Neuromuscular Re-education

 

Walking is “Premier” 

(”Classical Tai Chi Walking Exercise”, a Master Stephen Hwa video)

In Classical Tai Chi (specifically the Small Frame/Small Circle Wu Style), "Internal Discipline" serves as a bridge to connect with the long-neglected nervous system of the torso. 

Most people operate using a "top-down" approach, relying entirely on the motor cortex to move external extremities, such as the arms and shoulders. Because we rarely isolate or consciously control the deep, intrinsic muscles of our abdomen, back, and spine, the neural pathways to these regions remain largely dormant or "neglected". 

Classical Tai Chi methodology awakens this part of the central nervous system through a highly structured neuromuscular re-education process. 

1. Intense Inward Focus and Neuromuscular Control 

To initiate a true internal movement, a beginner cannot rely on habit. They must focus their mind intensely inward to find and activate hidden muscle groups. For example, instead of pushing a hand forward using the shoulder and arm (an external movement), Classical Tai Chi dictates that the arm and shoulder remain relaxed and completely stationary relative to each other. The entire upper quarter of the body is instead pushed forward by pressing the abdominal muscles back and engaging the deep back muscles. This demanding neuromuscular coordination forces the brain to build entirely new neural pathways to the torso.

2. The Yin-Yang Junction Exercise

According to Stephen Hwa, every true internal movement relies on a physical counterpart of opposite nature: a moving part (Yang) working against a stationary part (Yin) that provides the structural support. 

• The Torso as the Anchor: The biological junction where Yin and Yang meet is always located within the torso (the waist or the upper-quarter body).
• Neural Feedback Loop: By keeping one part of the torso completely still while another micro-moves, the practitioner registers an intense, localized sensation of stretching and energy circulation. This precise mechanical tension sends a clear, powerful stream of sensory feedback up the spinal canal to the brain, mapping out areas of the body that were previously "numb" to our awareness. 

3. Micro-Movements of the Spine and Vertebrae

In many standard Tai Chi practices, the torso moves as one rigid block. Master Hwa's training teaches isolated movements along individual vertebrae, such as "folding" the spine, in which one side of the spine folds inward while the other remains anchored. Operating at this level of physical detail requires and develops an incredibly fine-tuned degree of motor-nerve control over the axial skeleton and paraspinal muscles.

4. Shifting from a "Pushing" to a "Pulling" Walking Model 

The nervous system of the lower torso is heavily impacted by how we walk. Standard walking relies on "pushing" our body mass forward, which often jams the lower joints, tightens the fascia, and irritates nerves (like the sciatic nerve).

• Classical Tai Chi Walk forces the body to stay straight and step out without shifting weight forward yet.
• Once the foot touches the ground, the practitioner uses the deep core and abdominal muscles to pull the pelvis and body weight forward.
• This pulling action decompresses the spine, opens up dense tissue, and relieves chronic nerve compression in the lower back and torso.

5. Transitioning to Subconscious Mastery

It takes time, but "bottom-up" practice becomes habitual. You had to slow down your mental concentration to reach complete reliance on the subconscious. At this stage, the practitioner no longer has to "think" about moving from their core; the nervous system automatically commands the torso to initiate every movement, leaving the mind entirely clear to enjoy the fluid sensation of internal energy.

Classical Wu Tai Chi Form & Delivery of Power (Fajin)

I have found that Tai Chi is difficult to learn but conversely it pays off quite well for the time and energy invested.  In the Tai Chi form for instance, there is no gradual increase of learning from easy to hard.  Quite frankly, it is difficult from start to finish.   On the other hand there are movements which are quite economical in scope.  In this economizing of effort one can literally learn and train numerous facets of both form and delivery of power at the same time.

In the photo it illustrates Master Hwa using "Cai" or "Yank" at the same time he kicks at Tom.  In the Tai Chi form there are several different moves to practice "Cai" and some of those have slightly different applications.  

In this Youtube video (click the link please) I present a clip of a 2011 workshop.  In the clip, Master Hwa talks quite extensively about the difficulties one faces in learning.  He also discusses "economy" of learning.  Practicing the movements from the "kicking" section of the form one sees a good example of this economizing.  Namely, the hand movements practice "Cai" or yanking, while the foot movements practice the kicking routine.  He points out that many movements in the form are designed this way.  In other words, one limb practices a move for a particular purpose, while the other limbs practice for some other purpose.  This is indeed a very economical design that packs much practice opportunity into the 108 Long Form.

Now, as to delivery of power or Fajin:

I recommend  the learning of any movements with the same structured approach.  I would learn direction, hand/foot position, timing, internal discipline for any posture in that specific order.  It makes no sense to start doing a kind of  silly attempt at Fajin for a posture if one has incorrect hand or foot position for instance.  I say "sillified" because as we already talk about how hard Tai Chi is, one's efforts will be compounded if there is no logical progression to learning.  

So, for the kicking section, one has to know what direction(s) they will both move and kick in. Master Hwa talks about keeping one's balance while both kicking and yanking. If one does not have direction, hand or foot position, and timing, it stands to reason there is probably some balance issues involved in the fault.  In other words it is hard enough to stay balanced while standing on one foot, much less complete a yanking movement with the arms...don't fool yourself that you "got it".  Particularly so if you keep losing your balance every time  a shoddy "fajin" yank results while you are kicking.  

You can break down the kicking and just practice kicking with no use of arms.  Then when you get good to very good balance... add in the "Cai" movement.  Keep putting the cart before the horse only confuses the horse does it not?  One ends up going nowhere very fast.