Yang Family Tai Chi Discussion Board

Louis,

In agreement. His concepts gave us the 'philosphiical" background that we frequent debate. His insights are clear especially when relating to practice, practice, practice.

I frequently read his biography and I learn something different each time.

Sir Jerry, Although I am a Yang style practitioner, and Zhenji stated that slow performance build gongfu yes in that slow performance makes one good at slow perfomance with its exquisite display but it can never build 'martial skill'. The statement does not hold up if one states slow is the only way...

Based on pslamchemist's explanation and his kindness in expressing this belief, this is one reasonI do not "pollute" beginners with concpt sof qi, yi, shen, etc. They must work through the initial postures to relax, feel, sense, etc their level of progression. To inject these arcane concep...

How does one assess this? One of my "old" teachers (circa 1976) mentioned cetain passages about assessing the character of practitioners specifically and people generally encompassing the following: Talk to people as see how they act, Debate to check their attitude. Give them work and see ...

20 minutes is just a warm-up. EXAMPLE ONLY: Actual practice time is as follows: 1. Warm-up (10-15 minutes) 2. Zhanzhaung (30-60 minutes) 3. Individual posture training (30-60 minutes 4. Actual form (3x long form; 6x "short" form 60-90 minutes Total time: minimum time -1hr 20min maximum tim...

psalmchemist, The elements you mentioned are true and are basic providing the "gong" has been reached. "Gong" meaning you have the posture down along with its mechanical physical requirements such as relaxation, rounding, etc. PART II One should have put in at a maximum of 4-6 mo...

Per Qing dynasty militray regalia (if not mistaken) banner identified the unit, whereas flag may imply (do not recall) generically said banner), or depending on use, direction, location, warning, etc. Flag obviously has many connotations. I have found that trying to match I ching, etc with "eso...

Many postures, in application, implied positioning is usually "high(er)" or "low(er" without bobbing (moving up and down) without proper "yi" (sorry for the use of this dubious word)-meaning no knowl;edge or awareness of the actual application. As an example, "diag...

Louis, The actual representation as practiced today per hai di zhen (needle at sea bottom) is literal where right hand is going downward where a logical explanation is hand going towards qihai/dantian (groin) or lower, whicn may not be actual use. It apears most people only know about this literal e...

We are back to metaphor again. Let me explain: It has a cultural, social and intellectual bias/background. We are referencing the "Neeedle at Sea bottom" posture-As I was told many years ago, the Sea Bottom point (hai di zhen) was/is somewhere between middle to upper ribs area (a specific ...

Louis, Your are right-there are multiple uses. If one is in conflict with a stronger opponent, then the single use (without left hand gently helping) will be unworkable. Only the simple pickpocket or petty crime person will resort to this strategy (i.e.holding wrist because the person appear weak). ...

I may be may off here but Needle at Sea Bottom point is located somewhere in middle to upper ribs, as I was told once. I may have been sleeping since the actual application is pointing to qihai it kind of throws of my supposition. I will have to ask around. Using metaphor, many times (as I have unde...

One of my former teachers mentioned that concept (ti fang) as separate meaning "lift/let go" and similar epitaphs. Since the meanin is not static as in lifting only, it can may also imply disengaging lift, disengaging (from other's grasp no response but may include a hop (simple step adban...

Louis, Though I am familiar with the key words like yi, shen, kwa, etc. the modern expression defies reality, meaning there are so many variation of meaning(s), that despite thir explanation, misunderstanding is rampant. What I have attempted to do is :translate" into a workeable reality after ...

Louis, Just to pick up on your note(s(. Muscle, their mechanical properties and the concurrent entrainment process MUST be worked through their periodization phase (learning the actual concepts throught doing) before "yi", its manifestaion or concept be utilized. That is the only way. At t...