About the Written Tradition of Taijiquan
Taijiquan is practiced both as a self-cultivation and health technique, as well as a martial art. Quite often this results in the discussion of its purpose.
Author: Martin Boedicker
The Flow Experience in Tai Chi Chuan
Tai Chi Chuan is often described as meditation in motion. With this feature, the simultaneity of physical action and the achievement of a meditative state of awareness, Tai Chi Chuan has become famous. This fusion of inner stillness and outer movement leads to a special feeling. One is in the here and now, highly concentrated. … [Read more…]
The Cultural (Wen) And The Martial (Wu) Aspect In Taijiquan
Wen, the cultural, is the foundation (ti) and wu the martial, is the application (yong). The achievement of the cultural lies in the martial. It is applied through the essence, qi and spirit (shen) and the practice of physical training.
The Eight Gates – Techniques Or Principles? An Attempt For An Explanation
The eight gates (bamen) are peng, lü, ji, an, cai, lie, zhou and kao. Dealing with them in theory and practice quickly brings up the following question: Are they techniques to overcome an opponent, or are they general principles of movement? These two views seem contradictory, but they can be blended to one, as the … [Read more…]