Tuesday
Monday
Form
Form is not slow-motion kata. It is not moving yoga. Taijiquan has internal content.
To gain the internal, it is necessary to address how the movements are performed.
A beginner is taught to move their arms and legs in a particular way.
This lays the groundwork but is more about spatial orientation than anything else.
The student learns which way to face, where to step and what to do with the hands.
There is no internal work occurring at this stage.
To understand form, consider a caterpillar or a snake and how they move.
Every action is generated by an undulating wave that causes every part to shift in the required direction. Form is like this.
Instead of moving the localised limb by itself, the framework twists and the striking tool is spun outward.
The movement of the limb is in harmony with the torso and power is developed.
Physics is important in kung fu.
The body parts must be aligned at all times with strength in mind.
Aesthetics are not the concern in real kung fu; priority is given to alignment and the way in which the body is used.
Each movement within the form offers a whole array of potential strikes and skills.
The emphasis is placed upon the movement itself.
The so-called posture simply serves to shape movement. It is not a static pose.
To gain the internal, it is necessary to address how the movements are performed.
A beginner is taught to move their arms and legs in a particular way.
This lays the groundwork but is more about spatial orientation than anything else.
The student learns which way to face, where to step and what to do with the hands.
There is no internal work occurring at this stage.
To understand form, consider a caterpillar or a snake and how they move.
Every action is generated by an undulating wave that causes every part to shift in the required direction. Form is like this.
Instead of moving the localised limb by itself, the framework twists and the striking tool is spun outward.
The movement of the limb is in harmony with the torso and power is developed.
Physics is important in kung fu.
The body parts must be aligned at all times with strength in mind.
Aesthetics are not the concern in real kung fu; priority is given to alignment and the way in which the body is used.
Each movement within the form offers a whole array of potential strikes and skills.
The emphasis is placed upon the movement itself.
The so-called posture simply serves to shape movement. It is not a static pose.
Friday
From simple to complex
Moving qigong is much easier to practice than form.
The coordination is simpler and the health benefits more immediate and tangible. Form takes much longer to learn and quite a long time to actually perform competently.
Anyone can do qigong. There is a lot less to think about. The exercises are focussed and clear. You need not complicate matters by thinking about self defence applications or any other concerns.
It is also important not to get caught up thinking about qi. Let the energy take care of itself. Keep your mind on the exercise. Intention leads the qi and the qi leads the blood. Breathe and relax.
Once you are competent at qigong, take what you have learned into form. Form is essentially moving qigong with extra features. The extras include increased balance and coordination, martial application and energy emission.
The coordination is simpler and the health benefits more immediate and tangible. Form takes much longer to learn and quite a long time to actually perform competently.
Anyone can do qigong. There is a lot less to think about. The exercises are focussed and clear. You need not complicate matters by thinking about self defence applications or any other concerns.
It is also important not to get caught up thinking about qi. Let the energy take care of itself. Keep your mind on the exercise. Intention leads the qi and the qi leads the blood. Breathe and relax.
Once you are competent at qigong, take what you have learned into form. Form is essentially moving qigong with extra features. The extras include increased balance and coordination, martial application and energy emission.
Sunday
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