Thank you very much for this series. What a great opportunity for all the viewers to learn more about the translation and meaning behind those „mysterious“ proverbs. They are so important and so misleading at the same time, just as you said it. I hold a BA in Chinese Literature and Philosophy from National Normal University in Taiwan, which could be considered a profound education for a „foreigner“. Yet still, the subtle details of language and culture can only ever be fully understand by those who grew up inside the culture itself. Amazing that you decided to take on this challenging task.
Ok deal with it ! Sifu you have a wonderful sense of humor I am watching this whole series after seeing number seven and you made me laugh there too. Thank you your videos are very helpful to me .
Thank you for another excellent video. It was extremely interesting to discover the origins of these proverbs and their Rich history. I would be extremely interested in learning the history of some of the Proverbs which relate to weapons, particularly the sword.
@@HaiYangChannel Please pardon the delay, here is one: “The Sabre is like a tiger, the sword is like a flying phoenix (fenghung) and the spear is like a swift dragon”
Thank you very much Master Yang. Mainly being a practitioner of "external" styles this concept was taught to me in other words but never until now could I understand it better. One needs to know the whole concept. That is the reason why only postural imitation is not enough to develop a technique or application well. One question: should you always keep your spine straight or are there situations or applications in which you can afford to have your spine "bent"? Thanks again.
Hello, it is a great question. Spine can be in different forms in application and even in practice as well. But overall, it should be straight. Thanks,
Very interesting i interpreted the first one very much in the same way you did, but the second one i thought had more to do with contracting and expanding ..... love your videos great content
Thank you Master Yang for this very enlightening explanation of my question. It closed a gap in my understanding and now I know why my teacher always points out, to raise the head upwards while sinking the rest of the body down. ( with exceptions to some specific body parts depending on the application) I am fortunate to have such a good Master. Mr. Yang, do you prefer the conversation and questions here or in e-mail? I am looking forward to the future videos of this new series. And thank you for going outside for the demonstration. :-) And you pronounced my name perfectly! (actually, even here noone really knows how to pronaunce it correctly because it´s not from the german language) Best regards Thomas
Hello, you are always welcome to visit here and we will drink tea together while talking about martial arts. Also, I hope you keep working on your work as well. Thanks,
Very lucid explanation. Both these proverbs are found in Wing Chun as well & now I understand them better, especially with the reworded version. Please put some video on "Gong Li", also some explanation on " Lian gong mi jue". Great work you are doing Sifu
Excellent videos again. In terms of proverbs, there is one I've heard often enough, that isnt too complicated, and yet I'm sure theres more to unpack in it. The english version was Na and Da follow one another, or Na and Da come together. The idea is solid, but I'm wondering if there is anything missed in translation or implication. Thanks again, this back and forth format is very valuable, reading the comments and exchanges is great
The thing about the way Chinese speak indicates they're healt is interesting. In future will you do videos explaining Chinese culture/ way to behave and see things?
The fortune telling aspect of the 4 onces proverb feels very much like the Kaizen japanese philosophy of little increments leading to reffinement and mastery.
@@HaiYangChannel also was thinking that the 4 onces proverb feels very much like aikido which seems to be much less strength based as tai chi is already
Sir, I have 3 proverbs that I seek your perspective. 1. In tai chi principles, "one must know the difference between empty and full" also," one will then know the difference from empty and full". 2. "Hitting the bull on the other side of the mountain". I believe I came to an understanding when I was stuck by an experienced fa-ching by a xing-ie practitioner. During sparring, I was led into punching, when he stomped, sunk his stance, and punched me in the gut, I felt a burning sensation in a circle through my back, and lost all leg control, list my breath and collapsed. But I could be wrong and this mystifies me. 3. You should be like silk concealing iron.
They are very good Tai Chi proverbs. For the first one, I have briefly introduced in one of my videos (Xu and Shi). For the second one, it would be better if I can have a student to work on the demonstration, but right now, the COVID lockdown stops this from happening. For the third one, that is a classic Yang style proverb. I will think about finding a solution to talk about these proverbs. Thanks.
@@HaiYangChannel thank you sincerely for considering my questions. I practice Yang Style Tai Chi and have read over the Tai Chi Principles multiple times, I find they make more sense over the years of practice. During Covid I'm trying to deepen the quality of my practice through contemplating the ancient proverbs.
Then what can you say about the fact of someone who can apply a micro-amount of Qi (far less than four ounces), to neutralize an opponent's entire nerve system? This is neutralizing far more than a thousand pounds with far less than four ounces. It requires only a tiny amount of strength (Li). Or what about when a Tai Ji practitioner blends with an attack without using more than a touch to redirect n attack? Where is the force in that ?
Sorry, I don't think I understand your question. But if you allow me try to answer it, I would say that what you are describing here is not about strength or force. Or it is just a magic, which is beyong this video. Confucius said: 子不语怪力乱神, or "The subjects on which the Master did not talk, were: extraordinary things, feats of strength, disorder, and spiritual beings."
@@HaiYangChannel What I am describing is the use of one's Qi to infuse the body of the opponent, thereby allowing one's Mind (Yi) to latch onto his nerve impulses so as to neutralize them. The opponent does not understand why he cannot move. Because his nerves are neutralized, his muscles cannot move and he is stuck. I used this Ta Ji Chuan technique on a high-ranking Wing Chun opponent during a Sticky Hands trial. He couldn't get away and I only let him go when he began to panic and struggle. Those who do not have awareness of their Qi and Mind (Yi) think that it is some sort o "magic" because it is beyond thei level of awareness, but all it is, really, is just the higher levels of Qi Gong and Tai Ji. This was something that Confucius did not understand, as the quote from him that you used indicates this.
@@lsarokin When one can breath from the Tan Tien, the breathe can circulate throughout the body. By pushing the breath (using about the same force as in blinking you eye lids), down the legs to the soles of the feet, on the inhale, the Qi rises upward from the heels along the spine to the top of the head, on the exhale it it moves down the triple warmer (esophagus) back down to the Tan Tien. Try it; you'll like it.
I just wanted to say at the halfway point, it sounds similar to what my teacher used to say in that practice should be harder than the real situation. Train very hard, and when you encounter a difficult situation you will “easily” overcome it. #eatbitter
thank you HY... your translation of proverbs is excellent... these proverbs are fodder for misunderstanding, superstition,fraudeulent masters ,hong kong high wire flicks, graphic novels... however; your interpretation makes them science based and removes the proverbs from the realm of superstition... I am trying to avoid OLD MAN'S TAI CHI... keeping THE SOFT INSIDE THE HARD... and shall apply sink chi to dan tien raise shen to crown in my SAN TI SHI ...and some day generate fa jing... hope I never need it but if the time comes to defend my family then to do so with calm spirit I have learned from several " masters " however blindly parroting chinese sounds or words without knowing reading,writing mandarin always seemed particularly foolish ... and some of those i was learning from lacked mandarin also... much was " lost in translation " -as you have mentioned there is a cultural milieu surrounding the etymology of these proverbs which most western teachers surely are unable to comprehend- - your explanation of how in china perceived chi is projected and health reflected in speech is fascinating and Darwinian - I am sure humility is one of your confucian virtues so as I have done so many times before let me merely re-iterate thank you
I like that setting including the table, the yellow wall and also the tea. For me, it makes the teaching very personal. It feels like sitting with Mr. Yang at the table and sharing a cup of tea, while asking questions and learning new things. The same when the cat suddenly appears in the demonstration. That´s life. :-)
@@yinyangtom The cat is spontaneous and therefore natural, the tea is pre-arranged and therefore artificial. I find the cat stimulating and the tea distracting. After all, we're supposed to share ideas not the tea.
I did not want to reply in the beginning since I was not sure I understood your question or not. After reading a couple of times, I think I'd like to answer your comment. 1, I drink many times tea during video shooting time but only keep the first one and cut off the rest when editing. 2, It is a Chinese way to give a lecture, sometimes. People prefer to drink tea and talk about different topics at the same time. If you do not like it, then please just skip the first 10 seconds and then watch the rest. 3, Simply speaking, I just like it. Thank you.
@@HaiYangChannel I drink oo long tea as my primary liquid nourishment... I have never been to china nor had a chinese friend teach me the finer points of tea drinking... to me when Master HY sips cha it lends authenticity to his lecture; as does everything else he does from translating classics to demonstrations of 3 internal styles. In conclusion, I understand the OPs' POINT OF VIEW as in the west eating or drinking in a lecture let alone while giving a lecture is not proper etiquette; however; I would say that MASTER HY is more than proper under the etiquette of the orient. I too like the setting and format very much including tea drinking. I have come to be conditioned so that when i see that setting I am alert to receive teachings that were formerly secret except to inner door students who spoke chinese.
@@roberthoffman9232 Thank you for your comment. To be very honest, I show whatever I think is right. I have been living in the West for 20 years and I still drink tea:)
Since I have begun singing I have learned a lot about this concept of sinking and raising simultaneously opposites exist in the entire universe
Great.
This is a great idea for a series. Thank you for sharing.
Glad you like it and thanks.
I totally agree!
Thank you very much for this series. What a great opportunity for all the viewers to learn more about the translation and meaning behind those „mysterious“ proverbs. They are so important and so misleading at the same time, just as you said it. I hold a BA in Chinese Literature and Philosophy from National Normal University in Taiwan, which could be considered a profound education for a „foreigner“. Yet still, the subtle details of language and culture can only ever be fully understand by those who grew up inside the culture itself. Amazing that you decided to take on this challenging task.
Hello, great to know that you studied Chinese literature! National Normal University of Taiwan is a great place. Thank you.
This is golden knowledge! I feel lucky and honoured to have reached your channel. Thank you!
You are very welcome. and thank you for your comment. I hope you will enjoy the content of this channel.
I just stumbled across these videos and I am glad that I did. I really appreciate the information that he is giving out. 😁
You are very welcome.
Great Video and great explanation. Thanks 🙏🏻 for the explanation! Kind regards from Germany
Thanks,
Ok deal with it ! Sifu you have a wonderful sense of humor I am watching this whole series after seeing number seven and you made me laugh there too. Thank you your videos are very helpful to me .
We need some humor in life:) Thanks
Thank you for another excellent video. It was extremely interesting to discover the origins of these proverbs and their Rich history.
I would be extremely interested in learning the history of some of the Proverbs which relate to weapons, particularly the sword.
Yes, great. If you have some proverbs of weapons', please write them down and i would like to explain them.Thanks.
@@HaiYangChannel Please pardon the delay, here is one:
“The Sabre is like a tiger, the sword is like a flying phoenix (fenghung) and the spear is like a swift dragon”
Thank you very much Master Yang. Mainly being a practitioner of "external" styles this concept was taught to me in other words but never until now could I understand it better. One needs to know the whole concept. That is the reason why only postural imitation is not enough to develop a technique or application well. One question: should you always keep your spine straight or are there situations or applications in which you can afford to have your spine "bent"? Thanks again.
Hello, it is a great question. Spine can be in different forms in application and even in practice as well. But overall, it should be straight. Thanks,
Such a clear and complete explanation, that demystify the internal martial arts for everyone! Thank you ShiFu
You are very welcome. Thanks,
Jesus is the only way to be saved, He loves you my brother 🙏🏽💛✝️
God Bless You!
Thank you for your videos
Very interesting i interpreted the first one very much in the same way you did, but the second one i thought had more to do with contracting and expanding ..... love your videos great content
Thank you for your comment! IT is my great pleasure to work on this project.
Thank you Master Yang for this very enlightening explanation of my question. It closed a gap in my understanding and now I know why my teacher always points out, to raise the head upwards while sinking the rest of the body down. ( with exceptions to some specific body parts depending on the application) I am fortunate to have such a good Master.
Mr. Yang, do you prefer the conversation and questions here or in e-mail?
I am looking forward to the future videos of this new series.
And thank you for going outside for the demonstration. :-)
And you pronounced my name perfectly! (actually, even here noone really knows how to pronaunce it correctly because it´s not from the german language)
Best regards
Thomas
Hello. sure, you are welcome to send me email and we can talk about different topics in emails.
Thanks,
This is such a great series. It was great to train with you a few years ago, and I hope to come visit and learn more when covid is in the past.
Hello, you are always welcome to visit here and we will drink tea together while talking about martial arts. Also, I hope you keep working on your work as well. Thanks,
Very lucid explanation. Both these proverbs are found in Wing Chun as well & now I understand them better, especially with the reworded version. Please put some video on "Gong Li", also some explanation on " Lian gong mi jue". Great work you are doing Sifu
Hello. Thank you for your comment. I will see what I can put online.
Excellent videos again. In terms of proverbs, there is one I've heard often enough, that isnt too complicated, and yet I'm sure theres more to unpack in it. The english version was Na and Da follow one another, or Na and Da come together. The idea is solid, but I'm wondering if there is anything missed in translation or implication. Thanks again, this back and forth format is very valuable, reading the comments and exchanges is great
Hello, It is part of another proverb. When time is ready, I will talk about it. Thank you for reminding.
@@HaiYangChannel thank you sifu, I'm looking forward to hearing about it
This is wonderfully helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the sharing.
You are very welcome
Great video, which is the video with "Yin jin luo kong" explained? Thanks.
th-cam.com/video/oSK6bx_qkpI/w-d-xo.html
The thing about the way Chinese speak indicates they're healt is interesting. In future will you do videos explaining Chinese culture/ way to behave and see things?
I will.
@@HaiYangChannel thanks. Will wait it with pleasure. Great explanations videos you do, thanks
The fortune telling aspect of the 4 onces proverb feels very much like the Kaizen japanese philosophy of little increments leading to reffinement and mastery.
Interesting to know. Thanks
@@HaiYangChannel also was thinking that the 4 onces proverb feels very much like aikido which seems to be much less strength based as tai chi is already
Yes.
Sir, I have 3 proverbs that I seek your perspective.
1. In tai chi principles, "one must know the difference between empty and full" also," one will then know the difference from empty and full".
2. "Hitting the bull on the other side of the mountain". I believe I came to an understanding when I was stuck by an experienced fa-ching by a xing-ie practitioner. During sparring, I was led into punching, when he stomped, sunk his stance, and punched me in the gut, I felt a burning sensation in a circle through my back, and lost all leg control, list my breath and collapsed. But I could be wrong and this mystifies me.
3. You should be like silk concealing iron.
They are very good Tai Chi proverbs. For the first one, I have briefly introduced in one of my videos (Xu and Shi). For the second one, it would be better if I can have a student to work on the demonstration, but right now, the COVID lockdown stops this from happening. For the third one, that is a classic Yang style proverb. I will think about finding a solution to talk about these proverbs. Thanks.
@@HaiYangChannel thank you sincerely for considering my questions. I practice Yang Style Tai Chi and have read over the Tai Chi Principles multiple times, I find they make more sense over the years of practice. During Covid I'm trying to deepen the quality of my practice through contemplating the ancient proverbs.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thanks.
Then what can you say about the fact of someone who can apply a micro-amount of Qi (far less than four ounces), to neutralize an opponent's entire nerve system? This is neutralizing far more than a thousand pounds with far less than four ounces. It requires only a tiny amount of strength (Li). Or what about when a Tai Ji practitioner blends with an attack without using more than a touch to redirect n attack? Where is the force in that ?
Sorry, I don't think I understand your question. But if you allow me try to answer it, I would say that what you are describing here is not about strength or force. Or it is just a magic, which is beyong this video. Confucius said: 子不语怪力乱神, or "The subjects on which the Master did not talk, were: extraordinary things, feats of strength, disorder, and spiritual beings."
@@HaiYangChannel What I am describing is the use of one's Qi to infuse the body of the opponent, thereby allowing one's Mind (Yi) to latch onto his nerve impulses so as to neutralize them. The opponent does not understand why he cannot move. Because his nerves are neutralized, his muscles cannot move and he is stuck. I used this Ta Ji Chuan technique on a high-ranking Wing Chun opponent during a Sticky Hands trial. He couldn't get away and I only let him go when he began to panic and struggle. Those who do not have awareness of their Qi and Mind (Yi) think that it is some sort o "magic" because it is beyond thei level of awareness, but all it is, really, is just the higher levels of Qi Gong and Tai Ji. This was something that Confucius did not understand, as the quote from him that you used indicates this.
Your writing is too advance to us.
What does this mean “a superior man breathes from his heels”
It is a wrong translation. The original sentence is in zhuang zi’s book. But has nothing to do with martial art. Thanks.
@@HaiYangChannel does the original meaning have any relevance to the health practice?
@@lsarokin When one can breath from the Tan Tien, the breathe can circulate throughout the body. By pushing the breath (using about the same force as in blinking you eye lids), down the legs to the soles of the feet, on the inhale, the Qi rises upward from the heels along the spine to the top of the head, on the exhale it it moves down the triple warmer (esophagus) back down to the Tan Tien. Try it; you'll like it.
That is a metaphorical expression and unfortunately, some people try to understand it literally. Yes, it is for health practice.
🌞
:)
I just wanted to say at the halfway point, it sounds similar to what my teacher used to say in that practice should be harder than the real situation. Train very hard, and when you encounter a difficult situation you will “easily” overcome it. #eatbitter
Yes, can be another version of explanation as well. Thanks,
thank you HY... your translation of proverbs is excellent... these proverbs are fodder for misunderstanding, superstition,fraudeulent masters ,hong kong high wire flicks, graphic novels... however; your interpretation makes them science based and removes the proverbs from the realm of superstition...
I am trying to avoid OLD MAN'S TAI CHI... keeping THE SOFT INSIDE THE HARD... and shall apply sink chi to dan tien raise shen to crown in my SAN TI SHI ...and some day generate fa jing... hope I never need it but if the time comes to defend my family then to do so with calm spirit
I have learned from several " masters " however blindly parroting chinese sounds or words without knowing reading,writing mandarin always seemed particularly foolish ... and some of those i was learning from lacked mandarin also... much was " lost in translation "
-as you have mentioned there is a cultural milieu surrounding the etymology of these proverbs which most western teachers surely are unable to comprehend-
- your explanation of how in china perceived chi is projected and health reflected in speech is fascinating and Darwinian
- I am sure humility is one of your confucian virtues so as I have done so many times before let me merely re-iterate thank you
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Lost
interesting
Is that really necessary to sip that tea into the camera ?
I like that setting including the table, the yellow wall and also the tea. For me, it makes the teaching very personal. It feels like sitting with Mr. Yang at the table and sharing a cup of tea, while asking questions and learning new things. The same when the cat suddenly appears in the demonstration. That´s life. :-)
@@yinyangtom The cat is spontaneous and therefore natural, the tea is pre-arranged and therefore artificial. I find the cat stimulating and the tea distracting. After all, we're supposed to share ideas not the tea.
I did not want to reply in the beginning since I was not sure I understood your question or not. After reading a couple of times, I think I'd like to answer your comment.
1, I drink many times tea during video shooting time but only keep the first one and cut off the rest when editing.
2, It is a Chinese way to give a lecture, sometimes. People prefer to drink tea and talk about different topics at the same time. If you do not like it, then please just skip the first 10 seconds and then watch the rest.
3, Simply speaking, I just like it.
Thank you.
@@HaiYangChannel I drink oo long tea as my primary liquid nourishment... I have never been to china nor had a chinese friend teach me the finer points of tea drinking... to me when Master HY sips cha it lends authenticity to his lecture; as does everything else he does from translating classics to demonstrations of 3 internal styles. In conclusion, I understand the OPs' POINT OF VIEW as in the west eating or drinking in a lecture let alone while giving a lecture is not proper etiquette; however; I would say that MASTER HY is more than proper under the etiquette of the orient. I too like the setting and format very much including tea drinking. I have come to be conditioned so that when i see that setting I am alert to receive teachings that were formerly secret except to inner door students who spoke chinese.
@@roberthoffman9232 Thank you for your comment. To be very honest, I show whatever I think is right. I have been living in the West for 20 years and I still drink tea:)
🙏