“This is like learning Chinese calligraphy and Chinese painting. In the beginning, we have to imitate the technique and method of the old masters. Once we are getting better and have our own understanding of the art, we will perform the same art differently without even knowing about it. However, even when their techniques have reached the highest level of the art, each movement still adheres to the same basic tai chi chuan principles.” (The Tai Chi Chuan of Wu Jien Chuan, 1935)
In fact, all great Tai Chi masters of the old time have had a close relationship with each other. Sometimes, they would even voluntarily take on challenges from other schools of martial arts for their friends.
3 comments:
Hmm.. for some reason I have a hard time believing that YCF was teaching what was passed down from the Chen's. From what I've gathered, only YCF's oldest brother learned a style more similar to the chen's (small frame). I also heard that YCF never really learned from his father as he did not really get interested in taiji until his father's death. But maybe I'm mistaken.
However, I do see a similiarity between the chen laojia yilu (old frame, first routine) set and the traditional yang 103 set. While the choreography is similar, the execution definitely is not.. kind of hard to believe that he was teaching the same set as taught by chen family. If "type" or "principle", then that's possible since all taiji generally adheres to the same set of basic principles.
-- wuji @ wujibits.com
Hi, Wuji. Welcome back.
According to Master Gu Liu Xin, who was a student of both YCF and Chen Fa Ke, YCF's long form was developed from the Chen old form. In addition, YCF's brother changed his form in his later year to the Yang Sha Hou style that some tai chi player claimed to be more original and powerful nowadays.
One more thing I would like to point out is that YCF changed all the fast movements into slow movement after he moved to the southern part of China. Many people believe that this was mainly for health purpose. However, according to Chen Xin (1849-1929), Tai Chi has three levels: (1) slow but alert, (2) fast but correct, (3) slow and real soft. When you have reached the third level, you are soft but extremely strong. Chen Xin also mentioned that Tai Chi is formless. The form is just a way to learn how to use the intrinsic energy. YCF has reached the level that only the great master of his time can understand.
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