Archive for the ‘Taiji’ Tag
In the beginning:
The peacock spread his tail and pushed away the fairy crane, hands moving like clouds he strikes the tiger and parts the wild horses mane. Then the fair maiden saw the golden rooster bend his bow and shoot the tiger and carry the tiger back to the mountain.
Just a little Chinese poem to remember Dong Zeng Chen’s “Taiji Gong”
Peacock spreads his tail (Ward off)
Push
Fairy crane (White crane spreads it wings)
Move hands like clouds
Strike the tiger
Parting the wild horses mane
Fair maiden works at the shuttles
Bend bow and shoot tiger
Carry tiger, return to mountain
This poem helps to remember the Taiji forms repeated in the Taiji Gong Qigong. These nine movments capture the spirit of Taiji; this can be enjoyed sitting or standing. Warm-up,,,,start with zhan zhaung training, wuji. Then repeat each move left and right three, five or seven times each.
Sifu’s father also had a “Taiji gong” we’ve been doing for many years. See “Tiger Mountain”
Copyright Cory Williams 2016
Master Dong’s workshop in Kula is one month away! Don’t miss another chance to train with my teacher! Grandmaster Dong is a living legend, come and support him and our lineage and receive the best Taiji training you can get.
It is time to make sure you have signed up and pay as soon as possible… Saturday is the day for most of my Students, as we will be working on the long form. Friday we do weapons and Sunday we do advanced forms like Hao style, the Dong Family set, and the Fast set. If you want to attend Sunday, talk to Cory (344-2532) mauitaoist@gmail.com
Here is the registration form for the workshop:
Workshop
October 12, 2013
KULA COMMUNITY CENTER 9:00 a.m -11:30 a.m.
2:00p – 4:30 p.m.
For more information call Joy at 808 573-8384
Cost for Saturday’s sessions: Morning Session = $65 Afternoon session = $65
Full Day (2 sessions + lunch from Kula Bistro) = $125
☯Kula Community Center Taiji Workshop Registration October 11-13, 2013
Name: ___________________________________________Phone # ( home/cell) ___________________
Email address: ______________________________Emergency contact: __________________________
Attending: ((( FINAL DEADLINE — Oct 1, 2013))))))
DATE
Friday -11Oct
Saturday-12 Oct
Sunday – 13 Oct
Friday 11 Oct. TIME AND FEE
1:30p-3:00p Advance Sword Set ( $70)
3:15p-4:45p Advance Knife Set ( $70)
Both weapons classes $130
Saturday 12 Oct.
9:00a-11:30a Long Form ( $65) ________________
2:00p-4:30p Long Form ($65) ________________
Both classes : $125.00 includes lunch from Kula Bistro ________________
Catered: Dinner $20 ________________
Additional dinner guest(s): ($20 @) ________________
Sunday 13 Oct. Advanced forms. different schedule than Saturday
Lunch is provided on Saturday and Sunday for those participating in the entire workshop. Dinner will be catered on Saturday evening (Catered dinner -additional fee) We will provide water on all 3 days.
A 2.5 hour break is scheduled on Saturday for participants to enjoy a drive down to the beach, sight see in the upcountry area ( lavender farm, winery, Haleakala), pick up Maui items to take home, enjoy a massage or just relax.
Menu:
Saturday – lunch – we will email you your choices ( from Kula Bistro- salad or sandwiches) Saturday – Dinner Menu – to be advised ( catered)
I hope to see you there! Call Joy (808 573-8384) to get the address to mail in your checks.
At Giggle Hill
Welcome to Haiku, Thursday mornings at 8:00 until 9:30 AM. I will be cultivating my life forces at the Fourth Marine Division Park, AKA Giggle Hill. I come to this park often and really love the energy here; the sunrise over Haleakala…with the cool morning breeze awakening the trees! This is a perfect environment for Zhan Zhuang, Yiquan and Taiji.
Start Simple each day. Tune your breathing, find your center and open your mind and body to an adventure within.
I am currently teaching the Wudang Taijiquan Long Form as well as a very primordial Wudang Wuji Hun Yuan Qigong, this would be a great opportunity to learn the rare and beautiful Wudang style taiji. The qigong set will focus on the Three Dantians and the Eight Extraordinary Vessels.
For my entire Schedule click; HERE
I am always happy to help get you started on the Way.
The Dragon dwells in Heaven, roaming amongst the stars… drifting in and out of the clouds. Aloof from the world, he is always observant of it. Enigmatic and free, the Dragon soars effortlessly, adrift in time upon an endless sea of tranquility. He is clarity and calm, peace and emptiness. Like a mysterious cloud, the dragon caresses the Earth, always sensitive to the subtleties of the relationship between Heaven and Earth. In heaven, he is yin as yin is within yang… and yet there is a yang spirit hidden within….
Gliding over the Earth, melding into the forests and mountain tops, the Dragon gathers Earth qi within, mixing Heaven and Earth, building and focusing his Heaven qi to interact with the Earth.
In an instant, the Tiger emerges, like a thunderbolt from Heaven. Heaven and Earth qi combine and the Tiger is born from the union. The Dragon’s energy transforms. The Tiger pounces, Heaven and Earth are manifest. Entering the Earthly realm, the Tiger strikes and fulfills the needs of everything he encounters. He is action and strength, motion and power. Like a wildfire, the Tiger creates magic on Earth. On Earth, he is yang as yang is within yin, and yet, there is a yin spirit hidden within….
Sleeping by the lake, the gentle Tiger rests his yang…
Peacefully nurtured by the guidance of the Earth qi…
The Tiger’s spirit floats across the lake, rising in the fog…
His yin qi carried aloft bringing with it the resting yang energy, transforming, recombining, and emerging once again as the Dragon.
This is Taiji
Copyright: Cory Williams 2011
Dr. Lam with some of his students
Update January 2012:
I have just received my newest certification to teach the entire Tai Chi for Arthritis program fully sanctioned by the Arthritis Foundation of America
Millions of people have benefited from Taiji training and yet many have not been able or have not felt able to participate. Now almost anyone can participate in a Taiji program. For years, I have done classes at retirement homes like Roselani Place and Kalama Heights and I had found a way to bring Taiji to those that have a limited range of movement by simplifying the form. Many of my students cannot stand or walk and yet it has been possible for me to share these life-changing arts with them in this way.
Recently Dr. Paul Lam has designed a system specifically for students in this situation and I have received training from one his trainers. I feel this is an excellent program as it allows everyone to learn some Taiji and is fully accredited by the Arthritis Foundation and backed up with medical evidence as to its efficacy. Having this accreditation is important for application to people with “special needs”.
I am pleased to announce that I will be offering this program at Kaunoa in Sprecklesville starting immediately every Wednesday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. For many new students this will be a boon, finally giving them an opportunity to benefit from Taiji. If you have been holding back because you have felt unable to join before, now is the time to check it out. In addition, for existing students, please tell your friends about this new program it is so simple they can even participate while sitting down.
This program uses a very simplified set of Qigong movements and Taiji form. Derived from the “Sun” (pronounced “soon”) Style it roughly follows the same structure as the Yang style and a beginner could easily learn this style and then segue into Yang Style later. Frankly, I enjoy doing this form as it is performed very slowly and with a minimal amount of stepping which gives it a feeling almost similar to zhan zhuang training. Proponents of zhan zhuang like Fong Ha and those of you that attended my workshop with him will understand what I am saying.
This program is not intended to replace any of my other training options. I feel Yang Style is still the best for most people and I would not recommend you give up on that practice. Still, my heart goes out to those that up until now have not been able to do my regular classes, and so, at last I have a sanctioned option for those people to discover the wonders of Taiji.
For more information about this program click: Tai Chi for Arthritis
Sifu Fong Ha comes from our lineage.... Starting his Taiji training from Master Dong's grandfather in 1953
Join Taiji on Maui and learn from Sifu Fong Ha at our exclusive Workshop this month.
On Sunday September 25th for four hours Master Ha will give detailed instruction in his methods of Qigong and Taiji principles. Starting at 10:00 AM until 12:00 and from 1:00 until 3:00 PM we will be training at a private residence in Maui Meadows. This class is for students of all levels. We are very fortunate to get a semi private workshop limited to about twenty students for the very affordable price of $25.00.
Fong Ha will be on Maui for a whole week starting on Thursday morning the 22nd at Kamaole beach # III at 6:00AM to 9:00 and 5:15 to 6:30PM.
He has always let folks come and hang out with him and get in some free practice at the beach. I believe we should give back to him by attending the workshop and getting the full class and paying him for his instruction; all proceeds will go directly to him.
Please join us at the workshop and also at Kamaole beach # 3 for the whole week (except Saturday and Sunday) for practice of what you learn at the workshop.
Fong is a very generous and fun man that is a living legend; do not miss this opportunity to train with a genuine Taiji icon. Master Ha started his training in 1953 with Master Dong’s Grand father the great Tung Ying Chieh, he is world renown, and we are blessed to have him for this special workshop.
To Sign up E-mail me @
MauiTaoist@Gmail.com
Or Call 250-4663 or 344-2532
Master Dong will be here Aug 6, 7 and 8th.
Reminder….
For three days Master Dong will be at the Pukalani Community center. As we have talked about in class, the best day for most of my students is Saturday morning form 9 to 12. This class will be the first and second sections of the long form.
Here are some Photos from last years workshop:
________________________________________
The deadline is now to sign up. I have already sent the following form to everyone but if you didn’t get the e-mail, here is another copy:
☯ Pukalani Community Center Taiji Workshop Registration ☯
August 5-7 , 2011
Name: _________________________________________
(Print Name: First, Last)
Phone numbers: Home: ________________________ Business/Cellular: _________________________
Email address: ______________________________ Mailing Address: ____________________________
Emergency contact name and phone number ___________________________________________________
Attending: ((( FINAL DEADLINE — JULY 26, 2011))))))
DATE FORMAT TIME AND FEE AMT PD
Friday – Aug 5 Weapons : 9a-11a – Sword ($45) ______
1p-3p – Knife ($45) ______
3:30p-5:30p – Short Form ($40) ______
Entire day ($130 includes lunch) ______
Saturday-Aug 6 Long Form: 9a-12n -Section 1 & 2 ($50) ______
(Lunch NOT provided) 3p-6p All Section (1,2 &3) ($50) ______
Entire day : $100 ______
Catered: Dinner $20 ______
Additional dinner guest(s): ($20 @) ______
Sunday: Aug 7 Advance Sets: 9a-12n Fast Set ( Fa Jin) ($55) ______
2p-5p Slow Set ( Kai He) ($55) ______
Entire day ($110 includes lunch)
DEADLINES (You attention and cooperation to this are appreciated):
• For the entire workshop, please pay $325 before July 4, 2011
• For payments received after July 4, 2010, the amount due is $340.00
• Dinner count and payments for Sat dinner by July 26, 2011
Total Enclosed: ________
Lunch is provided on Friday and Sunday for those participating in the entire workshop. Dinner will be
catered on Saturday evening (Catered dinner -additional fee) We will provide water on all 3 days.
A 3 break is scheduled on Saturday for participants to enjoy a drive down to the beach, sight see in the
upcountry area ( lavender farm, winery, Haleakala), pick up Maui items to take home, enjoy a massage or just
relax. There are restaurants or eateries within walking distance from Pukalani Community center such as
Serpico’s ( Pizza, Salads and Sandwiches), Pukalani Superette ( Bentos), Wei Wei (Chinese), Subways,
Foodland (Deli fare), Starbucks, Minute Stop ( Chicken, Sandwiches), Mc Donald’s & Pizza Hut ( take out
only) If you have a car – La Provence, Polli’s, Casanova’s, Rodeo General Store have wonderful lunches and
more.
Menu:
Friday – Lunch : Sandwiches ( Fish, Spinach Nut Burger or Turkey and Chips)
Saturday – Dinner Menu – to be advised
Sunday- Lunch: ( to be advised)
Please make checks payable to : Audrey Allencastre
Mail to : Dong Tai Chi Maui 286 Kolohala Drive Kula Hawaii 96790
OR e-mail me (corygw57@yahoo.com) if you have to sign up late and I’ll try to get you in touch with Geri or Audrey
Single Whip with Master Zhou
Here are the names for all the moves in the Wudang Style long form for your reference.
Wudang Taijiquan Long Form
Part One
1. Preparatory Posture (Primordial Chaos; Wuji)
2. Beginning (Birth of Yin and Yang)
3. Step Backwards with a Snapping Force
4. Grasp the Peacocks Tail
5. Single Straight Whip
6. Lift the Hands and Step Forward
7. The White Crane Spreads its Wings
8. Brush the Left Knee and Turn the Leg
9. Hands Strum the Lute
10. The White Crane Spreads its Wings
11. Brush the Left Knee and Turn the Leg
12. Brush the Right Knee and Turn the Leg
13. Brush the Left Knee and Turn the Leg
14. Hands Strum the Lute
15. Step, Parry and Punch
16. Closing Off
17. Cross Hands
18. Carry the Tiger Back to the Mountain
Part Two
19. Step backward to drive away Monkey
20. Double Palm Thrust
21. Diagonal Palm Thrust
22. Grasp the Bird’s Tail
23. Diagonal Single Whip
24. Under Elbow Punch
25. Brush the Right knee, Bent Leg Step
26. Step Back and Whirl the Arms
27. Diagonal Flying
28. Empty Step, Pushing Palm
29. Lift Hands and Step Forward
30. White Crane Spreads its Wings
31. Brush the Left Knee, Bent Leg Step
32. Needle at the Bottom of the Sea
33. Dodge, Step, Parry and Punch
34. Open the Window and Watch the Moon
35. Grasp the Peacock’s Tail
36. Single Straight Whip
37. Cloud Hands
38. Single Straight Whip
39. Pat the Horse
40. Lion Kick with the Right Heel
41. Lion Kick with the Left Heel
42. Turn the Body, Brush the Left Knee, Bent Leg Step
43. Brush the Right Knee, Bent Leg Step
44. Step Forward to Tame the Tiger with a Punch
45. Dodge to Strike the Back
46. Step, Parry and Punch
47. Small Capturing Hold
48. Right Leg Kick
49. Beat the Tiger, Left Side
50. Beat the Tiger, Right Side
51. Right Leg Kick
52. Thrust Both Palms Downward
53. Strike the Ears with Both Fists
54. Cross Hand
55. Mount the Tiger
56. Stand on One Leg
57. Step, Parry and Punch
58. Closing Off
59. Cross Hands
60. Carry the Tiger Back to the Mountain
Part Three
61. Step backward to drive away Monkey
62. Thrust Both Palms Downward
63. Diagonal Palm Thrust
64. Grasp the Peacock’s Tail
65. Single Whip
66. Part the Wild Horse’s Mane
67. Grasp the Bird’s Tail
68. Single Straight Whip
69. The Fair Lady Works at the Shuttle
70. Grasp the Peacock’s Tail
71. Single Straight Whip
72. Cloud Hands
73. Single Straight Whip
74. Push down on the Left with the Single Whip
75. Push down on the Right with the Single Whip
76. Single Punch to the Throat
77. Step back and Whirl Arms on Both Sides
78. Diagonal Flying
79. Empty Step, Pushing Palm
80. Lift Hands and Step Forward
81. The White Crane Spreads its Wings
82. Brush the Left Knee, Bent Leg Step
83. Needle at the Bottom of the Sea
84. Dodge to Strike the Back
85. Straight Punch
86. Step, Parry and Punch
87. Grasp the Peacock’s Tail
88. Single Straight Whip
89. Cloud Hands
90. Pat the Horse
91. Diagonal Palm Thrust
92. Right Foot Diagonal Thrust
93. Brush the Left Knee, Bent Leg Step
94. Lion Kick with the Right Heel
95. Brush the Right Knee, Bent Leg Step
96. Left Cutting Palm
97. Punch the Chest
98. Grasp the Bird’s Tail
99. Single Straight Whip
100. Push Down with the Single Whip
101. Seven Star Forward Step
102. Step Backwards to Mount the Tiger
103. Place the Lotus
104. Flex the Bow to Shoot the Tiger
105. Step, Parry and Punch
106. Apparent Close-up
107. Cross Hands
108. Carry the Tiger Back to the Mountain
What an amazing week many of us just had! Personally I am still coming to grips with all that we did and all that I learned after living side by side with Master Zhou and his wife Julie for an entire week.
Thank you Master Zhou for your dignity and grace throughout the week sharing your life changing energy with all of us.
Thank you everyone that supported this adventure into the mysteries of Tao. From the philosophy, the story of a humble upbringing, the history, the spiritual practice and all the way to Qigong and Taijiquan practice it has been quite a week. We are so very blessed to have Xuan Yun as a teacher. We are working on getting another visit next year and this is entirely because of your love for these traditional arts.
If you want to continue (or start) working on Wudang Taoist qigong and Taijiquan, I’m meeting students for a new “Wudang Program” on Saturday mornings from 8:00 to 9:30 AM at Waipuilani park in north Kihei. In addition, I will be showing some of the Qigong at my regular classes and at next months Kaiser classes. I am also adding links to a new “Wudang Links” sidebar here on this site. Stay tuned here for future posts and information about “Wudang Taiji on Maui”
Thank you Julie for making it all possible!
The Cloud Traveller
2013 Public Tai Chi Class Schedule
Current schedule, click here
Schedule notes for January 2013
- Two New Qigong practice sessions each week!
- January 17th & 18th I will be doing a Tai chi for Arthritis Workshop at Kaunoa, call 270-7308 to sign up!
Monday at the West Maui Senior Center on Lahainaluna street in Lahaina.
- Intermediate Level I Taiji 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Beginner Levels I & II Taiji 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Sitting Qigong/Meditation 11:30 PM to 1:00 PM
Monday at Mai Poina ‘Oe Ia’u Park in Kihei … more info
- Qigong Practice Session 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Tuesday at the Hui Aloha area (down near the beach road) inside Keopuolani Park in Kahului.
- Advanced Level I Taiji 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
- Beginner Level II Taiji 9:00 AM to 10::00 AM
Tuesday at the Kaunoa Senior Center (seniors only) in Sprecklesville Maui.
- Intermediate Level I Taiji 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Beginner Level I Taiji 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Wednesday In Kihei-Wailea area; Semi-private: Space available, contact me for more information.
- Qigong & Taiji, All levels 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM
Wednesday at the Kaunoa Senior Center (seniors only) in Sprecklesville Maui.
Thursday at Mai Poina ‘Oe Ia’u Park in Kihei … more info
- Qigong Practice Session 6:00 AM to 8:30 AM
Friday at the Kihei Community Center’s Aquatics Center classroom next to pool.
- Beginners & Intermediate Level I Taiji 7:45 AM to 9:00AM
- Intermediate Level II Taiji 9:00AM to 10:00AM
Saturday at Waipuilani Park in North Kihei
- Wudang Qigong & Taiji Styles 8:00 AM to 9:30AM
Private and Semi-Private Classes available, contact me here and leave a comment.
“The peacock spreads its wings” is the second and third move in the Yang (Dong) Style. Here are some photos of the posture and two common applications.
First, neutralize the incoming attack by circling your arm to the right.
Next pull down to the jade table...this will pull the attacker off balance towards their "front door" forcing them to decide whether to be pulled down or to pull back.
Most people will instinctively pull back, so you step in blocking their retreat and then...
Finish by throwing them out the back door using "Left ward-off" by turning your waist and shifting your weight forward, tripping them over your leg. See how much fun Taiji is!
Alternatively, if your opponent does not pull back, you can follow up the original movement with your left hand, keeping them from closing in on you with a shoulder strike...
and apply "Brush knee and push"
Finish them off out their front door in the original direction that they were moving.
Thank you to Wanda for assisting in this project.
Wudang Taiji On Maui Workshop 2011
Zhou, Xuan Yun will come to Maui in April!
Remember the movie “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon” and how amazed the world was with the Wudang arts? Now you have a chance to work with a genuine disciple of Wudang. I have been in communication with Zhou, Xuan Yun and he has agreed to come here to Maui for a workshop in April.
Xuan Yun was raised on Wudang Mountain, the spiritual center for all Taoists. The monks from Wudang spend their lives training in the Taoist arts including meditation, qigong, taijiquan and gong fu. The wealth of knowledge embodied within these arts and carried forward by people like Xuan Yun is beyond the imagination.
Xuan Yun and I have put together a workshop for the week of April 17th. The schedule is for four days in April; 17, 18, 19 & 20th.
We will be at the Filipino Community Center, a large and beautiful hall located in Kahului. We will start out with some basics and by the fourth day we will be going over the details and martial art aspects of Taijiquan. This workshop will be great for any level of Taiji player.
For more info on Xuan Yun, and to book your space at the Wudang Taiji on Maui Workshop, go to: http://daoistgate.com/
If you are interested or want more details, just e-mail me at corygw57@yahoo.com with “Wudang On Maui” in the subject line. You can see the whole schedule and prices at http://www.daoistgate.com you can even book and pay there too!
Xuan Yun’s Bio: http://daoistgate.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46&Itemid=29
This is an incredible opportunity to learn directly from the source of Taoist thought. There are only a handful of people in the entire world that can even get close to doing something like this, and you may be so blessed.
Zhou, Xuan Yun will teach a four-day workshop at the Filipino Community Center on Onehee Street in Kahului, April 17, 18,19th and 20th
Yiquan friends doing some Yi Jin Jing Qigong
Come and play with our Yiquan club every Thursday morning. Since Sifu Fong Ha comes here every September, a group of six or seven dedicated practitioners has began meeting every Thursday to continue working on his (and others) teachings. Since then it has become a great free-form “Internal Arts Day”
This is not a “class” because it is at Kamaole III Beach Park and the county will not allow a formal class: so I call it a club, there is no charge we just play.
Yiquan means “Mind (intention) Boxing” and it is a simple way to train martial arts and meditation skills. One of the main practices is just standing. There is a huge variety of postures used in standing work, also known as “Zhan Zhuang” lit. “standing like a post”. In Yiquan, there are eight main postures, you just stand and hold a posture, it is very simple.
Every Thursday morning starting at 6:30 AM with zhan zhuang, Qigong and Taiji walking, sometimes we take a break about 7:50 or so, look for us at a table at that time, then at 8:15 AM, we continue with Taijiquan until we are done.
The pre-dawn standing part is simple; just stand (or sit) in Wuji and if you want to, hold some postures or do whatever you want to! Try doing some “spontaneous qigong” also known as “Zi Fa Gong” or do the Yiquan postures.
The qigong that we originally did here consists of two sets and some “Taiji walking”. The first set is called “Yi Jin Jing” this is the famous “muscle and tendon changing classic” invented by Bodhidharma in about 520 AD. The second set is another classic qigong set known as “The Eight Brocades” or “Ba Duan Jin“. Most likely though, whatever we we do here now is pretty random, so many things we could do, it is never the same qigong at this practice session. “Taiji walking” in the sand is a favorite!
The Taijiquan part usually consists of doing the Dong (Yang) Long Form, we often do all three sections of the form or whatever we decide!
Come and play but know this is not a class…. I don’t do any real “teaching” I want to have fun with my friends, build some push hands connections, and keep the spirit of all of our teachers training active at Kamaole III
Overview:
6:30 AM to 7:50 AM
Wuji, Zhan Zhuang, Yiquan
Zi Fa Gong
Yi Jin Jing, Ba Duan Jin, or “Whatever Qigong”
Taiji walking
7:50 to 8:15 AM Break…
8:15 AM
Taijiquan
Tui Shou
See All Classes Here:
https://taijionmaui.wordpress.com/category/schedules/
Like a stepped pyramid, we lay down a foundation, taking us higher as we go.
Taoist physics, the laws of energy.
This article is about outlining some of the basic Taiji principles that I have discovered through the years, and some taught to me by Master Dong. I will explain each one in time. These are not the “Classic Taiji Principles” that other authors have written about through the ages, but a pragmatic look at the common sense of practical Taiji.
These are not the only principles that I will discuss, many esoteric principles can be inserted in between and after the ones on this basic list, yet they are most basic and important ones. Understanding the physics of the human energy system and codifying, and sharing these principles is my life’s work.
Staying on your feet is an important skill that can save your life, whether talking about martial arts, or walking down a flight of stairs. There are many obvious gains from assimilating these principles into our lives but know that these principles go far deeper than Taijiquan.
The entire human energy system uses these same principles, not just your body, but also the mind, emotions and spirit. I am taking about the laws of physics; nothing is exempt from these basic principles of the universe.
For example, energy follows the path of least resistance; therefore reducing the resistance to energy increases the flow and the apparent volume of energy. The best way to remove resistance is to remove blockages. These blockages can be from misalignment and (muscle) tension. Again these principles are not necessarily only about your body, keep in mind the “big picture”.
The way to remove obstructions is to align and relax…. Know that aligning will facilitate relaxation. It is easier to relax when we have good alignment, like in the physical attribute of structural integrity. A strong frame requires less reinforcement; look at an “earthquake resistant” building, a proper frame, allows for a flexible, less ridged, relaxed structure.
Likewise, in relationships, having the same values and interests with another is “alignment” with this alignment a person will be more relaxed. Being aligned and relaxed leads to balance, and with a little give and take (counterbalance) we can achieve a harmonious relationship. Understanding energy is about a relationship with it and it applies to all things accordingly.
While keeping the big picture in mind and realizing that there is a hierarchy to these principles and also that Taijiquan is a method of training and understanding energy, we need to start with the most important principles first. Layering principles overtime will bring enlightenment.
To get started, to keep things simple here is a basic outline to these principles. Each principle will require further explanation, so be patient, and check back to the “Taiji Principles” category here on this blog.
To make comprehending and learning these principle easier, I have organized them into three sub-groups of three principles each. Beginners should mostly be concerned with the first three. Intermediate students focus on the first six and as students progress keep layering principles until all nine are understood.
Principles:
Align
Relax
Root
Balance
Harmonize
String of pearls
Not too much not too little
Open and close
See all things
"Tiger" from Dragon & Tiger Yiquan
“I don’t have time for Taiji!”
So many times, I have heard this, usually from “non believers”, but occasionally I myself am guilty of such thoughts.
Well now…… If you have been training with me, you have been exposed to a variety of Qigong and Taiji sets. It is important to keep in mind that eventually, as you assimilate the principles into your life, everything will be Taiji. Yet in the beginning, we all need some ‘forms’ to direct us in the Way.
This page is just a list of some of the forms that I have shown to my classes and some for advanced students. With so many options, it is easy to just pick one or more depending on your goals or time frame. All of my beginner students have been doing the first four or five on this list, and I consider these a “core group” of practices. Over time, I will show everyone all of these sets.
Now, I wouldn’t want anyone to get bored, so add the others in occasionally as you want to. There is always time to get in a quick “Soaring Crane” or some Zhan Zhuang practice anywhere any time.
Some of the Qigong and Taiji sets for beginner and advanced students
1.) “Wuji” a standing qigong for overall health, perform for one minute to as long as you wish!
2.) Dong Family “Warm up Qigong” strengthens the posture and opens the joints. Takes about 7 to 8 minutes to perform.
3.) Wudang Daoist Abdominal Breathing Qigong, five simple exercises that form the foundational skills for all qigong, taiji and meditation practice.
4.) Dong Family “Basic Qigong Set” builds and distributes qi through the whole body. Takes about 7 to 8 minutes to perform.
5.) Taiji Walking
6.) “Dong (Yang) Style Taijiquan” The first section of the long form of Taiji (Tai Chi). A total body and mind Qigong and martial art form. Takes about 6 minutes to perform.
7.) The Dong Family “Hard Qigong” A zhan zhuang practice that builds structural integrity in your physique. These ten postures can be done in as little as 5 to 10 minutes or as long as you wish.
8.) “Dong (Yang) Style Taijiquan” The second section of the long form of Taiji. Takes about 12 minutes to perform.
9.) “Soaring Crane 1” is a medical qigong set to strengthen your overall health. Takes about 5 minutes to perform. See video here: Soaring Crane with Master Dong
10.) “Tiger Mountain” AKA “Taiji Gong” an assemblage of some postures from Yang style Taiji set. Takes 5 to 10 minutes to perform. See video here: Tiger Mountain
11.) “Zhan Zhuang” or “Standing like a post qigong” Strengthens your stances and internal energy; I suggest just picking any of the postures from the Taiji form and stand still as long as you can comfortably. Take at least 2 to 10 minutes or as long as you wits to perform. See photos of Yang’s Taiji postures here: Yang Cheng Fu
12.) Yiquan Zhan Zhuang. Eight basic standing postures and a few other simple postures designed to open the hips and strengthen the legs and back and build structural integration into your physique Takes from 5 to 40 minutes to perform.
13.) “Dong Sitting Qigong, Long Form” From Master Dong Zeng Chen. A total mind and body Qigong for meditation, thrusting vessel, small circle qi and upper body strengthening. Takes about 30 to 40+ minutes.
14.) “Dong Sitting Qigong” From Master Dong Hu Ling. A simple sitting routine for the upper body qi, the mind and the eyes.
15.) Five Elements Qigong, Wu Xing Qigong is a nine form set that is a medical qigong toning the internal organs and meridians. See video here: Ziranmen Five Elements Qigong.
16.) Muscle and Tendon Changing Classics, Yi Jin Jing is one of the oldest known set of gigong, originally authored by the famous Da Mo.
17.) The Eight Brocades, Ba Duan Jin is another old classic set.
18.) Zi Fa Gong, spontaneous Qigong comes when you have figured out some of these basic sets then you let your qi body lead you to move or not to move.
19.) Wudang Daoist (Hun Yuan) Primordial Qigong, a new set I have been showing and will be writing out soon…
20.) Wudang Five Animal Forms, another new set I will be showing in 2012
Over time I will expose everyone to parts or all of these forms, just keep coming to class and reading online and most importantly: PRACTICE
Do some Qigong everyday! Keep it simple but……Do it!
First, gain an understanding of your energy system.
Align the body correctly to facilitate energy flow.
Relax the muscles to encourage energy flow.
Learn to dissolve your mind and body together.
Develop an emotional connection to the energy within.
Become intimate with your energy.
Practice until you know what is right in your heart.
Let go of your silly ego needs.
Gain freedom from your thoughts,
Become as open as Heaven,
Be as firm as the Earth,
Shine brightly like a star,
Be as flexible as water,
Gain inspiration from all things,
Know the truth that will set you free.
There are many paths to freedom yet only those who learn the truth will be truly free. The real you is often hidden behind layers of physical and egocentric defenses. Physical obstructions, thinking, and emotions, all inhibit your true self from shining through.
Spiritual qigong? Medical qigong? Martial qigong? Meditation? Internal, external, standing, sitting, moving, stillness, Taiji, whatever…. It makes very little difference; they are essentially the same thing. Don’t get confused by esoteric teachings. Do not be distracted from the truth by thinking too much about it.
Do not make your journey complicated; just follow the simple methods outlined in your training. Adding too much just takes you farther away from the truth. Practice “Wu Wei“; practice with diligence, yet keep it simple and you will gain profound awareness.
The truth is simple:
Love your energy as though it was the most valuable substance in the universe….in time you will discover the creator of all things.
Go to Qigong on Maui web site
Tung Hu Ling Photo from Chip Ellis web site
Taiji Gong… “Tiger Mountain”
This simple qigong can help form the foundation to high level Taiji skill.
Dong Hu Ling was my teacher’s father and the first Dong family member to carry on the family tradition started by his father, the famous Dong Ying Jie. Dong Hu Ling had two sons, Zeng Chen, and Kai Ying. Dong Hu Ling was a world-renowned Taiji master.
Master Dong’s first name, Hu translates to “Tiger” and his middle name, Ling translates to “Mountain”. This qigong exercise was conceived by Master Hu Ling and based on some common Taiji postures; designed to be done standing or sitting.
Dong Zeng Chen does this form a little differently but I chose to publish the “original version” at this time. A student of Master Tung Kai Ying first taught this Qigong set to me. Sometimes referred to as “Taiji Gong”, most of us know it by Master Dong Hu Ling’s name, Tiger-Mountain.
Tiger Mountain is comprised of ten Taiji postures each repeated as you rotate your upper body from side to side while standing or sitting in one place and expanding and contracting as one would if actually performing the Taiji form. Alternate the hands and subtly sift your awareness to whichever hand is on the leading side.
Master created a fun little poem to remind practitioners of the postures and their sequence.
In the beginning
From the clouds
She wove
Heaven and Earth
Then the tiger
Brought the horse
To its knees
Between two peaks
Across
And push, (and hold) to the end.
The corresponding Taiji postures are:
Beginning
Cloud Hands
Fair Lady Works the Shuttles
White Crane Spreads its Wings
Strike Tiger
Parting the Wild Horses Mane
Brush Knee and Push
Twin Fists Strike the Ears
Cross Hands
Push
Hold the last push and then end as if doing the Taiji form.
This easy to remember, simple to practice, and enjoyable Qigong takes about only 5 to 15 minutes to do and can be done at any speed you wish. Initially, move slowly and smoothly (concentrating on perfecting you movements) while keeping your feet straight, but as you improve you can turn your feet slightly to get a bow stance and add some more speed and energy.
Advanced students can adapt this exercise into a high level skill by turning more, Dong Zeng Chen’s version is done like this. You can also add intensity by sitting lower in a horse stance, Tung Kai Ying’s version is done in this manner, but with out the waist turns of his brother’s. I like to play around with learning to flow through the main Taiji stances as I turn from side to side. Turning from a bow stance and turn-into a side horse stance and then into a horse stance and then repeat as they turn out to the other side.
Repeating: bow—side horse—horse—other side horse—other side bow
When transitioning through the different stances slightly turn the feet and sink down each time you move through the “horse stance” This method will totally rebuild your hip joint and help students “Open the Kwa”. Be sure to use proper Taoist breathing techniques, don’t force anything.
After you have mastered the timing and the flow and of course the softness, you can try it faster. Eventually adept students can learn to use to add in “Fa Jin” to their movements. If you can master turning through 5 different stances fluidly and then deliver quality Fa Jin strikes you you will have a tool to help you take your Taiji to the next level.
This simple, soft, easy, and basic qigong practice can also show you the way to high level form practice. Helping to build power and energy for your health and for powerful martial arts performance.
Read also: “Taiji Gong”
Copyright Cory Williams 2010
See the related video on the sidebar.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWPTt1ZfR5Y
The Greatest Samurai circa 1645
Of the many things that can be learned from the martial arts perhaps the most poignant are the philosophies of some of these warriors. These men were faced with a constant struggle with death always looming in the background. The coping mechanisms they used can be an inspiration for us all to make peace within ourselves.
One of my favorite warriors of the ancient world, Miyamoto Musashi was the greatest samurai and author of the classic book “The Book of Five Rings” Musashi had a long career that included winning over eighty sword duels with other adepts. Later in his life, he turned to meditating and Zen studies. In his last days, in the year 1645, he sat down and penned this short list of precepts.
A few days later he died…..Leaving this profound list of guiding principles known as “Dokkodo” “The Path of Aloneness”
1. Do not stubbornly rebel against the ways of the world.
2. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.
3. Do not rely upon any half-hearted feelings.
4. Think lightly of yourself and think deeply of the world.
5. Remain detached from desire.
6. Do not regret what you have done.
7. Never be jealous of others.
8. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.
9. Abandon resentment and complaint.
10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of love or lust.
11. Disregard your personal preferences.
12. Accept your dwelling and living conditions.
13. Do not pursue the taste of good food.
14. Do not hoard ancient treasures intended for future generations.
15. Do not mindlessly follow the ways of the world.
16. Do not become obsessed with weapons or fighting.
17. Do not run from death.
18. Do not accumulate goods and riches for your old age.
19. Respect the gods, without relying on their help.
20. You can abandon your own body, but never let go of your honor.
21. Never depart from the way of strategy.
These ideals are presented by Musashi to encourage us all to cultivate the only thing of this world that lives on after we leave it….Character
There is no "try" only do, or not do (Master Yoda)
Recently someone said to me, “I need to learn to relax”, after apologizing for laughing at the remark, I poised the comment, “Realize that you can’t learn to relax, you need to un-learn being discontent.”
When things are going well, they just flow correctly. A pro athlete never forces anything; neither does a pro musician, or an artist. If they did, you could tell it was not quite right. When things flow from your heart it is true and correct and it shows. When we are balanced within and we are in harmony with our surroundings there is no “effort”
Every time I “try real hard” in life, I usually mess things up. So will you if you don’t understand the principle of “Non Striving”
Among the basic Taoist principles that can improve our lives “Wu Wei” is the most important and pervasive concept of all. Not forcing things seems like an obvious concept to most of us and yet our competitive nature often encourages us to do so. It’s not that “force” is a bad thing but unnaturally forcing things usually is. Make things right with the universe and effortlessness is an indication that you “get it”.
Any feeling of “forcing”, “striving” or “contrivance” tells you that you do not get “it”.
The “it” I am referring to is the understanding that you are (or not) coming from your heart. Do not think this is easy however, I’m no Pollyanna; you might say “It’s simple, it’s just not easy”. The Tao Te Ching is full of commentary on this subject in fact almost every one of the 81 verses contains a statement about Wu Wei.
“The sage does nothing and yet nothing remains undone”
“My way is simple, yet no one can follow it”
“An infant can follow the way. But can an eighty year old?”
“To manage a large country is like frying a small fish, the less you poke it the better.”
“The sage leads by following”
“Water is the softest thing in the universe yet it overcomes the hardest things”
“The greatest misfortune is discontentment.”
“The sage never contrives greatness that is why he is truly great”
The other day someone said to me, “I was told (by a qigong teacher) to force the qi downward during qigong”, holding back a laugh I smiled and went on to explain “Wu Wei” a guiding principle.
When we relax, the qi will flow effortlessly, using “force” causes muscle tension that uses up more qi then it allows to pass through, resulting in less movement of the qi.
Again I recommend getting your very own copy of the Tao Te Ching (see my reading list) the philosophy of Taoism provides a foundation for understanding reality.
First, learn all you can; then forget it all. Learning is prejudice and contrived and will limit you. Having expectations can lead one to disaster. Knowledge is only a starting point, when we apply the principle of “Wu Wei” we turn knowledge into something far more valuable…Understanding
Isle seniors learn graceful gestures
The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo Cory Williams shows Kula’s Louise Brandeburg, 84, how to block a punch Tuesday.
Seeking strength and balance in the shade of a Spreckelsville monkeypod tree, a taiji class goes through its moves at Kaunoa Senior Center on Tuesday afternoon under the direction of Cory Williams. Williams teaches a half dozen classes weekly for Kaunoa, including locations in Lahaina, Kahului, Kihei and Spreckelsville. By mixing the “energy cultivation” exercises of “qigong” and the martial-art maneuvers of taiji, Williams said, he helps Maui seniors stay active and on their feet. Williams said taiji is now the accepted spelling of tai chi.
copyright Maui News and Matthew Thayer
Thank you everyone!!!!
Taiji on Maui 