oragami_itto wrote:Sun Taijiquan
Sun Tai ji is not a synthesis. It's just "tai chi", his own version of Hao Taijiquan with a blend of Yang Style principle. There is no bagua or Xingyi infused as many claims. Everything that looks like bagua or Xingyi can already be found in Hao taijiquan. They just don't know anything about old Wu/Hao styles.
klonk wrote:Sun Lutang thought he had it but missed the brass ring.
Sun Lutang and his friends and teachers only used the much more older term "neijiaquan" as a collective term for the arts practiced inside their own group. He also said that there is nothing called "internal." Either you understand breath and how to utilize it or you don't. And he stated that it's the same for all arts.
LDShouler wrote:Hi all,
This question leads from a previous one that I asked on another thread: is it possible to encapsulate 'internal' systems into a roughly common syllabus/common theory, with the intention of creating a clear focus for faster martial development; i.e. are there core elements that unite all of these disciplines that could be taught in a refined way using modern teaching methodology?
What is original called "internal arts" or neijaquan are martial arts that have a Daoist neidan connection. When the focus lies more on the inside than on the outside, then the art could be called "internal". And this is IMO the only definition you need on "internal" arts.
The core elements are breath, calmness of mind, as well as a deep focus on song (not only "not tense").
My personal favorite concept is just: "internal awareness" or "body awareness".
I also believe that the "true" or the original internal arts must understand and develop pre-heavenly principle as understood from a neidan and Daoyin perspective. But this concept is a bit hard to explain briefly. Arts as Tai Chi, Bagua and LHBF has this principle. But most of the southern styles "internal" practice don't have it. So here it depends on if you want to include or exclude in the general notion on "internal" practice.
If the arts focus more on the things above than on developing strength and physical stamina, they could be considered "internal". Then of course, an art could focus more or less on different aspects.
...with the intention of creating a clear focus for faster martial development
Have no idea what you mean. The whole idea of internal practice is like planting a seed, water it and nurture it. But it must grow by itself. It takes its own time. You can't speed up your own internal progress, you have your own prequisites. You are the seed you are.