Archive for May, 2007
May 19, 2007
Master Cai Shengye started teaching Qinna techniques this morning.
Michael Stancato’s Birthday today. Supper with master Cai and local friends.
May 18, 2007 Back to Daqingshan
7:00 am breakfast and 7:30 am on the way back to Daqingshan.
May 16, 2007: Chen Style Practical Method Glossary
Glossary
Terms frequently used by Master Chen:
Action
Rotation – movement without displacement of (in) space (good definition of internal)
Movement
Stepping
Stretching (opposite is folding, a kind of movement)
Sinking
Expansion
Extension
Spiraling
Tossing
Double Heavy – point of contact is too large, multiple points of contact in same direction
Synchronized (desynchronized)
Push
Shearing
Twisting
Aim
Lock
Metered Out
Compress
Stiff (hand moves, everything follows)
Loose (two meanings, good and bad looseness)
Collapse
Proportional
Split
Fight
Separation
Down
In/Out
Open
Line/Align
Tension
Density
Powering Up
Stagnant Tension
Popping
Bursting
Terms used by students:
Negative Space (Daniel)
Force Vector (Richard)
Dynamic Elastic Tension vs. Static Tension (John Brown)
Terms frequently used where meaning is the same as everyday usage:
Angle
Momentum
Timing
Distance
Space
Direction
May 16, 2007: Zhuo Article Abstract and Rough Notes
Adherence Article Abstract:
This article proposes to define and demonstrate the factors involved in manifesting zhuo or the ability to adhere in Hong Junsheng’s Practical Method of Chen Taijiquan. Despite the fact that a great number of traditional martial arts practitioners are able to generate substantial amounts of power and manifest sophisticated coordination in their practice of solo forms (taolu), the traditional martial arts of China are underrepresented in the arena of contemporary combat sports. Chen Zhonghua believes that traditional stylists are reluctant to participate in contemporary combat sports due to the fact that they have not trained the skill of zhuo. This article will present a systemic and structural description of zhuo emphasizing the step by step development of this important taijiquan skill.
Article Topic and Thesis:
Zhuo – adherance
Factor that makes applications usable
Why when martial artists manifest power generation in their solo presentations are they not able to make applications work? Answer: lack of Zhuo
Why have no traditional martial artists stepped up to the challenge presented by contemporary martial arts and combat sports (MMA, BJJ etc)
Every Push is a Pull in Disguise
May 15th 2007staffTaiji Theory
When we follow the principle of “Don’t move your hand”, every push becomes in reality a pull. This is because a proper “Push” that does not involve the movement of hand is powered by the joints and the feet. Such a push has a very different direction than a normal push with the hand. Such a push does not cause a direct conflict with the opposing force, thus a pull in reality.
May 15, 2007: Which Foot is Driving?
May 15th 2007staffTaiji Theory
Explained to students today which foot is the driving foot. This came as a result of a question about Hong’s Practical Method Book. In his book, he refers to front foot and rear foot. This designation is not merely based on the directional position of the foot. It is also based on which foot is driving the force.
When doing Shun with the forearm, the foot on the same side is the rear foot. When doing Ni with the forearm, the foot on the opposite side is the rear foot.
May 14, 2007: Students Start Working on a Glossary List.
According to the specific definitions of practical method system. Daniel is the main person making the list.
May 14, 2007: Taught the drilling effect of a punch.
May 14th 2007staffTaiji Theory
This method, skill and way of moving must be applied to all parts of the body.
This method is practiced later on in the training process, not for beginners.
This relates to alignment, points, aiming, structure, etc.
