Martial is both relative & subjective

 Link to "Winning Execution of Applications"

 

“At  first  glance,  it  appears  to  be  very  complex,  but gradually  it  becomes  simpler  because  every  element in  it,  no  matter  how  minor  it  is,  follows  certain  rules and  these  rules form  a  logical structure  with  calculated, scientific reasoning behind it.  Every element  is  optimized toward  two  objectives; martial  art  applications and  health benefits.”

Excerpt From

"Uncovering the Treasure Tai Chi's Path to Internal Energy and Health"

link to sample of the book above

by Stephen Hwa  

 In the book it answers these questions which are also links:

 * What is meant by "internal energy" and what is the way to get it?
* How do all those types of "forms", (large,compact, square, etc.) fit into a learning program?
* What pieces am I missing in order to learn Tai Chi?
* How does the way I align myself contribute to gaining internal energy?
* Why are there seemingly so many rules to follow when learning this?
* Why does it seem so complex and difficult many times?
* If Tai Chi originated from martial artists, why is it what I see many times looks like dance?
* What in the world can I gain from doing Tai Chi?
* Are there any dangers in doing this, what should I cultivate, what should I avoid?
* Why does it take so long to learn?
* This art has no "belts" what distinguishes beginners from advanced?

The need to learn the martial aspects of  Classical Tai Chi is both  subjective and relative, depending largely on a practitioner’s personal goals, physical condition, and dedication to mastering the full, original intent of the art. While Master Hwa's teachings emphasize that the martial aspect is the foundation of the art’s health benefits, the "need" to train for combat is not universal. 

Here is a breakdown of why this need is subjective and relative:

1. Subjective Aspects (Personal Goals & Needs)

• Health vs. Combat: For many practitioners, the primary goal is improving balance, flexibility, and stress reduction (health), rather than fighting. In this context, the intense, sometimes higher-risk martial training may not be necessary.
•  
•  "Internal Power" vs. Fighting: Master Hwa emphasizes that understanding martial applications is necessary to unlock the full internal power (using the torso, rather than arms) needed for better health. Therefore, one might study martial arts subjectively to enhance personal energy and strength without ever intending to use them in a fight.
•  
• Mental Well-being: The martial aspects can be viewed as "metaphorical" or a way to cultivate discipline, focus, and emotional resilience. 

2. Relative Aspects (Context and Intensity)

• The "Small Circle" Method: Classical Tai Chi teaching of the "Small Circle" (or Small Frame) is rare, focusing on precise, advanced internal movements meant to preserve the art's original, highly efficient self-defense capabilities. The "need" to learn this depends on whether one seeks an authentic, traditional experience or a modernized, simplified version.
•  
• Individual Capability: The "need" for martial training varies by the individual’s physical capability and age. While martial Tai Chi is effective for self-defense, modern life seldom requires actual physical fighting.
•  
• The "Square Form" Necessity: Hwa teaches a "Square Form" for beginners to learn structure, which is vital for those intending to teach correctly, but less critical for casual practitioners. 

Why Study Classical Tai Chi Martial Aspects Anyway?

Master Hwa suggests that without understanding the martial roots, the Tai Chi form becomes just a "geriatric dance" and loses its depth. The "need" to learn the martial applications is, therefore, a desire for depth and authenticity, rather than an immediate need for self-defense. 

Lymph Fluid Necessity

Master Hwa’s “Internal”, Karate “External”

Internal Discipline Video

Hope you're having a great week!

I was diving into some medical info about Classical Tai Chi, and it really got me thinking about how cool and unique it is.  It, as you know, is built around the concept called "Internal Discipline," which is basically about moving from your body's core – your belly and back – rather than just pushing with your arms and legs. With that, it stands to reason that it's way better for your body's natural functions, especially your lymphatic system, compared to other Tai Chi styles that might focus more on big, sweeping movements.

Here’s why it seems particularly awesome for getting your lymph flowing:

* **Moving from Your Center:** Because you’re moving your torso and lower abdomen so much, it creates a natural "pumping" action. This helps push lymph through those important spots like your armpits, groin, and behind your knees – where all the major lymph nodes hang out.

* **Deep Breathing Magic:** It does not require concentrating on breathing, and one might say “it takes care of itself”.  Because of such attention to the core, however, the practice really emphasizes deep, slow breathing, which, as we say, takes care of itself. Core movement is not just for good breathing, relaxation, or martial expertise; it actually supports a key lymphatic reservoir near your abdomen and helps lymph travel efficiently up towards your heart.

* **Turning:** "Silk Reeling" and upper half body waist turns, gently squeeze/release your hips and core.

* **Relaxation:** Unlike some movements, one might say other martial arts where you might tense up, this style promotes super relaxed, connected movements. This means fewer cramped muscles, which can otherwise block up your lymphatic nodes. 

These are internal (within the body) mechanisms that ensure every movement boosts circulation. It is perfectly designed to boost your circulation. The whole idea of slow, intentional movement combined with breath and core engagement seems super effective for lymphatic drainage, especially in a gentle way like Classical Tai Chi.

So, from what I have experienced, Classical Tai Chi is specifically designed to maximize internal energy flow and physiological benefits, making it a fantastic choice for supporting the lymphatic system, possibly even more so than many other mainstream Tai Chi styles that may focus more on the external movement of limbs.

So "internal discipline" specifically boosts lymph node function? It would be great if there were any scientific studies out there that really back up Classical Tai Chi’s lymphatic benefits. Perhaps far-fetched, but another question is whether something like Classical Tai Chi could ever be a substitute for medical lymphatic therapy in some cases, or is it more of a complementary thing?

Just wanted to share this cool information and open some avenues for thought.

Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

Taekwondo at “Snails Pace”

The Square Form 

a video link

 I had a really interesting Taekwondo class some years ago that got me thinking deeply about movement and how our bodies work, and I just had to share it.The teacher asked me to teach the “Poomsae” (Form).

So, I tried something more than a a little unconventional. I asked the students to do a specific form, Poomsae(a kata), at a super slow pace – like, half their usual speed. The class ranged from 8 to 13 years old. It was mind blowing for the class and seemed to stimye them. 

I was inspired by Wu’s Style Tai Chi (I was studying with Eddie Wu in Toronto at the same time as Kim’s Taekwondo). Wu’s is a large frame and certainly slow, but Classical Tai Chi is slow AND all about truly feeling every little movement of your body. 

Needless to say but I was up for discipleship and Wu said “I didn’t care before but now you are teaching so stop the Taekwondo”. This sounds similar to Wu’s great grandfather Wu Chien Chuan asking Master Hwas teacher to give up doing all his many external arts to learn.

You'd think slowing down would make things easier, right? Nope! It was actually way, way harder than they expected. Their usual smooth, powerful movements turned into this really challenging mental and physical exercise to keep control at that snail's pace.

It reminded me of something Master Stephen Hwa once said: "Sometimes it is more difficult teaching students how not to move than how to move." That really nails it – it shows how much our mind and body are connected in martial arts, especially in Tai Chi, and how crucial mental focus is for physical actions.

The main problem was breaking their ingrained habits of moving quickly. We all develop these "efficiency shortcuts" in our bodies – super-fast, almost automatic movements that save effort. Our bodies are naturally wired to be efficient, so over time, we build these deep muscle memory patterns that let us move fast and powerfully without much thought.

But here's the catch: this efficiency can actually make us *less* sensitive to the tiny muscle engagements and internal workings that truly define mastery. When you move fast, it's easy to miss subtle details – like micro-shifts in muscle tension and body alignment.

So, the goal became to intentionally re-teach their bodies to regain that lost sensitivity. This is exactly where the Classical Tai Chi "Square Form" shines. It's like this brilliant "anti-habit" method. It forces you to move incredibly slowly, with distinct, complete pauses at the beginning and end of each tiny segment of movement.

This meticulous approach makes you acutely aware of every transition, every moment of stillness, and every time you start a new movement. Even though it might look a bit "mechanical" from the outside, it's designed specifically to counter our natural tendency to keep flowing. It literally re-sensitizes you to the intricate mechanics of your own body.

Beyond just slowing down, the main point of Square Form is to help students truly feel and understand the principles of Yin and Yang within their physical selves. It helps you consciously keep one part of your body still and rooted while another part initiates and performs a movement. This builds a deeply integrated system of body control, rather than fragmented, jerky movements.

Often, those extra little wiggles in our arms and legs come from relying too much on quick, local muscle signals instead of a harmonized internal system. While some Tai Chi forms might have a bit more external flair, the whole point of *true* internal practice goes beyond just how it looks.

The ultimate aim is to allow your internal energy to flow freely throughout your core and limbs. In genuine internal motion, where the main Yin/Yang balance is centered in your torso, you minimize unnecessary movement in your big joints, letting internal energy circulate smoothly. On the flip side, if you're using quick, external muscle commands, it tends to create energy blocks at key spots like your shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees, messing up your natural energy pathways.

To sum it up, the Classical Tai Chi Square Form is a really powerful and insightful way to develop incredible internal control, sharpen your body awareness, and get a much clearer sense of your body's energetic architecture. It's a transformative process of undoing old habits to reconnect with the basic principles of movement and your body's inherent energy flow.