I help teach a tai chi class on Thursday nights. Last week I was asked to work with some of the students on self-defense techniques from the Hand Form. These students are college students and new to tai chi chuan, and although we make it clear that tai chi chuan is a martial art and can be taught, learned and practiced as such, I wanted them to understand the Taoist context. To that end I shared a little from one of my favorite authors on Taoism, Eva Wong and a few tidbits from flyers I had put together based on my teacher’s writings. Here are some of the highlights:
Tai Chi Chuan is the ancient Chinese system of exercise and self-defense developed by the Taoist Chang San Feng. Chang had already learned other Taoist martial arts in existence since the Tang Dynasty (617-907 AD). He combined his practice of these martial arts with the study of Taoist philosophy creating a martial art or “Chuan” based on the theory of Yin and Yang (Tai Chi).
One of the greatest Tai Chi Chuan masters was Yang Lu Chan (1799-1872 AD) who, during the Ching Dynasty, served as the Chief Combat Instructor of the Manchu Imperial Guard. He practiced Tai Chi Chuan for many years and his fighting ability earned him the nickname “Invincible Yang”.
The following exerpts are from The Shambhala Guide to Taoism, by Eva Wong.
“Techniques of Internal Strengthening … traditional Taoist practice understands chi kung as the natural flow of energy in the body when certain physical and mental conditions are present. Quieting the mind and moving the diaphragm do not necessarily imply circulation of energy, although they can help the practitioner build the foundations for it.
Internal energy (chi) can circulate only when certain physical and mental conditions are met. These prerequisites are built by external and internal strengthening and are developed over a period of years. In the Taoist arts of cultivating the body, certain physical postures can be used to kick-start the circulation of energy or to facilitate and maintain the flow.”
“… In Taoist spiritual training, the internal martial arts are tools for external strengthening, internal strengthening, and the cultivation of mental focus and stillness.”
“…Initially the movements stretch the tendons, articulate the joints, soften the muscles, and improve general circulation. In the intermediate stages, the movements can be used to exercise the spine by rotation and alternating stretching with letting go. When the movement of the spine is articulated and abdominal muscles and deep tissues are softened, the movement of the spine will massage the internal organs, moving them gently as the spine rotates, expands, and contracts. … Eventually the internal energy will circulate in synchrony with the movements, as the practitioner attains a sense of stillness in movement and movement in stillness.”
Other contextual thoughts that add perspective.
The “Five Pillars” of Tai Chi Chuan – The Traditional Tai Chi Chuan syllabus
The Hand Form – 119 postures/movements, which are performed in a set sequence, each posture or “Style” having many possible self-defense applications.
Pushing Hands – a variety of two-person drills which train the methods of applying techniques to disrupt an opponent’s balance, increase sensitivity and improve reactions.
Self-Defense – modified techniques taken from the Hand & Weapons Forms. Practice of the techniques produces reflex responses and focus. This is where the Strategy and the Tactics of Tai Chi Chuan are integrated into practical application. The two major principles of Tai Chi Chuan self-defense strategy are using stillness to defeat motion, and using softness to defeat hardness.
Internal Strength – meditation combined with exercise designed to increase health and strength, and produce a well-coordinated body that is full of energy.
Weapons – The three weapons used in Tai Chi Chuan are the Straight Sword, Sabre and Spear. The techniques of the Weapon Forms can be adapted for combat purposes in the same way as the techniques of the Hand Form.
What I like most about tai chi is that it is a classic example of how the ancient chinese integrate some many different aspects into one discipline; and how practicing any one aspect enhances performance in all the others. Way cool.
DD
