the rum soaked fist: internal martial arts forum

I think this is a good definition of Taijiquan from the writing of Shen Jiazhen (1963).

So it’s not a martial art then. Thanks for clearing that up.

As Graham points out I think it's lacking as a definition of taijiquan. I think that's one aspect of training. IIRC Shun Jiazhen wrote about Chen taiji. It sounds like an expansion of one of the Chen family taiji sayings.

上中下一氣把定，身手足規距繩束，手不向空起，亦不向空落，精敏神巧全在活。

The upper, middle, and lower (move) together (yi qi), the body, hands and feet are lightly stretched (as if) controlled by rope. Hands do not rise empty and also do not fall empty, the essence (of the movement) is agile and mysterious, skillfully combined into a living whole.

That's a cool saying.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health and wellness. It is performed for various reasons, to aid growth and improve strength, preventing aging, developing muscles and the cardiovascular system, honing athletic skills, weight loss or maintenance, improving health and also for enjoyment. Many individuals choose to exercise outdoors where they can congregate in groups, socialize, and enhance well-being.

Yeung wrote:From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health and wellness. It is performed for various reasons, to aid growth and improve strength, preventing aging, developing muscles and the cardiovascular system, honing athletic skills, weight loss or maintenance, improving health and also for enjoyment. Many individuals choose to exercise outdoors where they can congregate in groups, socialize, and enhance well-being.

Tai Chi is not limited to the term "exercise", it's too limited. Tai Chi Chuan is more than a "bodily activity".

I looked up the Collins English Thesaurus and martial arts is not a synonym of exercise, the closest one is a missile being used in a military exercise = manoeuvre. How about:

Taijiquan is a mind directed stretchy and springy exercise for self-defence.

As a noun, exercise has the synonyms of use, exertion, manoeuvre, and task, which sort of including practice, training, etc.

This seems to me as a very western way of looking at Tai Chi Chuan.

It could apply to a lot of martial arts.

everything wrote:It could apply to a lot of martial arts.

I’m not sure about that, what others use those specific mind-body specifics that the CIMA does ?

Trick wrote:

everything wrote:It could apply to a lot of martial arts.

I’m not sure about that, what others use those specific mind-body specifics that the CIMA does ?

seems like every single one has to have good mind-body integration, stretchiness, and springiness. heck, same with all sports for that matter (but most of those aren't specifically for self defense). yes, same with yoga ^^^

yup
I just had close encounter with yogagirl, she showed me some interesting maneuvers

everything wrote:

Trick wrote:

everything wrote:It could apply to a lot of martial arts.

I’m not sure about that, what others use those specific mind-body specifics that the CIMA does ?

seems like every single one has to have good mind-body integration, stretchiness, and springiness. heck, same with all sports for that matter (but most of those aren't specifically for self defense). yes, same with yoga ^^^

Now I’m sure you are not practicing TJQ or similar.


TJQ at least here in China is the name of the solo form, then one can add sparring and weapons. The solo form(TJQ)has some specific mind body interactions, that stretch and mold in its very specific way, building the required body way. The application of this in itself is not limited to combat scenarios, on the contrary it’s mostly applied in ones regular daily life.
Now the forms also contain ideas on combat, most obviously seen in the physical movements of the form. And then more hidden, ideas and senses on correct timing.
So TJQ(solo form) is not as Yoga. Although the Yoga we see today was created by Scandinavians and implemented into the physical training regime of the British armed forces...that’s why GrahameB is fascinated with it?