Explanation of the Slow Movement without Physical
Strength in Tai Chi Chuan Practice
Page 103:
Extracts 1: Chapter 8
Explanation of the Slow Movement without Physical
Strength in Tai Chi Chuan Practice
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Chinese proverb:
(Man Gong Chu Xi Huo)
Translation:
Slow work produces detail and quality goods.
Many doubt the usefulness and power of Tai Chi Chuan because of
its slow movement and because it does not rely on the use of
physical strength. However, Tai Chi Chuan can in fact be
extremely effective - but only if one first studies the
principles. Only when one understands these principles can one
then learn the method. When one becomes proficient with the
method, one can then apply it. If one is unable to apply Tai Chi
Chuan, this is only because one has not practised the art to a
sufficient standard. For example the process of making steel
first starts with pig iron, which then becomes wrought iron
before being turned into steel. This takes a long process of
treatment before it reaches the required stage. When practising
Tai Chi Chuan, one has to be relaxed and natural. The emphasis is
on intention rather than using physical strength or holding the
breath. Such actions will cause one to be sluggish and
cumbersome. Hence, it is important to sink the Chi to the Dan
Tian and keep the body relaxed.
Extracts 2: Chapter 12
Extract from Wudang Gong Fu Series
Page 120
The slow overcoming the fast.
According to the
principles of mechanics, centrifugal force is most effective
because it comes from the centre. If we consider a wheel of a
three feet radius with a foot radius shaft in the centre, when
the wheel shaft turns 45 degrees, the inside wheel only turns
through a circular distance of less than 4 inches. The external
wheel will travel through a circular distance of more than a
foot. Therefore, there is a ratio of 1:3. For three turns at the
centre, the outside wheel turns one revolution. Hence using the
waist as the centre, applying the same principle using "time
dimension", the distance travelled in a second at the centre
will cause the circumference to travel a greater distance. In the
above example, it would be three times the distance. The Tai Chi
Chuan classics emphasise using the waist like the shaft of a
turning wheel, which follows the principle of the slow overcoming
the fast. This can be further expanded in the following usage of
Tai Chi Chuan postures:
1. Lu Jin (or Roll Back Energy)
Using the concept of the motion of the wheel in order to spin the
opponent round effectively, the presence of contact friction is
also required. This is the principle of Lu Jin.
2. Peng Jin (or Ward Off Energy)
If the opponent puts on pressure, there is a danger of the spiral
force being compressed and distorted, hence making it difficult
to turn. To resist such pressure or to avoid the force being
distorted, sometimes hard physical resistance is used so that the
spiralling turn is inhibited. In order to avoid this, one must
utilise the principle of "hardness within softness".
Hence when two forces meet, the softness outside will provide a
spring cushion to allow spiralling to take place. This is the
characteristic of Peng Jin or Ward Off power.
3. Ji Jin (or Press Energy)
If one comes in contact with a strong physical resistance, one
needs to increase the amount of ward off power in order to be
able to spiral through. To increase the amount of ward off power
is to use both hands, warding off in different directions but
meeting at the centre of the opponent's force. This is the Ji
Jin.
4. An Jin (or Push Energy)
Because the root is at the feet, in order to turn or move the
root or to spiral in and turn the opponent's body, the effective
way is to spiral downwards at an angle. This will impose a
lifting motion within a focused area to get a reaction without
the opponent
breaking free (i.e. the concept of sticking is applied). This is
An Jin.
Extracts
3: Chapter 14
Yang Family Old Manual
Page 138:
Tai Chi Juan (Xian Xiang Gong)
Translation : Tai Chi Circle (also known as The Coil Incense
Kung)
Translation:
It is easier to leave a circle than to enter it.
The emphasis is on the hip movement whether front or back.
The difficulty is to maintain the position without shifting the
centre.
To analyse and understand the above situation is to do with
movement and not with a stationary posture.
Advancing and retreating by turning sideways in line with the
shoulders, one is capable of turning like a millstone, fast or
slow,
as if whirling like a dragon in the clouds or sensing the
approach
of a fierce tiger.
From this, one can learn the usage of the movement of
the upper torso.
Through long practice, such movement will become natural.
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