IHT Blog

First learn the principle then cultivate it

27/1/2015

"To study Tai Chi Chuan means to learn to relax. Relax, let go of all tension, all hardness, be soft. Hardness is the discipline of death; softness if the discipline of life. So, wherever you identify tension or hardness let it go. Relax completely. This is what it means to study Tai Chi Chuan."
- Cheng Man-Ching

Jen Binney

30/12/2015 08:12:19 pm

There are so many layers of tension – I thought I was relaxed before I knew anything about letting go of tension!!
The most tension seems to be in the mind – creating space in the mind is a challenge.
What a process, as we start to unravel our body from the tension that have buried inside.
How do I stop trying so hard…don’t really want to be a try hard but I suspect it has been a pattern for a long time.
Spending a few weeks camping in Tassie with nature all around I wrote this poem –

As I feel,
The knots in my body
start to untangle.
As I hear
‘cracking’ and ‘space’
as movement frees up again.
As I see
my body respond to light and still,
a gentleness and softness reappears.
As I listen
to my body it reawakens,
little bit by little bit.
As I smell
the freshness of each new day,
and notice little changes.
As I taste
The salty spray off the water
I feel fresh and open.
As I touch
the moss squelches through my fingers.
the cool moist earth.
As I open up my senses
I notice what I’ve been missing,
simple pleasures of life.

- Jen 6/1/15

John H link

30/12/2015 08:13:38 pm

Thank you once again Jen for sharing your beautiful poetry amazing the gifts mother earth bestows.

As for relaxing within ones form one needs to be aware from head to toe wherever tension is realized in the body we must let it go and allow it to sink through ones body. Often, in the beginning it requires a good teacher to point out where one is holding tension within the form and then to show the method for how to let go and release the tension correctly. This is why structure or developing the Taichi body is vitally important. Optimally, until the student has done the required work and is at the point of being ready to receive the teaching it really will not mean anything to them at that point in time. Taichichuan as I know it at least, It is not something that can be picked up in a w/end workshop, then again, its not impossible, some people may if the required foundations have been laid. Don't get me wrong w/shops are enjoyable and many things can be gained in w/end workshops, and in todays world many people learn entirely from attending w/shops so I'm not suggesting not to do them. What is important however is the consistency of practice and corrections from knowledgeable teachers once the w/shop is finished. I think, ideally, it actually requires long term commitment under the guidance of a good teacher who teaches in accordance with the classic principles of Taichichuan and can introduce the principles into ones body through a practice method. It is then up to the student to persevere in their practice. Unfortunately. given learning can take many years, many students leave before having obtained the method or having grasped the fundamentals of what is being offered by their teacher irrespective of system or style being taught.

As for relaxing and releasing tension you are correct Jen in that there is no end to it and tension is initially most recognizable in ones body and then later we begin to recognize it mentally as well in our psychological make-up. Tension is resistance which produces tension and so the circle turns. How often we hear relax and sink only in the next instance do the very opposite, resist and become tense. I think maybe we have lost a little faith in being or becoming soft? Over the years I have realized given Taichichuan in the main is influenced heavily by Taoist sciences, philosophy if you like, rather then trying harder perhaps, it is more a matter of what we don't try to do?

Regards
Continue gently
John H 2015

Patricia Tan

30/12/2015 08:27:05 pm

Thank you John for generating such an interesting discussion on “relaxation”. I agree with Jen, that there are many layers of tension that happen to anyone and agree with John that we do carry our baggage for life. We can only go back to the philosophy of the ancient Chinese on how an “art” is taught. First train on the human (man) level, then progress to the earth level and then on to the heaven level. (Refer back to John’s article on the Compass and the Square). This philosophy and way of teaching is embedded in ancient Chinese thinking and is the Way all arts were taught. The art of martial(fighting) and the art of healing(medicine) were often practised together (Yin and Yang) and most martial arts teachers were also healers and bone-setters. Traditionally, students of martial arts schools were live-in students (just like boarding schools) where they trained and followed their teacher to observe and learn not only how he practised his art but also how he lived his life. This was carried through to Japan where live-in students called deshi were taken in by teachers.
In our modern society, the link between learning and living an art is much more difficult given how separate we are from each other in all ways. The interconnectedness and interdependence of humans is “lost” in a myriad of distractions and technology. We can communicate across many miles without physical contact but we find it so hard to connect with people.
That is why workshops although intensive are enjoyed by practitioners who are isolated from their teacher, not everyone has the privilege and luxury of living in the same town as the teacher of their choice.
Those of us who have chosen the path of teaching must look towards the practice of this art as a means of not just training on the Linear(human) and Square(Earth) level but also on the Circle (Heaven) level. The sensitivity and awareness that comes with practice is very much an individual thing but as teachers we should try to convey what we teach in as simple and easy to understand methods. There are no short cuts but there are no secrets either!

If there is one comment that I will make as a student/teacher of the martial art and healing art, is that there is often not enough feedback given to students that is easily understood and “felt” in the body. Too much information can result in too much thinking and too little feedback can result in not knowing if we are on the right path – another situation where we need to find balance again. Each person will take in the teachings in their own way.

So we keep plodding along and trying our best to practise what we have been taught, making mistakes along the way and correcting and refining, as this is how we learn.
Looking forward to catching up with all who are attending the April workshop.
Regards,
Trish

John H link

30/12/2015 08:31:19 pm

I’m not a teacher though I have taught over the years, but I still consider myself a student practitioner, I can't speak on the finer details of teaching or of being a teacher per se. I know of only one secret in my practice and it so simple all one has to do ultimately, is practice.
One's practice - and I’m only referring to Taichichuan not any other martial art - must be in accordance with the classic principles of Taichichuan otherwise we may as well be doing any number of callisthenics, walking or swimming exercise or any other external martial art for that matter it doesn't make these things wrong there just not Taichichuan.

There are no secrets, as Trish had mentioned, but there are most assuredly methods of practice, the practice method once explained needs to be practiced its simple really, there is no mystery. The question was asked of Cheng Man Ching “how do I know if what I am doing is correct?” Cheng replied, “once you move, if you move in accordance with the principles it is correct.” So again no mystery no secret.

Sensitivity comes after many years (or sooner for some) of in-principled practice through the various stages of learning, after sometime one can simply know by touching a person whether they have root, hold tension and use awkward strength or one can see from the opening movements of one's form if they move in accord with the principles or not and regardless of talk ultimately, nothing can be hidden in the body, this is why sensing-hands is important learning stage in Taichichuan practice, again no secret just time spent in-principled practice.

Both the linear, square circle heaven earth man are orderly progressive stages in the learning process, of course everyone learns according to their own pace and we learn initially from our own motivations, it cannot be any other way. I would think a teacher's responsibility is to nurture a student through those stages. Though a student may be quick to learn the external physical aspects I would not suggest it good to think one can jump ahead or choose which stage one studies, it is an orderly process of learning in accordance with the principles from which the results will manifest.

Trish, I do not think we carry our baggage for life, I’m convinced all things change I do think however, it is often our resistance to change that is a cause of tension, separation and sense of stuck-ness.

As for w/shops I thought I was clear they are enjoyable and great learning spaces, and so are books, DVDs anything for that matter anything that provides one a learning opportunity so go for it I say, who can be resistant to that, me least of all. In paraphrasing TT Liang; “if I believe only in books better not read books, if, I believe only in teachers, better not have teachers”. My point however is there is no replacement for consistent practice with a knowledgeable teacher.

What remains and what guides us into correct practice are the principles, if, the teacher is not clear in their understanding of the principles, then of course students will become confused and from my observations principles are seemingly being discarded in favour of fine words, eclecticism and waving ones arms about and more the pity, is it wrong no, again, the question is, is it Taichichuan?.

I was invited to share my thought on my practice as a student of martial arts for some 40 years I’m happy if members whether you be teachers or students, would like to discuss aspects of practice and principles, still I’m not trying to convince anyone of anything, I will write my thoughts and I will write them in a respectful manner in the interest of sharing freely, on correct practice as I know it, not on what’s right or wrong, that I will leave for the teachers to decide and defend.

My intent is always to refine and make learning accessible by example, you only need to look at my personal construction of the four pillars - grasp swallows tail sequence designed to assist beginners and ensure correct practice of the ward-off roll-back press and push all performed in accordance with the principles and applications, I am told this is now practiced widely.

What I have found important in my years of practice and study is the necessity of maintaining in-principled practice of Taichichuan and the realisation that proficiency is measured in decades of time spent in-principled practice. A good teacher is also indispensable whether that teacher be a martial artist or a bone setter/healer, a Professor a Doctor etc no different for Taichichuan.

Teachers will change and methods refined, students will come and go, but the principles remain. If we look we will see that this is borne out in the relatively short history of Taichichuan to date, I’m certain it will continue to be refined into the future.

I am not here to promote w/shops by teachers that I have no knowledge of so please be mindful of this. However

Patricia Tan

30/12/2015 08:33:07 pm

Thank you again John for your precise explanation. There is no substitute for correct practice. I agree wholeheartedly. The point about studying with a good teacher is just as important. I remember how I initially learned the Cheng Man Ching form from a teacher from America who had studied under Ben Lo. He gave me a vague understanding of the principles but did not teach the function of the form and also did not teach sensing hands. Then I had another teacher from the Gold Coast, who taught the form and some fundamental exercises and some sensing hands but again not in depth about following the principles. It wasn't until I met Sifu Roman that I started my real learning journey of tai chi chuan. I cannot thank him enough for teaching me the finer points of the principles of this art.
And it has been a difficult journey living so far from Sydney and not having regular access to him. Still I persisted, I came down to Paul Lam's workshops when he was teaching there. And after, continued to visit once or twice a year whenever I was in Sydney. I believed that it was important to share this wonderful art and collaborated with Sifu to share this in a weekend workshop format for tai chi instructors who wanted continuing education. It has not taken off in the way I had expected but it has brought together a great group of people who are keen to learn the art despite the distances involved. You cannot doubt our perseverance in wanting to learn this art. And I have learnt lots with each weekend. I told Sifu " Less is More". I need only learn one thing from you each time we meet. And this is the way I have been learning. When he started teaching the functions of the form, my understanding of the principles leapt forward a hundredfold. I enjoyed the push hands workshop organised by Li Chi Hsiang very much.
So, back to my comment about not getting enough feedback, it is very frustrating when pushing to not know what you are sensing for besides being relaxed and "soong" and turning your waist and sticking and listening. I find that understanding the functions of the form a better way for me to grasp the principles. So when I asked you the question about split energy in diagonal flying (at your last visit to Sydney), I was very surprised to find that you were not happy about answering questions on "technique" and your answer was "I don't teach martial". But you still did show me the function, albeit reluctantly. So, are you promoting that we don't learn the function of the form? The form makes more sense when we understand the function, even though we may not perform it as well.
Kind Regards,
Trish

John H link

30/12/2015 08:34:24 pm

Dear Trish,

Please be mindful just because I’ve written the things below does not necessarily mean I have accomplished the things I’ve written of. I have a little understanding and am still practicing and learning every day. Keeping this in mind, I will do my best to be clear and to answer your excellent questions as fully as I can Trish.

In Taichichuan every movement and I mean every movement has an application otherwise we could not call it a martial art. From the very beginning and right through to the end of ones study within Li Ch’i Hsiang though we may not realize it until much later, we are learning self-defence, we are learning martial art. However, the function of the form is not strictly about the application of a technique. To focus to early on application can be a hindrance for the student as it tends to create hardness the very thing we want to rid the body and mind of, so I tend not to teach application until very senior level, though other teachers do teach it earlier and that's their choice, I do show how correct posture composition may be used however so as to clarify sometimes?

It is important to remember In Taichichuan we are practicing the principles not techniques, (first, last and always) as the classics inform us; principles are the root and applications the branches, meaning, if we want to lay strong foundations leading to developing our kung-Fu (skill) in Taichichuan, like a tree, we must grow from the root not the branches. Having understood the principles the application can be easily grasped, If the principle exist then the result cannot but follow. etc etc When we see a high level Taichichuan player hurling others away it is not a result of technique but of time spent in-principled practice from which the principle has manifested.

I want to be clear the often called thirteen postures of Taichichuan are really energies not postures or techniques. For example “split’ is not a technique, it is an energy that can be applied and is inherent in all applications if only potentially, I can give you an example by showing you diagonal flying or raise hands, stork cool wings and numerous others throughout the form all have split energy in them the same for all the thirteen energies (postures). Now if you do the same form and method as me, then I can show you a good idea of them in a w/end workshop, better still if you practice Da-Lu you will know then exactly what I mean by energies but not in a mixed class, it has to be a class that is at the level to begin to understand and practice what is being shared. It just so happens during this year both Roman and I will be having a w/shop dedicated to the thirteen energies, cost and times place etc will be posted on Li Chi Hsiang website for further details.

Now if someone, anybody, (Im sure even Roman will say it is rare I talk about technique or show applications) were to ask me directly about self-defence or martial application, I tell them I don’t know I simply relax and do my best to follow the principles. I do this for two reasons 1. To focus the students attention and practice on the principles “the root” example “relaxing in accordance with principle as it is the root of health, self-defence and self-cultivation” 2. Often what we may interpret to be self-defence is often focused upon what the other or what many call the “opponent” or “attacker” and our response to what the “other” is doing when often it is our own actions that has culminated in our own downfall. Again, the classics are very clear first we must know ourselves, before we can know others. Example again knowing oneself is the root of health, self-defence and self-cultivation. I often say for me, self-defence is perching the mind in the Tan-Tien.

Practicing the fundamentals or the form in accordance with the principles is knowing oneself. We learn through natural breathing, correct body posture, and maintaining structural integrity to be relaxed, centred, upright, grounded and connected, but the mind can be tricky, we can think we are all those things and even begin to believe we are but then we begin to study and play at sensing-hands (push-hands) and quickly learn when placed under physical pressure much of what we thought we could do easily goes out the window. The relaxation and the stability we thought we had acquired has vanished, our mind scatters, our breath rises, we lose our centre and our structure crumbles, we resort to using awkward strength in trying to maintain our balance and “protect’ ourselves from being pushed instead of just accepting and learning from the experience.

We witness this often when watching people play push-hands with the idea that one must be the victor and often what we witness more resembles a wrestling match and quickly descends into a contest of strength like watching two-bulls (in Taichichuan this is double weighting) rather

Patricia Tan

30/12/2015 08:36:15 pm

Thank you, John. It is much clearer, I understand where you are coming from. Your explanation of what we are doing in sensing hands is very helpful. I will remember that in my practice of the form.
The concept of root and branches is very familiar to me in my studies of Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Thank you again.

John H link

30/12/2015 08:37:19 pm

That's good to hear Trish I'm happy some clarity has come through and you find a little similarity with your practice of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture.
I look forward to catching up in a future time, until then keep well
Regards
John h

Comments are closed.

Inner Health Taijiquan Blog

First learn the principle then cultivate it

Author

Categories

Archives