An Engineer is an ideal teacher of Classical Tai Chi

The science of Yin and Yang 

 

Interestingly, a 3-year tai chi student of another Tai Chi Style (Yang slow style) with a background in research gave such relevant commentary on Master Stephen Hwa in an Amazon book review. He was speaking about the book "Uncovering the Treasure" that Master Hwa wrote. By relevant, I mean he said, "...It reflects the author's engineering background...";

"... the book's solid conceptual framework should help clear some of the fog that seems to arise around tai chi chuan occasionally..."; "... Thank you, Dr. Hwa, for a scholarly and practical guide...".

 

 

He has never discussed it with me, but as an engineer, I am sure his analytical and problem-solving skills apply to Tai Chi. I know as a student I have been on numerous "buggy rides" of so called tai chi over many years.  I really appreciate his scientific approach. On the other hand, he noted in the book that he also liked the "...scientific approach..." that his teacher, Grandmaster Young Wabu, had. "...I was attracted to Young's teaching not only for its impact on my body's well-being but also for the logical, rational, and scientific approach...".

 

The book "Uncovering the Treasure" p. III,Introduction: 

"At first glance, it is very complex. Still, gradually, it becomes simpler because every element in it, no matter how minor, follows specific rules, forming a logical structure with calculated, scientific reasoning behind it. Every element is optimized toward two objectives: martial arts applications and health benefits. As a result, every aspect is tightly coupled with other components, even though they may appear unrelated."

 

• Related to the above paragraph, Master Hwa has taken a systematic approach to learning and teaching: Engineers are accustomed to breaking down complex systems into manageable components and understanding how they interact. Classical Tai Chi's emphasis on precise movement, structural integrity, and internal discipline can be seen as a system of interconnected elements, where each part influences the others. By applying an engineer's analytical mindset, one can better understand and optimize the relationships between these components.
  
• Mechanics and Kinematics: Engineers are trained to analyze the mechanics and kinematics of physical systems. Classical Tai Chi's slow, controlled movements of both "Round and Square Forms", can be viewed as a study in applied mechanics. This is where the practitioner manipulates the body's core with internal discipline of movement to achieve balance, coordination, and fluid motion.
• Whether they realize it, beginners pay the most attention to their hand movements, and to this teacher, it is evident. Watching their movement, I also see their heads turn so the hands can be seen. This is a DISCONNECT from their body. Faithful Classical Tai Chi must come from the core. Their eyes follow their hand postures, and they become disconnected from the body. Accurate Classical Tai Chi movements must instead come from the core, which drives the moves of the limbs.

Its a Tip to be Square

Video of Calligraphy and Tai Chi

Master Hwa spoke at this New Year celebration and coined the analogy of calligraphy and Classical Tai Chi. 

 Of the numerous Tai Chi styles, there is only one that has a "round" form and a truly "square" (”fang”) form. With all its derivatives, the Classical Tai Chi Wu Style often surprises people with the opposite requirement between Square and Round. 

This is not unique, however:

“As has been said, think about how one learns the art of calligraphy.”

My experience with learning inkbrush Chinese calligraphy taught me how to write in print form (brush and ink, of course). Then, one learns the cursive form. These two writing forms are analogous to the differences between the two Tai Chi Forms.

Square Form is analogous to the block printing of (pinyin) Kai Style or "Kai Shu." The round form is analogous to the Tsao Style, "Tsao Shu/Cao Shu," or the cursive script.

In Square form, as in calligraphy, movements occur in relatively straight lines between points (start and end points of inflection). 

The Round form, with its curves, has curves going through those points. The Square is like a template for the round.

Master Hwa and I discussed this, and he said: “Jim, like the Calculus of mathematics, however, I would like to point out that the round form is like calculus, which integrates a tiny segment of a curved motion as a straight line to form the curved motion. Square form is like taking one of the essential tiny straight lines and expanding it into a linear movement. I guess the way of the universe is based on similar principles for everything, which appears to be unrelated.”

In Jou Tsung Hwa's book Tao of Tai Chi, I think he states that movement is like individual frames in a movie. Taken separately or even in two or three, it makes no sense, and one sees no motion. We only imagine motion when one puts all the frames together.

Regarding square form and perhaps to the critics: Although the principal purpose is to teach students to delineate yin and yang, there are many, many individual "points," "stops," "pauses," etc. As it was said, "changes of direction occur at those points." the more "points" are present in something such as a square form, the more capacity there is for those points to join and produce a round form. It would seem then that, much like the individual frames in a film, many make a fine product that gives us the illusion of motion.

If I only have 2 or 3 points, it would be hard to see the round if I join them with straight lines. If I put 10 points in that same situation and join them, one sees the round very clearly. As in the eight consecutive lines joining and changing direction in the I Ching diagram, one can draw the circle around those 8 points. It would also seem that lines joining like this form angles at the joints. Ideally, an excellent place to mount an attack would be at an angle or "tangent."

The points where one changes direction are called "Dingdian" or fixed inflection points. Those starting and ending points define the curved movement in the round form. Of course, nothing begins or ends in Tai Chi, like ocean waves and breathing; each has its peak and trough…sine waves come to mind. This considers the concept of "reversal, " a mainstay in the I Ching.

When learning calligraphy, I appreciated the stop-and-go of the strokes in Kai Shu. It allowed me to reflect on my stroke and prepare for the next movement. The square form of Tai Chi enables us to gather energy, align the joints, and strengthen the "points." I can prepare for the next move by gathering energy for the coming action. This is why the moves in the Square are resolute and appear abrupt.

Based on this, I would say that Tai Chi is not only very analogous to calligraphy but also very scientific. In light of Calculus, one can appreciate mathematics.

Thanks

James Roach

Teachers are professional

 

Misconceptions of students about Tai Chi as a Martial Art and Teacher’s Role

“You work for us, so why do what you say, like do this or don't do that”? 

“You can help new students; why should I?”

“I already know how to walk, so why Tai Chi Walk”? What would you do if I grabbed your arm like this”? “I already know this; you’re just repeating what I’ve read in books,”!

“I’ve seen better demonstrations online; why are you teaching it this way?” 

“I want your teacher to meet my teacher so we can get better Tai Chi”! “Don't you do warmups at least?”  “This is too slow,”,  “You’re not explaining it enough.” , “I have Youtube”! “My Wing Chun teacher said you don't hold your fist like that”! “Why would you teach someone for free”? “I teach Pilates, and we don't do things like that”! 

I would have almost preferred if the students who said these had intended it to be disrespectful. As prelude to seeing me in class and unsolicited, one of my teachers said, “…if people give you shit, knock them down…”! I have heard many more comments so I really would have considerable “knock them down” to do. Then there were the ones who attacked without warning, and the “knock them down” became a reality. Had they asked it as a question—“Don’t you work for us?” etc? I could at least explain the following, with you dear reader “reading between the lines”!

Imagine robbing a bank and telling police officers it is their job to prevent you from committing the crime in the first place. Imagine burning your own house to the ground and then telling a firefighter it’s their job to keep your home from becoming rubble and ash. Imagine you are involved in an accident, and when a paramedic comes to save your life, you tell them it was their job to prevent your injuries. It’s unthinkable. It is not done. 

Tai Chi teachers are martial arts teachers, or public servants?

Some students may not fully understand or respect Tai Chi as a martial art, viewing it as a mere exercise or relaxation technique. This misconception may be fueled by the art’s emphasis on slow movements, which can be misinterpreted as lacking martial efficacy.

Additionally, some students may not recognize the teacher’s role as a Sifu, Master, or instructor and instead perceive them as a public servant or someone providing a service. This lack of respect for the teacher’s expertise and authority can harm the learning process and lead to misunderstandings about the art.

Things Students Say to Disrespect Tai Chi Teachers

We have outlined specific examples of things students say to disrespect Tai Chi teachers. We can easily infer some possible comments based on disrespectful behavior toward teachers. Here are a few examples:

• Talking over the teacher while they are instructing
• Making sarcastic comments or jokes during class
• Refusing to follow instructions or ignoring the teacher’s corrections
• Making fun of the teacher’s accent or pronunciation 
• Disregarding traditional Tai Chi etiquette
• Questioning the teacher’s authority or expertise in Tai Chi
• Making comments that undermine the teacher’s instructions or methods
• Using a condescending tone or language when speaking to the teacher

It’s essential to note that disrespect can take many forms; these examples are not exhaustive. Like any other educators, Tai Chi teachers deserve respect and professionalism from their students.

Walking causes extraneous head movement

 Daily Classical Tai Chi Walking

Ordinary vs. Classical Tai Chi lower body movement

When discussing ordinary walking, we note extraneous head movement rather than what happens with Classical Tai Chi Walking. People’s heads naturally bob up and down when ordinary walking due to a pendulum-like mechanism. This movement helps to reduce energy expenditure by allowing the head to oscillate in sync with the body’s stride. Research suggests that humans bob their heads about 0.5-1.5 cm (0.2-0.6 inches) with each step, primarily during flat walking.

In addition to energy conservation, head bobbing might contribute to gaze stabilization. As the body moves forward, the head bobs up and down to momentarily fixate the eyes on objects ahead, ensuring a stable visual perception.

Comparison to Other Bipedal Animals

Humans seem to have the most vertical head movement! While humans exhibit head bobbing while walking, other bipedal animals, such as birds, do not. Birds have a different gait and visual system, which may not require the same level of head stabilization. In fact, birds’ heads tend to move more laterally, perpendicular to their direction of motion, rather than vertically like humans'.

Evolutionary Adaptation

The human head-bobbing mechanism is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation to our unique bipedalism. Our relatively straight legs and upright posture require adjustments in our visual system and head movement to maintain stability and efficiency while walking. This adaptation allows humans to conserve energy and maintain clear vision while navigating their environment.

In Conclusion

When ordinary walking, people’s heads naturally bob up and down due to a pendulum-like mechanism. This mechanism helps reduce energy expenditure and stabilize gaze. This unique adaptation is a hallmark of human bipedalism and distinguishes us from other animals.

Classical Tai Chi Movement Principles

According to Master Stephen Hwa, classical Tai Chi emphasizes internal discipline, where movements are initiated from the internal core of the body rather than from the external parts. This approach enables the cultivation and mobilization of internal energy for health benefits and martial arts applications.

Pulling vs. Pushing

Classical Tai Chi uses " pulling " instead of “pushing” the body. This means that the movement is driven by the contraction of the core rather than by the external muscles. This approach helps to maintain balance and stability and prevents the head from bobbing up and down.

Core Contraction and Movement

In classical Tai Chi, movement is initiated by the contraction of the core. For example, when taking a step, the abdomen and back lift the pelvis, which in turn lifts the leg. The foot is then moved forward, and the pelvis is stretched downward until the foot is fully planted. This movement is internally driven, with the upper body remaining still.

Benefits of Internal Movement

The use of internal movement in classical Tai Chi offers several benefits, including improved health and well-being and enhanced martial arts and sports performance. This approach is demanding to learn, but the results are unparalleled.

Prepare to keep your shoulders down

Preparation to keep shoulders down Video 

 

 

Elbow Rotation in Tai Chi

In Classical Tai Chi, the elbows are crucial in maintaining proper alignment and preventing the shoulders from rising. As seen in Master Hwa's video, the elbows rotate downward in the first round form move, setting the foundation for subsequent movements. Elbow instruction in the Classical Tai Chi Square Form written instructions .pdf, in the first movement "Preparation Form."

 

Rotation of Elbows

The elbows' rotation in subsequent moves keeps the shoulders from rising. Rotation maintains a relaxed and downward orientation of the elbows, which helps keep the shoulders in a neutral position.

 

Importance of Elbow Alignment

Proper alignment of the elbows is essential in Classical Tai Chi, as it allows for the efficient transmission of internal energy and helps to maintain balance and stability. By keeping the elbows rotated downward, practitioners can avoid unnecessary tension in the shoulders and upper body, promoting a more relaxed and natural movement.

 

Shoulder Alignment in Tai Chi

Maintaining Relaxed Shoulders in Classical Tai Chi: A Crucial Aspect of Internal Discipline

In Classical Tai Chi, keeping the shoulders from rising is vital to Internal Discipline. This principle is rooted in the art's emphasis on using internal movements and power to direct and empower external movements. When the shoulders rise, it indicates a loss of internal control and a reliance on external strength, undermining the entire practice.

 

Why Relaxed Shoulders Matter

Rising shoulders can lead to:

1. Disconnection from the core: When the shoulders lift, the connection between the torso, arms, and legs is disrupted, causing the movement to become external and lacking internal power.
2. Loss of internal energy circulation: The shoulders' upward movement can block internal energy flow (qi) throughout the body, hindering the practice's intended health benefits and martial arts applications.
3. Inefficient movement: Elevated shoulders can lead to strained and inefficient movements, as the body compensates by engaging external muscles, rather than utilizing internal power and coordination.

 

Techniques for Maintaining Relaxed Shoulders

To cultivate Internal Discipline and keep the shoulders relaxed in Classical Tai Chi:

1. Focus on the core: Engage the abdominal and back muscles to generate internal power and movement, rather than relying on the shoulders.
2. Use gentle, subtle movements: Perform movements with a soft, relaxed quality, avoiding jerky or abrupt actions that might cause the shoulders to rise.
3. Integrate arms and legs: Coordinate the movement of arms and legs with the core, ensuring that the entire body works harmoniously.
4. Practice mindfulness and awareness: Pay attention to the shoulders and adjust your movements accordingly, maintaining a relaxed and connected posture.

 

By prioritizing relaxed shoulders and Internal Discipline, practitioners of Classical Tai Chi can develop a deeper understanding of the art, improve their overall technique, and experience the full range of benefits this practice has to offer.