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
“Taiji Applications 2011” Online Video Trailer
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
This is a smokin’ hot video with fast action moves taken from the Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method forms. It demonstrates the effectiveness of Taiji as a martial art.
Master Chen lays out a clear path for the development of the Taiji forms into martial applications. He explains the eight energies and points out where they appear in the applications. He shows where the Foundations are used in the applications. It’s clearly shown why all these things are needed in order for the applications to work.
This is a video to view often.
A few years ago I read the explanations about the common techniques of taiji fighting. At that time the explanations were merely words. MANY yilus later I found myself watching this video, which Master Chen clearly explained , differentiated and demonstrated between the 8 fundamental techniques, which include: Peng, Lu, Ji, An, Cai, Lie, Zhou, and Kao. This has allowed me to continue conceptualizing the postures of the yilu in a manner that leads to deeper understanding…and for me understanding the structure and function of the movements in Practical Method; I am better equipped at listening to what is occurring in the moment…whether it is practice or the feedback of another…
Thanks again for another illuminating video!
Another excellent video. In this video I see the best explanation of the “8 techniques of taiji” that I have encountered. I already see more work ahead to develop my expression of these energies. The demonstration and explanation of these techniques and resulting applications is clear, but will require repeated viewings for me. I also see the importance of focusing on the energy expression rather than the specific application. Many applications spring from the one energy expression. But, the illustrated applications help to make clear how to express the energies.
Thank you Master Chen for the great learning tool!
very instructive.
we are all very lucky to have master Chen! yet again he has clearly and generously described aspects of taiji in terms of principle…..a testament to character and ability….
I agree that this is the most clear and sensible explanation of the 8 powers I have heard. Thank you for sharing this knowledge.
The explanation of the eight energies expands on what I have read in the past. The energies are clear to me now. I especially like that I am no longer stuck on “elbow strike” and “shoulder strike” as definitions of two of the energies. I can more easily understand they are just examples.
The Taiji applications provide clear examples of the great multitude of possibilities. Each movement does not have just one application. The fact that the foundations are found in Yilu, and Yilu is found in Cannon Fist is particularly enlightening. There is a clear path from simple to complex, from practice to application.
I believe I can now understand “waist only opens, it does not close”. Great!
Elbow and waist can only close, cannot open…
Woops, got so excited I reversed it, thanks John!
Most welcomed Hugo.
Great thread! Master Chen explains the 8 energies in detail (including Zhou as “twisting” at 29min)
This is a very insightful video especially to someone coming from a different martial art background.
Especially loved the insight on “Sqeezing Energy – Taking Out Space” and “Every move has a kick to it”
I am learning Judo for self-defense and also learning Practical Method from online videos.
There are not Practical Method teachers where I live.
Can someone help me with some questions about Practical Method Applications:-
I’ve include youtube videos to clarify my questions.
How does Practical Method deal with being thrown?
Is there anything like breakfalls or rolls?
Person being thrown is doing a breakfall to reduce impact on the ground
Example of Breakfalls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n_Qjeia2n8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQrk192dkRI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSHmiEShYeI
Does Practical Method have groundfighting?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u41omoNO4U
Does Practical Method have throws?
Example throw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSHmiEShYeI
How does Practical Method deals with sacrifice throws?
Does Practical Method have sacrifice throws?
Sacrifice throw is a throw in which a person deliberately sacrifices his balance to throw his opponent.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jMnXGcoqjU
How does Practical Method deals with Momentum attacks when opponent runs or dives into you to take you down?
This is not the best video example, but I could not find a combat sport video example.
Doing the basic hip exercises etc has made my hips flexible and improved my balance,
but many times I’ve faced diving tackles or sacrifice throws in friendly judo competitions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9B1liryS0g
Are there any online videos showing these applications?
19:30 Ji/Take out space
“According to Hong’s explanation to me, according to the practicality […] in terms of which one is important for us to train, squeezing energy is number one. The reason is because everybody has some peng energy, which is “strength”. Everybody has some lu energy, which is “try to get away”. But […] nobody is born with the ability to take out space. So in our learning, if you spend a lot of time learning how to take out space, you progress faster.”
-CZH
There are so many worthwhile points in this video that it is one of my application reference mainstays, revisited regularly.
Will be mine as well.