Methods of Training A Unified Body

When the body is relaxed into natural alignment the workings of chi become apparent.  Mind directs the chi. Chi moves the body.  This process can take many years and few practitioners reach high levels.  To free the body to the flow of chi (energy of vitality) is the purpose of Taiji Quan.  All difficulties can be related to incomplete relaxation or alertness.

The virtues of Taiji Quan and the methods to cultivate those virtues are not synonymous.  The methods are not the virtues but means to virtue.  Form itself could be considered a method. Principles are virtues or the manifestation of the virtues.  The following are methods we have used to cultivate unified, relaxed alignment.

1.  CONNECT THROUGH RELATION
Allow the hip joints to "talk" to the opposite shoulder  (ball and socket) joints.  The hip joint moves the      opposite shoulder joint.  Hip moves ten degrees then the opposite shoulder moves the same.

Hip joint and adjacent (same side) shoulder joint fall in a vertical line.

Connect opposite knee and elbow joints.  The elbow follows the knee.

Connect opposite ankle and wrist joints.  The wrist follows the ankle.

"Rooted in the feet. Sprouted (released) in the legs. Directed by the waist.  Manifest through the fingers."
                                                                                                                  Chan San-feng

Creatively look for other relations such as head-top/hip points, elbows/tailbone, etc.

2.  KEEP THE KWA VERTICAL
The function (not the position) of the kwa is vertical like the inner edge of a door.  The movement of the kwa connects in relation to the center-line axis.

3. HANGING THE SPINE
The vertebrae hang from above the head-top.  The entire spinal column is suspended loosely like a thread. Hip joints hang from the pelvis.  This can happen when the legs no longer push upward against the hip joints but soften, relax and open to the weight of the upper body.

4. CONNECT ENERGETIC RELATIONSHIPS.
Tension can be considered stuck or stagnant energy.  Energy that is stuck (resisted) wants to move.  When a place of tension is noted, consider where the stuck energy wants to move.  As the tension is released, slowly and consciously, be aware of what and how it connects.  What is the feeling?  This is chi moving.  It is a common mistake to try to release tension suddenly and without mindfulness.  Let it move smoothly. Endeavor to make corrections (otherwise known as changes) by allowing chi to flow where it is naturally disposed to move.  The body follows the energy.  The energy follows the Mind.  Mind follows Spirit.
 

Prolog

Preface.

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The beginning

Fellow practitioners,
   The BRTCCSocieties first public demonstration in 22 years went well.  In fact the entire Whittier evening went well.  Much excellence in all the presentations. I'd like to extend a thank-you to Jeanniene, Jerry, Beth, Doug, Mark, Paula, Rudy and all those whose efforts helped make this event a success.

"Sinking the ch'i to the tan t'ien is the cornerstone of ch'i cultivation.  The requisite principle of sinking the ch'i is that the breathing be fine, long, quiet, and slow.  Gradually inhale into the tan tien.  The ch'i stays with the mind and day after day, month after month it accumulates.  This must happen naturally and not be forced.  In the beginning it is not easy to lower the ch'i.  You must sink the shoulders and elbows slightly thus drawing the ch'i into the stomach.  Relax the chest downward and slightly raise the back; then you can lead the ch'i to the tan tien.  This is the first step of the Earth level of practice*.  If you don't practice in this manner you will inhale to quickly and the ch'i will go up.  This will cause the shoulders to shrug and the chest to expand and will soon lead to problems."

                CMC  13 Treatises; # 11
   

            *  CMC writes that there are three levels of Taiji development; human, earth, and heaven.  Each have three steps of attainment.  Human level deals with connecting the body as one unit, alignment, through relaxation of sinews, ligaments and fascia.  Earth level deals with cultivating the ch'i.  Heaven level deals with internal strength and spirit.

          yours,

                         kayo