![Robert Chuckrow](/img/default-banner.jpg)
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Robert Chuckrow
United States
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 11 ก.ค. 2009
Macro and micro balancing of yin and yang in Cloud Hands stepping
This video is an adjunct to my recent video on the timing of Cloud Hands stepping. “Preparation” and “Cloud Hands” are the only two Taiji movements involving stepping to the side in the Cheng Man-ch’ing and Yang long forms. In this video, both of these movements are analyzed from the perspective of balancing yin/yang and use of nei jin (expansive strength).
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Anxiety and depression: some causes and natural remedies
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The various causes of anxiety and depression and suggested remedies mentioned in this video stem from my own experience and over four decades of observing and helping students when I taught physics on the high school and college levels. Elements discussed are the effects of caffeine, sugar, negative thinking, and lack of sunlight and proper breathing. As promised, here is a link to the article ...
Learning Taiji in-person, on zoom, or from a video: comparisons of modalities
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In this video, the advantages and disadvantages of three different modes of learning Taiji are compared along with their combinations at different stages of learning. It is suggested that whereas learning Taiji from a video provides some benefits, doing so solely is unlikely to provide much understanding of the art and the benefits for which Taiji is renown.
Hidden tracing, stretching, and inner-washing of qi in Taiji movements
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This video teaches (a) the qi-tracing that I was shown by Cheng Man-ch’ing and (b) the inner washing and stretching of fascia and acupuncture meridians that I learned from other masters. In order to get these benefits, achieving a state of song (release of contractive strength) is absolutely necessary for freeing all the joints of the body and requires that nei jin (expansive strength) is emplo...
Should Taiji practitioners do contractive exercises?
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Doing contractive exercise is important-especially as you approach old age. It is important to know the difference between contractive and expansive strength and use them appropriately. It is also important to approach any exercise cautiously, and remember that as you age, the line between building up your body and breaking it down becomes more important and easier to cross.
Lapses in continuity of Taiji movement: reasons and remedy
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Continuity is one of the fundamental Taiji principles and tends to be lost at places in the movements. This short video examines the causes of such lapses and provides examples of them in the following movements: “Beginning,” “Ward Off Left,” and “Brush Knee.”
Neck Nei Gong for extending and opening the seven cervical vertebrae
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This exercise is along the lines of the system of Kinetic Awareness® that Elaine Summers 1925-2014) taught me in the 1970s. It is therapeutic and helpful for learning nei jin, opening the cervical spine, and improving posture. In daily life, the neck gets a lot of stress; we tend to jut our chins forward, which pinches the back of the neck, and the curvature of the thoracic spine tends to incre...
Cheng Man-ch’ing’s Taiji “Cloud Hands” stepping and other alternatives
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In this video, Cheng man-ch’ing’s way of teaching “Cloud Hands” is shown and then compared with the timing of the sideways stepping based on his more-advanced concept of dong dang, which he wrote about separately in two books. Also examined are (a) the question of where the center of the circular motion of each hand is located and (b) the idea that the centers of the hands move basically one ab...
Exploring the Taiji-Classics saying, “When moving, there is no part that doesn’t move.”
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The Taiji Classics contain succinct, poetic reminders for indoor students who, likely, were previously taught in detail. The goal was to preserve the meaning but also keep it secret from outsiders. Often, writing the saying in a seemingly literal manner was a way of hiding its deeper meaning. This video examines the above saying and relates it to two others; namely, “If the opponent doesn’t mov...
Making the most of the elasticity of bodily tissues in doing Taiji
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The Taiji Classics say, “A feather can’t be added; a fly can’t alight,” which is interpreted as, “The body must be so delicately poised that the addition of a feather will be felt for its weight; if a fly alights, it will set the whole body into motion.” If the body is in such a state, the elasticity of the tissues plays a large part in providing “non-action” motion. The link to the embedded “n...
Cheng Man-ch’ing’s Taiji: “Four Corners” stepping
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Two different ways of stepping are examined in terms of wuwei (non-action) and yin/yang, with the preferred way as taught by Cheng Man-ch’ing. Also a hint is given for the preliminary 135-degree prepositioning of the pivoting foot.
An examination of “Single Whip” footwork in Cheng Man-ch’ing’s Taiji short form
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This video examines the footwork in the transition to “Single Whip” in the Cheng Man-ch'ing Taiji short form. The stepping shown is somewhat different from the way most do it (also shown) but is reasoned to be more natural and consistent with the principles of Yin/Yang and wuwei (non-action). Just as it is said, “a hand is not a hand,“ it can be said, “a foot is not a foot.“
Song and Nei jin in Taij-their intertwined, paradoxical, yin/yang relationship
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In this video it is reasoned that in Taiji, song (release of muscular contractive strength) is necessary but insufficient for attaining nei jin (expansive strength). Even when a practitioner can achieve song but not nei jin, song then becomes lost when movement starts and contractive strength kicks in. Thus, attaining nei jin seems impossible-and probably is so without exposure to the proper te...
An alternative transition from “Carry Tiger To Mountain” to “Roll Back and Press”
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Some direct students of Yang Cheng-fu do this transition in an alternative way, which I like and want to share.
“Empty force”-is it real or fake?
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“Empty force” is the alleged ability to move a person without physical contact. As martial artists become adept at sensing and responding appropriately to negative intent accompanying an attack, their bodies become trained to move protectively the right amount at the right time. Practice of one person sending and another responding to such (or similar) intent may be the movement mechanism that ...
Pelvis and sacrum-understanding and activating their independent movements
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Pelvis and sacrum-understanding and activating their independent movements
My spine Nei Gong routine for better posture and balance and less pain
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My spine Nei Gong routine for better posture and balance and less pain
Examining long-form transitions that Cheng Man-ch’ing simplified
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Examining long-form transitions that Cheng Man-ch’ing simplified
Joint locks (qin na)-a way to practice escaping from them
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Joint locks (qin na)-a way to practice escaping from them
The Taiji neutralization-a verbal / pictorial explanation
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The Taiji neutralization-a verbal / pictorial explanation
How to moderate emotions that supersede their roles and thwart self-development
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How to moderate emotions that supersede their roles and thwart self-development
Cheng Man-ch'ing on not doing the mirror Image of the Taiji form. Not everyone agrees.
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Cheng Man-ch'ing on not doing the mirror Image of the Taiji form. Not everyone agrees.
Self-healing-a unique view of how it works and how to do it
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Self-healing-a unique view of how it works and how to do it
Jade-Belt Qigong-how I practice it and explain its benefits
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Jade-Belt Qigong-how I practice it and explain its benefits
A word that no Taiji practitioner should mispronounce
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A word that no Taiji practitioner should mispronounce
“In Taiji, the mind moves the qì, and the qì moves the body.”
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“In Taiji, the mind moves the qì, and the qì moves the body.”
Head Qigong/massage: forehead, jaw, eyes, ears, scalp, teeth, and neck
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Head Qigong/massage: forehead, jaw, eyes, ears, scalp, teeth, and neck
Natural movement of the punching arm in the Cheng Man-ch’ing Taiji form
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Natural movement of the punching arm in the Cheng Man-ch’ing Taiji form
Taiji footwork modifications for those with limitations
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Taiji footwork modifications for those with limitations
Is exposure to Taiji self-defense concepts of value?
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Is exposure to Taiji self-defense concepts of value?
It's great to see how you observe these things, and explain and demonstrate more about it. A couple of years ago, I came across a book by Robert Tangora called 'The Internal Structure of Cloud Hands". Scott Meredith has also given me some good tips from his books and videos. These insights made me reevaluate my approach to Cloud Hands, and likewise the opening posture. However, in recent years, and with face-to-face teachers, I've also been taught different aspects to focus on, which then became part of my form practice.
Thanks for commenting. Regarding my approach, I think that a good part of it stems from having studied Kinetic Awareness with Elaine Summers and from my training in physics and having taught it.
Very important detail. Thank you!
The article on fasting (the link above) is the most detailed and thorough information on the subject that I’ve read from a single source. Thank you sir.
Thank you for writing such an appreciative comment.
@@dsfgnk4 You are most welcome, I love your videos Dr Chuckrow, especially all the taiji chuan insights. Wonderful instruction.
thank you i appreciate.
You are welcome.
What about an online Taji School/Academy...I would love your advice as to how I may benefit more,Since I'm a student of an online Taji School/Academy, in the art of Wu Dang Taji..Don't get me wrong I've been into the internal arts for a while ,namely Xing-I and Bagua as a closed door student...But Taiji because I suffered from anxiety and depression so much so , that my former styles couldn't penetrate was advised by my teachers to add Taiji/Chi. Of which I have been a student for 4 years, and now entering my 5th.My Tai Chi School is in Wu Dang Mountains .I live in London,My teacher for me is great because he doesn't just teach on Tai Chi but also Daoism as a way of life/philosophy as well as chi gong..and to embrace spirit/life through Wu Wei/empty/embrace life through spirit...Something that I connect with and is essentially a part, naturally of the persona I've always had. Though didn't fully understand or know truly until practising Tai Chi. I must add my teachers in the other arts also exhibit and taught this principally..How can I improve my art further until I am able enough to visit Wu Dang itself.And from your years of experience how can I benefit more intrinsically as a student..Would be grateful for your wisdom and advice..Video if from TH-cam/social media your right serves no purpose but to copy and paste.Yet their are also masters who share their videos through DVD's be it form's styles where they explain principally step by step the nature of their art conceptually..Where do you classify these? Because from my understanding, this is how a lot of martial arts styles were learnt/taught though not by DVD'S. but through manual scripts with the principals and concepts outlined, In drawings and writings traditionally....That is also part of tradition in the evolution of Chinese Martial arts.Please as said your point of view would be gratefully received..Thank you for sharing this video because in this modern world these classifications must be pointed out analysed ,and explained..In order to pass on the right methods and ways to and for future generations..Much love sir..Thank You for sharing.Always..🙏
Thanks for your comments and questions. I am not familiar with the online school that you mentioned-or with other such online modes of learning Taiji. My advice is to use your intuition and ask your teacher questions. Regarding anxiety and depression, I plan to make a video on that subject as it is a problem for many people. Of course, there is no one cause, but there is a lot that can be done by recognizing and remedying the possible root causes.
@@dsfgnk4 There are many schools under "Wu Dang Academy"The one I attend have monthly live zoom classes where we can have answers to any questions we need clarified.We also have Daoism classes monthly.I'm really looking forward to your video on anxiety.(I've just seen it, but will have to watch later this evening)Anxiety and the search for "inner peace/self/confidence" is one of the most common reasons people gravitate to Tai Chi myself included..Thank you so much for sharing that video and your insight.Much appreciated. 🙏
A wealth of knowledge here on how to treat one’s body kindly thank you
Thank you for making this appreciative comment. Much of this routine is along the lines of what I learned from studying Kinetic Awareness with Elaine Summers. I showed her this routine, and she added a few elements and put her “seal of approval” on it.
Thank You very much for this video and all that you do. Very, very helpful for my needs and wishes. All the best to you.
I’m glad that it was helpful-and thanks for commenting.
Thanks for sharing the video. At about 2:52 I like your explanation of how your lower leg swings back when you lift your knee. I had not thought of that detail before.
Thanks for commenting. Glad the video was helpful. Yes, it is important for the thigh, knee, and ankle joints to be free to allow the natural swing of all sections in a timely manner.
Very helpful explanations of "washing" and of "stretching" in the sense of stretching the fascia, much more subtle and wellness enhancing than the contractive tearing of muscle fibers so they'll "build back" longer. Thank you!
Thank you for watching and commenting. Glad it was helpful!.
Excellent Robert, thank you as always for your time and informative explanations.
Thanks for watching and commenting appreciatively.
Thank you, Robert!
Welcome. And thanks for watching.
Fascinating method, the detail of the vertebrae pushing up versus being pulled up, is a big deal!
Thank you for this comment. Yes! I consider that understanding the anatomical action of extending-and learning to activate it-is preferable to imagining the head to be pulled upward in a manner opposite to that of the anatomical action.
@@dsfgnk4 I just learned this from your video but right away I feel it is the superior method. I have always pulled up and realize now that it creates extra tensions. Especially in this area, to enable energy movement through the spine.
Your explanations are precise and your metaphors are very helpful! Is there a branch of study within your knowledge base for healing self and others?
Thank you for asking this question. Yes, I have studied healing of self and others, both with qi and with projection of thought energy. Over the past five decades, I have also studied unconventional nutrition plus fasting. I practice daily intermittent fasting, and I fast whenever I’m sick. I have done two approximately month-long fasts, with lasting, positive results. My website, www.chuckrowtaichi.com/, has quite a bit of information in this realm. And I plan to begin creating youtube videos on these subjects soon.
As someone who used to work in a gym and a martial arts centre it was always amazing how many punters were adamant about adhering to one set of principles to the exclusion of all others. It was as though we were always seeking a singular theory/ regime/ diet/ ideology to explain everything and provide all answers. Truth is often more nuanced. Core strength - something my early teachers warned against, now proves so important as we age, in regards to posture, balance and coordination and I’d add not to forget the benefits of eccentric movements as well as the usual concentric movements that everyone knows. Eg. Going down steps rather than up, extending the arm rather than focusing just on the contraction etc. Anyway, lots of research out there to find on this. 🙏
Thank you. Well said!
Thank you 🙏🏽
You are welcome.
I think stance work as well as holding the ball posture, palms facing inwards is the use of the contractive.contractural strength we tai chi/internal arts students need to utilise or use more to develop physical strength.Not many students focus on Stance work today especially as traditionally taught.10-15 minutes a day is enough for them,When the ancient Masters and our teachers in the past stood for hours..Growing up my first art was Wing Chun I also learnt or should I say dabbled in .lol. (through self taught means) 7 star mantis From Sifu Lee Kam Wings "famous book" on the Seven Star Mantis system.Still as some one who was always health conscious in the physical sense I always worried about my Ab's My Chest and Muscular strength. today I know longer.I'm fortunate to have an athletic body and even more fortunate to have been involved in sports since childhood,Soccer wise. So barring ego or physical vanity notions I no longer do reps of sit-ups or pushups.I found even in Wing Chun An art not being classified as internal though there is the internal nei gong sequence within the Sil Lum Tao Form.I was becoming stiff..Too stiff..Luckily today we have those electro magnetic pulse things we can use to build our abs/arms, one which I use when ever I feel I'm losing my 6 pack.Funny enough never for my arms or chest.Because the benefit of tai chi for me in the sense that even being the Wu Dang System, I practice my forms really slowly, and as well as being a student of Xing-I and Bagua. I build physical strength natural through my San Ti Shi and Bagua circle walking stake exercise which also have stance incorporated to build physical strength/muscular definition in the chest and arms.Much more naturally and pliably than doing push ups which also aid mobility and agility martially/flexibly.Fun fact that I've noticed etc.I'm not some one that enjoys stretching.I've always been lazy regarding this but had to force myself because of Wu Dang Tai Chi to add stretching into my daily practice schedule.Funny thing is Practising Bagua keeps me so flexible, Much more in terms versatility then manually going through stretching routines.Some thing I'm fast knowing/ learning in my practice.A great Video Sir thank you for sharing.Especially for us here who also like the analytical approach to our arts.Much Love🙏
Well said - I have always done some strength exercises and recently I have gone back to doing work with kettlebells - start slow and light and build up gradually.
Thank you, Robert, for your comment and advice.
Robert, you can still do some resistance training, even in your 80s, and we should
Thanks. I agree. I am carefully doing so, and its effects are quite beneficial. Training muscular contraction increases nerve action, glycogen storage, muscle tone, endurance, and strength-at any age.
I think you are making a very important and oft overlooked point here Robert. Apart from the regular solo form; push hands and application of movements, we also had something called ‘Extra-training’ which involved strengthening and conditioning of upper and lower limbs. Push ups on both hands; one hand; two fists; one fist; fingers of both hand and single hand (to strengthen fingers for vital point attacks). Transitioning from lying on ones back to standing without using hands/arms as props. Sit-ups to strengthen abdominal, waist and back muscles. The ‘Five Tibetans’. Protracted standing in high and low ma-bu and jade belt stance. Standing like a stork on one leg bent at knee. It is often related that the origins of many martial arts was the close-up observation of animals in combat. In the snake we see how it coils its body before releasing it energy to strike. Just so, in Ba-gua the practitioner coils his body like a spring before releasing the stored energy to strike and or counter. In order for a strike using fajin or internal energy to have any effectiveness, it must have more than simply momentum. It is like a bullet projecting from a gun. The energy is provided by the charge and condensed in the barrel. So the barrel not only gives direction to the bullet , but amplifies the energy delivered by the charge. The muscle fibres produce a byproduct in activity, namely lactic acid, which, if you do not exercise regularly creates stiffness in the muscle. There are other factors also such as salt loss through sweating which can cause electrolyte imbalance in the nerves and thereby cramping. Lactic acid is a bit like the consistency of honey, a sticky material which stops the muscle fibres moving over each other freely. Regular exercise helps keep the muscles in good condition: strong yet supple.
This stamp is not from china. It’s issued by Taiwan post office. I can recognize those words.
www.post.gov.tw/post/internet/W_stamphouse/index.jsp?ID=2803&file_name=A092&stamp_subcat_name=%E9%AD%9A%E9%A1%9E&type=2802
It is clearly stated and seen on the video that the stamp is from the Republic of China, and not from the communist "peoples republic" of China.
Thank you for making this correction.
Wisdom! Thank you, elder brother. I believed this was so when I started and I received so many lectures by elder practitioners who claimed to know more than I did. But I maintained that Daoism’s tenets were meant to instill a since of “right action” not “do as little as you can” and that maintaining the health of the body was honoring nature.
Thanks for this valuable perspective. I think that the admonition not to develop contractive strength is based on the fact that expansive strength is hard to teach, and many Taiji practitioners don’t develop it but end up mainly doing movement with ordinary strength. But once expansive strength is achieved and the difference between the two kinds of strength is experienced, then cultivating both kinds of strength is important.
Very valuable insights, but I can't take my attention off those shorts. A pair of pants might just be better for instructional purposes.
They're too stunning
Excellent, much appreciate your videos taking movements apart analytically and then we see it unfold.
Thank you for watching and commenting and for appreciating my approach.
Your videos are little nuggets of insights that bring much needed light to some of the areas of the Taiji form practice. "Fair lady weaves the shuttle" has a few variations, even just within the community of ZMQ practitioners. Also, as well as feet positioning, I've recently done some workshops with a Huang system based approach. They emphasise getting a feel for the central axis as it displaces through the transitions and even relate it to the fire element. It can be difficult for people to do and there is risk of knee injury if done incorrectly by twisting a knee when loaded, or even partially loaded For it to be done more safely, comfortably and smoothly, the waist (Yao) needs to be loose and the hips (Kua) must be able to open and close freely through as complete a range of movement as possible without any strain. Other teachers may refer to this as "sitting in the pocket" of the hip joints or openning and closing the inguinal creases to provide mobility with stability and maintain a root in the weighted leg. Until that looseness and openness is developed, through practising the form and other exercises, then one should avoid forcing the movement. With patience and practice it will gradually improve. What I've been doing the last couple of years is to pivot on the heal to T-step as you show here, but then before lifting the other leg I pivot on the ball of the of unweighted foot to take up more of the angle before turning and stepping. Then I can "sit in the pocket" which allows easy, smooth rotation that is not such a large range of movement to place the unweighted leg in its forward position to the new corner. I suppose it's a bit of a work around for me, as I don't have enough hip flexibility to open up without taking my knees out of alignment. So, it's back to training and keep at it. I'm now 65, so the regular training is a key part to maintaining health and managing any injuries that may happen. Maybe some Bagua circle walking and palm changes could help with training these type of transitions. What do you think?
Thanks for this worthwhile addition of the ball pivot on the empty foot after it pivots on the heel but is still empty. Interestingly, the “Four Corners” (with different names) are in the two Bagua forms I’ve learned. Practicing Bagua added a lot to my Taiji.
Continuity breaks can occur for these reasons too: Changes in speed - there shouldn't be sudden accelerations, pauses or stops during the form practice. Changes in height also break continuity - once the height is chosen at the beginning, keep it constant during form practice. Some people refute these two things, saying that in combat it's necessary to change speed and height. However, the Taiji Form is a training method, not combat. It's slow and continuous for reasons of principles. The analogy of pulling the thread of silk without it going slack or breaking is to help understand the principle of continuity. It requires relaxed concentration and letting go. I'm not there yet, but I have moments when it all comes together. My teacher tells me to stop thinking about it and let everything follow the waist - but sometimes my mind goes to my arms instead of staying with the dan tian, that's when I lose the continuity.
Thank you Sifu.❤
You're welcome!
@@dsfgnk4 Thank you sir.I'm a student of Wu Dang Tai Chi.I've always known and heard about "Chen Man Ching" as a martial arts enthusiast from combat magazine as well as inside kungfu/Masters presents before I began to practice taji and internal arts as a way of life..Thank you for sharing your knowledge sir.Some thing for future generations as well as myself can utilise/share and learn for the betterment of our internal arts systems for so many years to come.I'm grateful to have found your channel and wisdom.Much love from London,UK 🙏❤
Thank you Robert ,for these little nuggets of gold you so generously give out .
I’m so glad that you value my videos.
Thank you for the Chang Man Ching’s method 🎯☯️♥️
You are welcome!
Beautiful and pertinent. Great depth of understanding, shared so wisely. Infinite love and gratitude.
Thank you for such kind words.
I recently suggested this to an OG in Philly. Maybe coming from you it will have more weight.
Be sure when opening the kua not to twist the weighted leg especially the knee. Practice the opening of the kua as a warmup.
Agreed! Well said.
It also may be useful for increasing feeling/expansion/ting jin in between the shoulders. Thanks
Yes! Thanks for posting this addition.
Since I began applying your insights concerning dong dang and nei jin to my form, I've been progressively amending my way of performing all of the actions of the short form, including Cloud Hands. It is encouraging to hear your explanation of the way you now practice this action as the changes I've recently made are clearly bringing my own way much closer to yours. For some time now, I've been applying "qi down/qi up" hydraulics in this movement so that the downward motion of one hand feels that it drives the upward motion of the other.II've also become more aware of how the elasticity involved in the horizontal wind-up and release of the kwa while turning to the side and returning to centre also provides propulsive motion to the rising arm. The way you're describing here feels fully compatible with and complementary to the "hydraulic"/fluid dynamic approach I was applying before I began to study your methods. This all feels to me like the way forward to a wu wei taiji practice that's more flowing and powerful than anything I've felt before during my past 4 decades of practice. Thanks again for all that you share.
Thank you for expressing all of these wonderful insights. Taiji and its benefits are truly amazing! I am so glad to be able to share what I have experienced and their benefits, and I’m gratified to hear that my doing so benefits others.
Thank you, we Shall Om
I agree completely with your focus on movement coming from the lower dantien and want to add some comments on it. For me it has lead to the greatest discovery about the true meaning of tai chi. One first discovers ,as you and Cheng Man Ching have ,that all movement is managed by the lower dantien, The limbs just come along for the ride, but they are not limp since one’s awareness fills them. This gives them a subtle tension, but they report to the lower dantien. Once one is immersed in this process the microscopic orbit engages, where the chi travels from the lower dantien, down to the perineum, up the back, thru the upper palate, down the front and again thru the lower dantien. After some practice the macroscopic orbit starts which builds branches on the microscopic orbit. The energy branches in two places, first down the front of legs, into the earth, returning sharply up the back of legs, and joining the microscopic obit. The second branch is from between the shoulder blades to the heart chakra, and then joining the flow down to the lower dantien once again. This branching into the earth and into the heart represents the full realization of the form and gives the practitioner access to the unlimited energy of the earth and opens up the heart to love and compassion. Do you agree with these ideas and have any sense they are right? I really enjoy your deep understanding of tai chi. Thank you.
Thank you for watching my videos and commenting appreciatively. I would say that some of the movement of the limbs arises from the momentum produced by the shifting and turning of the trunk of the body, but some of the upward movement of the limbs against gravity comes from nei jin (internal expansive strength). I would also say that allowing the dan tien to relax and fill with hydraulic pressure is necessary for attaining nei jin. Regarding qi, I have read about the different pathways of its flow that have been mapped out by Traditional Chinese Medicine, but questions about that field of knowledge are better answered by someone more versed than I in acupuncture or nei gong.
@@dsfgnk4 Thank you for replying to my comments. I do think that what you call internal expansive strength is what I call awareness of the limbs. I can't say that I've really experienced all the processes I discussed but do have good evidence from different sources that this is right.
Very good Robert. I have trained with Zhai Wei Chuan who is China’s representative for Wu/Hao Taiji. His teachers teacher wrote the classic you a discussing - colloquially they coin the term: 一开无不开,一合无不合。Here the key characters are "kai" and "he" - open and close. To get the body to move together and be still “together,” requires the knowledge and understanding of what kai and he mean and specially how you kai and he in the body. This idea is the root concept, related to yin and yang from which Taiji both developed and evolved, and what makes it truly unique as a form of physical movement.
Thank you so much for adding this important amplification of the meaning of this saying and its associated Chinese terms and their characters. I am familiar with “kai” and its traditional and original characters, showing two swinging doors and hands below opening the lock. In my understanding, “kai” can have a meaning beyond simply “open,” namely, “initiate/activate.” Yang Cheng-fu is reported to have frequently said, “song kai,” which are fundamental yin/yang complements. I interpret “kai” in this regard as activating “nei jin” (internal expansive strength) (yang) and “he” as condensing (yin) the “nei jin.” And I totally agree with your last sentence!
If you have developed the qi over the whole body so that it is interconnected, the idea of the whole body moving as a unit is obvious. It is an academic discussion to someone who has not developed the qi covering the body and who doesn't move the qi with the dantian.
This is why the Taiji Classics are confirmatory only. If you haven't already built the mechanism to do it properly it is meaningless, and you have to revert to intellectualizing it.
@@cal.5081 Q.E.D.
Beautiful teachings. Infinite love and gratitude. Such deep understanding and wisdom.
Thank you so much for your kind appreciation.
I thought Empty force was generated by the Internal fascia?
Thank you for bringing up the subject of fascia. Fascia has interesting functions that are now being scientifically studied. However, I have not heard of any scientific evidence for claims ascribed to fascia for producing internal strength (nei jin) or, in this case, for the transmission of psychic energy. I am eager to hear such evidence in terms of physiology or other areas of scientific or other knowledge.
@@dsfgnk4 I have no scientific knowledge of this. I only repeat what my Sifu has taught his students. When he moves his fascia, then the opponent's fascia connects and mimics his fascia movement and as such their body moves 'uncontrollably'. I am not at that stage so I cannot confirm with my own practice, but I and others have witnessed other students being moved. One student flew across the room and hit a chair and almost broke his ribs with a minor movement from our Sifu. This only occured after the student challened the Sifu directly so was not a demonstration.
The mote I train the more importantnce the reaction to the "flinch response" seems to become. Interoceptively and exteroceptively. Thanks
Again thanks for your teaching.
My pleasure!
I have been wishing I could find a tai chi teacher who teaches this Yang 37. And suddenly he appeared.
Thanks for such an appreciative comment.
Nice transition shifting the energy I see it 👀☯️✔️
Love it Robert, the demo of elasticity and how the energy ripples through the body causing strethcing, lymph to flow, fascia effects, etc. Spiraling does too. Keep up the good teaching!!! Pete
I’m so glad that you found it of value.
Excellent presentation. I've been exploring repulse monkeys since I first read your thoughts on elasticity. It makes an enormous difference to the feeling and the expression of energy in both arms. Thank you.
I’m so glad that you found it of value.
Thank you Robert. You focus on things that I know that are in the tai chi from my own learning, but you really manage to isolate them out in an interesting and constructive way.
Thank you for your appreciative comment.
Crikey!
Thank you for the videos you are doing great work!
Thanks for expressing your appreciation.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this Robert. I was wondering what your ideas were on the teaching of these moves. I’ve often wondered why steps 1 and 3 are not taught together, followed by 2 and 4 - perhaps as drills before bringing them into the Form. All my teachers taught them in the traditional sequence, forsaking (in my opinion) simplicity of learning over Posture sequence and order. What do you think about learning postures as drills or patterns and then bringing them into the form as students gain confidence in stepping and coordination etc. BTW - stunning shorts!
Thanks for sharing these views. Many teachers tend to teach the way they were taught. Early-on, I saw that I was doing so, not only in teaching Taiji but also in teaching physics. True, it is important not to change anything until certain that some important, unthought-about aspect is not lost. But judiciously adding a new way enables the art to evolve and spreads the benefits to more people. At this point, I try to come up with fresh, simple exercises for my students to practice that later enable their Taiji movements to be more in line with the principles.
Thank you for this video. Interesting that in northern Wu style one can see both approaches depending on teacher, lineage (southern kept more modern way). The older one (not just "four corners" stepping, but even more basic thing - "square step") like in Cheng Manching method (and very similar in Chen shi taichi) and the newer like in modern Yang shi taichi. According to my own experience, the older way gives the harder training, for beginners it is less comfortable, but it allow to open Yao and Kua more effectively, this is the main reason I like it more, and even practicing pieces of Wu shi, I like the older way of stepping.
Thanks for the additional information. My preference is to be as consistent as possible with the basic Taiji principles. However, in teaching beginners or for specific training purposes, appropriate exceptions may apply.