The Ten Essential Principles of Yang Cheng Fu
Yang Cheng Fu (YCF-1883-1936) is one of the best known historical masters of Taiji Quan.
XinYi: (Mind Intention) in Taiji Quan
There is a saying in the Chinese ‘Internal‘ boxing arts like Taiji Quan; ‘Use the mind not force’.(Yong Yi Bu Yong Li) This is a foundational concept in the ‘Internal’ martial arts and is one of the most difficult concepts to grasp and even harder to achieve.
Notes From The Training Hall – Ji Ben Gong
Ji Ben Gong is the term given in Chinese martial arts (Guo Shu) to the fundamental training practices that are necessary to achieve basic physical and martial skills. There are many exercises and practices that constitute Ji Ben Gong as each style of traditional Chinese boxing will have specialised postural, stepping, striking and kicking skills that are basic and which serve to train the core principles of that art.
The Training of Fang Song
As I have already mentioned in the previous blog Song Jin (Fang Song)is the most fundamental of all the energetic expressions (Jin) that are cultivated in Tai Ji Quan.
Thoughts on Fundamental Skills in Taiji Quan – Song Jin
The most fundamental of the many ‘trained’ energies or Jin that comprise the art of Taiji is the skill of ‘Song’ Jin.
What is the ‘Internal’ in Internal boxing? Part 3
The most important theoretical aspect to consider when reviewing the ‘Internal’ in Nei Jia Quan is that they are ‘embodied’ concepts/philosophy. These concepts are unique to traditional Chinese culture and they actively shape the methods and combat strategies of these boxing systems.
What is the ‘Internal’ in Internal Boxing? Part 2
As I have already mentioned in Part-1 the three main boxing systems that are associated most commonly with Nei Jia Quan are Hsing Yi, Ba Gua and Taiji quan.
What is the ‘Internal’ in Internal Boxing? Part 1
There is often much discussion about the relative merits and characteristics of the Internal/External schools of Chinese boxing. Most of these discussions seem to be generated by practitioners who seek clarity on what has become a cloudy and often misunderstood martial classification.
Qi Gong – Therapeutic or Medical?
I recently had a conversation with someone who was seeking qi gong advice. She was four years into a serious and degenerative condition and was looking for ‘alternative’ therapies that might help her manage her symptoms and perhaps much more.
The Way of Taiji Quan
Tai Ji Quan is called Supreme Ultimate Boxing, Great Polarity Boxing and Yin Yang Boxing. Tai Ji Quan is a sophisticated martial Art, a health practice, a meditation, physical poetry, embodied philosophy and spirituality. It is restoring, healing and nourishing. It is a way of life.