Master Stephen Hwa teaching “Fold the body like a book”. Inhibit one side of the body from moving while moving the other side. Master Hwa and Sifu Jim Roach in Rochester, NY.
Take away (inhibit) movement to gain movement (internal discipline) A video in which the “Folding” aka Half Body Movement is taught at 5:00!
Ms. E. Marie Koepsell, quoted from her publication “Learning the Internal Dynamics of Tai Chi,” states: “As a reference point for correct movement, Master Hwa uses the example of the movement of children, who use much more of their torso for initiating action. He says when children use their arms or legs, the motion originates from the torso, the most substantial part of the body.”
Core strength in children improves stability and balance, which are crucial for everyday activities and sports performance. A study published in the NIH database investigated the effects of core strength training on core stability in students, finding that after a 4-week training program, parameters of core stability improved, particularly in quiet sitting positions and sudden perturbation tasks.
Another study published in the NIH database explored the effect of core stability exercises on hand functions in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. The research demonstrated significant improvements in hand functions after incorporating core stability exercises into the treatment program.
Regarding “improvements in hand function…”Master Hwa has also said the arms and legs should be treated as appendages that must be taught to move in coordination with and under the direction of the torso. "As we start aging,” according to Master Hwa, "less and less of our movements come from the waist and back. We hold our middle stiffly, and more of our movements originate from the shoulders and the hip joints. This puts pressure on joints, and we lose strength and mobility. “
Repeating what Master Stephen Hwa said:
“…when children use their arms or legs, the motion originates from the torso, the most substantial part of the body…”! Physiology also says children’s movement development starts from the core of their body and progresses outward. This process is known as the “cephalocaudal pattern,” meaning that babies first develop control of their head and neck muscles and then gradually gain more control over their arms, legs, and other body parts as they grow.
The core muscles, including the abdominal and back muscles, are crucial for gross and fine motor skills. They provide stability and support for the spine, enabling children to maintain balance and posture. Strong core muscles are essential for walking, running, jumping, and sitting upright. Without a stable core, children may struggle with tasks that require fine motor skills, such as writing or cutting, because their energy is focused on maintaining balance.
One might then say learning Classical Tai Chi is like “…a return to childhood…”.
Such a “…return…” is more like sculpture, taking things away from movement to accomplish movement rather than adding more movement. This results in initiating movements from the body's internal core, such as the abdomen and back, rather than from the limbs. For example, when taking a step, the movement is driven internally from the abdomen and back, transmitted through the pelvis to the legs, rather than the foot moving independently.
This internal movement is characterized by the idea that a moving part of the body (yang) works against a stationary part (yin) that provides support and power for the move. This interaction between yin and yang is essential for achieving balance and vitality in Tai Chi practice. In classical Tai Chi, this process involves inhibiting certain movements to accomplish certain other movements. Inhibiting specific movements is a key aspect of the practice, particularly the concept of “internal discipline.”
Folding
The folding move involves one entire side of the body, arm, torso, and leg, moving as a unit. In the example shown in Video at 5:00, the right side of the body folds or unfolds by keeping the left side of the body stationary. The stationary part provides support, some power for the move, and grounding. The left side of the body is yin, and the right is yang. The yin-yang junction is at the spine. One can visualize the spine as a hinge, so each side of the body, like a door, can fold or unfold using that hinge. This is also a half-body move, right side vs. left. From 5;00 to end of the YouTube video
See Uncovering the Treasure by Stephen Hwa Ph.D at Amazon
P. 5.
Uncovering The Treasure: Classical Tai Chi's Path to Internal Energy & Health
This move in Tai Chi classics is described as
"upper and lower body following each other”
上下相隨
Another classical description is, " hand follows the foot, elbow follows the knee, and shoulder follow the hip". This is an important example of how to make a move but still keep each side of the body' alignment intact.
This move can be achieved only when the turning power comes from the waist and the entire back's muscles. If one uses the upper body power for this move, the lower body will not likely be able to follow upper body's move The left foot will likely be lagging behind the move to form a twisted structure on the left side of the body, greatly reducing the power of the move.
From 5;00 to end of the YouTube video, you can also observe the “Folding”effect on what is a “half body movement”. In fact he uses the term “Folding”. You hold one side still while moving the other side. You “inhibit” movement in order to do movement!
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