SUPPLEMENTAL> Tai Chi Chuan

Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan (Taijichuan)
Supplemental program
St Stephen, nb

All classes at Conley's Martial arts are cancelled, TFN, due to Covid-19> Except the St Stephen Tai Chi which are conducting classes, Thurs/5:30-6:30pm, Bernie's Body Blast Fitness Studio in St Stephen, NB.

Class locations:
St Stephen- Evening Classes
Thurs nites/5:30-6:30pm at
Bernies Body Blast Studio
23 Milltown Blvd., St Stephen.

Certified Instructor Staff:
Bill Conley Si Gung/Group Senior Head Instructor
Brandon Dowling, Level IV Advanced / Assistant Instructor
Nancy Hermiston, Level III Intermediate / Assistant Instructor
Amanda Williams, Level II Intermediate / Assistant Instructor

Nancy Hermiston pictured with Sifu C.

Tai Chi Chuan We Offer

Tai Chi Chuan, it's proper spelling and pronunciation is Taijichuan, means, Grand Ultimate Fist/Style. Tai Chi Chuan is the Western way of spelling and pronouncing it. The style of Tai Chi Chuan presented by Conley's Martial Arts is the Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan: Regular classes designed for everyone, that have interest in the positive properties Tai Chi Chuan offers; health benefits, flexibility, improved balance, and the positive emotional feeling/impressions it gives every practitioner. The martial art/practical side (applications) of Tai Ch Chuan, is also presented. Sadly today, a false impression is often made about Tai Chi Chuan. That it is a soft, non-martial art, designed just for the elderly, or those just wanting a light, low impact, balanced form of holistic exercise. And, in that form, it can be, and is most often seen as the primary representation of Tai Chi Chuan today. However, there is a martial art side to Tai Chi Chuan, application of the postures/techniques. When in *China of the past, being able to defend yourself was a necessity to survival, Tai Chi Chuan was and is still THE quintessential internal martial art! When you take the movements/techniques of Tai Chi and speed it up (combat speed), utilize the energy transfer properties and body alignment/structure, you have a very practical use for Tai Chi Chuan! In our program, we offer this original fighting form of Tai Chi in a safe enjoyable manner. Also, additionally and supportive, we will offer Internal Kung Fu: Fu Lynn Chi, White Crane Qi Gong , Yi Chuan, and Xing Yi Chuan. Conley's Martial Arts offers a practical presentation and study of Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan. Practical meaning beyond theory and form into the practical> martial usage of the system against real life contemporary threats. New students first coming to our program will learn the basics: stances, gaining balance & better flexibility, learning the first nine postures, and then "mapping out" the first formal exercise/form, the Infinite Nine. They will also learn breathing exercises and some basic White Crane Qigong (Breath Power). Following that, additional add-on concepts to their postures. Concepts, additionally, from: Yi Chuan (Yi= Intent/Mind & Chuan= Fist or Style> Style of the Mind), Xing Yi Chuan (Xing/Forming Yi= Intent/Mind & Chuan= Fist or Style> Style of Form[ing] of the Mind), and from Fu Lin Chi Internal Kung Fu. Learning the posture(s) of Yi Chuan (Yi= Intent & Chuan= Fist or Style), is a great tool in learning Fa Li. Fa Li means Projecting Your Structure. Hitting with your structure is the first (External) way of deriving true power! It will be discussed here in another segment on this page. Later after the student(s) has grasped a good understanding and ability to utilize their External Power, they will be introduced to Internal Power. Also, supplemental & voluntary, is the study of the Tai Chi sword. This training is not mandatory, but those that train in the sword will find that it will help them immensely in their regular practice!

Tai Chi Chuan's Water Hands drill, derived from the Water Form.

The Crane and The Snake.

*Some say early> or the beginning version to it, Taijichuan, was developed by a Chinese Daoist Monk named Chang, San-Feng in 1101 A.D. He did so after watching a fight, it is said, between a snake and a crane. The snake was victorious, because it utilized relaxed, flexible, evasive, and quick movements against the crane. This story is the origin for out Crane & Snake school crest/logo. Tai Chi (Ji) would not have lasted and continued during some of China's most turbulent times/history if it weren't effective! It would have been left behind in history and the past!!! Others say it was later developed (17th Century) in Chen Village (Chenjiagou). I think to satisfy both origin theories, The earlier version was not per say Tai Chi (Ji), but an internal system similar, and may have laid in place the growth to it becoming Tai Chi in the 17th Century in Chenjiagou.

Chang, San-Feng info below:

Click Here

If a student decides they wish to become certified in the system and to learn more of the classical, martial (self defense) side of Tai Chi Chuan along with White Crane, then a uniform is necessary. The uniform tops denote rank. The colour on the collar, buttons and sleeve cuffs denote rank: White is Basic and/or Intermediate, Red is Advanced, and Black is Teacher (Sifu) level(s). Further, the use of a Chinese sash system to further denote individual levels can be used: a white sash for Intermediate, red sash for Advanced, or a black sash for Instructor/Sifu rank. The sash does not have to be worn, but upon a candidates successful promotion, is presented with their certification and sash. And within each sash level, there is a striped system. (Sash system below) Also, instead of a sash of appropriate colour and coloured stripes, appropriate coloured chevrons can be applied to the sleeves of the traditional jacket.

The following ranking reflect and follow, for the most part, Wushu of China guidelines.

Level 1 - Basic

Teacher Levels (Assistant)
Assistant Instructor Levels (Intermediate)

Level 2 - Intermediate

Level 3 - Senior Intermediate

Advanced Assistant Instructor Levels

Level 4 - Advanced. A practitioner at the Advanced Levels can run a Kwoon (w/ a Teaching License), and in doing so, provisionally take the title of, "Sifu."

Teaching License

Level 5 - Senior Advanced/Level II

Sifu, Sigung, & Sijo (Instructor, Master Instructor, & Head Master Instuctor) Levels

Level 6 - Sifu/Instructor or Chief Instructor (title of Sifu), depending on seniority at that individual school. A black sash is worn.

Level 7 - Si Gung/Group Chief Instructor: a black sash with one gold bar is worn. Supervisor of more than one Kwoon/school or a group of Kwoons/schools in a particular region. In the classical times many third-generation students call their teacher's teacher Si Gung. Further, the fourth-generation students often refer to the first-generation teacher as Si Tai Gung. Modern times it reflects, as stated earlier: the number of students and schools under them, but it can also reflect the ability of a teacher to bring a student(s) to the elite level(s) of understanding. In all of the Si Gung levels, the title of Sifu is primarily use to address someone of this rank. However, Si Gung can also be used to address someone at this and the following levels.

Level 8 - Si Gung/Senior (or Deputy Group) Chief Instructor Upper Level: a black sash with one gold bar and one gold stripe is worn.

Level 9 - Si Tai Gung/Group Chief Instructor.

Level 10 - Sijo/Grand Master: a gold sash is worn.

Level 11 - Sijo/Founder or Style/Family Head: a gold sash is worn.

The Health Benefits of Tai Chi

The almost endless list of health benefits from meditation are becoming more and more crystallized into scientific fact as study after study is showing how every aspect of being a human is improved and benefited by spending even just 15-20 minutes per day meditating.  These health benefits include the immune system, stress and anxiety levels, memory and alertness, happiness and satisfaction, pain levels, creativity, and numerous other benefits. Science also reveals that when meditation is taken a step further in the physical biological body through motion, it can not only offer these potent benefits, but can also really catalyse healing and health in the physical body itself.

Tai Chi is  branch of the ancient Chinese Qi Gong practice.  Chi refers to the life force energy itself and through series of gentle movements paired with mindfulness, Tai Chi regulates the flow of chi in the individual and helps to balance the Yin and Yang principles within a person.

In clinical research, Tai Chi has been shown to lead to improvements in the quality of life for those suffering from breast cancer and Parkinson’s.  It is also showing promise for reducing high blood pressure. One study done recently revealed that tai chi improved balance, flexibility, cardiovascular health, and also strength.

The study was conducted by monitoring a group of participants who practiced tai chi and those who did improved over 30 percent in lower body strength and 25 percent in arm strength- this was almost as much as the strength improvements in the weight-lifting group; pretty impressive for movements that seem so gentle and serene.

According to U.S. News & World Report:

"... [I]n 85 percent of trials, tai chi lowered blood pressure. Other studies have shown it to reduce blood levels of B-type natriuretic peptide, a precursor of heart failure, and to maintain bone density in postmenopausal women."

Similarly, mindfulness meditation has captured the interest of many researchers in recent years, bringing new information and scientific validation to an art that has been valued for ages.  Studies clearly show a reduction in the experience of pain in subjects practicing mindfulness meditation.  This type of meditation is shown to alter the physiological state, reducing awareness of pain and increasing awareness in other areas such as alertness and problem solving.

“If you're looking for a gentle, mind-body activity to add to your fitness routine, tai chi is a phenomenal choice. A form of Chinese martial arts, tai chi is an ancient form of self-defense that is said to support the balance of "yin and yang" in your body, thereby improving the flow of "qi," or life energy.

Often described as "meditation in motion" or "moving meditation," the activity takes your body through a specific set of graceful movements. Your body is constantly in motion and each movement flows right into the next.

While practicing tai chi, your mind is meant to stay focused on your movements, relaxation and deep breathing, while distracting thoughts are ignored. More than 2 million Americans have already taken up this ancient art form, and you might want to join them once you learn about all of its benefits.”

One of the most appealing benefits of Tai Chi is in its gentleness and accessibility for practitioners across all age and social groups. Tai Chi is equally appropriate for children, elders, and everyone in between.  Tai Chi can even be adapted for persons in a wheelchair.  The ancient practice improves balance, stamina, coordination, flexibility, and as mentioned previously, strength and cardiovascular health.

·         Here are a few of the known benefits of tai chi,

·         Improvements in physical condition, muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility

·         Better Balance and mobility

·         Lower risk of falls, particularly in the elderly

·         Improvements in pain and stiffness, including arthritis pain

·         Improved sleep and overall wellness

·         Enhanced immune system

Best Low Impact Option with the benefits of High Impact

Another study showed that patients suffering with fibromyalgia who practiced tai chi for a 12 week period showed significantly better reading for their pain, sleeplessness, fatigue, physical functioning, and stress. Tai chi is looked upon with so much confidence by the medical community that it is even recommended by Harvard Medical School and the Mayo Clinic

We know that mindfulness meditation as well as other forms of what could be called classical meditation are powerful practices that can cultivate peace, health, and overall well-being in the lives of those who practice them.  Likewise, practitioners of tai chi will benefit their minds, bodies, and naturally their spirits as well.

Sources: mercola.com, worldtaichiday.org,

Image Source

ENERGY, It's what makes Tai Chi/Taiji work!

"Skill (in an art) is acquired through continuous practice. But sophistication and depth are achieved by giving thought to it."
-Jonathan Bluestein, Martial Artist & Author

The following observations and postulations, are that of my own. They can, and should also apply to Karate> or any, and all other martial arts!
Sifu C.

Structural (skeletal & ligament) strength/power over muscular strength/power.

Two Kinds of Energies:
External & Internal, how are they manifested? (and their differences)
There are two types of energies that can be derived from the human body: External & Internal Energies. Throughout the martial arts world these two energies are regarded and recognized. Here I will define my interpretations of External & Internal Energies. The two figures below are sketches of mine, with the first I highlight what is most readily accepted as the External & Internal Energies. My second sketch will show my revision.

Figure 1, shows generally what the martial arts world around us perceives as the External & Internal. The External utilizing muscle strength (Musculature) and being Hard. The Internal utilizing your structure (Skeletal & Ligament-al) and being Soft. And for most Internal stylists, that's as far as they go, seeing the structural as being the total Internal. Their postures and use of the ground in cooperation with their structures. If you note from my sketch in Figure 1, I say two and a half energies. Some Internal practitioners delve into that Nebulas Cloud of, to the many and most without the calibrated eye of understanding, the Mystical side of the Internal. That stuff folks just can't, for the most part, get a leash on it.

Figure 1

Now, the revision in the figure below. Figure 2, I have made my revision> interpretation of previously said energy sources. First, I remove the Musculature, as being inefficient, and can't stand the test of time. Meaning remaining and/or growing with the age of the practitioner. So it's out. I move Skeletal & Ligament-al (Structural) into the External, and it becomes my True External Energy. I then move that "Cloud of the Internal" fully under the Internal category, and it does not, with the proper training and understanding, have to be so Mystical, if at all!

Figure 2

The Six Harmonies & True External Energy (Force> scientifically speaking)
and its control, manifestation, and projection.

Leonardo da Vinci's, Vitruvian Man

The Law of Centripetal Force: Whenever an object moves in a circular path we know the object is accelerating because the velocity is constantly changing direction. All accelerations are caused by a net force acting on an object. In the case of an object moving in a circular path, the net force is a special force called the Centripetal Force. (And the direction of the Velocity (and Force) is always at 90 degrees to the curvature of the Orbit.)

Newton's First Law of Motion: An object in motion or not in motion will each stay in their state unless acted upon by an external force.

Newton's Second Law of Motion: Force of an object equals the mass times its acceleration.

Newton's Third Law of Motion: Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

Newton's Law of Gravitation.

Grand Master Jedi Yoda, 'cause ya can't talk about Force without Yoda!!! LOL!!!!

“His touch is as heavy as a mountain.” - Monk Chueh Yuan (Who I believe is referencing the following principles of True External and Internal Energies!)

Six Harmonies (They Move And Influence Your Structure)
The Six Harmonies also play a role in proper energy transfer. The Six Harmonies are: Wrists & Ankles (Hands & Feet), Elbow & Knees, and Shoulders & Hips, and each one plays a role in your True External Energy and/or movement. Wrists & Ankles are your pathways to primarily project your energy from your body to a target. The Elbows & Knees energize your entire structure in its striking and moving! It is through the Hips & Shoulders you create Centripetal Force, and it is how to efficiently either turn your upper body or your whole frame. Collectively: Moving and striking with your Structure! This is how you get Skeletal and Ligament-al Force/Energy! When you hit> or defend with your structure, you utilize the ground beneath you. Think of, as an example, from the Terminator movies (though it is fictitious Sci-Fi, a point can be made), take the Terminators. They had a titanium alloy endoskeleton with muscle and flesh overlay.

The fictional Terminator (Shown here with only the titanium alloy endoskeleton).

The muscle and flesh over-lay was, for all intensive purposes, just cosmetic and did not add in the being's movement nor power base. It is in that, that I draw the parallel! (Bare with me!) For you to gain the utmost True External power from your body, do not use your muscles, but use your structure> skeletal & ligamental strength. It is from that, I derive the definitions (mine) for True External Energy! Energize your structure> hit with all your structure, and be most aware of it. I should like to note and make this addition: Yes, if you had two persons, one training in Muscular Strength and the other in Structural Strength (Skeletal & Ligamental). It is very possible the person with Muscular Strength to equal the person who has trained as hard in his/her Structural Strength. But here's the inevitable thing: Muscles with age get weaker and slower, where bones and ligaments become more dense and tighter. Get it? This would explain, somewhat, how those old martial arts masters in the Far East are able to literally throttle their students a quarter of their ages! (Of course in this case, there is most likely some Internal stuff going on too.) Further, staying with that example of the older, knowledgeable Internal practitioner, I feel even in the most External systems of, say Karate, the upper echelon display True External & Internal Energies not knowing it, or just shrug it off as just having done something for so long that they reached this high level. Basically, still stumbling around in the dark tripping over the furniture, until one day, they just through repetition, know where that foot stool is located.. . And here when I make the comparisons between the two, the defining characteristic I am using is not how much weight they can lift, but how hard they can strike! One having a lot of muscle and being able to lift heavy weights, does not generally translate to also being able to hit hard. It generally hampers the muscle bound from effectively doing so with any great measure. I am not advocating stopping the training and strengthening of muscle tissue, one should always train and strengthen them so it aids in your movement. I am advocating not to forget your Structure! And so, something I say a whole lot in all the systems I teach, I frequently say in the classes, "Be a Whip not a Stick!!!" Relaxation is important in all the movements of quite frankly ALL the martial arts! Hence be a whip not a stick.

Kinetic Linking
Kinetic Linking is vastly seen in Taijichuan! I frequently (very) say that in Kinetic Linking: Force is direction stupid! Take the example of a left lead single whip posture. The left hand is in a forward "knife hand" position striking the opponent in the sternum as what is called, "A Stop Hit." The right hand is in a crane's head position shooting simultaneously off to your right side. So the left hand is Force A and the right hand is Force B. Even though Force B is going in an entirely different direction, through Physics and Laws of Motion, it will enhance and amplify, constructively, Force A.

True External Energy (And your connecting devices to the ground>>> Your heels, which also control and manage your Six Harmonies!!!)
Hitting with your structure involves Whole Body Energy, and is the True External Energy (Utilizing external power through the muscles is far less efficient.). So, regarding True External Energy, physics can aid in its description and understanding, as we are basically dealing with the principles of Force, measured in Newtons. Force in relation to Bio Mechanics, Centripetal Force, Newton's First, Second, & Third Laws of Motion, Newton's Law of Gravitation, and perhaps (for both External & Internal Energies) even a bit of Star Wars and Star Trek analogies (just kidding!). OK, I might use a bit of Sci-Fi! But only to aid in the explanation- really!

The correct and successful transfer of True External Energy, through and out the body is based on Structural Conductivity. A term coined by me. (But with this said, there is a correlation with Internal Energy, in that when you have Structural Conductivity, you too have a potential for Internal Energy to flow.) Just as in electricity, you must have Electrical Conductivity. Where electrons/current can flow through a wire, that wire must have Electrical Conductivity. Gold having the best conductivity- but who could afford or want to wire their house with gold wiring?! Silver is next, but still too pricey. Copper! Copper is the winner! And it is seen throughout all electrical wiring. Force too (and here I am not referring to Chi or Internal Energy, but scientifically measured in units of newtons> Net Force), requires a conductivity to move through a body, and it is Structural Conductivity. In the simplest sense, the proper alignment of the bones and ligaments, so the Force has an efficient, direct line/path through and out of the body. Further, through this Structural Conductivity, the ability to move force through and to different parts of the body, in so tapping into it as an energy conduit (sorry Star Trek analogy, but still that's its use!). Most importantly, appropriately connecting to the ground! This can be seen in the mechanics of the (Single) Heel Press: connecting to the ground that our students first learn. And when I say, "press," I don't mean hard> trying to squeeze juice out of the ground! The Chinese call it Dìmiàn Dào 地面道: Way of the Ground. Where, in the very beginning and understanding, through the Heel Press(s), and these are very subtle and should be unseen to the non-calibrated eye, you determine where your connection to the ground and Force goes in relation to the acting limb corresponding to the back heel or front heel. The next import stage to learn, as proficiency and understanding increases, is as you execute techniques, whether defensive or offensive, the force is going from one leg to the other, termed by me as: Modulating Heels. Think of my Slinky analogy. Take a slinky, and hold one end in your left hand, the other end in your right hand. The slinky would represent your legs & hips, and each hand representing each of your heels (right hand/right heel & left hand/left heel). When you raise your left hand higher than your right, more of the slinky moves into you right hand, the equivalent to activating/right heel press sending energy down your right leg and into your right heel. Raise your right hand above your left, more of the slinky goes into your left hand, equivalent to sending energy down your left leg into the heel by a left heel press. Through the process of set up and execution of technique, this modulation can go back and forth more than once. The corresponding heel in relation to the acting limb is where the modulation/energy should always end. And still with the Modulating Heels: When doing it practically fast, the modulation too, must be equally fast. And there is an "spring" effect. Springing down through the heel(s) when making the entire motion at fighting speed.

Another grounding concept is, Duel Heel Ground Connection. This type of ground connections takes equally a great deal of control as the previous examples. What I mean by control is, in order to become expert at your art, it isn't that you master your art, but rather, you master your body. Meaning controlling your body accurately and intricately, both in a sustained manner in the examples of heel/ground connection presented! That, as you will find, is not easy! LOL! One, in Taijichuan (and many other Internal Arts), should be relaxed and heavy, both in step and static posture, with the ability to still move quickly. Further, with any kind of heel connection, it must be with proper structural alignment.

When one is striking/pushing and connecting well with the ground, it is visible in that the body shows no reaction to the contact.

Additionally, you will see that the direction of the energy in your body, in this case down a leg connecting to the ground, does NOT need to go in the same direction as your strike (F1 = -F2!!!). This can become a very complex moving/reversing (modulating) the energy flow from one leg to the other. This can also be utilized in kicking through the heel of the plant foot. The key thing here is that Force will piggy back (lack of a better term) your body weight/motion and the direction it is going, i.e.: down which leg to the corresponding heel, then into the ground, making that connection to the ground, and from this find that you can generate great power in your strikes. That connection is not just a physical one, but more importantly a mental connection. The Six Harmonies also play a major role in this stage.The twists are very subtle when done from a Small Frame or just standing upright. (To learn about how the hips can play a role in energy transfer, go to the Karate Page and refer to the segment on, "The Shurikan Punch."

And like electricity, Force too seeks to go to the ground. Force also is effected by Gravity. There in lies additional to Newtons Three Laws of Motion, but also Newton's Law of Gravity! Getting back to the principle that Force seeks to go to the ground. There is an effect that I call, Back Flow or Negative Force. This adverse (to you!) principle occurs when you strike a target. It's based on Newton's Third Law of Motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction> F1 = -F2. Using a punch as an example; When you hit the target, even if the target is moved back, in the case of a makiwara (Japanese striking device/target) or breaking a board, there will be a Force coming back into your fist, Back Flow. If that force/energy has no where to go, it can hurt or injure your hand. However, if you have properly initiated the Six Harmonies and grounded the correct heel with regards to the proper type of rotation, the back Flow will be sinked or grounded through that appropriate/corresponding heel! This Sinking will occur in any of the stages, if done correctly! All of these stages are learned in step by step form. The student starts with just working their heel presses in cooperation with the appropriate striking limb, Stage One/Single Heel Press. Remember that all the stages are cumulative! Meaning they all work together. Each new stage introduced is "stacked" onto the preceding. So you must make sure each stage is properly learned and can be done without thinking about it. Always remember, as you get more comfortable and expert at these concepts, they will wrap into tight, compressed movements, when applying these through fast Fajing.

Upon reaching a good understanding and performing the principles of the concepts (heel) previously mentioned, one can take it further for maximum grounding and ground strength. Through what I call, "Duel Heel Ground Connection." This final type of ground connections takes equally a great deal of control. What I mean by control is, in order to become expert at your art, it isn't that you master your art, but rather, you master your body. Meaning controlling your body accurately and intricately, both in a sustained manner! That, as you will find, is not easy! LOL! One, in Taijichuan (and many other Internal Arts), should be relaxed and heavy, both in step and static posture, with the ability to still move quickly. Further, with any kind of heel connection, it must be with proper structural alignment.

"Hit with the weight of the world, find your ground connection!"- Sifu C

So, making contact with the ground with a part of your body, allows you to move Force (and Energy) through your body, control it, its direction, and negate the Back Flow/Negative Force.. It is that connection to the ground that is paramount! Further, the shifting of your body weight, shifts the Force equally. It requires, as stated before, the command and control (and I would also use the word Mastery) of your body. This same principle is used in Tai Chi's: Push Hands and Fast Fa Li/Jing. This is a highly complex thing to learn, and requires a high degree of command and control (and I would also use the word: mastery) of your body: it's weight displacement and the Energy/Force that corresponds with it. And so, as I said just previously, the mechanics of connecting to the ground are internal and, "It happens inside (the body)." Which, I believe, is another definition for an Internal Martial Art. Many consider an Internal Martial Art as one that utilizes the Internal (Intrinsic) Chi Energy (only). Yes most do, though I have found through my experiences and experimentations, that it can mean more, as in the case of True Energy and the Heel Press: connecting to the ground. Chi/Jing are concepts/energy not yet having been able to be measured by any scientific device of our age. When I talk about Force in True External Energy, I am not talking about Chi, but rather Force accepted in physics, measured in Newtons. True External Energy in Newtons of Force vs Internal Energy comprised of Chi. Though in the end, they will both work hand in hand (no pun intended). That's where it can get complicated, if you aren't already finding it that way! LOL! The mechanics that create the transmission of True External Energy can also do the same with Internal Energy. When you also build up your Internal Energy, it can work with the above concepts and magnify your power output. Internal Energy will be defined in the next segment, as will Internal Energy Exercises be referenced to (only). The importance is finding the connection with the ground and redirecting Force (& Energy) through the body. These principles in Tai Chi are very subtle and softer, where in Karate (that we present) they are more robust, explosive, and and less invisible to the calibrated (and uncalibrated) eye. AND, with all of these above principles/actions as stated before, timing & doing them at the point of contact/impact is paramount! You, also in doing these principles, are moving in the most efficient way. The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital recently did such a study on the efficiency of Tai Chi movement and even into Internal Energy!

Move like a Whip!!!
Be a Whip, not a Stick!!!
If you're relaxed in your movement, you can be "whippy!" Move like a whip.

There's a saying in Chinese martial arts," Before you make a right turn, you first make a small left. (and vice versa)"

As I often say about all axioms and "rules" in the martial arts, is don't take them so literally. Further, use them as a theme, not a rule, or rigid law. So with the above saying, and I believe you see it in martial arts> especially in Taiji, that using the above theme; If you want to move forward, you move back a bit first. Isn't that the mechanics of a whip?! This will also lead to Three Dimensional Movement.

Three Dimensional Movement - X, Y, & Z Axis

More to come soon...

Advanced Tai Chi Chuan, as it is a true Internal System, is based in the final end on Energy Transfer, Fa Jing (Fa= Transfer/Emit & Jing= Energy). In this case the energy is Internal Energy. And how True External and Internal Energies can work together. The True External principles can be the platform for projecting Internal Energy!

"Given enough time, any man may master the physical. With enough knowledge, any man may become wise. It is the true warrior who can master both....and surpass the result."
- Tien T'ai

Internal Energy

There are a number of internal martial arts systems today. A few: Tai Chi Chuan, Xing Yi Chuan, Yi Chuan, Bagua Zhang, and Hsing I to name a few! The Internal Kung Fu offered in our program is strictly supplemental at this point, and for those interested in seeing and learning it. It is explored and offered to assistant instructor or higher level practitioners in our group, presently. It is comprised primarily from Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan itself, along with Fu Lin Chi Internal Kung Fu. The requirements for manifesting Internal Energy: is the combination of Mental Visualization and Focus (along with a great deal of mental discipline!), and unlike True External Energy (as defined previous), Internal Energy (its manifestation) does not require Structural Conductivity. Though it, True External Energy and its mechanics, will be utilized to project Internal Energy. You must also be mentally and physically relaxed to build up your Internal Energy. Relaxation is very important. But before all that, you must first believe in it, and be open to becoming aware of it, in you.

So, again, the following are my own opinions, though Master Zwing-Ming Yang has a similar correlating dissertation (somewhat) to my Battery analogy.

We Are The Battery!

The common battery

So, what is a battery? Basically? And how does it relate to us?
It is a device that creates an energy through a catalyst interaction between compounds. A battery inside, has a chemical compound and a mineral compound that through their interaction, completes the energy producing process> in the battery's case- a voltage. Well, so does your body! You have minerals, you have chemicals in your body. They interact together. You have a metabolism. And if you applied a volt-ohm meter (VOM) to your fingers, set it to the right scale, you would register a voltage! But in each, the battery and your body, you would also emit an electromagnetic force. Therefore you have the potential for Conductance and Inductance.

I believe an explanation (one of them anyway) for Chi/Internal Energy is Electromagnetism, and with that a contrasting effect of Electromagnetic Induction.
In electromagnetism and electronics, inductance is the property of a conductor by which a change in current flowing through it "induces" (creates) a voltage (electromotive force) in both the conductor itself (self-inductance) and in any nearby conductors(mutual inductance). Conductance (General Physics) is the ability of a system to conduct electricity, measured by the ratio of the current flowing through the system to the potential difference across it; the reciprocal of resistance. It is measured in reciprocal ohms, mhos, or siemens. Symbol: G. Electromagnetic induction is the production of an electromotive force across a conductor when it is exposed to a varying magnetic field. It should be noted that these fore mentioned terms are specific to electronics technology & electrical engineering. However, I believe a similar parallel, if only a mild one, can be drawn to the human body. In the case(relative to Electromagnetic Inductance) of the human body, the conductor can be your opponent's body, with the varying magnetic field/waves being your Jing/Internal Energy. Regarding said varying magnetic field/waves, the frequency of those waves can be changed by mental focus, as well the waves can also be bent to change its manipulation qualities. Where both these principles can be seen in the Energy Exercises that will be discussed in a later segment on this site page. Also, when two distinct and differently sourced, electromagnetic waves come in contact with each other, you have an energy potential, there in lies the understanding of how possibly Chi works and how it is used against an opponent too! So, and from these examples are why, I believe, we are now living in such a sick, unhealthy society> we are all getting bombarded by electromagnetic waves daily! We get hit from our Wi-Fi, cell phones, all electronic devices, communications systems, etc.!

Still with the electrical/electronics hypothesis: I believe Jing is the energy in your body and Chi is the total value/quantity of Jing you have in your body. Just as Wattage (Power) is the quantity of the Voltage & Amperage (the multiplication of the two), Chi is like the wattage, and Jing is the Voltage & Amperage. So, the level/value of potential Chi in your body is equal to the quantity of Jing you readily have in your body. Yep, that's my take on it.

The Capaicitor

There is a charge discharge effect. Also, in some cases an energy drop. I see this in my Internal Energy exercises. If I focus too long on a routine, I can feel my energy level drop. It takes a few moments to get the level back up. Also, you may find certain times of the day "your battery" is at its lowest power level. If you're focus is off, your power level will be low. Remember, mental focus and discipline is a necessity, so if you remain disciplined and focused at those low level sessions, you can bring it back up. And should, that in some ways the process can resemble another electrical device> a Capacitor. A device, without getting into it too deeply, is essentially one that charges and discharges a voltage/current. And you will see through your Energy Exercises this property. That it can be, especially with both hands using the Repel/Push effect, it is easier to send the energy out in spurts (build up-project/discharge and repeat) than trying to do one steady flow outward. In this, I am talking about Internal Energy Exercises I do. Which will be referenced in the next section.

Controlling Your Internal Energy And Its Manifestation (And Tracking Your Success)
Through Internal Energy exercises, that are first introduced by me to only senior students, one can learn to first be aware of Internal Energy and then through time and practice, learn to control it. The manifestation and control of Internal Energy, as stated earlier (after first becoming aware of it, and then learning to manifest it) is based on Mental Visualization and Focus (and a lot of mental discipline and practice too!), along with, as you progress, Qi Gong Breathing. Which will be referenced later on in this page. Through the Internal Energy exercises, in this example your hand(s) (I reference using the hand(s)> really the palms(s), because they are Energy Gates, and a target you wish to influence, you must not visualize on your hand, nor the target, but rather, at the appropriate time/distance, the area between your hand(s) and the target. Your arms play a role, in that when using a two hand exercise/effect they should be more straight at the elbows than bent. Moreover, you have to mentally (and physically) feel the Connection between your hand and the target. It is more about seeing/feeling that connection with your target than visualizing solely on your target. That's because your eyes are Navigational Gates. And with further practice and experience, your Mind (and with it, your Eyes) will become the Primary Navigational Gate(s). You'll learn, early on, the single hand has an Attraction/Pull Effect, while both hands have a Repulsion/Push Effect. However, as your understanding and control evolves and progresses to an elite level, you'll find through bending the waves that you can: repel with one hand, repel & attract with a single hand or both hands, and further manipulations of your target like: controlling/changing the direction of the waves off your palms/hands, and how you work the palms/hands in concert of each other> together, in combination, or separately . Through these exercises, you'll learn a target in motion is easier to influence than a static target. And through practice the distance between your hand and the target can get greater. It's that connection that is all important throughout, the target isn't even relevant, it just happens to be the one getting influenced by your energy through that connection. The effect(s) of the hand(s) is not that , in the easiest terms I know to relay, it is not a Laser effect, but rather a Wave or Bubble effect. These Internal Energy exercises are not done solely for the obvious, but also to become better aware, control, and manifestation of the Energy and how these small exercises translate into your everyday Tai Chi, and most importantly, self-defense.

Qi Gong (How you breathe is proportionate to how you move!)
Qi Gong, sometimes spelled Chi Gung, is the art of breathing, in a nutshell. I present Bai He Qi Gong> White Crane Qi Gong. To move efficiently, you need to breathe efficiently! When practising Qi Gong, specifically when you inhale and exhale, you do what I call Back-Flow Breathing.This is done by the mild constriction of the air pathway through your breath channel. Internal Energy not only can piggy back your body mass/motion, but it also does the same with your breath. So, through Qi Gong you can control and manipulate your Internal Energy. Five methods of modification/manipulation of this way of breathing is presented. Qi Gong can be worked into both your True External Energy and Internal Energy. It can enhance either one. The Back-Flow Breathing works exceptionally well with the fore-mentioned Internal Energy Exercises in the Internal Energy section above/previous, and also in practical use. I have found that the Internal Energy/Chi, stored or manifested, in the body, is in its normal state, very benign. It is triggered, and its properties change, by motion (of your body or breath), and with/or by the intent of the mind (Yi).

In my final analysis I believe both the True External and Internal energies can work together. If you have good Structural Conductivity, you will have good True External Energy, and so with it the potential for Internal Energy to flow. And as I stated earlier: The True External principles can be the platform for projecting Internal Energy! Just like, as stated earlier, in the properties of True External Force, the Force (in Newtons) piggy-backs the body mass/motion. So does the Internal Energy (Chi/Jing), it too piggy backs the body mass/motion, as well as your breath (which will be discussed in the Qi Gong segment).

If you note, I give equal importance and description to both Structural/True External Energy & Internal Energy. First, True External Energy is the pathway (and platform) to Internal Energy. And second, I believe to have a proper balance, and understanding of Tai Chi Chuan, one must have also, have a balanced understanding of both Internal &True External energies. Yin & Yang. This all can be quite a nebulas kind of a thing as phrased this way earlier, one where you must kind of have to sneak up on it> or it sneaks up on you! It has been for me an rewarding journey (some times a struggle), but without my exploration into the Internal, I doubt my martial arts would be what it is today, and perhaps I wouldn't be in the martial arts at all. It can be very hard to explain. Thus, as was said about the Martial Way, by Lao Tzu, "If it could be talked about, everyone would have told his brother." (I find Lao Tzu talks a lot like Yoda...) But with that said, anyone can achieve results with dedication, patience, and practice, because these gifts are within us all!

"Ponder these things, you will." - Yoda

As I stated in the Karate section, research and study of these arts is not much different from Palaeontology, the study of dinosaurs... You postulate theories and conclusions based on what facts you have, from observations, and/or derivatives from accepted theories, OR you just step out on a limb, and base your statements with what you have or what you feel!!! In most cases, just some bones...
-Shihan/Sifu C

Chin Na (Seize & Control)

Chin Na (Okinawan Karate calls it Kyusho), is one of the three elements required to be a fighting system in China: Hand & Foot striking, Grappling, and Chin Na.

Chin Na is based on Chinese medicine (Chi flow, Meridians, and Energy Channels) when utilizing pressure points, and human anatomy when utilizing Joint Manipulation. Hidden inside the forms and the postures are an assortment of Pressure Points & Joint Manipulation! Our Taiji students learn to identify and work these techniques through their Push Hands training and practice.

Click Here for more info on Chin Na.

实际的推手 Shíjì de Tuīshǒu> Practical (Martial) Push Hands.

New Chinese Proverb: We'll manufacture your cheap plastic junk, and brew up & send over our viruses!!!

If you found some- or a lot of this still unclear, or that I lacked a deep enough explanation? Well...

And to understand more, you need to join our class. Further, as you expand your training and understanding through our classes, more of this page (and others) will continue to make more sense. 'Cause I am not giving away the secret ingredient(s) to my noodle soup here!!!