The true science of martial arts means practicing them in such a way that they will be useful at any time, and to teach them in such a way that they will be useful in all things.

(Miyamoto Musashi)
 

Basic neigong

Tai chi without neigong is not really tai chi.

The first series of neigong are physical adjustments that create mild internal tension and strengthen the skeleton.
Internal tension enables the body to store and release energy.
This process involves opening and closing the body with every movement.

It is possible to open and close the body without neigong, but the action will be contrived.


Uncontrived

Initially you must practice each neigong consciously. This is an unfortunate necessity.
With time, the body remembers and you incorporate the neigong naturally.
Unless each neigong can become part of your everyday movement, it will not occur spontaneously.
This requires a lot of deliberate practice.

In part 1 of the intermediate syllabus, the 21 basic neigong should be working together in your every movement.
Conscious effort is no longer required, and the neigong are not contrived.

Intermediate neigong

The structural parameters introduced in the beginners syllabus are now extended.
More subtle skills begin to manifest in the practice.
Slowly, the emphasis is changing from how the body is being used to the actual movement itself.

Certain skills must now occur naturally, without effort or intent.
They exist on the list purely as confirmation that they should be happening.

The student must also discover the root of tai chi by exploring 13 postures.


Experienced neigong

The student considers the permutations of jing, yin/yang and other concerns.

Jing is an area of study in its own right.
The 13 postures are combined and explored through the study of jing.
Jing represents a journey into the use of mind to influence the physical and serves to prepare the student for the advanced syllabus ahead.


Advanced neigong

This level of neigong has only two real concerns:

1. to free the movement

2. to be free of movement

Your body must achieve a state of balance transcending the structure. It must be free to move without impediment.

Then the movement must fold within the practice, becoming less and less obvious until it is hidden away.
The internal journey will lead to almost no outward show - movement is no longer as obvious or explicit.

A beginner cannot appreciate what you are actually doing because the sophistication of detail is too intricate to be readily discerned.
The tai chi may come to look imprecise and sloppy. The movements are innocuous and subtle.


Beginners mind

Once you have studied all 50 neigong and can look back on them with perspective, it is possible to fully understand what neigong is really about.

Many students study earnestly for years, but continue to employ an absurd degree of muscular tension.
Internal strength eludes them.

The study and understanding of neigong is measured in decades, rather than days and weeks.
Be patient, and practice every day.

Neigong is not difficult, but it is sophisticated. Each quality has several layers of meaning.
Every patient, diligent student will come to know the joy and simplicity found at this level of tai chi practice.
 

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Page created 13 March 2003