Tai Chi Mechanics (Tai Chi and Chi Gun Book 10)
Description
First of all, I only present my opinion, this text is not a "final truth". There are Tai Chi schools, that practice different approaches, and nevertheless, achieve astonishing results. So, please, keep in mind, that it is only one of the possible viewpoints.
When teaching Tai Chi, we learn three aspects of it. The first one has to do with forms. A student need to learn the sequence of techniques, as well as some rules that should not be violated. Generally speaking, by performing forms (correctly!!!), one can achieve the energy flow, enter the meditation state and improve his / her health.
The second aspects deals with the fine mechanics of Tai Chi. Not just "follow these rules", but also being able to explain WHY the particular rule is important. In this text, I will focus on this aspect a lot.
And finally, the third aspect, the "chi". Using the energy flow to turn it into a Practical Tai Chi MARTIAL style.
However, here is the problem.
You see, I believe, that one can learn the form by the book, though, of course, a live teacher is always better. One can get some understanding of how and why the Tai Chi "rules" work - from the book. But I do not believe it is possible to learn the martial aspect of "chi" from the book, or, at least, it will require a much better teacher than I am.
Once again. To make your "chi" flow, you can use a book. It is rather simple. To make it flow in such a way, that your opponent looses his balance, takes a teacher, that is present in the same room, looking at you, correcting your mistakes.
I know of few Tai Chi schools that use this approach successfully, but there is no way to EXPLAIN the process with words, it is all about feeling.
Fortunately, there is another way.
The "fine mechanics" of Tai Chi, mentioned above, can be explained with words (though you need a partner, and preferably, a teacher, to master it). The result will be the same, as in "chi" approach. Actually, these two roads will take you to the same place, if you study the "fine mechanics", at some point you will perceive it as "chi".
So what I am going to do here, is discussing the mechanics of Tai Chi "inner" style, keeping in mind, that this is only one of possible approaches. I know, that some people will object against talking about "chi" as about balance and mechanics, but let me repeat, by following this approach, you will, at some point, notice that you have "switched" from mechanical to energy approach - and from that point, they are the same.
Also, this approach allows you to distinguish between good and poor Tai Chi schools, but this is definitely beyond the scope of this text.
When teaching Tai Chi, we learn three aspects of it. The first one has to do with forms. A student need to learn the sequence of techniques, as well as some rules that should not be violated. Generally speaking, by performing forms (correctly!!!), one can achieve the energy flow, enter the meditation state and improve his / her health.
The second aspects deals with the fine mechanics of Tai Chi. Not just "follow these rules", but also being able to explain WHY the particular rule is important. In this text, I will focus on this aspect a lot.
And finally, the third aspect, the "chi". Using the energy flow to turn it into a Practical Tai Chi MARTIAL style.
However, here is the problem.
You see, I believe, that one can learn the form by the book, though, of course, a live teacher is always better. One can get some understanding of how and why the Tai Chi "rules" work - from the book. But I do not believe it is possible to learn the martial aspect of "chi" from the book, or, at least, it will require a much better teacher than I am.
Once again. To make your "chi" flow, you can use a book. It is rather simple. To make it flow in such a way, that your opponent looses his balance, takes a teacher, that is present in the same room, looking at you, correcting your mistakes.
I know of few Tai Chi schools that use this approach successfully, but there is no way to EXPLAIN the process with words, it is all about feeling.
Fortunately, there is another way.
The "fine mechanics" of Tai Chi, mentioned above, can be explained with words (though you need a partner, and preferably, a teacher, to master it). The result will be the same, as in "chi" approach. Actually, these two roads will take you to the same place, if you study the "fine mechanics", at some point you will perceive it as "chi".
So what I am going to do here, is discussing the mechanics of Tai Chi "inner" style, keeping in mind, that this is only one of possible approaches. I know, that some people will object against talking about "chi" as about balance and mechanics, but let me repeat, by following this approach, you will, at some point, notice that you have "switched" from mechanical to energy approach - and from that point, they are the same.
Also, this approach allows you to distinguish between good and poor Tai Chi schools, but this is definitely beyond the scope of this text.
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