Why do people ignore the "Facts" of Classical Tai Chi?

The "Facts" as a discussion video link 

Learning Classical Tai Chi with Master Stephen Hwa: A Journey of Depth and Patience

Classical Tai Chi is a comprehensive and nuanced system that requires dedication and time to master. Master Hwa's approach emphasizes the underlying principles and internal discipline of Tai Chi, which can take time to understand and integrate fully.

Scientific Rationale

The underlying principles of Classical Tai Chi are rooted in Chinese philosophy and informed by an understanding of body mechanics, joint health, and energy transmission and generation in the body. Master Hwa's teachings emphasize the importance of logical thinking and scientific analysis in Tai Chi practice, departing from the often-used ethereal language used in modern Tai Chi instruction.

On a side note about oft-used ethereal language, Master Hwa often encounters "Doubting Thomas" and "Trolls" on his YouTube pages!

People who troll classical tai chi may do so due to their own insecurities and biases towards the practice. This behavior can be attributed to various factors, including:

• Insecurities and weaknesses: Trolls often target what they perceive as others' weaknesses and insecurities. In the case of classical tai chi, they may be reacting to their own feelings of inadequacy or insecurity about the practice. By mocking or belittling classical tai chi, they may attempt to deflect attention from their vulnerabilities, beliefs, misconceptions, and intolerance of facts.

Regarding "Facts", it is often difficult to persuade with facts because facts often fail to convince minds.

According to various studies and experts, the human mind is wired to resist changing its beliefs and opinions in the face of contradictory facts. This phenomenon is rooted in our evolutionary history, social interactions, and cognitive biases.

 Duncan Watts, a social scientist at the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg School for Communication. "People don’t actually respond to facts anyway. What people respond to are stories, narratives." 

Key Facts Contributing to the Learning Process

. Internal Discipline: Master Hwa's teachings focus on developing internal energy and power, which demands a deep understanding of body mechanics, joint alignment, and energy transmission. This requires patience and consistent practice to develop the necessary awareness and control.

. Wu Style Tradition: Hwa's Classical Tai Chi lineage originates from Wu Chien Chuan, a renowned master of Wu-style Tai Chi. This tradition emphasizes the importance of proper body posture, alignment, and movement, which can take time to master.

. Multi-Dimensional Practice: Master Hwa's teachings incorporate various aspects of Tai Chi, including forms, Silk Reeling exercises, and martial arts applications. This multifaceted approach requires a willingness to learn and integrate different components over time.

. Personal Experience and Insight: Master Hwa's book, instructional videos, and online courses offer a unique blend of personal experience, insight, and practical guidance. While this makes the learning process more accessible, it also underscores the importance of individual practice and dedication.

Tips for Students

. Start with the Fundamentals: Focus on developing a solid foundation in the basic principles of Classical Tai Chi, such as body posture, alignment, and movement.

. Practice Consistently: Regular practice is essential for integrating the principles and developing internal energy and power.

. Be Patient: Learning Classical Tai Chi is a journey that requires time, effort, and patience. Don't rush the process; be gentle with yourself as you progress.

. Seek Guidance: Master Hwa's instructional materials and online resources provide information. Supplement your learning with guidance from a qualified instructor to deepen your understanding.

Conclusion

Classical Tai Chi is a rich, complex system that rewards dedication and patience. By understanding the key factors contributing to the learning process and following the tips for students, you can embark on a transformative journey that cultivates internal energy, improves health, and enhances your overall well-being.

Classical Tai Chi and BP are a serious matter

Grandmaster Young Wabu

 Master Stephen Hwa

Classical Tai Chi and Blood Pressure

Classical Tai Chi is a “Small Circle” style of Tai Chi that emphasizes the art's traditional and authentic methods. While there is limited information on Classical Tai Chi and blood pressure, we can draw insights from the broader research on Tai Chi and its effects on blood pressure. 

Sifu Jim Roach, a teacher of Classical Tai, relates an incident about using caution in the study and states that one should not stop taking blood pressure medication. A student of his stopped her medication on the days she attended class. The student said she “just wanted to see if it worked.” Jim Roach told her this was incredibly foolish and dangerous. The student did not continue her Tai Chi studies. 

Studies and Findings

Several studies have investigated the impact of Tai Chi on blood pressure, including:

. A systematic review of 26 studies found that Tai Chi reduced blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) in patients with and without cardiovascular conditions.

. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials concluded that Tai Chi exercise significantly lowered blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension.

. Another study found that Qigong and Tai Chi may effectively reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular risk factors. It should be noted that Master Stephen Hwa points out that classical tai chi is also a “movement Qigong.”

Potential Mechanisms

The mechanisms by which Tai Chi may lower blood pressure are not fully understood but may involve:

. Reduced stress and anxiety, which can contribute to hypertension.

. Improved cardiovascular function, including increased blood flow and reduced peripheral resistance.

. Enhanced nitric oxide production can help dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

. Increased parasympathetic activity, which can promote relaxation and reduce blood pressure.

Conclusion

While there is no specific research on Classical Tai Chi and blood pressure, the available evidence suggests that Tai Chi, in general, may be beneficial for lowering blood pressure. As a style of Tai Chi that emphasizes traditional methods,  Classical Tai Chi may also offer similar benefits. However, more research is needed to investigate the effects of this style on blood pressure specifically.

“Tilting” Time

 https://youtu.be/nht3O7vtFVU?si=TMD6vnTHLAXEEDN9

Tilted Time a way to practice

Time perception in Classical Tai Chi

Classical Tai Chi emphasizes slow movement, and it is linked to altered time perception. Research suggests that slowly moving the body can correspondingly slow our perception of time. This phenomenon is attributed to the neural connections between the brain, body, and senses.

Internal Discipline and Time Perception

Master Hwa’s approach to classical Tai Chi focuses on Internal Discipline, a unifying principle that integrates the body’s movements. This emphasis on internal awareness and coordination may be the major contributor to slowing time perception. As practitioners focus on subtle, slow movements, their brains' time processing may adapt, leading to a subjective experience of time dilation.

Mindfulness and Meditation

The mindful and meditative aspects of martial arts practices, including Tai Chi, have been researched and shown to have psychological benefits. The slow, deliberate movements in Classical Tai Chi induce a meditative state, influencing time perception. This mindfulness can lead to a greater sense of presence and reduced time passing.

Neural Connections and Time Perception

The neural mechanisms underlying time perception are complex and multifaceted. Research suggests that the brain’s internal clock interacts with other brain regions, including motor control and sensory processing. The slow movements in Classical Tai Chi engage these neural networks, influencing time perception and contributing to the subjective experience of “time dilation.”

Practical Applications

For those practicing Classical Tai Chi, the slow movements can be seen as a means to:

• Cultivate mindfulness and meditation
• Develop internal awareness and coordination
• Influence time perception and subjective experience
• Enhance overall well-being and physical fitness

By embracing the principles of Classical Tai Chi and slow movement, practitioners may experience a deeper connection to their body and a more profound sense of time and space.

The Yielding in Sit Back

Yielding Sit Back Video Link 

When I “Take the opponent higher” I sit back but there is a “tilt”.

I am in “sit back” and yielding” in response to Master Hwas forward motion

Classical Tai Chi Yielding

In Classical Tai Chi, the “sit back” movement is a crucial “Form” aspect, found in and integral to every posture. It involves a subtle yet profound contraction of the abdomen, pulling backward with the rear leg and yielding the body, thus allowing for the transmission of internal energy. 

Key Principles

. Softness: The sit back movement requires a soft and relaxed quality in the joints, particularly the pelvis and knees. This softness in “Yielding” enables the body to absorb and redirect external forces, rather than resisting them.

. Weight Transfer: As the body “sits back,” the weight is transferred from the front leg to the back leg, creating a sense of sinking and relaxation. This weight transfer allows for a more efficient distribution of energy and a deeper connection to the ground.

. Core Engagement: The core muscles, including the abdominals and lower back, engage to support the body’s movement and maintain proper alignment. This engagement helps to generate internal power and stability.

. Body Alignment: The alignment of the body is critical in the sit back movement. The shoulders, hips, and ankles should be in a straight line, with the weight appropriately Yielding/Sit Back Video Link distributed between both legs. This alignment enables the free flow of energy and prevents unnecessary tension.

Practice Tips

• Start by practicing the sit back movement in isolation, focusing on the subtle yielding of the joints and the transfer of weight.
• As you integrate the movement into the larger form, pay attention to your core engagement and body alignment.
• Practice slowly and deliberately, allowing yourself to fully relax into the movement and feel the energy flow through your body.

By mastering the “sit back” movement of Classical Tai Chi, practitioners can develop a deeper understanding of internal energy and its application in the form. This movement serves as a foundation for the development of internal power, balance, and coordination, ultimately leading to a more refined and effective practice.

What is Small Circle Martial Art Taijiquan

Video of Small Circle Explanation  

Import of Martial Intent

Classical Tai Chi in Martial Arts

Stephen Hwa, a 2nd generation disciple of legendary Tai Chi Master Wu Chien Chuan, has dedicated his life to mastering and teaching Classical Tai Chi. In the martial arts context, his approach focuses on the internal dynamics and principles of Wu Style Tai Chi, emphasizing the development of internal energy and discipline.

Key Features:

1. Small Circle (Small Frame) Tai Chi Form: Master Hwa was fortunate to learn this advanced form, where every movement originates from the body's core. This form is characterized by subtle, precise movements that generate internal power.
2. Internal Discipline: Master Hwa’s teaching methodology emphasizes the development of Internal Discipline, which is essential for achieving accurate martial arts applications and health benefits. This discipline involves coordinating movements with the body’s natural energy flow, cultivating awareness, and integrating the arms and legs with the core.
3. Martial Arts Applications: Master Hwa’s online courses and teachings focus on the martial arts aspects of Tai Chi, highlighting the effective use of internal energy and discipline in complex movements for sports and combat applications.
4. Scientific Approach: As a PhD in Engineering, Stephen Hwa has applied his scientific background to deconstruct Tai Chi, creating new teaching methods to overcome learning obstacles and make the art more accessible to a wider audience.
5. Incorporating Wu Style Principles: Master Hwa’s teachings are rooted in the Wu Style Tai Chi tradition, emphasizing the importance of proper body posture, Fajin (generating power), Qi Gong (energy cultivation), and Silk Reeling exercises.

Notable Resources:

1. Book: “Uncovering the Treasure: Classical Tai Chi’s Path to Internal Energy & Health” by Stephen Hwa, PhD
2. Online Courses: Master Hwa’s online courses include “Health and Strength with Tai Chi” and “Martial Arts Applications with Small Circle Tai Chi.”
3. DVD Series: Classical Tai Chi DVD series featuring Master Hwa’s teachings on Small Circle Tai Chi Form and Internal Discipline

By studying Classical Tai Chi with Stephen Hwa, practitioners can gain a deeper understanding of the martial arts aspects of Tai Chi, develop internal energy and discipline, and cultivate effective techniques for sports and combat .

Your Opinion is just that...an opinion!

New Student Square Form 

Jim Roach said: “I’ve been studying Tai Chi for 50 years, and I don’t know enough about it. The problem with opinions in Tai Chi is that they are like that part of the body that we all sit on! Everyone has one in Tai Chi, but butt causes problems when proffered by sticking out and not corrected.”

Did you hear the story of the young woman working for her Ph.D. in climate studies, modeling how ice caps move, etc? She said: "I don't have an opinion about climate change. I simply don't know enough about it." She was fed up with hearing opinions about things, especially from people who don't know... about most things. By saying it like this, she made sure that people would understand that if she, having studied all this for years, cannot have an opinion, other people surely also cannot know enough.

Slow Form, Small Circle Tai Chi

SLOW FORM, SMALL CIRCLE VIDEO

In the transcript of this video, Master Stephen Hwa said: “The difficulty of slowing down is that the movements and intention cannot have any break.” The word to describe this is “continuity” of movement, essential to promote internal energy and qi in the body. It is also interesting that he talks about the role of the practitioners back. Evidence of stretching and contraction on the back proves that internal energy and martial intention “Yi” is leading the movement.

I recall a World Tai Chi Day demonstration in Rochester, NY, in 2007. At that demonstration, our group of students demonstrated this slow form. There was very clear evidence of “stretching and contraction” on the back because our T-shirts were tucked in. Additionally, our group was facing away, and the large audience of people who watched could see our backs. As we did the form, Master Hwa pointed out this evidence to the audience.

Slower speeds: "Uncovering the Treasure, Classical Tai Chi's Path to Internal Energy and Health" on the Amazon website, p. 95: "When the playing speed slows, the movement's internal force level does not change. In other words, if you stop your internal movement midway, you will find that the internal force remains energized (it is almost like an isometric exercise). So, playing slowly gives you more time to sense and experiment with the details of the internal move. What is changing with slower speed is the slower circulation of the internal energy in the body. Eventually, one will have a diminished sense of circulating energy, or energy flow will become intermittent. That means the playing speed is too slow, which will probably happen when it is close to 20 minutes for the complete set."

Connect Internal Energy of Walking with Upper Body

 https://www.facebook.com/1793291045/posts/pfbid02ibSS5HsZMszXYb8FUVb51bFfcdceT8C4BhQVynsbws6D8jehjCNPcy7BqNe3NDzxl/?mibextid=cr9u03

I am very grateful to my teacher for his work in making this video.  Over the years of practice and training students, I have discovered a few other methods and observations that can be used for the training. Classical Tai Chi's introductory walk is done with the knees slightly bent and remaining so. When practicing the first lesson of Classical Tai Chi Walk, one should look at stretching the neck.  Students should also check that they are not watching the ground to see if their feet are correct.  Check the position of the feet in one of the exercise methods outlined below, wherein the student will stand in one spot. The position of the legs can also be checked in this “one spot” method, thus making sure that the thighs line up when the student sits back or the knee does not go over the front toe when the student leans to the front.  As the student progresses, they should find they are automatically stretching their heads up and looking forward.  This is an integral part of the “lean” forward posture where, unless checked, a student will watch their feet. When one “sits” back, the body should be vertical and perpendicular to the floor

As training progresses, the student will keep the body weight back when they are dropping the foot.  It is a sign of a perpetual beginner to have the body weight lurch when the foot takes a step. The foot pushes down until it is completely flat on the ground, then used to pull the body forward or back.  Until the foot plants firmly, the body does not move, so the body moves from one weight shift to another.  One wants to learn to recognize, then end, any rocking action with either lead foot as the weight shifts.  I show this “rocking” in my class by students pulling me by the arm AS my lead foot is being planted, then pulling me  AFTER my lead foot is planted.  This also holds for stepping backward and planting the foot by touching the heel to the floor first.  Eliminate the rocking action that occurs when stepping onto the ball of the foot. I will also have them do the same comparative movement.  They readily see the instability of rocking the foot as one shifts the weight vs. “planting” the foot.

Students who do the introductory walk for a while will not stand up when they lift their legs to take a step.  By “standing up,”  I mean that the weight-bearing leg does not flex and straighten itself.  This flexion will result in the student bobbing up and down as they walk.  Or what might be called a kind of duck walking.  To do the walk correctly, the bend of the standing knee will not change as you lift the other leg,  whether moving forward or backward.  I have my students lightly touch a wall as they move, so lightly that the fingers gently slide as they walk.  I tell them that if they are aware enough, they will feel the hand move up and down if the “standing” leg is bobbing up and down as they walk.  Another technique I recommend is to put a piece of tape on a mirror at the level of one’s head as one stands with one's knees bent. Students watch the top of their heads as they walk toward it.  Do not bob up and down, and keep looking forward while not watching the ground.  The top of the head should not rise above the tape as the student moves.

Another use for a wall, post, kitchen counter, etc.,   isolates the walking practice into a few basic walking steps.  The first advantage of this method is that one does not have to worry about balance.   In the beginning,  students will inevitably be overly concerned with balance and unable to concentrate on the natural movement.  Withholding on to the wall or post, at least the balance problem takes care of itself so one can give full attention to the actual practice and training of movement.   In the first step, planting the foot while holding the pole will make the body less likely to lurch forward.

Additionally, the student can check their posture in either lean or sit-back positions because they can take an extended pause without concern for maintaining balance.  Is the rear end tucked in, is the neck stretched up, is there a continuous stretch from the top of the head to the bottom of the heel, etc.?  In this one position, one should slowly and deliberately shift the weight from front to back while pausing to self-check each posture.

Another method for these exercises is to do numerous continuous walking steps while sliding the hand along a wall.  This method is slightly different from my teachers, which, as I iterated, involves holding support without moving the hand.  I teach students to practice various exercises while using both methods. The “holding” onto support is very useful for lessons that involve training core movement to move the body.  Students doing this can do many repetitions where they can contract the lower abdomen or tan tien area to move the body either front or back and shift the weight by pulling.  Eventually, one learns to feel the contractions of the abdomen engage the lower back, buttocks, legs, feet, etc.   I tell students who struggle with feeling the contractions to engage with other muscle groups to “pull” with the legs. Or, as Mike Fittipaldi, a teacher, put it, to “pull with the knee.”  That is how I started, as I gradually began to learn not only to contract the abdominal muscles but also to learn where they contract, how they feel, and how to engage the other parts of the body.

Another method I use for “core contraction” training is having students simply sit in a straight-back chair with one foot slightly in front of the other.  I then tell the student to contract the lower abdomen muscles while leaning the upper body slightly forward.  From the “lean” position, I then tell students to contact the lower abdomen while pulling the body back to a straight and perpendicular sitting position.  Like the “holding” onto support while one stands, this sitting in a chair method can generate many, many repetitions to train such core contractions and body movement.  The student thinks and feels what sensations are happening and looks for such things as engagement with the feet to coincide with the pulling action. One can also gradually learn to detect engaged muscle groups such as the back, buttocks, etc. 

Another component or method for training the walking is to hold the support, take a couple of steps forward or backward, and pause at each juncture.  At each “pause,” it is essential to check the head is stretched up and stretched from the top of the head to the bottom of the heel.  However, an additional check is made on how well the rear end is “tucked” in with both the forward lean and sit-back postures.  For the forward lean, one still has to try and tuck in the buttocks.  For the sit-back posture, one must tuck in the buttocks.  In the lean, of course, one will not fully tuck under the buttocks as much as one can when sitting back.  I frequently point out to beginners how important the tuck is.  To illustrate this, I have them move to touching a wall with the backs of their body.  With their legs straight and not bent, they see they can run their hand through the curve in their lower back between the back and wall.  Then, I have them bend the knees and tuck in the behind while feeling the same lower back area.  With their back to the walls, I can also have them practice the “one step” method of shifting the body repeatedly.  When they pull back, I urge them to see which part of the back will touch the wall first.  If the shoulders or even the head touches the wall first, the apparent correction is to tuck in the buttocks fully.  The lower back near the sacrum should touch the wall with no other portion of the back in contact. These types of additional practices, besides breaking down the various components of walking, thus enable students to practice the most difficult portions of the walking.

Internal Power of Classical Tai Chi

 VIDEO LINK 

INTERNAL POWER VIDEO

Regarding Tai Chi, the best advice is not to do what’s easy; do what’s right! If you are wondering how the internal energy of classical tai chi is used as a power source, you should also visit Master Hwas Classical Tai Chi online course at Teachable.com. 

In his book "Uncovering the Treasure," Stephen Hwa quotes Jou Tsung Hwa.  From: "The Tao of  Tai Chi Chuan, The Second Stage".  "The hallmark of the second stage is using the torso method.  Torso method is characterized by the use of the body, specifically the waist and spine, to initiate and empower the movements of the arms and legs...Only those who reach this stage can truly be said to be practicing Tai Chi, yet these are few indeed."

Uncovering the Treasure

Classical Tai Chi's Path to Internal Energy & Health by Stephen Hwa

This video analyzes how classical tai chi utilizes the body to derive internal motion and power. Still, it also utilizes comparison and an understanding that internal energy comes from places in the body that most people are unaware of. 

Learning at a workshop

Suggestions for improvement

Thanks for this workshop Master Hwa! 

I noticed a few things! A number of  students here turn from the shoulders, not the waist. They also do not droop the buttocks (Tuck)! Too much shoulder involvement of students coincides with excessive hip involvement 1. Tucking the pelvis better while standing prevents hip involvement 2. Or try sitting in a straight-backed chair; it holds hips still 3. Folding arms while sitting or standing contributes to "dropping shoulders" and facilitates not raising or turning from shoulders, improving just turning from the waist.