LaoDan wrote:Touch is faster than vision over numerous different stimuli speeds and durations. While one could apply the terminology of TJQ to non-contact encounters (i.e., visual stimuli), the principles seem to be better applicable to from-contact interactions (i.e., tactile stimuli). This touch reaction speed is best when one’s muscles are not too stiff nor too slack (don’t resist and don’t let loose). If one has awareness through touch, there is not as much mental processing that needs to occur prior to reacting, as when compared to what is needed through processing visual stimuli. I think that this is why TJQ emphasizes listening through touch, and resiliency of the muscle tension level (tonus). We want the body to maintain the stretch reflex capabilities of our muscles (maintaining proper structure and muscle tonus) so that the brain processing does not slow down our reactions. This is especially important for counter-strikers since actions are faster than reactions; counter-strikers need to minimize any delayed reaction [note that the idealized analogy of a properly inflated rubber ball is capable of immediate reaction without even possessing a brain, i.e. there is no delayed reaction to incoming pressure].
Pengjin (rebounding ability from properly maintained structure and muscle resiliency, i.e., the stretch reflex) as well as the ability to freely rotate in response to pressure (lujin) appear to be what allows TJQ practitioners to receive attacks and turn them into vulnerabilities that can then be exploited for counter-attacks. This touch sensitivity and reaction speed quality of proper muscle tonus and structure appear, to me, to be what facilitates zhan & nian [facilitated through manifesting proper pengjin], and lian & sui [facilitated through manifesting proper lujin].
It is the above qualities that allow a TJQ practitioner to respond leisurely to slow attacks, but also respond quickly to fast attacks.
To my mind that's a very nice and non-mystifying summary of some of the how and why of Tai Chi Chuan. Not all of it, but a very important part of it.
(In most of the lineages I've trained in, the body rotation can also be part of the pengjin package, not only of lujin, and lujin also involves creating emptiness, drawing in, being there-but-not-there while not losing contact. But just as an aside here).
The more you can organize mind and body into a correct and useful state as described above (which can be more-or-less maintained when things start getting fast and unpredictable), the more the correct responses, techniques, solutions will present themselves, with ever less (conscious) mental processing. Actually the cerebellum is probably working overtime, but this brain area has the highest network density, if I remember rightly, and at this moment the conscious mind with its plans and its emotions can take a break. As is the case in riding a bicycle, for instance.
DOC STIER: Since action is generally faster than reaction, an opponent with superior speed will usually be capable of attacking faster than your timing can react to, especially from a stationary position.
However, constant movement driven by agile footwork can defeat speed by controlling the interval gap, while presenting a continuously moving target which is more difficult to hit even with a speed advantage.
Yes, by changing, lengthening or shortening the distance to a moving attacker as he steps in, you can also gain touch contact with Taiji quality on your own terms, with distance, angle and timing that suits you more than him. Once this touch is established, if the aforementioned mind and body organization are still good, you can for instance 'hitch a ride' on the attacking arm as it extends or retracts. Borrowing the opponent's strength and speed, often stepping in simultaneously to dominate the space. I had a teacher in Malaysia who did this very well. The whole thing takes just a fraction of a second, and of course it requires lots of appropriate training.
@John Wang. Very nice move.
