Yang-style Tai Chi Quick Form - Cultivating Loose and Soft Qi, using the Qi to move the body, linking intention to Qi to energy, embodying the energy of softness and flexibility in the physical practice.
Tai Chi Chuan is practiced with a combination of slow and fast movements, utilizing the internal energy of relaxed flexibility to resonate with the body's movements. Through the internal energy's resonance, the force is extended and dynamically sways with the form.
In the Quick Form of Tai Chi Chuan, the movements are fast yet controlled, allowing for dynamic fluctuations without stagnation. The key is to maintain the balance of softness and flexibility without losing internal energy and internal force. Power is generated through Qi, preserving the "pure" strength of internal force, eliminating unnecessary clumsy force. Thus, the softness encapsulates the power of internal force and the energy of internal Qi.
The Quick Form encompasses the concepts of "運勁" (yun jin - transporting force) and "化勁" (hua jin - transforming force). Transforming force begins with the conversion of the body's clumsy force during slow movements. While it may not be too challenging to eliminate the clumsy force in slow movements, there are still undiscovered potential issues. Hence, practitioners often focus on practicing Tai Chi Chuan at a slow pace.
In the Quick Form of Tai Chi Chuan, the emphasis is on first loosening the muscular clumsy force in the body, allowing internal force and Qi to flow more smoothly. This natural process in the application of force facilitates the true achievement of the integration of internal and external forms, with a harmonious balance of softness and strength. The appearance of effortless movement is the result of well-executed internal force and energy, as opposed to relying on external appearance and bodily exertion. This is the main reason why Tai Chi Chuan, if not practiced with relaxation, may lack internal force and Qi.
A typical Quick Form, such as the normal Softness Form, takes approximately 18 minutes, while the Quick Form can be completed in about 6 minutes. The intensity of internal force circulation within the body is considerable, and the rapid circulation of force brings about significant exercise effects. The Quick Form does not afford the luxury of gradually relaxing body movements. Instead, it tests the smoothness of relaxation and the solidity of internal force. If relaxation is not smooth enough, the center of gravity becomes unstable, and insufficient internal Qi results in a lack of the internal force's resonating and stretching power. If the internal force is not pure, the movements rely on the stretching and bending of limbs rather than the flowing power of force. Therefore, when the pace is increased, issues such as limb swinging and scattered body posture may arise.
These challenges are not simply about speed but about mastering key elements of practice. Without overcoming these challenges, progress in Tai Chi Chuan is limited, and the benefits of physical fitness are compromised. Conversely, with a deep understanding of Tai Chi Chuan's breath and force application, these challenges can be easily overcome, allowing practitioners to break free from the predicament of practicing Tai Chi Chuan without internal force and Qi.
Tai chi class in Taipei , Hsinchu , Taichung , Tainan .
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Filmed by 2024.01.20
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