Description

In order to maximize the benefit of tai chi practice you must develop the qualities of Taiji discussed in the Classics. These underlying principles of practice such as, open and close, empty and full, center equilibrium, apply universally to all styles of taijiquan. Master George Xu has divided the study of these qualities and others into five specific training drills. They can be practiced in their entirety, or customized to suit the individual practitioner’s needs.Volume 1 focuses on Power Stretching and Spiral Training. In the Power Stretching section the drills emphasize, extending opposing parts of the body, to open the joints facilitating unobstructed flow of the qi. In the second section on Volume 1 spiraling, or silk reeling energy is addressed. The drills are intended to focus the practitioner on moving qi internally to open and close the different parts of the body, consistent with Chan Ssu Chin or silk reeling cocoon theory.Volume  2 continues with two sections on internal training, standing postures and taiji qigong. Practice of the standing postures in Section Three is used for internal endurance training focusing on structure, developing “rootedness” and filling the entire body with qi.Taiji practice is composed of external and internal training: the physical elements of the form combined with the flow of qi in the body. The practice of the physical form addresses the external aspect containing elements, such as, structure, stance, correct movement, weight distribution. Taiji qigong in Section Four addresses the internal aspects, such as, qi flow, using the mind to move the energy, energy to move the body. Taiji practice should contain both aspects.The following drills are for the purpose of developing Peng Jin. Peng is ward off. Jin is issuing power. In order to use taiji for self defense this teaching is essential. It teaches the practitioner how to issue power from the “Eight Gates” of tai chi, the four cardinal directions of the circle and four corners of the square of the tai chi form. Peng/ward off, Lu/roll back, Chi/press, An/push, Chou/elbow attack, Lieh/split, Tsai/pull down,, and Kao/shoulder strike. They can be practiced as a group or individually.Generally this is referred to as peng jin training. Peng is also used to describe an internal springlike quality of taiji, and this title deals with jin or power issuing training of all eight gates not just peng or ward off. These drills isolate each of the eight jins for practicing. In addition to self defense these exercises are very useful for push hand practice.