COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
Inaugural Issue Editorial
2012-15 Four Years of Tremendous Tai Chi
Tai Chi: the best type of exercise Mastering the Simplified 24 Form Great Heroes of Tai Chi Series
FROM TH E EDI TO R RICK SEBASTIAN LITTON
2012-15 Four Years of Tremendous Tai Chi
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As we look toward the future, we now have this new Association to nurture and grow…but an organization can only be successful if its members take an active role.
Hard to imagine that it’s been four years since I’ve started coaching Tai Chi and Qigong in Mississauga. Sometime in the middle of 2011, we learned that our teacher, Mr. Lee decided to move back to China to be with his daughter. Soon after, Mirjana Borraccio, a long-time member of the class and who is herself a Tai Chi instructor – asked me if I could stand in for Mr. Lee. At that time, my focus was not on Tai Chi but for several years was on Wushu and the Chinese Martial Arts in general. I’m not sure what got into me but I did say, “Yes!” So the rest is history so to speak. Now I think our group has grown and matured enough beyond being just a “Tai Chi class”. We need a more formal name to call ourselves. So I would like to announce the birth of the Mississauga Tai Chi Association1 with the first issue of this magazine. What makes this association unique? Well we are a community-based organization whose members are dedicated in maintaining good health while improving their level of Tai Chi. Our group truly started from the grassroots and we have grown together in terms of understanding and developing ourselves in the art and science of Tai Chi. From just a few basic hand forms we have progress to other more advanced forms and even the use of Tai Chi weapons. Through persistence and practice, each of us can reach our full potential as individual practitioners of the art.
As we look toward the future, we now have an opportunity to plant the seed for this new Association and then nurture it so it will grow. But remember that an organization can only be successful if its members take an active role. This is a topic I will try to discuss more in depth in future issues of this magazine. In the meantime, let's congratulate ourselves for the accomplishments we have made in the last four years!
Mirjana Borraccio practicing at a local park on World Tai Chi Day
Grand Master Chan Pui of Wah Lum Temple – a living legend in Martial Arts. Master Chan and Simu Suzy Chan were and my first teachers in Tai Chi. I was fortunate to study at the temple from 1997 to end of 2001.
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Tai Chi Columns Editorial
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Tai Chi: The Perfect Exercise
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2015 World Tai Chi & Qigong Day
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What it is and why it is celebrated
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Breaking a Guinness world record
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Celebrating a Life
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Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei in Toronto 11
Features Great Heroes of Tai Chi: Story of Grandmaster Chen Zhaokui
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Mastering the Simplified 24 Form
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A Little Village That Started It All
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Chenjiagou, Henan Province, China
1 Published by the Mississauga Tai Chi Association. All rights reserved. The Association is currently being registered as a nonprofit organization. This magazine is intended to be a free publication to its members. Articles are solely the views expressed by their authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff of this publication. Address all correspondence by email to editor@mississaugataichi.com. 2 The practice of Tai Chi is generally safe for everyone. Be advised however to consult your doctor for any health concerns that might prevent you from practicing Tai Chi to its full extent.
COVER PHOTO Dongmei Tan, Tai Chi Instructor
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H EALTH BENEFITS DONGMEI TAN
TAI CHI The Perfect Exercise Tai Chi is one of the most popular exercises in the world. Known as “walking yoga”, Tai Chi is a slow-motion, moving meditative exercise for relaxation, health and self-defense. The slow, graceful movement of the Tai Chi form is suitable for every one of all ages. When practiced correctly over a period of time, the Tai Chi form will help strengthen the muscles of your body, increase flexibility of limbs and joints, promote deep respiration, improve
Members of Tai Chi groups in Mississauga practice at a nearby public park
hand-eye coordination, lower blood pressure, stimulate the immune system, and correct postures and balances. Most importantly, Tai Chi helps to calm and focus the mind, allowing the practitioner to avoid the harmful effects of a stressful world. What is Tai Chi?
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Tai Chi Quan is deeply rooted in the Chinese tradition and philosophy. “Tai Chi” literally means “Supreme Ultimate”, while “Quan” means “fist, boxing or martial art”. From the outside, Tai Chi looks like a cross between shadow boxing and slow-motion ballet. But actually, Tai Chi combines intense mental focus with deliberate, graceful movements. Interestingly, the movements are named after animals or nature such as “part wild horse’s mane”, “white crane spreads its wings”, “cloud hands”, “needle at sea bottom”, or from martial arts, like “brush knee” and “punch both ears”. These movements have been improved and refined for hundreds of years by many masters until these have been accepted Tai as the by countless communities Mississauga Chistandard Magazine Winter 2015-16 of practitioners and teachers throughout the world and recognized for their health and martial benefits.
at sea bottom”, or from martial arts, like “brush knee” and “punch both ears”. These movements have been improved and refined for hundreds of years by many masters until these have been accepted as the standard by countless communities of practitioners and teachers throughout the world and recognized for their health and martial benefits.
Real health benefits Medical studies have proven that Tai Chi can help adjust Blood Pressure and Breathing, improve Musculature, Posture and Balance. It is typically recommended by doctors as a preventive health measure that strengthens a person's ability to fight heart disease, diabetes, asthma, strokes and other diseases. By connecting the mind and body, Tai Chi is described as “medication in motion” that reduces stress and anxiety through about 20 to over 100 gentle movements. Each one is coordinated with breathing to help a person to achieve a sense of inner calm. The concentration required for Tai Chi forces one to live in the present moment, putting aside distressing thoughts. It can slowdown the pace of your life,
described as “medication in motion� that reduces stress and anxiety through about 20 to over 100 gentle movements. Each one is coordinated with breathing to help a person to achieve a sense of inner calm. The concentration required for Tai Chi forces one to live in the present moment, putting aside distressing thoughts. It can slowdown the pace of your life, letting you breathe deeply, and improve your hand-eye coordination – things that help you gain control of stress. With all these benefits, you will find Tai Chi to be most appealing because it is also inexpensive, requires no special equipment and can be done indoors or out, either alone or in a group.
Dongmei is a Registered Nurse from Ontario
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“The most natural food is fruit� -Morgan A.
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A COMMUNITY EVENT GEORGINA GARCIA
World Tai Chi & Qigong day (WTCQD) is celebrated around the world since 1999. The event was covered for different media organizations such as the CNN and FOX News in the United States. That is how the WTCQD came alive and is performed each year in April. People in more than 70 nations gather in their own cities in this month to give the world the gift of Tai Chi and Qigong. The WTCQD is educational, free, and opened to the public.
the YMCA on the last Saturday of April. The event committee had presented an inspirational program where children and adults enjoyed a Drum Parade, Qigong, and hand, sword, and fan forms from Tai Chi. People from several Tai Chi schools performed the energetic program with precision and delicacy, letting the guests to have a great experience. We hope to see you next year to build world peace and harmony with the Tai Chi communities around the world.
The purposes of the WTCQD are among others, to educate people about the health benefits of Tai Chi & Qigong, to bring people together from different nationalities with the purpose of health and healing, and to show how media can be used for global health and healing.
This event builds peace and harmony around the world.
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Celebration in Mississauga Like in other parts of the world, the Tai Chi groups of Mississauga and neighboring cities in Ontario Canada celebrated the WTCQD in the facilities of the YMCA on
Georgina is the artistic director for Tai Chi events. More photos on next page.
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Various hand forms and weaponry for Tai Chi were shown by the performers. This widened our view of what Tai Chi is all about‌. Photography credits: David Liu Arwen Sun
Bill Douglas and Angela Wong Douglas are the founders designating the last Saturday of April as World Tai Chi & Qigong Day. The purpose of the event was to highlight the health benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong. What began in 1999 in Kansas City, Missouri received worldwide media attention by the likes of CNN, Fox News and South China News. Soon other countries joined in.
HongKong, Thailand and Russia were among the first. Today it is held in over 80 countries and in 100s of cities across the US, Europe, Asia, Africa and China.
Be a part of this momentous global event. More details to be published in the next issue.
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Breaking the Guinness Record City of Jiaozuo in Henan, Central China decides to set a new world record participation of thousands in each location was a stunning display of colors and human-formed patterns.
The theme for the occasion was “Enjoy Tai Chi, Enjoy Health”. Drones were used extensively to capture the performances. It proved to be massive and breath-taking. One website reported that it was the largest martial arts display record set by a Chinese city.
More than 50,000 people answered the call from the City of Jiaozuo to set a new Guinness world record for the largest number of participants performing Tai Chi in a single event. Largely the initiative of the town of Wen Xian near Jiaozao city, the event took part in 15 separate locations within the region on Oct. 18. In addition, 30 cities in China including Beijing and Shanghai and 17 cities
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cities worldwide also answered the call ensuring that “hundreds of thousands” of people (as reported by Henan Daily participated in the event. Jiaozuo City is regarded as the birthplace of Taijiquan or Tai Chi for short. Wen County is where the famous Chen Village or Chenjiagou in Chinese is located. A separate article in this magazine describes Chenjiagou and its role in Tai Chi history more clearly. The participation of thousands in each location was a stunning
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Celebrating a Life
A Shining Example This first issue of the Mississauga Tai Chi Magazine is dedicated to one of our original members, Patty Suet Fong Wong who passed away in September 2015. Patty is remembered as one who helped us get through the “growing pains” of our Tai Chi group in the early days of its formation. Always smiling, easy going and thoroughly engaging and with a can-do attitude she helped the group to solidify and accomplish many of its lofty goals. Our group was young, inexperienced and probably was not ready to take on major events such as the “Chinese Arts Festival” at the YMCA in 2012, and another one in 2013, the “World Tai Chi Day Event” among others without the enthusiasm and support of people like Patty. Suffice to say, all these events were equally successful. It is written on her obituary that “Patty was actively enjoying retirement
“Patty was actively enjoying retirement and spent her days engaging in Tai Chi, spending time with the family and sharing food with friends. Patty loved life and warmly touched everyone she met. Her spark for life was contagious and all whom she came into contact with loved her deeply.” All so true. This was surely how we came to know Patty. She was always ready to volunteer whenever there was a need. She would be seen in front of the line during Tai Chi practice and would take the lead when asked without hesitation. In other words, we know Patty is someone the group can always depend on. We will always remember and miss dearly our Tai Chi friend.
Patty Wong is survived by husband, Stephen and daughters Natasha and Sabrina, son-in-law Andrew and grandson Benjamin.
GM Chen Zhenglei in Toronto Winds up North American Summer Tour for 2015
After a whirlwind tour of three cities south of the border Montreal and Toronto, Grand Master Chen Zhenglei completes the final destination of his “Light of Tai Chi” summer workshops. Among these cities, Las Vegas was the primary venue where the grand ballroom was filled to over capacity with participants coming as far as South America.
Your editor was privileged to take the workshops in two locations, Las Vegas and Toronto. In the former, GM Chen meticulously explained each step of the New Frame Xinjia Y Lu. And at the latter, the Grand Master took time to explain in detail the Old Frame Laojia Y Lu. The workshops also covered push hands, basic exercises, principles and theory of Tai Chi as well as the application of Tai Chi for self-defense. What was also great about these workshops was the participation of other masters like Master Yan Zhigang (Jack Yan), Wang Hai Jun, Chen Bin and Chen Juan who shared their own perspectives and provided masterful demonstrations. But what was really great about the experience
whole experience was when we were divided into teams to perform in a friendly match. It was both a challenge and a joy to work with others. The team that won overall received a set of videos from the Grand Master.
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GREAT HEROES OF TAI CHI RICK SEBASTIAN LITTON
The Story of Grand Master Chen Zhaokui The story of Grand Master Chen Zhaokui is not only a story of one of the greatest masters of the art but also of a master who has selflessly dedicated his entire life to passing on his art to future generations. As the second son of the famous Chen Fa Ke (1887-1957), he trained well with his father who was considered one of the greatest martial arts fighters at that time and recognized by Beijing as the top ranking “Tai Chi expert” in China. Although it is known that Chen Fa Ke created the New Frame (Xinjia) form, it was his son, Chen Zhaokui who fixed and standardized the form. Born in Beijing in 1928, Chen Zhaokui started to learn from his father at age seven. So effective was the training from his father that at age 13 he easily defeated a gang of a dozen bullies from school letting them fly like paper dolls. After graduating from high school he could not proceed any further with education due to financial hardship. So he practiced Tai Chi daily even during his employment at a construction company and later at a bus company.
Illustrious Teaching Career He and his father Chen Fa Ke continued to teach in Beijing. Chen Zhaokui mastered all skills such as boxing posture, theory, systems and sorted out a lot of manuscripts. He was known for using the low posture. Both he and his father are considered as true masters of two genarations
two generations of Tai Chi. In 1961, Chen Zhaokui was invited to teach in Shanghai. His reputation and skills became so well-known not only in Tai Chi but also in Chin Na (grappling) that he was also invited in 1965 to teach in Nanking by the sports committees of both cities. During those times, he accepted challenges from other martial artists who wanted to test his skills and he prevailed. He also visited his home town Chen village in 1965 but did not teach there. Instead, he learned Tai Chi weapons as his father intentionally left this part out of his original training.
Persecution and Survival During the Cultural Revolution (196676), the teaching of martial arts was largely banned and many of the masters were persecuted. Chen Fa Ke’s family being landowners suffered and the oldest son was killed in prison. Teaching of Tai Chi was mostly done in secret. In 1973, Chen Zhaokui was invited to Chen village to teach. The head teacher of the town, Chen Zhaopi (his cousin) recently passed away. The concern of the county administration was that no one would be able to teach at the level of the master. So the village felt very fortunate to have him back in his hometown. It is said that Chen Zhaokui brought back gongfu to the village. There he took over from Chen Zhaopi where the four tigers of the Chen family were training: Chen Xiowang, Chen Zhen
Zhenglei, Wang Xian and Zhu Tiancai. It is said that Chen Fa Ke spread Tai Chi in Beijing while Chen Zhaokui spread Chen Tai Chi to all of China and then the world. His techniques were different from what was taught in the village before as those were techniques came directly from father to son.
Final Years In 1978, he suffered a stroke. Within a couple of years, his health deteriorated and eventually he lost most of his students and his source of income. In the end he couldn’t walk. During those years, a handful of his remaining students cared for him. Yet he continued teaching and carried out his teaching orally. He passed away in 1981. His students decided to contribute to a fund to finance the cremation and funeral.
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Chen Fa Ke spread Chen Tai Ji in Beijing. His son, Chen Zhaokui spread Chen Tai Ji to all of China and through his students, all over the world.
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MASTERING SERIES AN EDITORIAL BOARD FEATURE
MASTERING PART ONE
When the Chinese Sports Committee commissioned the creation of the Simplified 24-Form, little did they imagined that it would take not only China by storm but also the whole world. Known as the Beijing Form, the 24Form routine is based on the 108-step Yang style of Tai Chi Chuan. Performed between 4 to 8 minutes, the 24-Form provides a good introduction to the Yang style and is appropriate for people of all ages. But the gracefulness of the form especially when performed by someone who is an expert can hide its purpose and true meaning. In the next few pages, we will attempt to give you the inside story as to why the 24-Form is performed in the manner that it is done today. With a richer understanding of the 24 Form, you can achieve a mastery of the form more rapidly. To understand what those hidden aspects are, we first need to know that Tai Chi has three dimensions that always come into play when performing the art: Health Benefits. We think of Tai Chi as a form of exercise, but do you know it is used for medical rehabilitation and healing too? The challenge is to A type of sport. The Chinese government sought to
THE SIMPLIFIED TAI-CHI 24-FORM
prescribed to treat certain diseases as well? Not only is Tai Chi known as “meditation in motion” it is also known as “medication in motion”. The challenge is to know how people can harness Tai Chi’s therapeutic value by correct practice. Type of Sport. Only a few will agree that Tai Chi is a type of sport. But the goal of the Chi
Chinese Sports Committee has been to enter Tai Chi into the world of competitive sport. Here the emphasis is on the “taolu” (套路) meaning the “set routine or form practice” that is performed as a solo. Repetitive practice of these routines prepares the student’s body like posture, circulation and flexibility. A Martial Art. Tai Chi was
Mississauga Tai Chi Magazine
originally conceived as a martial art. Often its masters had to fight when challenged in order to prove its effectiveness. In fact, each move or step in Tai Chi has a martial art application. Understanding the purpose of a move provides knowledge on its emphasis and proper execution. Now turn the page to begin mastering this form.
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1. The Beginning Form
necessity requires speed and quick reflex. The not so obvious health benefits lie in the understanding of peng energy. At the start of peng, a person absorbs the shock or pain from the outside. It is like a cushion or buffer in a microsecond. You may have seen pictures of people walking bare feet on hot coals. The principle involves summoning up your internal energy to deflect or redirect pain that could otherwise injure you. At a higher level, peng force includes a recoiling action that is developed through years of practice.
The beginning form or “commencement” prepares the performer for what is to be executed in the next 24 steps. The key point is preparation in body, mind and spirit. When the performer steps out to the left, there is a sense of calmness and relaxed state almost in complete “emptiness” similar to other forms of meditative arts such as yoga. If the mind and spirit are not ready, then the whole body is not ready. But if all three aspects act in unity, then coordination will be clearly manifested and tension or stress is released. In addition, stepping out encourages the body to balance itself when shifting your weight from right to left. With the tongue held at the roof of the mouth, proper breathing is encouraged as well. These types of movements appear to be related to health benefits. The taolu on the other hand requires the performer’s back to be straight, head upright looking straight ahead, knees slightly bent, shoulders down
In Chinese medicine, this is referred to as “protective chi” or wei qi (卫气) which works with our immune system. According to traditional teachings, it is derived from essential substances in food and in inhaled air. But strengthening the immune system also requires a balanced flow of chi energy (yin-yang) in your body to encourage resistance to disease. The action of holding the ball, compressing the arms and body inwardly and then stepping out to ward off coupled with proper breathing techniques stimulate the expanding nature of wei qi. From the taolu perspective, the strike requires the front hand between the shoulders and the nose while the bow stance or “Gong Bu” (2e) must not allow the knee to go beyond the toes while the supporting leg is locked. This supports what is referred to as “grounding” or “rooting” that is the basis for solid footing and better control of your center of gravity or CG (pelvic region).
and relaxed, and the hip joints slightly opening up to allow the tailbone or
3. White Crane Spreads Its Wings
coccyx to be centered or pointed straight to the ground in a natural (not forced) way. The arms are first raised to shoulder level and then are slowly dropped down as you are bending the knees towards the front of the lower dantian area (roughly the front of the kidneys) as if you are placing both hands on the dinner table. The martial art application is to open up someone else’s tight hold of your wrists by the upward motion of your arms and the immediate downward motion to forcibly release the hold.
2. Part the Wild Horse’s Mane
Step 3 is a movement that combines both peng and lie and performed in the cat stance or “Xu Bu” (3d) where the left leg has almost no weight and the entire body weight is supported by the right leg. This stance is associated with kicks or evasive actions where the left foot is prepared to strike.
The separation of both hands is another
application of “lie”. The split is achieved when the right arm pulls up from the left side in an arc while the left arm crosses it downward in the opposite direction either to strike or block. Another quality of this step is the use of the waist to move in different directions – initially outward and backward then pressing forward – the whole idea is to get an opponent who is holding on to lean and become off-balance. The white crane has been studied in depth by various masters in martial arts due to its excellent fighting techniques. Step 2 consists of several identical parts, the first part is performed to
From the
standpoin
the left and then to the right and back to the left again. Each part consists of “holding the ball” (2a), shifting your weight to the side of the raised arm (2b), and closing in the arms into a scissor-like motion (2c) while taking a step forward to separate the arms (2d, 2e). The movement is likened to parting or combing the mane of a horse to one side. This is known as “lie” (挒) or to split while pulling down and throwing an opponent. The upper hand can end as a strike to apply “peng” (掤 pronounced as “pung”) force otherwise known as “ward off”. The obvious martial art form is the scissor-like closing of the arms that act like a sticky trap against a punch or kick. But the key is the shifting of the weight to one side to avoid getting hit which by necessity requires speed and quick reflex.
It is a spring-like action
with the opening and closing in rapid succession. The not so obvious
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The Tai Chi hand. Notice the cupped palm and the straight fingers that are separated. It is set to be ready for action.
standpoint of health, Tai Chi practitioners see the bird as an inspiration for
5. Play the Lute (Pipa)
body balance, stability and well-coordinated body movements. Since the step ends in the cat or empty stance which is a new pattern of movement, you can imagine that the brain is likely being taught to make changes to improve action and alignment. In terms of talou or regulations, this step requires that you keep your arms rounded and elbows down as you perform the separation. Make sure that the movement is generated from the waist and not just the arms. The
This next step is likened to holding up a traditional Chinese musical
left hand props up the right arm as you move upward and back. The
instrument called the “pipa”. Make a half step with the right foot
purpose of the raised right arm is to ward off a strike.
placing it just behind the left foot (5b). Then lift the left foot and extend the left heel forward while raising the left arm to the on-guard
4. Brush Knee Twist Step
position while the right hand is lowered. The movement ends with the heel, hands and the weight on the back leg moving altogether collapsing the shoulders and elbows at the same time. The martial application is to attack the opponent’s arm in the wrist and elbow areas. The collapsing motion is meant to inflict severe pain on the attacking arm. The sinking down movement is essential in fulfilling the purpose of opening and closing in Tai Chi. This collapsing
or
sinking
motion
emphasizes the absorbing of life energy or qi into the dantian. In the beginning form, we actually start executing this move, and throughout the execution of the entire form. When the qi is allowed to sink it will Similar to Step 2, this step renders the application of one of the major movements of Tai Chi namely the “an” (按) or push energy in a walking motion. You begin blocking with the right hand (4a, 4b) and left (4c, 4d), pulling back (4e) and start walking. Because of the complexity of this step, it is important to understand how the walking in Tai Chi is executed. Walking forward or backward involves moving almost all joints of each leg. It starts by lifting the back heel, then the knee, then the toes while keeping balance then stepping down heel first then the rest of the foot. Since everyone is different, this will be based on the individual’s ability and physical condition. The main requirements are to keep the body upright, head straight and be relaxed. The main characteristic of walking is “to walk like a cat”, slowly and gently. The talou for this step likewise emphasizes these points and adds a rule that disallows touching the ground after the foot is lifted until it passes to the next step. It also requires the arms to be rounded while
become activated and will enhance good health. This also has a bearing on the development of rooting as well. As the saying goes: “the on strongest trees have the deepest roots”. Tai Chi tries to harness the vast energy available from the earth in order to strengthen our physical bodies.
While this may sound too philosophical, you only
have to witness a 130-pound master who is being pushed by a 250pound man and the master keeps his ground without giving up an inch. To execute this step properly, keep the back straight and place the upright spine right over the full foot. As the spine rests over the foot, your ability to sink onto that foot is enhanced. Now when you start to collapse your arms, start bending your supporting leg to lower your CG. You will tend to feel more relaxed while developing your rooting to the ground.
6. Repulse Monkey
executing the brush. The hand that is moving forward must also pass the ear. The supporting leg at the back must not bend too much. The bent knee in front should not go beyond over the toes. The health benefits of walking brush knee are somewhat related to relaxation and effortlessness. A scientific study in 2002 corroborated the fact that this movement could enhance the “lower extremity muscular strength movement coordination, and the neuromuscular control for posture and balance.”
This means that the Tai Chi
practitioner through continuous and regular practice is able to demonstrate a high level of coordinated movement resulting in improved strength, flexibility and balance for preventing falls.
Step
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Step 6 can be thought of as the opposite of walking forward. Again, it begins
Likewise, the health benefits are gained by the whole-body connection
with lifting the back heel, raising the knee, stepping back, planting the foot
with the dantian by using the four energies almost at the same time. The
on the heel and finally resting the sole on the ground. It should be
classics talk about the hindering of qi flow causes illnesses. When the qi
performed with the back straight, relaxed hip muscles, lowered height while
flows freely from head to toe drawing upon the power of gravity the dantian
maintaining a good balance. Also, let your eyes follow the hand that is
will be able to perform the job of providing strength and healing effects
drawn back on an arc as it passes the ear (6d, 6k). The forward foot should
throughout the body. As acupuncture becomes more accepted as a way
also be twisted back to the straight position after the back foot is fully
of healing, people everywhere are beginning to experience the healing
planted on the ground to prepare for the next step.
power of this mysterious substance. If qi is an important component to
The use of “an” energy is clearly manifested in this move. As you move
good health then we ought to understand what it is. Qi is not equivalent to
the hand back think of grabbing of an opponent’s striking hand back while
energy. It is more correct to translate it as “air” or “oxygen”. The best
implementing a palm strike with the other hand. In this position, you can
translation so far is “life force” but it is used in the sense that it is potential
proceed with a counter-attack by using “ji” (擠) or pressing energy which
energy. The four energies simply describe how the life force can manifest
involves squeezing the opponent’s arm using both hands similar to what is
itself when it is harnessed. The movements described in Step 7 provide a
used in the practice of “push hands”. It is said that ji energy is the strongest
way to generate these energies.
level of power that is available in Tai Chi. Interestingly, it is used to displace
8. Right Grasp Bird’s Tail
an opponent by altering his CG rather than cause tissue or organ damage. Now it should be obvious that the health benefits from Tai Chi are delivered through the martial applications. The concepts of opening and closing, emptiness and fullness all work together to provide you with a certain form of energy, call it “fighting spirit” to strengthen your physical abilities even further. Keep remembering that the summation of Tai Chi is about the cultivation of mind, body and spirit.
7. Left Grasp Bird’s Tail Step 8 begins with the transition from the last movement in Step 7 (8a) shifting to the right side (8b), gathering or holding the ball (8c, 8d),stepping out to deliver “peng” or ward off (8e). Then pull both hands in to execute “liu” or rollback then “ji” to press forward (8f-8k). Finally, pull in and push outward with both hands to execute “an”. Then cross hands with the palms down and pull both hands in an arc and execute “an” by pushing away from the body with palms facing forward (8l-8o). Step 7 is an expression of 4 primary energies: “peng” (absorbing,
For both Steps 7 and 8, the talou requires
grounding and then bouncing back an outside force), “liu” ( 捋) or
that you convey your strength at the other
rollback which is a yielding movement, “ji” (pressing or squeezing) as
side of the peng forearm which should be at
explained in the previous step, and “an”. From the final position of
the height of the shoulders. Also, the "liu"
Step 6, pull in towards the right to hold the ball (7a, 7b, 7c). Then step
movement should deflect backwards to the
forward on the left foot while raising your left arm parallel to the
right (or to the left) with the arms bent
ground as if to press against an opponent (7d, 7e). The talou requires
inwards or outwards, deflecting in a curve.
the left arm to be at the height of the chest while keeping it curved. The left knee should not bend beyond the toes while straightening
perform“ji”, “ji”,bend bend one before the then place the other To perform one armarm before the chest chest on the inner side of the forearm at the wrist and push both hand
the back leg. Next do “liu” by pulling back with both hands shifting
hands simultaneously with the wrists slightly above the shoulders.
the weight to the back leg keeping your torso straight (7g). Then
Cross both hands with palms facing down and pull both hands in to
execute “ji” by pressing forward with the right hand against the left
perform “an” (8l). Both palms are drawn in close to the body from
forearm (7h, 7i, 7j). Lastly, use “an” to retreat or sink then with
shoulders downward in a curve and are pressed forward in a lifting
increasing energy, push forward with both hands (7k, 7l, 7m).
fashion(8n-8o).
The martial art applications have been explained previously. The combined energies show some type of feigning or closing and then opening and striking several times. The purpose is to control the movements of the opponent in order to lead him into a corner so to speak where you can unleash the powerful yang forces of ji and an.
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9. Single Whip
Despite its soft appearance, Step 9 is a step that is primarily intended for a
left side of your face (at the level below the eyebrow) with the palm
martial art application. From the last movement in Step 8 (9a), start moving
facing you while the left hand goes downward in effect switching places
the arms from right to left. The right hand is drawn downward followed by
with the right (10f). After the hands switch places, turn your body toward
the left while the body faces the front. When both arms are on the left side
the right again then put the arms back to the far right position as you step
(9b, 9c), the right arm moves back to the right side while forming a hook fist
to the left in order to begin the next wave (10h, 10i). Wave your hands two
and the right foot is drawn in close to the side of the left (9d, 9e). Then step
more times in this manner while keeping the same height throughout.
toward the left side on the left foot and begin to go on a bow stance (9f). When you are on the bow stance press forward with the left palm (9g).
As mentioned, the martial art application of Tai Chi can be improved greatly by practicing cloud hands frequently. The story goes that Yang
In martial applications, the right hand is used to create an opening (such
Luchan (founder of the Yang style) practiced this movement for hours to
as a grab or block) while the left hand is used to strike. In another example,
prepare for his fights. But the form itself has many martial applications. A
the hook fist (right hand) is actually used to strike the groin area. The whip
typical example, is sidestepping a punch.
represented by the left palm could mean a very rapid strike. The balanced
intercept the opponent’s hand by a block or grab while the innermost hand
and solid position of the bow stance can deliver a strike with much power.
circles under the opponent’s arm and do some damage to the face or to
There is not really a firm agreement on the role of the hook fist but an early
apply peng and throw the opponent over the leg. The sequence of
book on the Yang style explained that it is used as a “counterweight” for the
sidestepping, entrapment and attack is what is illustrated by cloud hands.
left hand.
The outermost hand can
In terms of a health application, the circular motions of the arms depict
The talou shows that as you begin
the exchange of energy between two parts of the body. When the arm is
moving your arms to the left (9b) the right
brought downward from the top, both shoulders and hips are relaxed and
arm should form an arc below the left arm
the dantian releases energy to bring the arm down. Raising the arm up is
like waving across the groin area. When
opening up the spiral and the downward motion is closing the spiral, hence
forming the hook fist, bend your wrist so
the name “reeling silk”. It is where the springy action comes from. Natural
that the tip of the hook points downward
breathing is also involved. As your arm extends correct breathing involves
naturally (9e, see image on the right). The
exhalation while bring the arm down and across the body involves
right hand also has to come across the
inhalation. This obviously will result in better blood circulation which in turn
body from the left arm as you press
can result in better absorption of nutrients and the elimination of toxins
forward with the left palm (9e, 9f).
from the body.
Let your back leg propel the
strength on the palm from the ground. And ensure that the left
11. Single Whip
bended knee does not go beyond the level of its toes.
10. Cloud Hands
As you complete Step 10, and the arms start to go back to the right side (11a-11c), extend the right arm to form the hook fist and take a wider step to the left (11e). Do a bow stance to the left and press forward with the left palm straightening the back leg to gather energy from the ground (11f). The martial art application of the hook Step 10 sometimes called “Wave Hands Like Clouds” is the Yang
fist is in its use for grabbing or balancing. An
version of silk reeling which is the foundation of “fajin” or explosive
alternative is to use it for striking. Image on
power in Tai Chi. Silk reeling is one of the hidden aspects of Tai Chi
the right shows how the hook fist is used for
that most people are not familiar with. But it simply has to do with
in other martial art styles.
the spiraling or circular movements that are built into each step. You
sense, the Tai Chi hand plays an important
can apply the spiraling movement everywhere: with the grab, knee
part in healing. It is said every turn of the hand and wrist can affect the structure of the entire body. This is
press, elbow, punch, and of course the cloud hands. Since there are variations of this step, let us turn to the taolu for the standard. From the single whip, turn your waist to the left and step out lightly to the left side while stretching out your right arm over to the right side followed by the left arm in a downward arc (10b, 10c). The first
In the health
actually evidenced in chin na, a Chinese joint locking technique where an opponent can be controlled with one twist of a finger. So too that with proper execution of Tai Chi your inner energy can be made to enable qi perform its energy-based healing power.
wave is executed by slowly transferring the weight from the right side to the left side while your left palm passes across the face to the left and your right hand goes in a downward arc (10e). The passing hand should be below the eyebrow. When the weight is transferred, put your right foot close to the left and bring up your right hand up to the
This ends Part 1 of this series of articles on the Simplified 24-Form. With the first few steps presented in this article, much hidden knowledge about the power of Tai Chi is revealed. Part 2 in the next edition of this magazine will continue on this theme.
eye level palm facing you while your left han
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Chenjiagou Chenjiagou
Dedication of the People from this Village to Preserve their Martial Art and Heritage for Hundreds of Years Has Today Benefited People All Over the World
By Rick S. Litton In 2007, the government of China recognized Chenjiagou or Chen Village as the birthplace of Tai Chi Chuan. It began when a military leader named Chen Wangting returned to his hometown at the end of the Ming dynasty around 1644 probably to retire as the government he used to serve no longer exists having lost to the Manchus (Qing dynasty). It is said that he began to consolidate all the martial skills he knew called “boxing forms” and combined them with the yin yang theories of Chinese medicine and out of it Tai Chi was born. He began to share
Chen Wangting
his art to his family which passed on to many generations where many heroes would come from as well as books and writings that are available to us today.
Early Beginnings 9th
As the generation of the Chen clan that moved from Shanxi province to Henan, Chen Wangting had already possessed the martial skills that were handed down from the first generation.
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Mississauga Tai Chi Magazine
His forefather, Chen Pu or Chen Bo of the first generation was known to be skillful in hand and weapon combat. He was always willing to help others in need and this is why the original village in Qinyang, Henan where the original family immigrated was named after him. Sometime thereafter, the family moved over to Changyang Village closer to the Yellow River for better farming conditions. The location was great but the villagers were concerned about the bandits nearby who kept victimizing them. Chen Pu then opened a martial arts school and with about a hundred of his disciples and members of the village attacked and wiped out the bandits in one sweep. Soon Chen Pu earned a reputation for not only his kindness, but also his skills and bravery that villagers decided to rename their village to Chenjiagou (“Chen” as to the family name, “jia” or “Family” and “gou” meaning “ditch” since the village is alongside a ditch that protects it from flooding.
From Kung Fu to Tai Chi Continuing on the story of Chen Wangting, the village he came back to retire in was already famous for their fighting skills which was in the form of boxing from the Shaolin Temple nearby. that close proximity to Shaolin Temple). But bec 2015-16 Winter
But the new martial arts invention was too appealing. Chen Wangting synthesized several existing boxing styles including the style passed down by Chen Pu into one system. He also emphasized its health benefits by aligning the system to the current health practices in Chinese medicine of his day and that it could be practiced by young and old alike. Moreover, he created the “silk-reeling” movements and the practice of “push hands” that remained the same up to this day.
day. As a means to protect themselves from bandits, the people in the village then studied it very hard. It became necessary training in the village. Chen Wangting continued the tradition of the masters which is to transmit his martial arts skills to the villagers. Around the age of 77, he wrote about how hard it was to toil the land but he found joy in teaching “disciples and descendants so that they may be worthy members of society.”
Chen Tai Chi to Yang Style Because Chen Tai Chi was highly effective in protecting them from armed bandits as well as a means of livelihood as soldiers, bodyguards, etc. the villagers made Chen Tai Chi a closely guarded secret. By the fourteenth generation, the style was experiencing major evolution and refinement. The grandmaster of the time was Chen Changxing (1771-1853). His changes made the style what it is today. Chen Changxing simplified the first five sets created by Chen Wangting into two forms Yi Lu (First Form) and Er Lu (Second Form). Both complement each other and Yi Lu is regarded as the oldest form of Tai Chi from which all other forms we have today have been derived. The grandmaster also was the first to break the village tradition by taking a out
student who was an outsider. This was a young man who was 18 years old by the name of Yang Luchan. Actually this is not entirely new as years before Chen Wangting took in a close friend and martial arts associate named Jiang Fa into his household as a “servant” as a disguise to keep him safe from the Manchus. But this is another story. Yang Luchan came from Hebei province who worked on odd jobs as a teenager. But he was an avid practitioner of martial arts. While working at a pharmacy owned by people who came from the Chen Village, he witnessed a fight between one of the pharmacy owners and group of thieves. He was amazed at the fighting prowess of the Chen villager and decided he had to seek out the master who can teach him the style. Because of the village restriction, Yang was first refused this opportunity. The story goes that he pretended to be deaf and dumb in order to be hired as a help in the grandmaster’s house. He worked during the day and at night practiced the routines he was able to learned by spying over the fence while the Chen students practiced. After a while, he was caught and put in front of the grandmaster to be punished or possibly killed. However, he begged Chen to allow him to learn the style and
to prove he was worthy to be a student, he defeated all of the grandmaster’s students.
Tai Chi Secrets to the World Yang Luchan left the village after serving as an apprentice to Chen Changxing for many years. But he pledged to keep secret what he had learned in the village. He therefore created his own form based on the Chen’s Lao Jia Yi Lu. It was often called “cotton fist” but Yang Luchan earned a reputation as “Yang the Invincible” defeating all his opponents. In 1850, he was hired to teach the aristocrats and royalty in Beijing. He was also given a high position in the military. The secrets of Tai Chi began to spread in China and eventually the world. Like Yang, the Chen family began teaching it to the public. Chen Zhaopi and Chen Fa Ke, went to different cities to teach. Later, Chen Zhaokui traveled to other parts of China to teach too. Printed material on Chen Tai Chi began to appear in the 1930s. In the 1950s, renewed interest on the art was revived by the Chinese government with the belief that it will benefit the population. The small village started to become very famous. Today it is considered as the “mecca” for Tai Chi practitioners everywhere.
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