Tai Chi Chung Chuan is an advanced form in
the Tai Chi Chuan system. It is considered as such based on its value, objective
and function in martial art perspective. It shares similar philosophy as in Tai
Chi Chuan. In the Tai Chi Chung Chuan, the obvious Yin/Yang philosophy is
interpreting as fast and slow, and hard and soft movements. When it is slow, the
softness is expressing or it is interpreting the concept of circle. It is
function for qi circulation to carry out the qi and nutrient throughout the
body. When it is fast, the hardness is expressing or it is interpreting the
concept of square. It is the function to delivery power. This hardness is not
involving any physical power but result from speed up the movements several
times by going in a straight line. Although the speed of some of the movements
is fast and powerful, they are still following the principle of "Applying the
intent not physical power" as described in the Tai Chi Chuan Classic. Therefore,
the Tai Chi Chuan Classic said "First works on the soft component. Later, works
on the hard component."
Tai Chi Chung Chuan is training the practitioner to become a martial artist
not simply to improve health. There are many powerful, quick and jumping
movements in the form. The basic ingredients involving martial confrontation.
Due to this nature, some people called it the Application Form or Martial Form
and it was for these reasons that Tai Chi Chung Chuan was kept secret for
generations. In the Tai Chi Chung Chuan, the movements are not initiated by the
waist as in Tai Chi Chuan but by the hands. The hands lead and dictate the speed
of the movement. When the hands move, the body follows and when more power
applies to the hands, the speed of the movement will be faster. The form is not
executed in the same pace and rhythm as in Tai Chi Chuan. Therefore, a
practitioner is not tired afterward. One is expecting a slow and fast movement
throughout the Tai Chi Chung Chuan form. It is for this rhythm of fast and slow
movement and all other Tai Chi Chuan principles involved that the form is called
Tai Chi Chung Chuan. Although the movement is fast, it is well connecting so it
has continuity. The execution of this characteristic is fueled by internal power
(not physical power) as well as relaxed the body to slow down after each fast
movement. A reader may asked that without physical power, how to issue internal
power? This is appearing to be a contradiction. No physical power is referring to
relax the body so that all the joints are loosely jointing together. When the
body moves, it is function as a whip. The power issue from this mechanic is
called internal power.
Based on its unique characteristics, objectives and functions, Tai Chi Chung
Chuan is a kept secret art available only to the dedicate students. Therefore,
there are many people heard of the name but never have the opportunity to
witness it.
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