Chen Taiji Practical Method and Hunyuan Taiji on Daqingshan Mountain
We provide a list of taiji principles that are relevant to our learning.
It is not opening/closing but rather coiling/uncoiling and compressing/releasing.
It is not about using no force but using enormous amount of forces to maintain the rigidity of the structure, the integrity of the core and the efficiency of the move.
It is not about balance but balanced forces.
It is not about flexibility but the ability to stretch to produce a split or separation
Cultural and language barriers are just one of the many obstacles in the quest to understand the meaning of Tàijíquán. Students of the Practical Method is fortunate to have Master Chen to guide us in navigating the nuances and mysteries of this art. In 2010, he wrote a Chinese summary of twenty-four important rules in the Practical Method. This summary was subsequently updated in 2012. We have translated this set of rules into English.
All taiji techniques must be from the 13 postures. All 13 postures must be from the separation of yin and yang. Read more
The purpose of training is to enhance the hardness of the body in every aspect. This is a quality issue. Read more
Movements are in the bones; rotations are in the joints. All Practical Method movements are straight movements. The system requires rotations. Rotations are achieved in two ways: Read more
The understanding of vertical movements (line) and horizontal movements (line) is vital. Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method system requires that all movements must be along the vertical line, not the horizontal line. Read more
Suspended head is an important principle of the Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method. The suspended head allows the vertical stretch of the body to take place. This creates two lines in the body: 1) head left foot vertical line. 2) head right foot vertical line. Read more
The contacting point must stay in contact with the opponent. Don’t add anything or take away anything. By following this technical principle, one is also complying with the principle of indirect power. Read more
Every push in the Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method system must be converted into a pull. This is a major concept. Read more
Power on the opponent must be indirect. Any local power must be used only for adherence (zhuo, 着法). Indirect power is a key concept in the Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method system.
This is the requirement of the erected calf. In many styles of martial art, this concept is referred to as zhuang, pile, stake or zhan zhuang.
Tossing is action without rotation or without an axis.
Rotation is the key characteristic of Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method. It sets this art apart from other arts. There are no natural rotations in human movements. They are made up as a result of specialized training in the Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method system.
This is the hand-elbow relationship. This method ensures that the hand and elbow are connected on a line so as to be useful in conducting energy.
This is the “ten character dictum” by Grandmaster Hong Junsheng. Read more
This is the vertical alignment for the third vertical line. The kua acts as a socket for the shoulder. The shoulder does not physically sit inside the kua but must always be sitting in the kua remotely in terms of position and direction.
This concept is similar to the idea that what driving downhill, don’t put your car into neutral. Power must be constant and consistent in all taiji movements.
