The concept and practice of the core element of classical Tai
Chi, Internal Discipline, are discussed extensively through out our instruction at the East Meets West studio. To supplement class instruction we recommend the Tai Chi video tapes/DVDs by Master Stephen
Hwa. A brief discussion is presented here:
Internal Discipline enables you to initiate movements from the
internal core of the body (the abdomen and back) rather than from the external parts of the body (the limbs), and cultivates
and mobilizes your internal energy for health benefits and martial arts applications.
Example: Pushing the right hand forward with
the arm and shoulder is an external movement. Internal movement uses the abdomen and the back moving the entire upper-quarter
of the body, including the arm and hand, forward.
NOTE: Please use a player
that plays "Real Video" to see movements
The arm and shoulder are relaxed with no movement relative to
each other. The motion is entirely driven internally. In addition, other parts of the body are essentially not moving serving
as the supporting structure for this movement.
Another example of this upper-quarter body movement is the blocking
motion.
Example: Turning of the upper body with the
feet stationary is usually carried out by crossing the legs. This is a weak external move with little power, balance and stability.
An internal move centers on the waist using the power of the abdomen and back while the pelvis and the legs essentially are
not moving.
Example: For lower body movement, the power
from the abdomen and back is transmitted through the pelvis to the legs. Visualize that the pelvis is an extension of the
leg. To take a step, use the abdomen and back to lift the pelvis, which in turn lifts the leg. Move the foot forward and stretch
the pelvis downward until the foot is fully planted. All of these movements are internally driven with the upper body remaining
still. Then, the foot will pull the body forward to complete the step.
Classical Tai Chi, or Tai Ji utilizes the philosophy of yin and
yang in every aspect of its practice. This philosophy asserts that every entity needs to coexist and interact with a counterpart
of opposite nature in order to achieve balance and vitality. For every internal movement, a moving part of the body (yang)
works against stationary part (yin) that provides support and power for the move. The junction between yin and yang is always
located in the torso.
For the arm push forward movement described above, the junction
is around the upper-quarter body area.
In the case of the turning movement, the junction is in the
waist region.
For the step forward movement, the junction is at the lower-quarter
body region above the pelvis.
If one pushes the hand forward with the arm, then the junction
is at the shoulder.
If the turning movement is accomplished by crossing the legs,
then the junction is at the legs.
If the step forward move is done with the leg, then the junction
is at the hip. (These later cases are not internal movement.)
When you perform an internal movement correctly, you will feel
the sensations of stretching and intense energy flowing across the junction in an otherwise relaxed body. Classical Tai Chi,
or Tai Ji form teaches students how to use Internal Discipline in every move so internal energy circulates continuously throughout
the body during form playing, tuning and cultivating internal energy in the body. From the martial arts point of view, the
playing of the classical Tai Chi form is, among other things, practicing the mobilization and delivery of the internal power
until it becomes instinctive, spontaneous, and instantaneous.
The appearance of internal movement is very deceptive. Most uninitiated
observers will think it is a small, unremarkable, and simple movement and may opt for a more showy style. In fact, internal
movement is demanding to learn, both mentally and physically. But, the results of the effort will be unparalleled in improving health and well-being and in martial arts applications.
Health Benefits Learn more about why Tai
Chi with Internal Discipline has such profound benefits for your health. Click here»
For more information
on the video tapes/DVDs send an email to us click here»
