Lexicon: Tai Chi, Qi, Jing, Spririt, Neijin, Wu Chi, Qi shi
The Objective of Tai Chi training
From Hao Shao-ru (1908-1983), "Wu style T'ai Chi Ch'uan":
To seek inner structure (T'ai Chi) is the central objective. To seek inner structure is to seek unity among jing (essence), qi (ch'i or energy), and shen (spirit), and circulation of neijin (inner, concentrated qi power): controlling qi by refined consciousness is one of the most important characteristics of Wu style T'ai Chi Ch'uan.
Caracteristics of Wu (Hao) style
The characteristics of Wu (Hao) Taijiquan can be summarized as follows [1]:
- Simple postures, but complicated techniques. The posture and actions are simple, compact, and brisk, but have profound meanings and are very practical.
- Strict demands of upright body and relaxed posture. The hip needs to be naturally tucked in, the back straightened, the shoulders loosened, and elbows sunken. The idea is to protect the crotch, straighten the spine, control the mind and let the vital energy go into the dantian (Qi reservoir). Two palms protect the front and do not stretch out beyond the foot and toes. The elbows don't stick to the ribs. Left connects with right, and up follows down. The mind links with the body. Wi Yu-Xiang : "As firm as a tree and as flexible as a wheel".
- To control the Qi (vital energy) with the mind. Use the mind to direct the Qi to the body movement. Wu Yu-Xiang : "to use the mind, not muscle" and let the Qi flow around the body.
- To be coherent. All movements have to be consistent, avoiding any possible shortcomings of broken links in the movement. You have to be aware of the body movements and be ready at all times.
Beginning, connecting, opening, closing
Hao Yin-ru [2] writes that every movement and posture in Wu/Hao style T'ai Chi Ch'uan is based strictly and precisely on "T'ai Chi Theories" by Wang Zong-yue. Every posture is composed of beginning, connecting, opening, and closing.
- Beginning
- Beginning is a stage in which Wu Chi transforms into T'ai Chi. It creates both physical and internal readiness for action.
- Connecting
- Connecting is a stage in which T'ai Chi is distinguished into, and simultaneously harmonizes Yin and Yang in every part of the body, in order to understand and respond precisely to the opponent.
- Opening
- Opening is a stage in which Yin and Yang produce their function according to particular situations, initiating attacking or retreating. Qi shi (expansive force of qi and spirit of imposing posture) must be expanded like a balloon. This is where "luring the opponent to the emptiness", "storing of energy" and simultaneously, "fa-jin" (issuing of energy) takes place.
- Closing
- Closing is where qi shi is contracted.
