Fundamentals Flashcards
What is Master lp Tai Tak’s only correct path for any practitioner?
The basic framework of the form structure is very important, particularly for beginners. The posture must be correct such that it is centered, upright and precise, natural and with extension. Movement must be gradual and even, smooth and flowing, and should be light, nimble, whole and alive. This is the path to progress in training without any wasted time and effort.
Zhong (Center)
The mind is calm, the spirit is clear and the energy sinks. Rooting is at the feet and is the point of equilibrium. The gravity is around the waist and the spine. This is known as, “the command from the mind begins at the waist.” The spirit is hidden within, without external sign, and will lead to centring, calmness and sinking.
Zheng (Upright and Precise)
Every posture in upright and accurate, avoiding tilting and leaning. In any posture, whether stretching, bending or pulling, it all depends on gravity, leading to centring, thus enabling the application and projection of Chi. Gravity is the main control of the body. If it is stable, one will be able to perform the posture, and “open and close” with natural ease. If it is not, the connection between open and close will be missing. The framework of the posture must be centered and balanced, enabling one to dis tinguish substantial and insubstantial.
An (Natural)
The state of naturalness should be without any strain. One then becomes relaxed, which allows the energy to circulate in the body without hindrance. This all comes from stable posture, even and balanced movement, natural breathing and calmness.
Shu (Extension)
” First, acquire expansion, leading to being compact and well-knitted later.” At beginners’ level, the postures and movements require a large posture in order to allow the joints to open up. This is NOT done by stretching the tendons, sinews and bones intentionally. Continuous practise of this natural process of extension and expanding will bring about the loosening of the joints and lead to sinking.
Qing (Lightness)
Qing means light and empty but not floating. When practising, the movements must be light, agile and smooth. Thus, one is able to move forward and backward with artless ease. Continuos practise will lead to a lively and ‘loose’ strength and eventually yield the power of touching and adhering. This helps one gain insight into the basic understanding of Tai Chi Chuan softness.
Ling (Nimble)
From lightness and insubstantial to loowening and sinking, and from loosening and sinking to touching and adhering. To touch and adhere means one is able to link and follow. When one is able to link and follow, one becomes agile and understands the meaning of not confronting and of disengaging when necessary.
Yuan (Wholeness)
Yuan means fullness and completeness. Every posture and movement must be completed without any flaws and be in unison. This avoids the defects of gap, breakage or unevenness. When using energy during push hands, if the mind and body are not in unison, it will not work. The ability to execute wholeness will lead to unhindered action.
Huo (Spry)
This means spry and agile. No heaviness and no sluggishness. When all the above-mentioned have been assimiliated, stretching, bending and closing, forward, backward, up and down, all come freely and naturally. This is what is meant by: “The ability to breath with ease will lead to spryness and agility.”
Shou Shou (Teaching and Receiving)
Each individual has different combinations of these characteristics. Shou Shou can be divided into two aspects, i.e., gentle or headstrong. The headstrong usually rush and are fierce when they attack.
Headstrong Individuals
- The intelligent become strong. They like to compete and, in training, they tend to be physical and unable to accept losing.
- The less intelligent will become short-tempered. They tend to be erratic. In training they like to be fierce and have no interest in refinement of their training.
Gentle Individuals
- The gentle tend to be agreeable. They tend to be calm and polite. When learning, they tend to put emphasis more on softness, because they prefer peace and harmony.
- The less intelligent of the gentle ones will be weak in their determination and not as motivated. When learning they do not seek to understand.
What are the essential qualities of a Martial Arts pracititioner.
They must have a strong will, a firm character, intelligence, kindness and courage, in order to process the quality of both power and gentleness to enable one to enhance one’s training. Each practitioner has different quantities of these, therefore everyone has different levels of achievement. This also varies by what the teacher chooses to teach different students based on these qualities.
