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Authenticity | ||
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Authenticity
Authenticity is concerned with being able to prove that something is
genuine, real, bona fide, of undisputed origin.
Research could save you time & money
A would-be student should take the time to learn a little more about taijiquan
before attending a class. Do a little research. The time
spent will be worthwhile.
You do not want to waste years of your life learning something
useless...
What makes taijiquan 'taijiquan'?
Slow motion movement, chilled out exercise or dance cannot be considered
taijiquan. Taijiquan is more than this. It adheres to certain
parameters, guidelines and rules of
practice.
Is shibashi 'tai chi'?
No. Shibashi is a form of qigong, often erroneously to
referred to as tai chi. Shibashi does not conform to
The Taijiquan Classics.
Tai chi or taijiquan?
What is the difference between taijiquan and
tai chi for health? Taijiquan is a style of
fighting. Tai chi for health is a non-martial health exercise adapted from
taijiquan.
Taijiquan is
an art where all the principles of other martial arts have been turned upside
down.
They practice fast, we practice slow.
They practice hard, we practice soft.
(Cheng
Man Ching)
The real deal
Although many classes claim to be
teaching taijiquan, very few are.
In order for the art to qualify as taijiquan, it must
adhere
to
the essence of the
art:
Move your body in accord with The Taijiquan Classics
Train all 13 areas of study
Follow Yang's 10 Essentials
Maintain medically-sound body use
Functionally apply the art in a skilful 'taijiquan' way
Employ the taijiquan principles at all times
Embody the teachings of Taoism
13 methods should be made manifest at all times
Every movement is a whole-body movement
Providing these criteria are met, you have an immense degree of freedom for
personal expression and
individual
interpretation.
The teacher
Every taijiquan teacher possesses an in-depth grasp of the art. They know all
about taijiquan, Taoism, The Taijiquan Classics, neigong, jing, principles,
martial applications, adult learning and The
Art of War.
An instructor can readily interweave lessons from Taoism, taijiquan, life
and cognition in an insightful, thought-provoking way.
Syllabus
The extent of a teacher's knowledge should be evident in their comprehensive
syllabus and their scheme of work. Ask to see this before stepping foot in
the training hall.
The way most people do
taijiquan,
it's not a martial art. They could never use it the way they're doing it.
Everything's in their hands, they just fill in the rest with fantasy talk.
(Paul Gale)
Tao
If you want to find the origin of taijiquan, begin with the ancient Chinese
study of existence known as 'Taoism'.
What is Taoism?
Taoism is not a religion in the formal sense. It is concerned with the
observation of life, of nature and then the literal application of insights
gleaned through seeing and contemplating what took place.
There are 3 main books to read:
The Way and Its Power
The Way of Chuang Tzu
The Book of Changes
It is well worth
exploring a variety of interpretations and translations in order to discover
which one makes the most sense to you.
Embodied spirituality
Instead of talking, praying or thinking, Taoists do. They act. They put
their wisdom into practice. Taijiquan is a physical embodiment of Taoist
insights.
Taoist principle
The Chinese symbol called 'tai chi' or the 'supreme ultimate' contains yin
and yang. Yin is black and yang is white. Tai chi combines yin and yang to
produce a process of dynamic balancing.
The art of taijiquan employs this Taoist principle at all times.
Taijiquan fighting method
The wisdom of famous taijiquan masters came to be known as The
Taijiquan Classics.
These are the most widely read:
These documents
provide a detailed outline of
what
taijiquan is and how it should be employed.
Correct practice of taijiquan must follow the
guidelines precisely.
The highest level of taijiquan practice
is high stance and small circle. In high stance and small circle you can
conserve your energy to a maximum level. This is very crucial in battle.
Endurance has always been the crucial key to survival in a long battle.
Moreover, due to high stance and smaller shape you can reach to the
deepest relaxed stage, the mind is highly concentrated, and the sensitivity
and alertness can be extremely sharp.
(Yang Jwing-Ming)
Quan
The 'quan' in taijiquan is all about combat. When
you remove the fighting skills, strategies and
tactics, the art is no longer complete.
Worth buying
•
The Essence of Tai Chi Chuan - The Literary Tradition by Lo et al
•
Tai Chi Secrets of the Ancient Masters by Yang Jwing-Ming
More...
Page created 21 May
1996
Last updated
24 March 2022