Ng YueWah
(Translated by Michelle Lee)
This article focuses on the “intrinsic essence” of Tai Chi Chuan, rather than examining the styles or schools of Yang, Wu or Chen. It is emphasized the Tai Chi is with the nature of inner essence. Process of learning Tai Chi is usually commented as: “Learning the rules, following the rules, then breaking the rules.” At the beginning we have to learn the “form”, which requires “alignment and integrity” among the various parts of the body. Like learning Chinese calligraphy, a student without training on holding the Chinese brush, is hardly following the forms of Liu, Yan or Wei style. Teachers usually start from teaching the technique of writing Chinese word “one” and no student can graduate in a short period like 3 months. It is because the students have to develop the basic “form” in calligraphy. Tai Chi Chuan is more difficult than calligraphy; it must have its “form” and is beyond following the gestures. Tai Chi without a “form” is merely a Tai Chi exercise. It is easy to distinguish between Tai Chi Chuan and Tai Chi exercise. It takes 3 months to graduate from Tai Chi exercise course, I believe. But it takes at least 6 years to graduate from Tai Chi Chuan, which I am firmly sure. Three months and six years, this is the difference between “Tai Chi Exercises” and “Tai Chi Chuan”, can you imagine? Tai Chi Chuan starts with a “frame”. Without a proper “frame”, it is like with empty hands, difficult to start to practice. Here are the prerequisites of good Tai Chi Chuan: Firstly: “Integrity” within the whole body. Secondly: “Smoothness” in the practice. (If the frame is fragmented, it is not following the rules of Tai Chi Chuan). These two prerequisites are only the basic requirements, but they manage to help to achieve the health benefits and attain some martial arts techniques. It is the beauty of the effect of Tai Chi Chuan’s “intrinsic essence”. There is huge difference between Tai Chi Chuan with “intrinsic essence” and that with only “superficial element”. Many people like to comment on the frames and strokes, as it is hard to tell the differences in the strengths applied. In fact, the most challenging issue in practicing Tai Chi Chuan is: Relax, which is not consuming any force at all. Therefore, Tai Chi Chuan is the most “intrinsic essence” bearing Chuan among all Chuans. Tai Chi Chuan is very special. When you manage to practice a smooth Chuan, the internal organs starts to be smoothened up and the blood circulation improves. Tai Chi Chuan carries health benefits and martial arts effect simultaneously – it is the signature of Tai Chi Chuan. In other words, when you feel the smoothness in practicing Tai Chi Chuan, not just the health is improving, but you can have the ability to fight back the “enemy” who suffers from attacking you. Tai Chi Chuan with “intrinsic essence” and that with only “superficial element” are completely contrary in terms of effect. They are like the Chuans in opposite directions. Tai Chi Chuan in general, can never be practiced up to a satisfactory level in a short period like three to five years. When Yang Lu Chan in the old days accepted the three guards in Prince Duan’s courtyard as Tai Chi students, he had said, “These three guards will achieve a new milestone in three years. However, they had to practice day and night to be successful. Moreover, success was in the stage of soft body and not the rigid body yet. Counting the years that I have been practicing Tai Chi Chuan, I should be able to reach the stage of rigid body in three years. Now, it is really hard to find someone who can get both benefits – health and martial arts. Whose fault is it?