Tai Chi Colorado Springs

Taiji skill requires breath regulation to circulate qi.

When the breath is regulated, qi flows; when qi flows, energy becomes unified.

Breath should not be forced, it should arise with movement and follow intent.

In time, the breath becomes deep and long, qi sinks to the dantian, and the whole body becomes one breath.

-Grandmaster Wei Shuren

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Here's a picture of Sifu Michael teaching on the importance of relaxing the tailbone down.

Subtle Tai Chi principles like this one make a huge difference to our health, overall well-being, and even our martial prowess.

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Standing practice is the foundation of Taiji skill methods.

Seek relaxation in the stance, stillness within relaxation, and liveliness within stillness.

Feet rooted to the earth, mind undistracted, qi returning to the dantian, spirit guarding the center.

With time, internal energy becomes abundant, and external form naturally stable.

-Grandmaster Wei Shuren

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Taiji methods cultivate both stillness and movement, but begin with stillness.

Seek stability, relaxation, and spirit within stillness.

Only through stillness can one perceive, sense, and transform.

Standing still (zhanzhuang) is the root of qi nourishment and the foundation of spirit cultivation.

-Grandmaster Wei Shuren

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The beginning of skill training lies in the word “relaxation” (song).

Relaxation is not weakness, it removes clumsiness and generates responsiveness, clears stagnation and creates vitality.

When relaxed, spirit condenses, qi sinks, and energy gathers naturally.

If one forces relaxation, it leads instead to tension and stiffness.

-Grandmaster Wei Shuren

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"Gong” (skill) refers to effort and accumulated time and method.

It is not achieved in a day. It requires daily, long-term cultivation.

Method without effort yields no results; effort without method easily strays.

Thus, both effort and method are essential, neither can be lacking.

-Grandmaster Wei Shuren

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Analysis reveals application; skill methods cultivate energy.

The energies within the form are not innate, they rely on method to be developed.

If the method is refined, internal energy arises; when internal energy arises, the postures become alive.

Thus, method is the root of Taiji.

-Grandmaster Wei Shuren

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“To learn martial art, you must have Wu de (Martial Morality). Wu de is of utmost importance.
Martial art is not about getting fame or fortune.
To learn martial art is to live in the Tao. If you separate from the Tao, then you will lose the way.”
– Grandmaster Wang Yongquan

“Yang Family Tai Chi Master Wang Yongquan believed in acting according with Wu De (Martial Virtue). He had a noble character and possessed great martial skills, and known for being virtuous and excelled in martial arts. He was honest, compassionate, sincere and dedicated. He liked learning martial arts and was an enthusiastic teacher. He did not care for fame and lived a simple life.

When he talked about other martial arts styles and practitioners, he always pointed out their specialties in positive terms and never negatively. He said, every style has their unique features and advantages, it does not matter which style, if on becomes proficient in it, then its good.

When challengers visited,, he treated them with respect and stopped without boasting his achievements and without embarrassing others. When he took on students he looked for virtuous characters.

He taught wholeheartedly and did not withhold information. When he tested their hands, after Fajin, he would grab the opponent’s arm, to prevent them from falling down. If anyone had trouble understanding he would patiently explain again.” – Editor’s note

from Wang Yongquans Writings on Yang Style Tai chi — feeling peaceful

Translate by Richard Man

Training in Taijiquan requires cultivating both internal and external aspects.

Externally, one trains sinews, bones, and skin; internally, one cultivates essence, energy, and spirit.

Without internal refinement, the external is superficial and restless; without the external frame, internal skill has no structure.

When internal and external unite, and movement and stillness correspond, that is the authentic transmission of Taijiquan.

-Grandmaster Wei Shuren

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Martial application is one use of Taijiquan, but not its final goal.

The highest level of boxing skill lies in grasping principle and cultivating spirit.

To be able to apply technique without harming others, to engage without anger, this is the highest level.

Taijiquan is not just about striking others, but about self-cultivation, moral clarity, and realizing the Way.

-Grandmaster Wei Shuren

For Tai Chi Online Classes visit:
www.TaiChiOnlineClasses.com

For daily Classes in Southern Colorado visit:
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