Understanding the practice
Concepts & Theory
This is certainly not a format that is seen very often. In my experience, however, it can be difficult—particularly for a Western audience—to translate Chinese martial arts theory into genuine practice without first understanding the concepts that have been handed down.
Taijiquan is fundamentally about embodiment, not merely a conceptual endeavor. Nevertheless, if we do not understand how terms such as 气 qi, 意 yì and 劲 jìn can be translated into concrete practice, they risk becoming folkloric expressions without practical meaning.
Conceptual uncertainty can even result in a less integrated practice. Practitioners may attempt to train or cultivate something without having a clear understanding of what that “something” actually is.
Concepts only become useful when they guide practice: 气 qi, 意 yì and 劲 jìn should describe things that can be trained, experienced and applied—not merely repeated as terminology.
Chen Zhaokui and Chao Zhenmin once wrote:
According to general experience, when learning a science or an art, if you begin with a clear understanding of what you are learning, know which method to use, which steps to take, which process to follow and which key problems to solve, you can achieve your goal. If you also study and practice diligently and persevere, you will obtain corresponding results after a certain period of time.
Conversely, if you do not have a sufficiently accurate understanding of what you are learning and simply “learn” and “practice” blindly, you may still remain empty-handed, even after expending a great deal of effort. […] As far as we know, this situation is particularly evident when learning Chen-Style Taijiquan. During the learning process, we feel that this form of boxing is elusive and difficult to master.
Chen Zhaokui and Chao Zhenmin, quoted in Chen Yu, Taiji Rensheng (Beijing: Mingjia Shuhua Chubanshe, 2011). Source: www.cytjw.cn
From Knowledge to Practice
When I began learning from my shifu, Chen Yu, I started to understand how precise the Taiji method can be when we are willing to put in the work—and how crucial a knowledge of its key mechanics and concepts is for correct practice.
Much of what I discuss in the following video is not commonly talked about, and even less of it is usually demonstrated. The session itself is deliberately informal and casual, which will hopefully make it easier to focus on the content.
I also hope that the setting conveys something of how we generally train: with enjoyment and diligence, on equal footing, with mutual respect, and in a detailed yet comprehensible way. Enjoy—and perhaps the format will inspire some new questions for your own training.
An informal question-and-answer session on the practical meaning of Taijiquan concepts and training methods.
Questions from the First Session
Theory should not replace physical practice. Its purpose is to make practice clearer, more precise and more fully integrated.