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A few essential concepts for the Taiji practioner

Wuji is a Daoist concept which roughly translates as “no extremes”. It is often referred to as emptiness, or nothingness; however this definition can be vague or even misleading. Philosophically, Wuji means the One, or Whole from which all things emerge and to which all things return. A helpful analogy may be a placid pond. The moment you drop a pebble, ripples appear. After some time, those ripples dissipate, and the pond returns to a placid state. My own definition is to say that Wuji is everything before there is anything in particular.
In Taiji practice, Wuji means stillness of mind and body. Mentally, it implies having no intention to act in any way. Intention takes a backseat to observation. Our awareness is allowed to turn inward to observe the body’s postural alignment, balance, breathing and patterns of tension. Physically, it is the aligning of our skeletal structure so that it evenly distributes and disperses the pressure of gravity, releasing and sinking excess or misplaced tension through our structure and into the ground; deep slow, smooth abdominal breathing, and a sense of suspending one’s body from the center point at the crown of the head. Though the body retains its structural integrity, all joints are to be relaxed and permeable (like a spring-able to transfer energy).
In totality, practicing Wuji meditation means allowing mind and body to settle, so that all parts unify and reach their natural balance and harmony as one. The goal of practicing Wuji meditation is to progress through a process of physical, and consequently-mental, change in which the body and mind reorganize the way they deal with pressure (that of gravity or any other) making us stronger and healthier.

While Wuji is the perfect balance of such a profound harmony that no one thing can be distinguished, the moment that one thing is distinguished so is its counterpart. Once there is life, there is death; male/female, hard/soft, light/dark, thought/action, and so on. The principle of opposites in Daoism is the Yin-Yang principle. Nature, is constantly moving, shifting and cycling, always s in a process of balancing infinite aspects (or examples) of Yin and Yang. The Daoists call Nature’s principle of balancing Yin and Yang the Taiji principle. Taiji roughly translates to mean “grand-ultimate”; in other words, the grand-ultimate principle, or law, of nature.
In our Taiji practice, this applies to our rhythm of breathing in and out, from bottom to top, to the raising/extending and lowering/retracting of our limbs, to the shifting of our weight and balance from one foot to the other, to the way we sink our weight and energy when a limb raises up, and in the way our torso turns and circles. When an arm is extended that is Yang. Exhaling is Yang. A leg bearing weight is Yang as well. When our leg is without weight it is Yin. Inhaling is Yin. When an arm is retracted to the body, this is Yin as well. For every Yin aspect of our posture, movement, or energy, there must be an equal and opposite Yang aspect. The same is true for the reverse. This is how we balance Yin and Yang aspects within the mind and body, and that is why our practice is called Taiji. A way of putting it in western terms would be, practicing to act in accordance with the grand principle of nature.

Qi is a very broad Chinese term. The most direct translations are roughly: “Life force, breath, and energy.” The term Qi has been the source of a lot of debate. The following is my own understanding of the concept and how it applies to Taiji practice. I have reached these conclusions over many years of study, practice, and thought.
Qi is a term for energy. In physics, energy is defined as the capacity to perform work. Work is defined as motion over distance (and/or time). Applying these terms to the body and mind, and their relation to each other and the world around them, we can understand Qi as energy and evidence of energy.
Energy in the form of fuel (which is defined as stored energy) is taken from food, beverage, and air by our bodies daily. Likewise, our minds receive emotional energy-experienced as motivation-which comes from a variety of obvious as well as more subtle and subconscious sources (the study of which is the province of the scientific discipline of psychology, and beyond my qualifications to discuss). Our bodies convert this fuel into various forms of energy to perform various tasks such as mental processes, heart-beat and blood flow, various organ functions, and movement via the contraction of skeletal muscles. In an ancient world where microscopes had not been invented and molecular levels could not be seen, individual biological processes could not be identified. In order to understand, or grasp, some concept of what made all these functions keep going (as well as harm or improve them) what other answer was there but the energy of life. Observing that life required food to continue, but could do without for weeks, that water and sleep though necessary, could be forgone for days; but air, air could only be fasted from for minutes-and only a few at that. It would stand to any reasoning mind (in the context of their current knowledge of biological function) that air was the primary source for this energy of life. Qi.
Of course, there were more easily observable examples of that allusive force that creates movement and animates flesh, for instance, gravity, the movement of our bodies, wind, the changing of the seasons, the movement of the stars (which was actually the rotation of the earth, of course). These phenomenons, as well as others, were observed by the philosophers of the time. During such times, philosopher, priest, scientist, and doctor were more or less the same job. A sect of such men, called Daoists, put all phenomenons they observed in man and nature together into an integrated system of how the universe functioned. Observing that all phenomenon followed certain patterns, and all were affected by each other; they deduced certain principles of the way of nature. The most fundamental of these being the Taiji principle, that nature is comprised by opposing aspects continuously shifting from one to the other as nature changed and balanced itself. So, Qi, energy, or the concept for that which is the source and result of motion and change, is observed in our practice as the shifting and cycling of the various aspects of Yin and Yang within our own bodies and minds. It is our physical movement, the pumping and flow of blood through our vessels, emotion, intention, lymphatic flow, breathing in and out, nerve tingling, and more. It is a concept that subsumes the force behind and evidence of all motion and change. Concerning our practice, we align and relax the body, marry movement with awareness and intention, and allow all forces mental and physical, internal and external, to find their natural harmony and balanced flow. In other words, Qi flow.
One of the greatest misunderstandings about Qi is that it’s a substance in the body. Scientists and researches have been working with great effort to find and measure Qi. Students practice for years waiting to feel some foreign and magical energy suddenly manifest itself within them. The downfall of this is that, as I have alluded above, Qi is not a substance. That’s why they haven’t found it.  It means energy in all forms and its nature. Since all processes of life involve energy, the more conducive circumstances are to energy flow, the better all such processes will function. Further, the necessary conditions for good flow of energy are the same: no blocks (excess Yang), no leaks (excess Yin), and continuous awareness and adjustment to insure those conditions. This is what makes the Taiji principle the “grand-ultimate” principle, applicable to everything in life.

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Chen Tai Chi Class Description

Welcome, Its my honor to share with you what I’ve been privileged to have learned so far in my study of Tai Chi, meditation, and the internal martial arts. Chen TaiChi is a rare gem as far as styles of Tai Chi go. It offers something rarely found in any other style of the art - essentially the most ancient and pristine techniques and methods, originally discovered and then passed on from generation after generation of Tai Chi masters descended from the source of Tai Chi Chuan itself, Chen Village. It was there that the longest lived and arguably the most adept internal martial artists in the history of China, mastered their art for the purpose of maintaining their health as well as cultivating the mysteriously powerful martial arts ability for which they later became famous.

Classes begin with various Chi’Kung or chi cultivation exercises such as Ba Duan Jin or Eight Piece Brocade, designed to stir up vital energy and open the pathways through the body so that Chi can flow more efficiently and powerfully. This will be followed by a short series of stretches and warm-ups necessary to prepare the body to begin to work on the movements contained in the form the class will primarily study; Lao Da Jia or Old Large Frame. Before we move on to work on the form, there will be a pause for 5 to 10 minutes for Wuji (standing) meditation. (The importance of Wuji in the cultivation of Chi both for health and martial ability can never be over estimated.)

Lao Da Jia, although famous for its low stances and its wide open movements, is to be practiced by each student in accordance with the individual student’s internal development. The beginner will start in a relatively high stance throughout the form and as he improves his strength, depth of relaxation, and rootedness, his stances may deepen so as to make it easier to highlight internally where chi is flowing less efficiently. As one grows gradually more adept and chi flow comes more and more naturally, the stance will then customarily return to a moderately high position and the student should be able to feel very easily when their is a false movement or “double weighted” movement which blocks the flow of energy.

Beginners can expect to benefit rather quickly from their training, including improved blood circulation throughout the body as well as improved coordination, balance, and heightened mental alertness. In time, the body becomes fortified against most sicknesses and injuries in general may become more and more rare an occurrence. Further discipline and patience, eventually will begin to equip the body with increasingly formidable abilities to defend not only against health related issues but against any form of outside attack as well.

In Tai Chi as in life there is no end to learning and there is no end to the discovery of new insights at every turn. I’m glad to have this opportunity to meet and share the journey for a time. Please feel free to ask any questions at all. I’m always happy to help if I can and if I can’t answer the question myself, maybe its something we can look into together.

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An Ancient Martial Art with Modern Applications – A History of Muay Thai

The martial arts world has been turned on its head.  These days, it’s hard to mention the martial arts without someone mentioning combat sports and mixed martial arts in the same sentence.  Long gone are the days when Karate and Tae Kwon Do were the sole styles available to the active martial arts enthusiast.  Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and many other combat style arts are the tough new kids on the block competing with the old guard of the traditional belted martial arts.  The current sentiment towards the martial arts is that styles should be “practical, simple, and truly protect me and be effective in a real world confrontation”. 

Martial arts practitioners no longer want to simply learn forms, they want to learn practical and modern applications.  Many martial artists now put the word “practical” over “traditional”.  It can be frustrating for many martial artists that enjoy the traditions and spirituality of their art and not only their fighting applications, to absorb and accept this new sentiment towards the arts. However, the unfortunate reality is that the old guard of traditional martial arts are seen, these days, as more of an “art”;  Beautiful to watch, but not practical or realistic when applied to the real world.  This is not to say that the more traditional, form based martial arts are going to be forgotten, only that martial arts enthusiasts are now seeking more than simple tradition.   

There is a glimmer of hope, however, for martial arts enthusiasts that are seeking a martial art that is both traditional and practical, ancient yet modern.  A new storm is brewing in the world of martial arts and one of the divine winds of change reshaping the landscape is Muay Thai.

Muay Thai or Thai Boxing is one of the few martial arts that so perfectly fuses the words “traditional” and “practical” together.  Muay Thai truly is “The Traditional Fighting Martial Art”; An ancient striking art that has modern applications.   It’s techniques, unchanged for centuries, have been proven in battle for hundreds, maybe even thousands of years.  And although Muay Thai is thought of primarily as a “ring sport”, it is still heavily influenced by Buddhism, Thai animistic beliefs, as well as many historical and spiritual aspects that are appealing to those martial artists that want spirituality, with a little butt kicking on the side.

Muay Thai is commonly referred to as “The Science of 8 Limbs” because unlike western boxing that only uses the hands to attack, Muay Thai uses 8 “points of contact”, which include the hands, legs, knees, and elbows.  Ancient Muay Thai also used the head as a weapon, but for obvious sportsmanship reasons, these techniques have since been discarded.  The art of Muay Thai is thought to have been established over a thousand years ago, however, because of ancient Thailand’s (historically referred to as Siam) conflicts with its neighbors, few written documents remain on the history of Muay Thai.

Thailand, like many of its South East Asian neighbors, is heavily influenced by the cultures of India and China, as well as Theraveda Buddhism.  Besides culture, these South East Asian nations also shared an interest in hand to hand combat,  and as a result each country has its own style of kickboxing.  Thailand’s Siamese warriors used Muay Boran, an ancient form of Muay Thai, and Krabi Krabong (the weapon based version of Muay Thai) to fend of potential invaders and protect their kingdom.  Muay Thai shares similarities to other kickboxing styles in South East Asia, such as Khun Khmer in Cambodia, Lethwei in Burma, and Muay Lao in Laos.  All of these styles are believed to descend directly from Bokator, a martial art created by the Khmer Empire, once based in what is now Cambodia, and ruling over parts of modern day Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.  Note: Controversy over this fact still remains as Cambodians believe that because Muay Thai’s roots are in the kickboxing styles of the Khmer Empire, the name Muay “Thai“ is inaccurate and should be changed because Thailand is not the true origin of the sport.  Thailand defends itself by saying that it is responsible for modernizing the sport and promoting it worldwide.  The Thais also contend that their style of kickboxing, although similar to other styles throughout South East Asia, has developed into its own art.     

Muay Boran, literally meaning “ancient boxing”, the precursor to Muay Thai, was also practiced as a spectator sport in addition to its use in battle.  In its infancy, fighters were bare-fisted, and bouts were fought until one opponent was either knocked out or unable to continue.  Later, practitioners began wearing rope on their hands and forearms.  Spirituality, always a part of Thai culture, was as much a part of Muay Boran as the fighting itself.  Fighters would wear amulets on their arms for good luck and protection.  Many amulets were woven from rope and sometimes interwoven with strands of hair belonging to the fighters mother or sister for good luck.  These armbands known as prajoud are still used by professional Muay Thai fighters all over the world.

Muay Boran practitioners also wore amulets around their heads called Mongkon.  These amulets were given to a fighter by his teacher to signify the step from student to experienced combatant.  The Mongkon is to be respected and should never come in contact with the ground.  Also to be respected are the tradtions of the Wai Kru and Ram Muay.   The Wai Kru is a traditional dance a fighter performs before a bout where he pays respect to his teachers, parents, and anything and everything he holds sacred.  He also takes this time to pray for victory and protection from injury.  The Ram Muay is the portion of the dance where by a fighter tries to intimidate his opponent by dancing towards the opponents corner and acting as if he were shooting an arrow at the opponent.  These are the traditions of Muay Boran, passed on to modern Muay Thai, that are still considered an integral part of the sport. 

During the mid 1800’s the art progressed rapidly due to King Rama V’s interest in the sport. Camps began to open all around Thailand in order to teach the art as a form of physical exercise and practical self defense.  This era is known as “The Golden Age” of Muay Thai.  In the early 1900’s after a practitioner died in the ring, King Rama VII pushed for a system of rules to protect the practitioners of Muay Thai during a bout.  It is during this time that the modern system of Muay Thai was introduced including the standard Western style boxing ring and padded gloves.  All forms of the art preceding it were from then on, referred to as Muay Boran.

Muay Thai has enjoyed much success in not only capturing the attention of the Thai people, but has also captured the attention of many fans worldwide.  The techniques of Muay Thai are straightforward and simple, but devastating.  Conditioning ones body is as much a part of Muay Thai as is the technique itself, shaping the bodies of its practitioners into hardened weapons able to withstand quite a bit of punishment. It is a beautiful art to behold, with its colorful amulets, spirituality, and dancing.  But when the fight begins, it can be bloody and brutal.  However, it is exactly the fact that Muay Thai has been proven effective so many times in the ring, for so long throughout history, that leads martial artists to flock to it. 

Since the 1970’s Muay Thai has enjoyed a lot of success in the U.S., appearing in film and in the ring.  But with the rise of mixed martial art’s in the early 1990’s, Muay Thai has enjoyed a second boom of popularity as some of the sports top competitors are practitioners in some form or another of Muay Thai.  It is the wide variety of striking tools in Muay Thai that make it such a devastating martial art and a favorite of practitioners wanting to find a style that can adequately protect them in a real world situation.  Law enforcement and military groups throughout the U.S. and the world, have added the elbows and knees of Muay Thai to their arsenal of defense tactics.  Thailand’s military forces have even implemented a military style of Muay Thai into their training called, Ledrit.  All of these events have helped spread the word about the toughness of Muay Thai. 

It is important to remember that although Muay Thai is a fighting sport it does contain traditions that should not be forgotten. Amazingly, these traditions have been followed by many of the foreign practitioners that now embrace the sport.  With thousands of years of tradition behind it proving its worth and very few changes made to the techniques that make it a devastating art; It is accurate to say, without question, that Muay Thai is an ancient martial art that truly has modern applications.  With its traditions intact and its fighting prowess proven, it is an art that can be enjoyed by both the traditional martial artist and the title belt seeking fighter at heart.