For this Online Video Class, I will be examining the contents in a segmented manner. In this classic video, Master Chen descriptively teaches the 8 Techniques in Taijiquan. In this 1st segment of the online video class, I will cover the Basic Energies in Taiji Applications. In the 2nd segment I will cover The 4 Essential Taijiquan Techniques, which include Peng, Lu, Ji & An. In the last segment I will cover The 4 Corner/Auxiliary Taijiquan Techniques, which include Cai, Lie, Zhou & Kao.
This video is definitely worth taking the time to thoroughly investigate and gain an understanding of the techniques of Taijiquan. I will moderate a Zoom group session during the last segment for those that purchased the video as a means of solidifying the material taught by Master Chen.
The first primary energy is forward or straight through. From a Practical Method Taiji stand point it is considered “out with hand”. As Master Chen teaches in the video, seen in the GIF below, the rear foot connects to the fist/hand.
The second primary energy is backwards or pull. From a Practical Method Taiji standpoint this is considered “in with elbow”.
The next energy is twisting. This requires yin yang separation, which is an integral component in Practical Method. In the GIF below Master Chen demonstrates the lower body rotating counter clockwise while the upper body rotates clockwise. Notice how these rotations are independent from one another yet interdependent as each rotation is proportional to one another.
The last energy, which Master Chen refers to as a method, is connecting. This is when you take the power from the opponent’s push and connect it to another place on your own body that is stronger or connect it to your opponent’s body where they are weaker. In the GIF below Master Chen demonstrates the effects of when he connects the student’s push to his front foot.
In the GIF below you can see Master Chen connecting the student’s push to his rear foot. Notice when Master Chen does this he created a line that aimed towards an empty spot.
As previously mentioned, the connection can me made on the opponent’s own body. In the video, as in the GIF below, Master Chen demonstrates connecting the power from the students right hand to where he is pointing on the student’s body.
In the GIF below, I can see power from the student is on his front foot, which makes his rear foot weaker. Master Chen connects to the student’s rear foot and watch what happens!
Connecting is done forward, backwards or with a twist. Again separation, upper body & lower body, is required. Additionally, Master Chen points out in the GIF below the upper body and lower body are not synchronized.
In this segment I covered the basic energies in taijiquan. These energies include forwards, backwards, twisting and connecting. Next time I will cover 4 of the 8 techniques of taijiquan. If you have any questions or observations over this material, please comment in the reply section of the video.
1. Beginning. 2. Basic Energies in Taiji Applications. 3. 8 Techniques in Taijiquan. 4. Some Applications.
Presenter: Chen Zhonghua Length: 53 min. In: English Year: 2011 Difficulty:3/5 At:Daqingshan International Taiji Training Center
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Awesome contents & great organization and work on your part! I wish you great success in your online interactive video classes!