As for me as an author, I cannot help confessing that this work was equally unexpected and grateful for me. The very thought of writing a book on this art had never before crossed my mind; moreover, for a long time, despite numerous requests, I refused to teach tai chi chuan, despite the undoubted advantages of this school. I focused all my efforts on teaching Shaolin kung fu to students because I thought it was the best I could offer them. It should be noted that by this point I had already studied the art of tai chi quan for more than 20 years, but I was teaching only the styles of the Shaolin school. The reason for this was that I was lucky enough to study the art of kungfu under the direct guidance of the most famous mentors, whose skills have been preserved in their original purity and authenticity, passing from generation to generation from the ancient teachers of the famous monastery. That is why I was sincerely convinced that a good teacher is obliged to give his students the best of what he owns.
In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the people whose kind participation has contributed to the publication of this manual.
Won Q-Kit
Keda, Malaysia
Chapter 1
Goals and opportunities
A master of tai chi quan is like a true warrior. Without flaunting his martial virtues, he is always restrained in expressions, modest, tolerant and at peace with himself and those around him.
Versatility and versatility of martial art
Tai Chi Quan is the most wonderful martial art in the world. This chapter provides arguments in favor of this claim, and if your personal experience has not proved it in practice, at least you will understand what you are missing. In the following chapters, you will learn how to achieve maximum success in the application of the Tai Chi technique.
There is a misconception that this art is not martial by definition; in fact, it is extremely effective in martial arts in terms of both technique and its combat power. Most notably, with just a few techniques of tai chi, you can protect yourself from almost any kind of physical aggression!
You don't need to learn countless combat techniques - the old masters have taken care to reduce the number of techniques to about twenty ways to repel any attack. The versatility of the system is explained by the fact that with its help it is possible to resist all four main categories of attack: punches, kicks, throws and grabs.
The weak point of fans of other martial arts is that they sometimes turn out to be powerless against individual attack techniques that are not part of their training system. Thus, a karate follower who is used to mainly using his hands will experience difficulties in a duel with a master of taekwondo or Thai (Siamese) boxing, since the kicking technique in karate has a very limited set of techniques. In turn, a taekwondo specialist will encounter inconvenience in combat with a judoka, since the throwing technique familiar to an opponent is rarely used in taekwondo. Following the same logic, we can say about the unpleasant minutes that a judo fan will experience when countering the kicks of a taekwondo specialist or a karateka’s hand technique, since the arsenal of judo blocking techniques in this case is very limited. So, there are two ways before you: the first is to study all types of martial arts, the second is to study tai chi quan. The second way is preferable not only because it is the least laborious, but also because tai chi provides a number of advantages that are not found in other forms of martial art.
None of the listed martial arts gives such an amazing opportunity to control power. A master of tai chi quan is capable of inflicting mortal injury on an opponent without leaving the slightest trace on his body, while the injuries resulting from the fights of adepts of other schools themselves testify to the cruelty and ugliness of these martial techniques and their fans. Usually tai chi quan masters do not beat their opponents: firstly, because the system of their training is designed to achieve complete calm, and not rage in battle; secondly, the grace with which they fight and defeat the enemy is hardly achievable in most other martial arts. For example, it is not difficult for them to throw an opponent several feet away and secure a clear victory for themselves without causing him any appreciable harm. In some other schools, on the contrary, everything is done in order to cause the maximum surge of aggression during the fight, and in order to ensure victory, opponents often break each other's bones and smash their heads.
Comparative mechanics and psychology of various martial arts
Some schools show incredible cruelty and hostility, even during training sparring (fights) between students. It is not uncommon to hear one or another instructor shouting something like: “Hit him, kill him!” Therefore, it is not surprising that the wards of such a “specialist” leave classes bruised and bruised, holding arrogance and hatred in their hearts. Unacceptable practices of this kind are completely absent from tai chi quan classes, not at all because the adherents of this school are born more humane people, but because the very essence training process aimed at achieving peace, and the student's aggressive and selfish thoughts will work against him.
Research carried out in the field of mechanics and psychology of learning processes in various schools martial arts, gave completely different results. Compared to tai chi, other schools of combat emphasize mechanical strength and speed. In the case when during the fights the blow is not blocked or the defender evades it, the force and inertia are such that the attacker is unable to hold the kicking leg or arm, and the attack is carried out with all cruelty. The basis of the basic strategy of such schools is the desire to hit the enemy as hard and fast as possible, almost without paying attention to their own safety. Both sides concentrate on the attack and usually hit each other a lot. The psychology of such fighters lies in the desire to get even with blow for blow. The desire for revenge forms the philosophy of such a battle, when, regardless of who your opponent is, the desire to defeat him at all costs dominates. This way of thinking goes back to the days when a warrior considered it an honor to kill anyone, be it his own father, if only there was a command from the overlord.
The dynamics and philosophy of tai chi ch'uan have nothing to do with the above approach. The basic strategy of tai chi combat is to follow the movements of the opponent, for which the combatant needs calmness and clarity of thought; otherwise he will not be able to apply his art effectively. The impact force is determined in this case not by the force of inertia, but by the flow of internal energy released at the moment of contact. In sparring, this means that in response to an accidental blow, the partner will not meet hard opposition.
Current page: 1 (total book has 13 pages)
Won Q-Kit
TAI CHI CHUAN
The Complete Guide to Theory and Practice
This book is dedicated to all the great tai chi chuan masters of the present and past, whose selfless service to the art has contributed to the achievement of excellence by many people, regardless of their race, culture and creed.
Introduction
Tai chi chuan, or tai chi chuan, is a truly wonderful art. However, for more than 90% of practitioners, only 10% of its potential is available. The purpose of this guide is not only to reinforce the skills that readers already have, but also to provide information for those wishing to overcome the ten percent barrier. Basically, the book is written based on the author's own experience, but taking into account all the achievements of the classical, mainly Chinese, art practiced by tai chi quan masters for many centuries.
Those who first encountered tai chi quan should know that this art is a time-tested sophisticated system of exercises for the body, mind and control of the flow of energy. Tai Chi is equally suitable for promoting health, prolonging life, self-defense, improving mental abilities and spiritual development. Technology is equally good for all people, regardless of their race, culture or religion. Quite rightly, tai chi quan is called the "poetry of movement", but it would be a mistake to listen to opinions that interpret the art as "shadow boxing" or "slow gymnastics." The first definition most accurately conveys the beauty and grace of tai chi chuan, while "shadow boxing" and "slow gymnastics" testify to a superficial understanding of the true depths and philosophy of art.
The very title of this book suggests that you have the most complete guide on the study of this technique, from basic concepts to the most advanced levels of skill. Anyone who has shown an interest in the Tai Chi system will surely find something useful in this book. It is precisely this goal that tai chi quan meets, paying attention to achieving grace and balance, strengthening health and the psyche, developing inner strength or energy flow. The listed advantages are well known to everyone, but few people understand them correctly in the context of the art of tai chi. The book explains how to use this style in combat, focusing on using a variety of techniques at the expense of the opponent's strength, depending on certain specific features of the fight. In addition, the guide will help you understand how the old Chinese masters used tai chi quan as a system of spiritual development.
Despite the complexity and variety of aspects of the application of tai chi, no prior knowledge is required for a beginner. It should be borne in mind that if you intend to master the full benefits of this art, no book can replace consistent and constant training. This manual will help the student to obtain invaluable information about the wisdom of the great masters of tai chi quan accumulated over the centuries, but without practical application, the knowledge will be wasted, and the book itself will turn into an entertaining reading; you will be able to intelligently discuss the virtues of tai chi ch'uan style with friends and may be able to give some helpful tips practices, but the strength and health, grace and freshness of thought that they will gain will not be available to you yourself.
The book is a kind of tutorial. However, it should be noted that mastering the most advanced techniques, such as the use of energy and mind control, requires the presence of an experienced mentor. At the same time, the beginner must be aware that the endless variety of subtle movements and techniques learned at the beginning of training also makes the presence of a teacher necessary. In most cases, beginners try to force the process of obtaining basic skills, which is the most common mistake. There is one "golden" principle that any master will agree with: patient and consistent training. All basic techniques have stood the test of time. When one or another technique is spoken of as effective, it means that thousands and thousands of masters were convinced of its effectiveness, and your personal failure only indicates that you did not pay enough attention when studying it. basic principles or showed excessive haste in training.
Be that as it may, patient and consistent training does not mean that the student should blindly and thoughtlessly memorize this or that movement. If a student of Tai Chi Chuan does not feel real results from training, that is, his body remains weak, his psyche is unstable, and his mind is sluggish, such a student should think about his own mental abilities and either direct his efforts in another direction, or turn to other mentors or sources of information. Typically, those involved in correct methodology people achieve tangible results within a year.
This book offers teaching methods proven in practice by China's greatest tai chi chuan masters. In addition to general information that is characteristic of all styles, and the “Simplified Tai Chi Complex”, with the help of which millions of Chinese managed to maintain good spirits and bodies, despite all the ups and downs of numerous wars and the last three revolutions, this guide offers the reader the methods of the most famous masters of this art.
tai chi quan is effective art self-defense, and all aspects of its practical application are analyzed in detail in this book. Masters of martial arts will be able to make sure that, unlike other techniques, where any physical contact involves getting some kind of damage for any of the participants in the fight, tactical techniques of tai chi quan allow even the loser to remain unharmed. The book contains numerous exercises that will help you master principles such as "soft beats hard" and "swim by the inertia of the enemy."
The great masters of tai chi quan emphasized the dominance of the inner, deep aspects of art in comparison with its external manifestations. As a rule, most students are aware of this, but only a few understand the meaning of this concept, not to mention its practical application. The book will help to overcome this deficiency and teach the basic principles, which are illustrated by numerous exercises and explanations, through which the student of the art of tai chi realizes that each movement is a manifestation of inner strength and discipline of the mind.
The rich philosophical heritage of tai chi chuan, usually expressed in poetic form (examples of which you will also find in this book), does not detract from the main purpose of the art - its martial aspect and, more importantly, the practical application of the system in Everyday life. In other words, if after 20 years of training you can't stand up for yourself, or still can't handle your temper tantrums, or your physical form leaves much to be desired (regardless of age), know that you have wasted precious time in vain. The book will explain why and teach you how to use the benefits of tai chi for the benefit of health, work and leisure.
Many people, especially in the West, are surprised to learn that tai chi is a martial art; even more perplexing is the fact that the original goal of the system was the spiritual growth of a person, regardless of whether he was a believer or suffered from a lack of faith. The book traces the connection of tai chi quan with Taoism and identifies possible ways of spiritual development and perfection.
I originally intended to title the book The Miracles of Tai Chi Chuan because it was the miraculous possibilities of this art that inspired me to write it. However, my editor suggested a more descriptive subtitle: "The Complete Guide..." and I found it quite appropriate. In this regard, I would like to clarify the word "complete". The manual is complete to the extent that it is necessary and is of interest to tai chi chuan learners, who will find in this work answers to almost all questions they are interested in, for example, why are some Wu style stances higher than others or how the movements “fluidity” of all styles of tai chi is associated with the Tao Te Ching of Lao Tzu. The book even discusses issues such as, for example, knee injuries, which have recently become a serious problem for American adherents of the doctrine. However, one should not be under the illusion that one book can contain the centuries-old wisdom of the art of tai chi chuan: any chapter of this manual could be expanded to the size of many volumes.
As for me as an author, I cannot help confessing that this work was equally unexpected and grateful for me. The very thought of writing a book on this art had never before crossed my mind; moreover, for a long time, despite numerous requests, I refused to teach tai chi chuan, despite the undoubted advantages of this school. I focused all my efforts on teaching Shaolin kung fu to students because I thought it was the best I could offer them. It should be noted that by this point I had already studied the art of tai chi quan for more than 20 years, but I was teaching only the styles of the Shaolin school. The reason for this was that I was lucky enough to study the art of kungfu under the direct guidance of the most famous mentors, whose skills have been preserved in their original purity and authenticity, passing from generation to generation from the ancient teachers of the famous monastery. That is why I was sincerely convinced that a good teacher is obliged to give his students the best of what he owns.
In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the people whose kind participation has contributed to the publication of this manual.
Won Q-Kit
Keda, Malaysia
Chapter 1
Goals and opportunities
A master of tai chi quan is like a true warrior. Without flaunting his martial virtues, he is always restrained in expressions, modest, tolerant and at peace with himself and those around him.
Versatility and versatility of martial art
Tai Chi Quan is the most wonderful martial art in the world. This chapter provides arguments in favor of this statement, and if your personal experience does not prove it in practice, you will at least understand what you are missing. In the following chapters, you will learn how to achieve maximum success in the application of the Tai Chi technique.
There is a misconception that this art is not martial by definition; in fact, it is extremely effective in martial arts in terms of both technique and its combat power. Most notably, with just a few techniques of tai chi, you can protect yourself from almost any kind of physical aggression!
You don't need to learn countless martial techniques - the old masters have taken care to reduce the number of techniques to about twenty ways to repel any attack. The versatility of the system is explained by the fact that with its help it is possible to resist all four main categories of attack: punches, kicks, throws and grabs.
The weak point of fans of other martial arts is that they sometimes turn out to be powerless against individual attack techniques that are not part of their training system. Thus, a karate follower who is used to mainly using his hands will experience difficulties in a duel with a master of taekwondo or Thai (Siamese) boxing, since the kicking technique in karate has a very limited set of techniques. In turn, a taekwondo specialist will encounter inconvenience in combat with a judoka, since the throwing technique familiar to an opponent is rarely used in taekwondo. Following the same logic, we can say about the unpleasant minutes that a judo fan will experience when countering the kicks of a taekwondo specialist or a karateka’s hand technique, since the arsenal of judo blocking techniques in this case is very limited. So, you have two ways: the first is to study all kinds of martial arts, the second is to study tai chi quan. The second way is preferable not only because it is the least laborious, but also because tai chi provides a number of advantages that are not found in other forms of martial art.
None of the listed martial arts gives such an amazing opportunity to control power. A master of tai chi quan is capable of inflicting mortal injury on an opponent without leaving the slightest trace on his body, while the injuries resulting from the fights of adepts of other schools themselves testify to the cruelty and ugliness of these martial techniques and their fans. Usually tai chi quan masters do not beat their opponents: firstly, because the system of their training is designed to achieve complete calm, and not rage in battle; secondly, the grace with which they fight and defeat the enemy is hardly achievable in most other martial arts. For example, it is not difficult for them to throw an opponent several feet away and secure a clear victory for themselves without causing him any appreciable harm. In some other schools, on the contrary, everything is done in order to cause the maximum surge of aggression during the fight, and in order to ensure victory, opponents often break each other's bones and smash their heads.
Comparative mechanics and psychology of various martial arts
Some schools show incredible cruelty and hostility, even during training sparring (fights) between students. It is not uncommon to hear one or another instructor shouting something like: “Hit him, kill him!” Therefore, it is not surprising that the wards of such a “specialist” leave classes bruised and bruised, holding arrogance and hatred in their hearts. Unacceptable practice of this kind is completely absent from tai chi quan classes, not at all because the adherents of this school are born more humane people, but because the very essence of the training process is aimed at achieving calmness, and the student’s aggressive and selfish thoughts will work against him himself.
Studies conducted in the field of mechanics and psychology of training processes in various schools of martial arts have given completely different results. Compared to tai chi, other schools of combat emphasize mechanical strength and speed. In the case when during the fights the blow is not blocked or the defender evades it, the force and inertia are such that the attacker is unable to hold the kicking leg or arm, and the attack is carried out with all cruelty. The basis of the basic strategy of such schools is the desire to hit the enemy as hard and fast as possible, almost without paying attention to their own safety. Both sides concentrate on the attack and usually hit each other a lot. The psychology of such fighters lies in the desire to get even with blow for blow. The desire for revenge forms the philosophy of such a battle, when, regardless of who your opponent is, the desire to defeat him at all costs dominates. This way of thinking goes back to the days when a warrior considered it an honor to kill anyone, be it his own father, if only there was a command from the overlord.
The dynamics and philosophy of tai chi ch'uan have nothing to do with the above approach. The basic strategy of tai chi combat is to follow the movements of the opponent, for which the combatant needs calmness and clarity of thought; otherwise he will not be able to apply his art effectively. The impact force is determined in this case not by the force of inertia, but by the flow of internal energy released at the moment of contact. In sparring, this means that in response to an accidental blow, the partner will not meet hard opposition.
Moreover, the very approach to conducting sparring contacts in tai chi quan is fundamentally different from the positions of other martial arts schools. Instead of exchanging blows, students develop their skills through a specially developed technique known as "pushing hands", the essence of which is that the hands of opponents come into "soft" contact as a result of a series of rhythmic movements. The purpose of such training is to determine the opponent's weak points, such as an unprotected area or the moment the sparring partner loses his balance. Thus, during mock combat opponents take no damage. It is equally important to remember that this technique involves following not only the movements of the partner, but also his thoughts and feelings! The enemy is thrown down at the moment when he is out of balance, preoccupied with something or feels insecure. More details about the technique of "pushing hands" will be discussed later.
The very philosophy of the art of tai chi quan was not formed by military leaders, whose main desire was effective murder, but is the brainchild of Taoist thinkers, whose goal was to prolong life and achieve immortality. This fundamental difference in historical and philosophical terms gave rise to a special psycho-emotional mood of tai chi practitioners. Taoism is famous for its desire for freedom, neglect of worldly fuss and love of life. If we translate this into the language of tai chi chuan, then we can say that art is distinguished by independence, carelessness and cheerfulness in all aspects of its manifestation, be it individual sessions or working with a sparring partner.
Inner power, not brute physical strength
Developing strength in tai chi quan involves using the power of the mind and controlling the flow of internal energy. Thus, the tai chi practitioner does not need to exercise on sandbags, lift weights, special exercises to harden fingers and shins, in general - to spend time on rough and painful preparation, from which hands and feet are covered with calluses. Nevertheless, your strength is steadily growing if you are familiar with the ways of interacting with cosmic energy, the use of which is very effective than all sports equipment combined.
The strengthening of an external force is usually local and limited. Thus, by training his palms on a sandbag or by stuffing his shins on stakes driven into the ground, the student achieves a concentration of strength precisely in these parts of his body. The use of force is also limited to these (trained) impact points. Conversely, the inner strength acquired in tai chi quan classes has a versatile and comprehensive application. During meditation, the controlled mind and vital energy, controlled by the Ki-Kung technique, not only aim to transfer internal strength to the impact points, but also increase the energy potential of the body and soul of the trainee. In addition, you do not have to carry bulky equipment with you everywhere. Below will be described various ways inner strength training.
Many people believe in the fairy tale that brute strength is not a prerequisite for being a judo master. Usually the story is told about a little girl who puts a giant sumo wrestler on the tatami with one finger (when he already lost his balance). In a real fight, the opponent of a sumo wrestler is unlikely to have such an opportunity. Even if you wishful thinking and assume that the giant lost his balance, he only needs to take a step back to find it again. The truth is that, as in judo, as in any other art, considerable physical effort is required to bring down even an unprepared opponent; the only exception is the assumption that the victim of the attack is too naive and stupid to allow himself to be caught in the most disadvantageous position.
Unlike judo, tai chi quan is an art that does not involve the use of brute force. A fragile girl, a master of tai chi quan, can not only effectively repel the attack of a strong man, but also throw him to the ground. It is quite obvious that for this she will need remarkable strength, but of a completely different nature than a rough physical (purely mechanical) impact.
Convenience in everyday life and the cultural aspect of tai chi
If you are a martial arts fan, but constantly dressing in a special training uniform annoys you, tai chi chuan is what you need. Even deep and long training does not require a special uniform. You will never need to address the partner who grabbed your clothes with a ridiculous request to wait with the performance of the technique until you change into the appropriate uniform.
Moreover, it is important that during training, those involved do not have to sweat a lot and profusely, with the exception of those cases when sweating is caused artificially and for a specific purpose. For example, going out for a walk in the park in the morning, you can put on your business suit - it will not interfere with your tai chi quan training and will not become that “red rag” that so attracts the idle attention of uninvited spectators. At the end of the workout, you can immediately go to work without going home. Classes in tai chi quan also do not impose special requirements on the place of training and can be carried out directly at the workplace or in the bedroom. It is difficult to find another type of martial art that is as democratic and does not cause everyday troubles as tai chi.
In Chinese tradition, the model of a cultured person is considered to be one who is both versed in the sciences and martial arts, or, in the words of the poet, "vien wu shuan kuan." Confucius himself, who many people mistakenly consider an aged bookworm, was an excellent archer and a great swordsman. On the other hand, many great generals were famous poets and writers. Tai Chi Chuan embodies this ideal and is therefore rightfully considered an "intelligent" martial art. Its popularity among pundits is due to two reasons. Firstly, training methods provide aesthetic pleasure, and secondly, art contributes to the strengthening and development of qualities that are highly valued in the academic environment, such as clarity of thought, broadmindedness, and intolerance of cruelty. It should be noted that people who practice tai chi quan are characterized by a commitment to literature, painting, music and chess. This is because the fundamental concept of this martial art - yin - yang (which will be discussed in the next chapter) - opens up the horizons of Chinese philosophy and literature. Tai chi adherents are no less attracted by the spirit of freedom and infinity inherent in this art, compared to the tense atmosphere of constant competition that prevails in the classroom in other schools.
The Richness of Tai Chi Chuan Theory
The theoretical basis of tai chi quan is very diverse. Not numerous postulates are often written in poetic language and are quite applicable not only in the combat aspect and as a means to strengthen / develop strength, but can also serve as a guide in everyday life. A good example of the above is the principle based on the four aspects that make up strength: the separation of the real from the illusory; correct breathing; use of reason rather than brute force; calmness and lack of tension during active actions.
Even a superficial acquaintance with the theoretical principles of tai chi allows one to judge the depths of the philosophy of this art. In most martial arts, the emphasis is on a purely mechanical force on the enemy. In such schools, to increase stamina or punching power, they jump over a rope and put a punch on a sandbag. In tai chi chuan, training methods such as bag work, jumping rope, or running are discouraged, not only because they are too primitive, but also because they simply nullify the fighting qualities of a tai chi master. Such crude methods give only an apparent, but not true result in increasing the power of impact and increasing endurance.
Sandbags help harden your fist, which has nothing to do with increasing punching power. A hard, calloused fist will ease the pain of breaking bricks, but will not increase the force of the blow. The increase in punching power is the result of the quantity and quality of punches carried out during training, but not the result of numerous contacts of the fist with the bag. Thus, hitting an imaginary target (that is, in the air) will bring much more benefit than "beating" the bag. In the latter case, the force and speed of the impact will instinctively be reduced, as the body experiences pain upon contact with a hard surface. The reluctance of many martial artists to understand this simple truth is an example of how the desired (illusory) is mistaken for the real. This kind of punching technique is based on the laws of pure mechanics, and its power depends on the force of inertia and, last but not least, on whether the knuckles of the fist can avoid breaking. Much more effective is a striking technique using an internal force that resembles a kind of electricity. In the latter case, your fist will no longer serve as a bone mallet, but will become a conductor of your internal energy to the opponent's body. When a fighter controls his breathing, has a clear head, remains calm and liberated, not only his inner strength, embodied in the blow, increases, but also all other characteristics necessary in martial arts.
With the same degree of skepticism, masters of tai chi quan treat jumping rope and running on a simulator. Just as in the case of practicing punches on the bag, these training methods indicate an unwillingness to separate the true from the imaginary. The endurance gained through such training will be nothing more than an illusion, because instead of controlling your breath with your mind, you will begin to suffocate and, willy-nilly, you will have to take a break to compensate for the lack of oxygen. Your heart will also have to work in overload conditions, which will not only be detrimental to your ability to reason in battle soberly and adequately respond to the actions of the enemy, but, possibly, in a future that you cannot foresee, will cause a lot of health troubles. The methods of tai chi chuan will help to avoid such troubles, which you will read about in the sixth chapter of this book.
Health, character development and philosophy
Tai Chi Chuan is not only an effective martial discipline. Art makes it possible to treat and prevent diseases that are incurable from the point of view of orthodox medicine. These include hypertension, rheumatism, asthma, gastritis, insomnia, migraine, depressive and neurotic states. An experienced practitioner is able to prevent or treat injuries to the patella, a disease that the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery has recognized as the most common trauma in the United States. In the arsenal of tai chi there is a set of exercises to improve health and prolong life. In other words, you should not wait for illness to come or someone to attack you in order to enjoy the undeniable benefits of the tai chi system. If you do not have enough time for long workouts or hiking in gym seems too burdensome for you, then in this case, tai chi quan classes are the most suitable for you. Fifteen minutes a day will be enough to do everything you need from a set of exercises in a comfortable home environment. Good physical shape is far from the only benefit provided by the tai chi system. The meditative aspect of art will help you find peace of mind and serenity of thought.
While many martial arts tend to make their followers warlike and aggressive, tai chi chuan helps people find peace and composure. These qualities are not achieved due to the psychological pressure of instructors, but are inherent in the very nature of tai chi. It should be noted that there is no art more suitable for character formation than the school of martial arts tai chi quan, since the training system is built on the principles of benevolence, "softness" and is tuned to gain control over the harmonizing energy flow, vital for a bright mind and unity with space. The typical tai chi ch'uan master rarely exhibits his art in public. As a rule, he is distinguished by restraint in words, tolerance and lives in peace with himself and others.
As already mentioned, tai chi is not just a martial art; its origins go to the depths of Chinese philosophy and the wisdom of Taoism. The term itself literally means "great limit" or "cosmos" and is etymologically connected with the concept of "Yijing" (I-chin), that is, with the "Book of Changes". At the beginning of the classic Treatise on Tai Chi Quan, which will be discussed a little later, the great master Wang Zong Yui wrote: “Tai Chi originated from the Void. It gave birth to movement and stillness and is the mother of yin and yang. In motion there is division, but in stillness there is unity.” It's amazing how closely the positions are intertwined. ancient philosophy with spatial representations of modern quantum mechanics.
It is my hope that those who continue reading this book will discover the truly unimaginable possibilities of tai chi ch'uan. There is nothing surprising in the fact that many of you will not believe what you read - the secrets of tai chi have always been kept behind seven seals. This is due to a number of reasons, including the reluctance of the old masters to remove the barriers between West and East. I strongly recommend readers not to take on faith a single word they read, but to verify the truth of what is stated on their own experience, preferably under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Tai Chi Quan is one of the most famous "internal" styles of Chinese martial arts. This is rhythmic gymnastics that allows you to achieve harmony between the body, mind and energy of the universe, but, in addition, tai chi quan gives you the opportunity for real self-defense in battle.
The book is intended for both beginners and those who wish to improve their skills.
Introduction
Tai chi chuan, or tai chi chuan, is a truly wonderful art. However, for more than 90% of practitioners, only 10% of its potential is available. The purpose of this guide is not only to reinforce the skills that readers already have, but also to provide information for those wishing to overcome the ten percent barrier. Basically, the book is written based on the author's own experience, but taking into account all the achievements of the classical, mainly Chinese, art practiced by tai chi quan masters for many centuries.
Those who first encountered tai chi quan should know that this art is a time-tested sophisticated system of exercises for the body, mind and control of the flow of energy. Tai Chi is equally suitable for promoting health, prolonging life, self-defense, improving mental abilities and spiritual development. Technology is equally good for all people, regardless of their race, culture or religion. Quite rightly, tai chi quan is called the "poetry of movement", but it would be a mistake to listen to opinions that interpret the art as "shadow boxing" or "slow gymnastics." The first definition most accurately conveys the beauty and grace of tai chi chuan, while "shadow boxing" and "slow gymnastics" testify to a superficial understanding of the true depths and philosophy of art.
The very title of this book suggests that this is the most comprehensive guide to learning this technique, from basic concepts to the most advanced levels of skill. Anyone who has shown an interest in the Tai Chi system will surely find something useful in this book. It is this goal that tai chi quan meets, paying attention to achieving grace and balance, strengthening health and the psyche, developing internal strength or energy flow. The listed advantages are well known to everyone, but few people understand them correctly in the context of the art of tai chi. The book explains how to use this style in combat, focusing on using a variety of techniques at the expense of the opponent's strength, depending on certain specific features of the fight. In addition, the guide will help you understand how the old Chinese masters used tai chi quan as a system of spiritual development.
Despite the complexity and variety of aspects of the application of tai chi, no prior knowledge is required for a beginner. It should be borne in mind that if you intend to master the full benefits of this art, no book can replace consistent and constant training. This manual will help the student to obtain invaluable information about the wisdom of the great masters of tai chi quan accumulated over the centuries, but without practical application, the knowledge will be wasted, and the book itself will turn into an entertaining reading; you will be able to intelligently discuss the virtues of tai chi ch'uan style with friends and may be able to give some useful advice to practitioners, but the strength and health, grace and freshness of thought that they gain will not be available to you yourself.
The book is a kind of tutorial. However, it should be noted that mastering the most advanced techniques, such as the use of energy and mind control, requires the presence of an experienced mentor. At the same time, the beginner must be aware that the endless variety of subtle movements and techniques learned at the beginning of training also makes the presence of a teacher necessary. In most cases, beginners try to force the process of obtaining basic skills, which is the most common mistake. There is one "golden" principle that any master will agree with: patient and consistent training. All basic techniques have stood the test of time. When one or another technique is spoken of as effective, it means that thousands and thousands of masters were convinced of its effectiveness, and your personal failure only indicates that when you studied it you paid insufficient attention to the basic principles or showed excessive haste in training. .
Chapter 1
Goals and opportunities
A master of tai chi quan is like a true warrior. Without flaunting his martial virtues, he is always restrained in expressions, modest, tolerant and at peace with himself and those around him.
Tai Chi Quan is the most wonderful martial art in the world. This chapter provides arguments in favor of this statement, and if your personal experience does not prove it in practice, you will at least understand what you are missing. In the following chapters, you will learn how to achieve maximum success in the application of the Tai Chi technique.
There is a misconception that this art is not martial by definition; in fact, it is extremely effective in martial arts in terms of both technique and its combat power. Most notably, with just a few techniques of tai chi, you can protect yourself from almost any kind of physical aggression!
You don't need to learn countless combat techniques - the old masters have taken care to reduce the number of techniques to about twenty ways to repel any attack. The versatility of the system is explained by the fact that with its help it is possible to resist all four main categories of attack: punches, kicks, throws and grabs.
Won Q-Kit
TAI CHI CHUAN
The Complete Guide to Theory and Practice
This book is dedicated to all the great tai chi chuan masters of the present and past, whose selfless service to the art has contributed to the achievement of excellence by many people, regardless of their race, culture and creed.
Introduction
Tai chi chuan, or tai chi chuan, is a truly wonderful art. However, for more than 90% of practitioners, only 10% of its potential is available. The purpose of this guide is not only to reinforce the skills that readers already have, but also to provide information for those wishing to overcome the ten percent barrier. Basically, the book is written based on the author's own experience, but taking into account all the achievements of the classical, mainly Chinese, art practiced by tai chi quan masters for many centuries.
Those who first encountered tai chi quan should know that this art is a time-tested sophisticated system of exercises for the body, mind and control of the flow of energy. Tai Chi is equally suitable for promoting health, prolonging life, self-defense, improving mental abilities and spiritual development. Technology is equally good for all people, regardless of their race, culture or religion. Quite rightly, tai chi quan is called the "poetry of movement", but it would be a mistake to listen to opinions that interpret the art as "shadow boxing" or "slow gymnastics." The first definition most accurately conveys the beauty and grace of tai chi chuan, while "shadow boxing" and "slow gymnastics" testify to a superficial understanding of the true depths and philosophy of art.
The very title of this book suggests that this is the most comprehensive guide to learning this technique, from basic concepts to the most advanced levels of skill. Anyone who has shown an interest in the Tai Chi system will surely find something useful in this book. It is this goal that tai chi quan meets, paying attention to achieving grace and balance, strengthening health and the psyche, developing internal strength or energy flow. The listed advantages are well known to everyone, but few people understand them correctly in the context of the art of tai chi. The book explains how to use this style in combat, focusing on using a variety of techniques at the expense of the opponent's strength, depending on certain specific features of the fight. In addition, the guide will help you understand how the old Chinese masters used tai chi quan as a system of spiritual development.
Despite the complexity and variety of aspects of the application of tai chi, no prior knowledge is required for a beginner. It should be borne in mind that if you intend to master the full benefits of this art, no book can replace consistent and constant training. This manual will help the student to obtain invaluable information about the wisdom of the great masters of tai chi quan accumulated over the centuries, but without practical application, the knowledge will be wasted, and the book itself will turn into an entertaining reading; you will be able to intelligently discuss the virtues of tai chi ch'uan style with friends and may be able to give some useful advice to practitioners, but the strength and health, grace and freshness of thought that they gain will not be available to you yourself.
The book is a kind of tutorial. However, it should be noted that mastering the most advanced techniques, such as the use of energy and mind control, requires the presence of an experienced mentor. At the same time, the beginner must be aware that the endless variety of subtle movements and techniques learned at the beginning of training also makes the presence of a teacher necessary. In most cases, beginners try to force the process of obtaining basic skills, which is the most common mistake. There is one "golden" principle that any master will agree with: patient and consistent training. All basic techniques have stood the test of time. When one or another technique is spoken of as effective, it means that thousands and thousands of masters were convinced of its effectiveness, and your personal failure only indicates that when you studied it you paid insufficient attention to the basic principles or showed excessive haste in training. .
Be that as it may, patient and consistent training does not mean that the student should blindly and thoughtlessly memorize this or that movement. If a tai chi quan student does not feel real results from training for several years, that is, his body remains weak, his psyche is unstable, and his mind is lethargic, such a student should think about his own mental abilities and either direct his efforts in another direction, or turn to other mentors or sources of information. As a rule, people engaged in the correct methodology achieve tangible results in a year.
This book offers teaching methods proven in practice by China's greatest tai chi chuan masters. In addition to general information that is characteristic of all styles, and the “Simplified Tai Chi Complex”, with the help of which millions of Chinese managed to maintain good spirits and bodies, despite all the ups and downs of numerous wars and the last three revolutions, this guide offers the reader the methods of the most famous masters of this art.
Tai Chi Chuan is an effective art of self-defense, and all aspects of its practical application are discussed in detail in this book. Masters of martial arts will be able to make sure that, unlike other techniques, where any physical contact involves getting some kind of damage for any of the participants in the fight, tactical techniques of tai chi quan allow even the loser to remain unharmed. The book contains numerous exercises that will help you master principles such as "soft beats hard" and "swim by the inertia of the enemy."
The great masters of tai chi quan emphasized the dominance of the inner, deep aspects of art in comparison with its external manifestations. As a rule, most students are aware of this, but only a few understand the meaning of this concept, not to mention its practical application. The book will help to overcome this deficiency and teach the basic principles, which are illustrated by numerous exercises and explanations, through which the student of the art of tai chi realizes that each movement is a manifestation of inner strength and discipline of the mind.
The rich philosophical heritage of tai chi ch'uan, expressed as a rule in poetic form (examples of which you will also find in this book), does not detract from the main purpose of the art - its martial aspect and, more importantly, the practical application of the system in everyday life. In other words, if after 20 years of training you can't stand up for yourself, or still can't handle your temper tantrums, or if your physical condition leaves much to be desired (regardless of age), know that you have wasted precious time. The book will explain why and teach you how to use the benefits of tai chi for the benefit of health, work and leisure.
Many people, especially in the West, are surprised to learn that tai chi is a martial art; even more perplexing is the fact that the original goal of the system was the spiritual growth of a person, regardless of whether he was a believer or suffered from a lack of faith. The book traces the connection of tai chi quan with Taoism and identifies possible ways of spiritual development and perfection.
I originally intended to title the book The Miracles of Tai Chi Chuan because it was the miraculous possibilities of this art that inspired me to write it. However, my editor suggested a more descriptive subtitle: "The Complete Guide..." and I found it quite appropriate. In this regard, I would like to clarify the word "complete". The manual is complete to the extent that it is necessary and is of interest to tai chi chuan learners, who will find in this work answers to almost all questions they are interested in, for example, why are some Wu style stances higher than others or how the movements “fluidity” of all styles of tai chi is associated with the Tao Te Ching of Lao Tzu. The book even discusses issues such as, for example, knee injuries, which have recently become a serious problem for American adherents of the doctrine. However, one should not be under the illusion that one book can contain the centuries-old wisdom of the art of tai chi chuan: any chapter of this manual could be expanded to the size of many volumes.
There is ample evidence for the real existence of Zan San Feng, although some scholars tend to mythologize him. Two huge stone slabs still rest on Mount Wudang, glorifying Zan San Feng as a Taoist saint. Both monuments were erected during the Ming Dynasty by Emperors Sen Zu and Yin Zong. The History of the Imperial Ming Dynasty records that Zan San Feng was born in 1247, studied Taoism under a master named Fire Dragon at Nanshan Mountain in Shaanxi, and cultivated his spirit at Wudang Mountain for nine years. There, he became known as the "Saint of Infinite Spiritual Achievement" and became the first patriarch of the internal martial arts school. In the Chronicles of the Great Peak of the Mountain of Eternal Peace, there is a mention that he was engaged in the study of the yin-yang of the cosmos and studied the source of longevity of turtles and cranes, and achieved tangible results. The Book of Clouds and Water tells how Zan San Feng, with a lute and a sword on his back, singing Taoist songs, walked around the mountains, comprehending the amazing secrets of the cosmos.
The first masters of tai chi ch'uan
Zan San Feng's follower was the Taoist priest of Tayi Zhen Ren, who was famous for his swordsmanship. At the end of the Ming Dynasty, Wudang kung fu, originally practiced by the Taoist priests of the Purple Temple, became widespread. The Taoist priest Ma Yu Chen passed on his art to his spiritual disciple Wang Zong Yu, who called the technique "the art of tai chi quan Wudang." His "Treatise on Tai Chi Quan" is still considered a classic work.
Two other famous disciples of Ma Yu Men were Mi Deng Xia and Guo Shi Yuan, who became known as "two saints". There is reason to believe that they taught wudang kung fu to Don Hai Chuan, the founder of the pakua style. If we take this as a basis, then the conclusion suggests itself that tai chi quan and pakua style kung fu (bagua) have the same source of origin - wudang style kung fu.
Wang Zong Yu passed the art on to another layman, Zan Sun Xi, who in turn taught Dan Xi Nan. The latter's student was Wang Zen Nan, who introduced the concept of "inner school", in contrast to the "external kung fu" of the Shaolin school. Wang Zong Yu or Zang Song Xi is believed to have passed the wudang technique to the Chen family of Chen Zhia Gou Village, Henan Province, where the art became known as tai chi quan. At the same time, the Chen family, the founders of the style of the same name, claimed that the art was finally transformed in the 17th century by their ninth-generation ancestor, the Ming Chen general Wang Tip, and Wang Zong Yu was just a student of the family.
Chen Wang Ting and Chen Style
After the change of ruling dynasties, Chen Wang Ting retired to the family estate, where he spent time studying literature and martial arts and paying special attention to the improvement of tai chi quan.
Despite the paucity of information about the sources used by Wang Ting in the study of martial arts, there are two most popular versions of how the style of chen developed. According to the first, Wang Zong Yu kung fu wudang technique, or, as it is commonly called, “wudang style tai chi quan”, was put as the basis. This assumption is supported by the fact that Wang Zong Yu lived for a long time in the ancestral village of the Chen family, and his "Treatise on tai chi quan" contains detailed information on the philosophy and technique of art. According to the second version, Chen Wang Ting studied the art during his military service under the great 16th-century commander Qi Ji Guan, who repelled the Japanese invasion of China during the Ming Dynasty and was the author of the treatise Classical Kung Fu, which outlines the fundamental principles of the Chen style. .
According to another theory, Chen Wang Ting's worldview was influenced by the art of Shaolin kung fu itself, since Chen's family estate was located in close proximity to the legendary monastery, and all the basic provisions and principles of tai chi, with the exception of Taoist philosophy, are quite comparable with the methods of kung Fu Shaolin.
Students of the art of tai chi will benefit greatly from the following poem by Chen Wang Ting, which affirms the spirit of an invincible warrior who remains steadfast even when his fatherland has lost the war. The poem equally reflects the process of learning in tai chi quan, and the mentioned treatise "The Book of the Yellow Palace" is the fundamental Taoist book on qigong and the spiritual development of the individual.
In the old days I was full of strength,
Danger in the face looked without trepidation and fear.
And I was not deprived of the emperor's attention,
Having lived safely to adulthood.
As before, the sword was gripped by a mighty hand.
I open the Book of the Yellow Palace,
She is both a friend and a comrade-in-arms now.
When I am calm, my mind is busy
The invention of martial arts.
When the body asks for movement
I go to work in the field.
I teach children and grandchildren science,
How to be strong and healthy
A fighter who won't get tired
On the path of life.
My allowance is long gone
And I have to work to cover the expenses.
But my vanity does not obscure my mind,
Companions I chose tolerance and humility.
Let them say that I became gloomy and insane
Just smile at the vanity of human efforts
Achieve what causes regret
And infinitely far from perfect
Which in the soul the sage finds disinterestedly.
Let the mind be like a lake
In the evening serenity of peace,
And resilience and confidence will rise
A mighty mountain and a swift stream.
Success? - what's the use of him,
There's no point in unhappiness either.
All is vanity of vanities, but who
Will you find peace and happiness?
I will answer you: only a righteous sage.
Although there is no certainty as to the authorship (art, not poem) of Chen Wang Ting, it is safe to say that he contributed invaluable contribution in the development of the philosophy of tai chi, and the very term for this art was put into circulation during his lifetime; the system was previously called "wudang-style kung fu".
Old and new, large and small forms of tai chi
According to tradition, only members of the Chen clan were trained in the art of tai chi. At the turn of the 18th century, two main trends were clearly defined: the Old Form, represented by Chen Chang Xing (1771–1853), and New form, whose representative was Chen Yu Ben, whose student Chen Jing Ping (1795–1868) later improved the style by adding the technique circular motions. The version of Chen Jing Ping became known as the Lesser Form, which the author began to teach to non-Chen students after moving to a nearby town called Zhao Bao. Thus, the name “zhao bao style” was assigned to the Small Form.
Strictly speaking, the three listed forms are not independent styles, but represent different versions of the same style of chen. In the Old Form, the movements "flow from the body to the arms." For example, if you are going to strike with your fist, then stand in the appropriate stance and, performing the technique, transfer the moment of movement, starting from the legs, through the body to the shock point of the arm. Thus, the Old Form is characterized by significant movements, with the development of strength being given priority.
