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.
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.
IT’S ALL IN THE MIND
Sorry to say it has been too long since I wrote something but I’m prompted by a reader’s comment regarding the difficulty in using the ‘mind’ or ‘intention’ in practicing Qi Gong.
Martial Vocabulary and Principles of Application
I am always a little bit annoyed but sadly not surprised when martial artists of the more Kick and Punch persuasion laugh at Taiji as a martial art. This prejudice is based upon the common presentation of Taiji as a therapeutic practice only.
A New Home For Wu Taiji & Qi Gong
Finally we have opened new Association training rooms in Finsbury Park, North London. Just a short walk from Finsbury Park station at 20 Blackstock Rd. It’s got our name above the door and occupies the ground floor space below the Seven Heavens Acupuncture clinic all of which is run and managed by two of my senior students.
BAI SHI
Several of my senior students recently undertook the traditional Bai Shi ceremony to become ‘Indoor Students’. This means they are now ‘Men Ren’ or ‘ Gatekeepers’ of the Wu Style of Taiji Quan that I was inducted into by my Master, Li Li Qun. This makes them 6th Generation successors. This is counted from Quan You, the originator of the style, to Wu Jian Quan to Ma Yueh Liang, to Li Li Qun and then to me. In the absence of my Master I hope I’ve done the right thing. The greater Wu style family grows each time a successor is appointed, but as we all know that does not always mean that there is harmony in the bigger family.
QI GONG IS A PROCESS
Occasionally, I receive a call or an e mail from someone interested in studying Qi Gong with me. I always ask if they have done any Qi Gong before and what was their experience of it. Often I am told that they learned some movements or perhaps even one of the Traditional methods/forms and most likely add that they like the experience of Qi Gong but do not practice much anymore.
USE YOUR MIND NOT FORCE
One of the most important achievements in the study of Taiji quan is ‘use mind not force’. This is such an important ingredient that it could be said that if you do not achieve this you are not doing Taiji quan at all. Outwardly this achievement shows itself in the calm demeanour and ease with which the highest level practitioners can divert, move or throw an opponent and exhibit extraordinary levels of control and hence a ‘martial understatement’ that seems as if Taiji quan is a martial art that is not a martial art!
TAIJI QUAN – A Dual Personality
The popular understanding of Taiji quan is mostly based upon film footage of old people in China doing early morning practice in the parks. It is generally referred to as a health practice.