuang (站桩) Applications".

                                    CLASSICAL TAI CHI IS A MIND/BODY DISCIPLINE  
                                HERE IS A MIND/BODY SKILL INSTRUCTION TO TRY 

                    IT'S ALL ABOUT A "MIND/BODY CONNECTION", NOTE THE WORD 
                                                       "CONNECTION"
                           (ALSO "MUSCLE MEMORY" IS A MISNOMER)

 I have heard the term “muscle memory” applied as a “rubber stamp” to the skills of Classical Tai Chi for years and it is misnomer, a disservice.  It is definitely true although that skills in Classical Tai Chi require the strengthening of certain muscles, namely core muscles, leg muscles, etc. The learning process and memorization of new skills occur almost exclusively in the brain and not in muscles. The term “neuroplasticity” comes to mind as there are changes well into older age that occur in the brain even altering the information the brain sends to the core muscles, etc., then “changes” the movements that are made.

As an excerpt from Joe Milne’s Wu Chi treatise states, it is extremely important not to rely on “muscle memory” aka “auto-pilot” when practicing….autopilot makes practice worthless. 

 "Sensing Practice - Wu-chi / Wu-Ji"
Before stepping the first step in your Classical Tai Chi walking practice let the concentration now center on the soles of the feet, upper body weight should flow evenly down the legs and spread out along the soles of the feet
 In the beginning, the weight might only be felt at the heel and points on the ball of the foot, behind the little & big toes
 From your standing position (Wu-chi), slowly lower your left knee moving your weight to the left foot (notice the upper body turns to the right)
 Return to Wu-chi, now try the right knee
 Return to Wu-chi, now square the shoulders, feel the weight move to the heels.
 Return to Wu-chi, slowly try to squat, most people, in the beginning, will feel the weight transfer either to the outer edges or inner edges of the feet.

 From Wu-chi, raise one or both arms, un-tuck the tailbone, move your eyes to the horizon, try any and all movements and notice the pressure changes on the soles of the feet, neck and the rest of the body parts.
 As we progress through the various position/postures of the Form practice remembering the even displacement of weight on the soles of the feet & the natural movements of the body becomes very important.

Let us relegate muscle memory to the learning of “external martial arts” or conventional “exercise” because they come with their own starting and finish lines. Internal discipline is internal, works from inside out and conveys many sensations of feeling good and well being