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.