Tai Chi - São João da Madeira

25/04/2019

The Six Harmonies

A simple single word explanation of Tai Chi is balance or harmony. During Chuan practice, we seek to coordinate the energy generation of the lower body (energy begins in the root, developed by the legs) with the energetic expression of the upper body (directed and controlled by the waist, and absorbed / issued by the arms and hands).

Charts usually relate the 6 External Harmonies as:
Hip & Shoulder
Knee & Elbow
Ankle & Wrist

In a previous post, "The Dao (Tai Chi) of Non-Duality" I started to explain the multi-occurring complexities of Yinyang interaction in motion.
Here is a beginning study of the Six Harmonies.

The shifting action of the legs used in various stances has the potential to generate continuous energy.
Example: Front bow to Back bow - Back bow to Front bow

Simultaneous the arms can utilize this energy as:
Open to Close (like Raise Palms to Step up)
Close to Open (like Ward-off Left)

Deeper study and practice can examine each of the three joints of the legs; hip, knee, ankle "working in tandem" with the three joints of the arms; shoulder, elbow, wrist.

Through a pervious study of the Center Line (Premium to Crown) the 24 vertebra of the spin are associated with this energetic transference:
5 Lumbar - Pelvis (connects Root, Legs, Waist) - Wrist
12 Thoracic - Upper Back (connects Waist to Arms) - Elbow
7 Cervical - Neck (connects Body to Head) - Shoulder

Learn more here:
https://store.bookbaby.com/book/a-52-week-tai-chi-perennial-digest?fbclid=IwAR3vI-y5F1giDZUnCatJjj6jXWI8JVc_vJcSG-ABNQQJmCRt1UId_dJtw44

19/03/2019

The Power of Mass

Force = Mass x Acceleration

Newton stated: "A stationary mass remains stationary, and a mass in motion at a constant speed and in a constant direction maintains that state of motion, unless acted on by an outside force". To move an object, Inertia has to be overcome and in motion, resistance slows it down.

There is a clear reason why there are weight classes in boxing. To generate the same Force, simply stated it is easier for a heavier person (moving their larger mass) than it is for a lighter person (moving less mass). The lighter person has to increase their speed to accelerate significantly faster to generate the same Force as a heavier person at a slower speed.

In the art of Tai Chi Chuan, this type of crude Force; Li is labeled as a pejorative, but it works fine none the less. The refined Skill of Tai Chi Chuan is to twofold; overcome an opponent's Force by yielding (not fighting back with a greater Force) and pushing into an opponent's structure only after their root has been compromised. Although keep in mind, in a real life and death situation, we resort to any means necessary to survive. There are many strategies.
The famous General Qi Jiguang, made this clear with his statement;
Practical is not pretty.

When an opponent's root is compromised first, it is like the refrigerator tipped onto a corner. When the refrigerator is flat on the ground, it takes a lot of (crude) force to overcome not only its weight, but the resistance of the floor too. Boxers dance around to avoid being flatted footed; a stationary object easy to hit hard. Timing and distance can only be learned in sparring.

So, if you see a Push Hand Competition degrade to a shoving match or tug of war, understand this is the reality of the status quo. Seeing two very highly skilled masters compete is as rare as hen's teeth.

12/03/2019

13/02/2019

Poderoso...

09/02/2019

Yes!

29/11/2018

Tai Chi não é só para velhinhos... :) com seis anos de idade já torce o pepino...

16/10/2018

氣功 QIGONG - ZHAN ZHUANG 站桩

Although there is no substitute for direct instruction from an actualized teacher, books throughout history were highly prized for the knowledge they contain. How regrettable the burning of Shaolin and the destruction of the Library of Alexandria. Before the invention of modern printing, copies of books were scarce, expensive, laboriously hand written, and only accessible to nobility, aristocrats, and clergy. Today, we should appreciate and take full advantage of the opportunity afforded us, that books are available on the topics that interest us. Masters write books to share and spread what they have dedicated decades of their lives refining. They want us to learn from them.

Here are two recommendations.
Please also consider my book.

Zhan Zhuang: The Art of Nourishing Life
by Dr. Yong Nian Yu

The Way of Energy: Mastering the Chinese Art of Internal Strength with Chi Kung Exercise
by Master Lam Kam-Chuen

According to Tai Chi Theory, when yin reaches its extreme, it generates yang...when yang reaches its extreme, it generates yin.

I suggest practicing the moving hand form, and then pause to practice post standing. Every technique can be a post standing posture. Stand still and retain the feeling that movement can easily resume at any moment. Move and retain the feeling of pause that can occur as soon as the technique reaches its full expression.
The practice of the long hand Form takes between 25 - 60 minutes. Select a few postures to pause for 5 - 10 minutes. Pausing in any posture, remaining in correct position, relaxed, Qi sunk to the Dan Tian, and rooted for 10 minutes is a good achievement.
Pausing for longer periods can offer deeper training, but once a posture is compromised the practice is dysfunctional. Do not sacrifice quality of practice for quantity of practice.

19/09/2018

30/08/2018