The Art of Taijiquan

Taijiquan means many things to many different groups of people. Some emphasise the therapeutic and rehabilitative benefits of the forms training, others emphasise the cultivation of the mysterious force known as qi (chi), yet others emphasise the spiritual development through the cultivation of the mind and body and meditation.

However the emphasis of the Practical Tai Ji School of Martial Arts is the cultivation of the mind to remain tranquil when under the duress of a real fight and the cultivation of internal trained strength to protect the body from harm. Outwardly the practitioner appears soft and passive but the reality of is otherwise.

In order to be an effective fighter the body (physical health,fitness and stamina), mind (knowledge, experience and wisdom) and spirit (fighting spirit, indominitable nature) fuse into one. This unity is analogous to the harmonious coexistence of Yin and Yang as expressed in the Yi Jing (Book of Changes). If we posit offence and defence to be equivalent to Yin and Yang which coexist in a circle as expressed by the Taiji symbol then half the circle is represents offense whilst the other half represents defense. The each semi-circle nullifies the other semi-circle in a periodic circular pattern which embodies the equivalance and balance of Yin­-Yang theory. The whole structure is in an equilibrium state. Thus attack and defence are equal and opposite.

Tai Ji Kung Fu consists of five elements.

  1. Nei Kung - Internal Strength, The ability to withstand blows and use total body force.

    Nei Gung Demonstration

    Being able to relax while being kicked and punched requires practise. It is automatic to tense up and brace for the blows. At the very least this causes bruising of the muscles. If the relaxed Nei Gung method is utilised bruising does not occur.

  2. Tao Lu - Sets of Kung Fu movements to train balance, coordination, calmness and body awareness.

    Tao Lu

    The form is performed slowly so that all aspects of the movement can be observed and felt, that balance and posture can be seen to be under control.

  3. Tui Shou - Conditioned Reflex Training to enable the appropriate response on contact, i.e the application of the key skills of the five step path.

    Tui Shou - Fixed Step Freestyle

    Fixed Step freestyle pushing hands requires excellent stance, balance, sensitivity, flexibility and understanding of the use of force.

  4. San Shou - Practical Application of Form Movement Methods and Tui Shou Principles coupled with the knowledge of timing and positioning for Self Defence.

    Single Step Defence

    Always be ready for the next attack. Avoid the attack by sidestepping, step in to counter immediately.

  5. Weapons - Supplementary Equipment Exercises, Sabre, Sword, Spear to increase balance, dexterity, speed, accuracy and focussed power.

    Spear Form Part 1

    CRB demos first part of the Spear Form. The Spear is the shortest of the three forms but is the hardest to perform properly due to the need to express jing at the tip of the weapon.