In motion the
whole body should be light and agile,
with all parts of the body linked as if threaded together.
The whole body should be threaded together through every joint
without the slightest break.
(Chang San-feng)
The external approach
The
external arts
generate
power by means of the
legs, waist, shoulders, arms and weight.
Typically the exponent adopts a secure base of power, then rotates the waist
as they shift the weight forward.
They swing the shoulder and extend the striking arm.
The fist is usually
tightly
clenched for impact.
Aggression is
often used to amplify the power.
There are variations to this (according to the style/school) but the
essential body mechanics are the same.
The tai chi approach
Tai chi does not rely
upon a deep, firm base of power and the rotation of the waist for power.
It does not involve shoulder rotation, arm extension or a tensed fist.
The power is generated in an entirely
different way.
The term used to describe
tai chi power generation
is 'reeling
silk'.
Unfortunately, there is a serious degree of latitude in what people mean by
this term.
In many cases, it is applied to a way of
moving that is quite frankly
external.
Amoeba
So what is 'reeling silk'?
If we ignore the term and think about the
process it should make sense.
Mike Sigman described the
tai chi movement as being akin to an
amoeba.
An amoeba is a single-cell organism.
For one part of an amoeba to move, all parts must move. Every single
movement is a
whole-body movement.
This is exactly how we move in
tai chi.
Consider how a caterpillar moves or how a snake undulates. Look at the
biological physics involved.
How?
Every single movement must involve the entire body.
This necessitates a very
loose framework.
The joints must be free to rotate naturally, to open and close, and the
vertebra must be flexible.
Muscular tension and habitual patterns of holding will create
blockages within your body.
Extreme/low stances and over-stretching will also limit your ability to move
freely and easily.
When you can perform this type of movement it will look like a wave
undulating through your body.
Qigong
Our students learn a series of different qigong exercises.
Initially they are taught the outline, the pattern.
Then they learn a more detailed body movement. Coordination, timing and
intention are emphasised.
Finally they consider how to channel a pathway of kinetic
energy through the
body, along a very specific path of force.
These three stages of qigong practice teach a crude foundation.
Form
Form serves to extend the amoeba-like body action developed from qigong,
offering challenging new shapes through which to move and channel kinetic
power.
Our form exists simply to practice
power generation and strategy.
Neigong
Students must learn 50
neigong concerns that assist in
the development of internal strength.
Every neigong quality adds an extra physiological change to the body,
intensifying the effectiveness of each movement.
More...
Page created 2 June 1999