Videos Teach Internal Discipline Part 1

VIDEO FOR INTERNAL

You feel you only want a class and can't learn from videos? I am republishing this article, which was initially published in 2020, and which some consider the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

  I told Master Hwa in November 2020 that we both are the “poster child” for video learning and ultimate success. If someone is a “poster child” for a particular cause, characteristic, or activity, they are seen as a very good or typical example of it.  

I also address the benefits of video learning in this narrative: Master Stephen Hwa is showing "Yin/Yang pairing" in the photo, what moves and what does not move in the Square Form of "Cloud Hands". 

I decided to just stand and watch the students' attempts to exactly follow Master Stephen Hwa at the Buffalo State College Workshop in 2011. All of these students have some experience with learning, some 1 year, and some had 8 years of experience. Please allow me to reiterate my own experience with video learning. 

Before becoming one of the first "closed-door" and "disciple students," I learned from a VHS video of Wu's Style that I bought in Black Belt Magazine, 1980. Going to Toronto after that, once a week to study, and Eddie Wu told me I was the first he ever encountered who learned from video, and he said "...it was perfect, very smooth...". That is traditional teaching or what is called “outside in” but for “large circle” Tai Chi. 

As Master Stephen Hwa says in his YouTube video on learning "internal discipline": 

"Some people are hesitant to learn from a video; they prefer to go to class and stand behind the teacher to understand the movements. But that is actually the most inefficient way of learning. You are watching the teacher, and at the same time, you are trying to move. "

"Also, you only see large movements and neglect the minor ones, especially the footwork angles and positions. Footwork is the most important part of movement. In my videos, we always label the directions N, S, E, and W so that you can correctly see the angles of the movements. You also know that sometimes you have to turn your head to see the teacher, or sometimes you cannot see them because your back is in front of them. I have always included "back view" videos, which you follow as you stand behind the teacher. The front and side views are critical. In fact, my own teacher, Young Wabu, thought that way in every class. He wanted us to sit in classes and watch him play the form."

" I also want to say, just watching this kind of visual learning saved me, as I filmed him doing the form. It saved me because he lived in Hong Kong and occasionally visited Rochester, NY. Later in my business travels, I was away from Rochester and had little chance to see him." 

"All during that time, I could practice; however, the visual learning enabled me to remember his movements and words. Regarding learning and targeting specific form movements, the video is the most efficient way of learning. Here, you can go back and forth reviewing the steps repeatedly. With my YouTube videos, and my https://classical-tai-chi.teachable.com/ courses. 

Of course, the videos can change the "streaming speed" to half speed, and you can download the "teachable" videos to your own storage or USB drive. Really, what is essential about class and group learning is when you want to do a "push hands" inspired exercise. Learning the form is a private affair; one is constantly negotiating with oneself. This is especially true when you are a little bit advanced, so you should be aware that "Teachable" provides methods to communicate with the teacher that are quite streamlined."

“I have a YouTube video titled “How To Learn Internal Discipline of Small Circle Tai Chi" and it talks about the concept of " inside out vs outside in" . All traditional methods of teaching have been "outside in". 

Master Hwas video rings a certain chord with me every time I watch it. I have encountered many students who want internal discipline and do not see it is fundamentally incompatible with the idea of achieving its benefits without dedicated effort and hard work.

Another important fundamental to learning internal discipline is the “METHOD” that one uses to get it. 

PART 2 NEXT WEEK “METHOD”

Master Hwa’s video and discussion in Part 2

Fair question: What did you expect?

A Master Hwa Video

 That dexterity of torso!

What should we expect or what should we think as we begin to learn Classical Tai Chi?  It has been said that once we have read all the books, we are left with learning with our bodies.  Most students that I encounter, however, seem surprised to hear that they have to develop the dexterity of their torso. 

I have a suspicion that most people do not think of the torsos potential for dexterity. I think they believe Tai Chi should involve dexterity of the body, but specifically the extremities, and graceful movements of the hands and feet.  In fact, the definition of dexterity is  “skill and grace in physical movement, particularly of the hands”. 

It is a rare exception to see students who do not appear clumsy in using their torsos when they begin studying.  Even for those who persist beyond the first month, and even into the first couple of years of study, there is seemingly no respite from clumsiness.  

Yet, the mind may be rebelling, but both mind and body are reaping the benefit of the effort. It often proves fruitless to even explain what we are after by showing teacher precision in this regard.  Students have not yet managed to take charge of the nerves and muscles in the torso.  Students have not yet grasped what is moving, what is not moving, what should be moving, and what should not be moving in the core area of the body.  

I think an appropriate analogy here might be helpful: Imagine that you complain to the phone company, “I am not getting any phone calls.”  They check the lines and say, “All the lines are ok, perhaps no one is communicating with you by calling in, have you tried calling out?”.  Well, it is that way with our bodies; unless we work to establish communication with the nerves and muscles of the torso, we cannot expect it to “call in”  and say, “you could benefit from a neuromuscular tune-up” by some kind of default command and control process.  Instead, It takes a very active and persistent effort to establish communication with the torso on our part. Yet the practice is its own reward, and the cumulative rewards are great.   

As a caveat, when the torso starts communicating with us by default, it may be on the way to being too late.  The body may be developing problems or already be in a state of decrepitude.  It might be best for all of us to take advantage of the fact that our torsos are indeed dull and to use that lack of responsiveness as a signal that it is time to do something, rather than waiting for some disaster to happen. 

Students will frequently rationalize this, not accepting the fact that it takes some more time, and as a teacher, I hear things like: “This looks like belly dancing, I have some tapes that I will review”, “Oh, I have a DVD on how to develop 6 pack abs, I will look at that”, etc. This type of thinking is certainly typical of those who want a shortcut in.  Who would want to hear from the phone company, however, that a “shortcut” line may or may not work because of its shortness?

People may mistakenly expect Classical Tai Chi to be a showy or externally flashy practice, as the internal movements which are the core of the discipline, often appear small, unremarkable, and simple to uninitiated observers. This deceptive appearance can lead some to overlook its depth and value, preferring more overtly dramatic styles. Additionally, there is a common misconception that any movement performed with the right mental state qualifies as Tai Chi.

However Master Stephen

Hwa emphasizes that proper body mechanics, structure, and alignment are essential and cannot be overcome by mere intention or wishful thinking. The practice is not based on vague, ethereal concepts but on a logical, scientific, and rigorous framework where every movement is optimized for both martial application and health benefits.  The methodology outlined in his book, DVD, series, and online course https://classical-tai-chi.teachable.com/ is designed as a "learning program to develop such internal dexterity”!

Some may also expect the practice to be easily accessible or quick to master, but Master Hwa's method requires years of dedicated practice to fully develop internal discipline and experience its profound benefits.

CLASSICAL TAI CHI IS “FALSIFIABLE”

Yours truly, I am Jim Roach a 50 year practitioner and a 20+ year practitioner and certified teacher of Classical Tai Chi.   The billboard is also a tribute to my teacher who I credit with “…taking me higher…” in my learning.  “If your opponent goes high on you, take them higher”!

Classical Tai Chi “Falsifiable”

Science explains Yin & Yang  Video

Classical Tai Chi is considered falsifiable because it is presented as a system based on specific, observable principles of body mechanics, posture, and internal movement, rather than relying solely on metaphysical concepts that are not scientifically testable.

The claim that Classical Tai Chi is falsifiable stems from what Master Stephen Hwa wrote about its emphasis on a logical, rational, and scientific framework for practice, which contrasts extremely with what he described as the "ethereal language" prevalent in modern Tai Chi teaching. 

Falsifiable" means that any claim, hypothesis, or theory about Classical Tai chi can be proven false. That proof is done through an observation or experiment, making it a testable and potentially scientific statement.

Master Hwa states that the practice is based on a "logical structure with calculated, scientific reasoning behind it," where every element is optimized for martial application and health benefits and tightly coupled with other components. This approach is presented as a method that can be tested and verified through personal experience and observation, as he states, "I do, and (only then can I say) I understand."

In simple terms:

• A falsifiable statement can be shown to be wrong. 

It's not that the statements about Classical Tai Chi are “wrong” or false, but instead that there's a way to be: “…tested…verified through personal experience of students and their observation…”, to discover if the statements are wrong or false. 

The methodology outlined in his book, DVD, series, and online course https://classical-tai-chi.teachable.com/ is designed as a "learning program to develop such internal energy". It is presented as a system where practitioners can "gain benefits every step of the way". Focusing on specific, measurable aspects such as body posture, alignment, and integrating internal discipline into movements provides a basis for empirical testing. 

Master Hwas book which by the way has been submitted to the Los Angeles County Library System. “Uncovering the Treasure Classical Tai Chi's Path to Internal Energy & Health” at Amazon.com details specific movements like "Turning," "Folding," and "Lifting Leg," each with descriptions intended to allow readers to "duplicate the move to test its implications themselves." The emphasis on proper body mechanics to prevent joint problems and enhance energy flow suggests a system that can be evaluated for its physical outcomes.

Furthermore, Master Hwa's teaching is presented as a “small circle” of the Wu style lineage from Young Wabu, a student of Wu Chien Chuan, implying a historical and practical lineage that can be traced and verified. 

Students who have studied for decades have provided extensive feedback and found Master Hwa's explanations to be the most comprehensive and insightful. This supports the idea that Classical Wu Style Tai Chi effectiveness can be assessed through real-world application. 

Persistence gets it, Consistence keeps it!

 

Tai Chi Consistency 

 

 

 A Link to Consistent Teaching

 

A Link to YouTube Teaching 

 

The future belongs to the consistent.

Not the talented, not the lucky, 

but the one who shows up, even when it is hard.

Show up. 

Effort never betrays you.

Consistency in Classical Tai Chi practice every day is more important than the total time spent each day. Practicing for shorter periods regularly is more effective than having longer, infrequent sessions. The key to reaping the benefits of classical tai chi, especially in the early stages of study, is consistent and unhurried practice over time. 

I searched for activities that promote learning and development. Generally, it indicates that building a habit through consistent small actions leads to significant long-term results. Research suggests that establishing a lasting habit requires a commitment of around 60 days. 

  

This consistency helps form a habit, which in classical tai chi is crucial for mastering the classical tai chi "internal discipline" movements and experiencing the health and mental wellness benefits. The same consistency with the suggested commitment helps form habits for mastering classical tai chi Forms: Square, Round, and Left sides (mirror image). 

Establishing just a small but consistent practice can have profound effects. The emphasis here is that the act of regular practice is worth much more than the long durations of time in each practice session.

 

 

Consistency is a more critical factor than the amount of time spent when forming habits. When creating a habit, it has its roots in repeating a task over time. Consistent practice is the key to success.  While the total time invested matters, the regularity and reliability of the action lead to habit formation, as habits are not the result of genetics or random chance but are built through consistently repeating your work.  

 

 

Your consistent behavior may even have occasional lapses, but that will not stop your progress. What counts is that the ongoing effort plays a more significant role than simply sticking to your practice. You typically need to take approximately 10 weeks to adjust to your behavior, after which it requires minimal thinking.

 

 

This consistency creates momentum, making the action easier and transforming it from a struggle into a natural part of one's routine. When you are consistent, you develop the ability to achieve significant results from smaller actions. You are showing up consistently each day. That will work better than trying to spend hours at a time. Make it a point to spend at least 10 to 15 minutes dedicated to practice. That is way more effective than increasing the amount of time you spend.

 

 

Consistency is more effective than sporadic, lengthy practice because your muscles remember how much you understand. Anchor your practice to an existing routine, a cup of coffee, tea, or even a shower, to make it easier to establish. A helpful technique is habit stacking—attaching your tai chi practice to a subconscious routine you already perform, like going outside to get the newspaper. 

 

 

Remember, it's okay to have occasional missed days; the key is to avoid "zero days" by doing even a small activity related to tai chi, such as watching Master Stephen Hwa's Teachable.com lessons or YouTube videos, keeping your practice in gear. Love what you are doing, have patience, and view your practice as the first steps toward improving your skills.