GrandMaster HUANG - 13 Questions and Answers - Question 12

Q12. Some students have been learning and practising Tai Chi for several years and are yet unstable. Why is this so?

A lot of students are using wrong learning and practising technique. Students must start with understanding the Tao of philosophy, then the principles, then using the correct method and finally putting in the effort. Students must understand the relationship of man and his surroundings, or the universe, and use the method of Qi to practice. He must be humble and persistent in his practice. Slowly, rootedness will result and the method of practising be understood. Understand the principles and be aware of the less obvious and unnoticeable aspects in slowing acquiring skill. Being rooted and having internal force can never be observed externally. They can be accomplished through correct method. In practising the movement and developing the internal force, the joints of the body must be loosened and yet linked. The whole body is relaxed and is not easily pushed over by an opponent. Substantiality is distinguished from insubstantiality. Aim to be flexible and pliable like a snake whose tail will come in to help if you attack the head, or vice versa or whose tail and head will assist when the centre is attacked. Be responsive to consciousness (or intent), then tranquillity and pliability can be achieved. It is easier to lift off a 200 catties iron rod than to lift up a 100 catties iron chain [1 cattie = 500 grams]. This illustrates the principles of thoroughly relaxed joints. Students must also understand the application of yin and yang in the movements and push hand exercises. Yin and yang principles are in Tai Chi which encompasses the universe; all movements, whether divided according to upper and lower body, right and left, front and back, internal and external, must not deviate from the principles of substantiality and insubstantiality. Moving and stillness alternate continuously; Yin does not depart from Yang and vice versa. When Yang moves, Yin also moves and vice versa. This principle must be understood when practising the set movements. The body and the character is trained together as is the acquisition of the Tao and the art. Tao is likened to yin while the art or skill is the yang. Yang is evolved from yin at yin's completion. Being relaxed, stillness and being rooted become yin components. Neutralisation of force forms the basic foundation where no strength is used. Stillness is like that of the mountain. No change is seen but it is capable of a lot of changes. The founder has said, "Tao is the basis, art is the consequential". One must therefore acquire Tao by learning not to resist, for only then will the body learn to be obedient. In attacking and defending, one must understand the method, then acquire insubstantiality and quietude. Only then will the defence be solid. Attacking will also be successful as one is naturally comfortable. In pushing hands exercise, one must learn to achieve non-resistance and stickiness. Having achieved stickiness, then one can achieve the ability to neutralise force. With adequate reserves, the neutralising ability is applied with an involuntary exertion of internal force.