Practical Method Rules List 2012 (translated)

Overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers is crucial in comprehending the profound meaning of Tàijíquán. Students of the Practical Method are fortunate to have Master Chen as their guide, navigating the intricacies and enigmas of this art. In 2010, Master Chen authored a concise Chinese summary of twenty-four essential principles within the Practical Method. This summary was subsequently refined in 2012. We have now translated this invaluable set of rules into English.

Preamble

J. Tam and Ming (both residing in Ottawa) have translated Master Chen’s rules for the Practical Method into English. We hope this translation will assist fellow students in their training. To aid in verification, the original Chinese characters are included for those proficient in the language. Our focus has been on contextual accuracy rather than strict literal translation. Furthermore, we have provided supplementary explanations in English within square brackets ( [..] ) to convey our understanding of the concepts presented. These explanations are solely the interpretations of the translators. While we have strived for accuracy, the translators assume full responsibility for any errors or misinterpretations in this list.

Master Chen Zhonghua list of rules in the Practical Method

Posted Nov, 4, 2012 by Chen Zhōnghuá (发表于 2012 年 11 月 4 日 由 陈 中华 )

This list was first written up in a blog in 2010 and has now been updated.
(这是2010年我在博客上记下的一些不全面的陈式太极拳实用拳法的规矩。在这里重新发表一次,并做了一些补充。以求更多反馈，便于提高、完善。)

The list of “rules” includes principles, definitions and structural requirements for the different parts [of the body], etc. (这些“规矩”的列表包括了原则、定义、部位结构要求、等。)

Basic Principle (原则)

1. The core principle of Taiji is embodied in the concept of Yin and Yang  (太极就是阴阳。) [The concept of complementary opposites, where opposing forces are interconnected and interdependent, as exemplified by the Taoist philosophy of Yin and Yang. This topic was discussed at a seminar held in Toronto in 2010.]
2. Practicing Taiji involves the principle of ‘separating’ or ‘splitting’ into Yin and Yang (练太极就是“分”阴阳). This concept of Yin-Yang, representing complementary opposites, is evident in various aspects of Taiji practice, including:
   

   Up and down (上下) Left and right (左右) Front and back (前后) Inside and outside (内外)

     (练太极就是“分”阴阳。就是上下、左右、前后、内外等的杠杆。)

   [This dynamic interplay of forces can be likened to a lever, a simple machine where an input force (effort) produces an output force (load). This lever mechanism exemplifies the Yin-Yang principle of separation, where opposing forces interact to generate movement and power. See a demonstration of this concept here.]

3. It’s about differentiating between active and passive parts of the body. While performing a movement, some parts should be dynamic while others remain stable. This creates a structured, unified body, much like the sturdy rotation of a door hinge. (就是分动静。身上一定同时有动的地方和不动的地方。就是将松散无序的身体变成有结构的、紧凑的如门轴一样的身体。)
   
   [In Taiji practice, each movement exhibits a dynamic and a static component (就是分动静). While some parts of the body are in motion, others remain stationary. Through consistent training, this cultivates a sense of order within the body, transforming it from a state of disarray into a structured, compact unit, functioning much like a door hinge.

   This concept aligns with the principle of Yin-Yang Separation, where opposing forces interact to generate movement. This principle is observable in everyday objects, such as a door hinge. In a hinge, the door and the frame (门和门框) are connected by a central rod, allowing them to rotate relative to each other around a fixed axis. The moving door and frame represent the dynamic component, while the stationary axis embodies the static component.]

4. Before separating movement from stillness, one must first establish a stable foundation. This focal point, initially in the dantian, can shift to any part of the body. This axis, which can be a point or a line, serves as the center of rotation. Even areas outside the axis can be considered axes in their own right, such as the pivot point of a doorknob or the central axis of a revolving door. (要“分”就必须先“定”，定住一点，两头才能分开。这一点一开始在丹田，后来可以在身体的任何部分。这一点就是轴。可以是点，也可以是一条线。点是万向轴；线是单向轴。点外的也可是点（门把手）；或一个面（门面板）、一个体旋转门中间轴外都算）。)
   
   [To achieve ‘splitting’ (or ‘separation’) (要“分”), a stable ‘anchor’ (定) is essential. An anchor point is necessary for separation to occur at two ends. Physical analogies for anchoring include:

   A fulcrum (the pivot point of a lever) The axis of rotation Front and back (前后) A critical point in a phase equilibrium

   In initial Taiji practice, the anchor point resides within the ‘dantian’ (丹田), the center of the body. However, with advanced training, it can shift to any part of the body. This anchor serves as the axis, which can be a point or a line.

   A point axis allows for rotation in multiple directions. A line axis permits rotation in a single direction.

   Anchors can also exist outside the axis. Examples include:

   A point: such as a door handle (门把手) A plane: such as the surface of a door (门面板) A revolving door, where the anchor is outside the central axis.

   In the Practical Method, anchors can be points, lines, or planes, located both inside and outside the body. These concepts can be understood through mechanical systems, such as a door-hinge-door frame. For instance:

   Door Handle: When opening the door using the handle, the handle represents a stationary point on the door, outside the central axis (the door hinge). Door Hinge: The hinge itself represents a stationary line (axis of rotation) for the door. The door knob cannot move relative to the hinge, making it a fixed point within the system. Door Surface: Opening and closing the entire door utilizes the door surface as an anchoring plane, existing outside the central axis (the door hinge).

   These are examples of stable foundations and movements from stillness.]

5. The essence of martial arts training lies in the cultivation of force. Jin (劲, force), softness (松), and rigidity (僵), despite appearing different, are all manifestations of force. Taijiquan training aims to guide practitioners in the proper application of this force. In other words, Taijiquan teaches us how to generate, retract, and borrow force correctly. ( 练拳就是练力。劲是力，松是力，僵也是力。练拳就是练习合理的使用力的方法。)
6. Big hits small, fast hits slow, long hits short, heavy hits light, and accuracy hits deviation. (大打小，快打慢，长打短，重打轻，准确打误差。)
   
   [The Practical Method emphasizes the following strategies:

   Big hits small: Employ larger, more encompassing movements to control smaller, more localized actions. Fast hits slow: Utilize speed and agility to counter slower, more deliberate movements. Long hits short: Employ length to counter short movements. Heavy hits light: Utilize heavier, more forceful movements to overcome lighter, less powerful attacks. Accuracy hits deviation: Counter imprecise attacks with precise and targeted movements.

   Those strategies are summarized in the proverb. ]

7. Training in the Practical Method is learning to master timing, distance and angle. Mastering timing is the same as mastering speed. However, we are interested in “effective speed” not “absolute speed”. Mastering distance means controlling the space between two points within the body or the space between you and your opponent. Mastering angle means understanding the direction of your opponent. The objective for each aspect of training is effectiveness. (练拳就是学习掌握时间、距离、角度。时间是提速，是实际的有效速度，不是绝对速度。距离是自身两点的距离或敌我之间的距离。角度是相对敌我间的平面而言的。此三者都有同一个目的：效率。)
   
   [The essence of martial arts training lies in mastering time (时间 – Shíjiān), distance (距离 – Jùlí), and angle (角度 – Jiǎodù).

   Time (时间): Time is not merely about increasing speed but about achieving “effective speed.” This requires practitioners to react with maximum efficiency at the precise moment. Distance (距离): Controlling distance involves not only the spacing between one’s own body parts but also the management of space between oneself and the opponent. By precisely controlling distance, one can preempt or neutralize an opponent’s attack. Angle (角度): Angle determines the direction and force of an attack or defense. Understanding an opponent’s angle allows practitioners to identify weaknesses and counterattack from the optimal angle.

   The common goal of these elements is to enhance combat effectiveness. Through comprehensive training in time, distance, and angle, practitioners can respond to a wide range of combat situations with greater precision and efficiency. ]

8. Timing, distance and angle are achieved through training the complex coordination of the entire body according to the correct principles. This coordination is also known as “adjustment”. The action and result is concrete even though sometimes the action is not perceptible or the result appears implausible. The entire concept is often labelled under the generic term “kung fu” because of the difficulty required to achieve this understanding. (时间、距离、角度是通过身体各部位的配合得到的。功夫来自结构中个部位的配合。配合也叫“调整”。这种配合是真的，但有时是不可见的，不可摸到的，所以说是一种“功夫”。)
9. Taiji exercises require an understanding of the position and function of the: head, hands, feet, wrists, ankles, elbows, knees, shoulders, hips, waist and crotch and so on. In the Practical Method, we place special emphasis on the waist, crotch and the hip. Another area of difficulty in training is the kua and the shoulders. In general, training requires that each body part performs its own function correctly. (太极拳练习中比较重要的部位有头、手、脚、腕、踝、肘、膝、肩、胯、腰、裆等。其中腰、裆、胯为比较特殊的太极拳部位。比较难练的部位是肩和胯。身体部位要各司其职。)
10. In the Practical Method, the only movements are: with or against [the flow], positive and negative circles, self-turning and revolutions. Other movements are based on these foundations. (太极拳的动作只能包括顺逆、正圈反圈、自转公转。其它都是从这里面衍生出来的。)
11. There are three sections from the bottom of the feet to the top of the head. There are three sections from the left hand to the right hand. (身体上下要分三节。左右也要分三节。)
12. The [body] structure has fixed points and rules. The rules are: The Outside cannot be Inside; the Inside cannot be Outside; the Inside and the Outside each has its own duties; The duty of the Inside is not to come out; the duty of the Outside is not to go in. (结构有定式有规律。外不能内，内不能外。内外各司其职。里边的别出来，外边的别进去。)
13. The hand is always on the outside. The Dantian is always on the inside. The hand cannot move and the Dantian never stops. (手永远在外。丹田永远在内。手不能动，丹田不能停。)
14. [Viewed from the top] The section of the body can be divided into [two sets of] three concentric rings. (身体俯视图结构分三圈。) [The inner ring extends from the center line (spine) to the shoulder and kua. The middle ring extends from the shoulder and kua to the elbows and knees. The outer ring extends from the elbows and knees to the hand and feet. The rules governing the interactions between each ring are as follows:] The inner ring can work with the middle ring; the middle ring can work with the outer ring. The outer ring can never work with the inner ring. (内圈可和中圈合；中圈可和外圈合。外圈不能和内圈合。) This rule is known as the Theory of the Three-Three or the Theory of the Two Solids. (这就是三三学说。也叫二固一学说。)

[A video explaining this concept is available here.]


15. The force is from the ground / foot (kick); the control is at the waist (adjustment); reach with the hand (touch) (力发自地／脚（蹬），主于腰（调节）达于手（着）。
16. Each section of the body performs its own duty but in a coordinated manner. However, this coordination does not mean that each action occurs in the same direction, at the same time or duplicating the function of another section. The overall action of all body parts must not twist in the same directions [toss]. (身体各部位分工配合，整劲是各部位不同方向、不同时间、不同作用的配合，不是一个方向的摇摆。)
17. Do not use force, learn to guide and conduct the force. The force from your body must transmit to your opponent’s body. The legs are for force transmission, a push or pull is also the result of force transmission. (不要用力，要学会传导力。自己身上的力要传导到对方身上。把脚登地看作是传导力，把推拉看作是传导力。)
18. Use your own body’s movement to create power but the body must control the range of the static power. [This is the principle of indirect power] (自身用动作制造动力，但身体要控制在静力范围内。)
19. “Push hands” is a technical term use in Taiji practice, it does not mean methods for pushing your opponent around. In fact, when you are practicing “push hands” you should not use the physical action of “push”. In “push hands” training, you are learning to use the hand to pull the trigger. In another words, you are training so that your action can exhibit the Taiji maxim of “using four ounces to move a thousand pounds”. It is also a means of training to “releasing energy”. (“推手”是一个太极拳练习的专业术语，并不是用手去推人的意思。推手练习时永远不能“推”。用手“扣板机”，就是“四两拨千斤”的拨。就是“发劲”。)
20. In order to use force, release energy or execute a technique, the body must be under pressure from a downward compression. (The simplest physical illustration of this concept of the body under pressure is the rule that the shoulder must fall onto the kua.) This pressure is necessary because forces from the body starts from the ground and travels up. (只要用力、发力、做动作，就要将身体下压（最普通的表现就是肩膀要沉下、压住）。因为力的本身是向上的。)
21. Force must be vertical (this is the concept of Shun); Force must not be horizontal (this is the concept of Ni) . (力要走竖（顺），不走横（逆）。)
22. A technique requires total commitment; you cannot surrender even an inch. (交手时宁可进一毫，也不退一尺。)
23. The feet are quicker than the hands (脚比手快。)
24. When the top moves the bottom is stationary; when the bottom moves the top remains still. When the action of the top and the bottom must occur at the same time, then they must act in opposite directions. (上动下不动，下动上不动。上下同时动时一定要在相反方向。)
25. The energy must be initiated or led. Once initiated, there is a clear distinction between the leading and following actions, and between active and passive forces. (劲需领起（领劲）。一领，就有了先后，就有了主动和被动之分。)