TELLTALE SIGNS

 TAO OF MARTIAL APPLICATIONS

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Tai Chi 13 Methods, aka 13 Postures, aka 8 Energies and 5 Steps aka 8 Gates etc.

CANNOT “STRUM” UNLESS USING FINGERS ALSO FOR A PARTICULAR KIND OF FAJIN IT REQUIRES PALM, BUT THERE ARE OTHER KINDS, FIST, ETC.

NOTICE MASTER HWA’S PALM NOT SIDE OF HIS HAND ON MY SHOULDER

NOTE: THERE ARE TELLTALE SIGNS IN THE PRACTICE METHODS OF MANY STUDENTS ; FORM,  PUSH HANDS THAT APPEAR TO REFUTE THESE METHODS!  I’LL ADDRESS ONLY ONE WHICH I FEEL IS QUITE IMPORTANT AND THAT IS HOW THE HANDS ARE USED! BELIEVE IT OR NOT YOUR “FORM” PRACTICE GREATLY IMPROVES THE “TACTILE ACUITY” OF YOUR HANDS. YOU CANNOT SENSE “TING JIN” IF YOU ARE TOUCHING AN OPPONENT CARELESSLY.  YOU KNOW YOU CAN PUSH A DOOR ETC. WITH THE SIDE OF YOUR ARM BUT AN OPPONENT COULD NEUTRALIZE THAT AND COME BACK ANGLED. THE PALM AND FINGERS HOWEVER CAN SENSE MUCH BETTER. HENCE THE SAYING OF A TEACHER IN PUSH HANDS “YOUR HANDS ARE NOT MEAT HOOKS SO DONT USE THEM THAT WAY”. I’LL CONTRIBUTE MORE SOON, THIS IS JUST AN APPETIZER. SEE BELOW:

Classical Tai Chi is based on many of the principles outlined in the Tai Chi Classics, which provide a framework for exploring both the energy cultivation aspects of Tai Chi and its martial arts applications. The 13 methods, or postures, are a core component of Tai Chi practice and consist of 8 energies and 5 steps.

The 8 energies, also known as the Eight Gates or Bā Mén (八門), are:

Peng Jin (Ward Off): This energy is associated with the Tai Chi’s essential power of flexibility and resilience, often seen as the first move in many Tai Chi forms.

Lu Jin (Roll Back): This energy is the reverse of Peng, involving pulling or rolling back against an opponent’s force.

Ji Jin (Press): This energy combines two forces as one, representing dexterity and adhering to an opponent.

An Jin (Push): This energy involves listening and pushing, often used in sinking and creating pull force.

Cai Jin (Pull Down): This energy is associated with the inward drawing of silk, often used in yielding and controlling an opponent’s strength.

Lie Jin (Split): This energy is used for expanding the body to compress back in for a strike.

Zhou Jin (Elbow): This energy involves turning and elbow striking.

Kao Jin (Body): This energy involves turning and body striking.

The 5 steps, or Wǔ Bù (五步), refer to the footwork of Tai Chi and are responsible for moving the body smoothly and with stability, balance, and “base.” They are:

Step Forward (Chin Pu): This step involves placing the front foot down on its heel and moving forward while maintaining balance.

Step Backward (Tui Pu): This step involves stepping backward with the toe first and carefully transferring weight to the backward-moving foot.

Turn Left: This step involves turning the body to the left while maintaining balance and stability.

Turn Right: This step involves turning the body to the right while maintaining balance and stability.

Central Equilibrium: This step involves maintaining balance and stability in the center, often seen as a neutral stance.

These 13 postures form the basis for all techniques in Tai Chi and are essential for practitioners to understand and master in order to achieve the health benefits, martial applications, and graceful movements associated with Tai Chi practice.