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was always rather taken by the remark made by Cheng Man Ching and
detailed in Robert Smith`s excellent book "Chinese Boxing -
Master and Methods". Smith asks Cheng why the latter`s
students do not approach his skill level and Cheng replies "No
faith."
I find it does require some faith to
leave behind the strength related methods of the external schools, also
I mean it here to encourage Yang stylists of whatever school or faith to
realise the universal principles at work within the forms, and to
reassure those of a spiritual nature that nothing that takes place in
classes should conflict with their beliefs.
T`ai Chi Chuan (supreme
ultimate boxing as the Yang family refined it), appears as a slow moving
series of postures (called "the form"), played by the body and limbs.
Eventually forms with swords are "played". The playing of the form is underpinned with mindful
concentration and breath control.
The practice develops a calm mind, a
supple body, strength in the lower limbs, with better balance.
Though used primarily for stress relief, the art works on many other
levels. Its basis in Chinese Traditional Medicine is believed to
affect beneficially the organs and systems of the body, to maintain
health and longevity. From its Taoist philosophy comes a basis
for spiritual development. It is also a deceptively powerful
martial art.
At our Beeston Ta`i chi class students commence to learn the first
section of the long Yang form and may go on the learn the entire
sequence. If required, applications of the martial moves, and the
practice of push hands (a sort of compromised sparing based on
sensitivity) can be practiced.
To discuss how you might approach this
activity, e-mail now.
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