Taijiboxer’s Adaptive Responsive Flow Technique

                                                                                                             Sifu Dennis Pounall ‘On Guard”

 Taijiboxing is a progressive martial art and a comprehensive exercise discipline it combines principles fro both eastern and western approaches to health and vitality.

Recently I went on a visit to Toronto to celebrate my half a century birthday, with some friends and visit with my old sifu Master Ho Lo Lam. It was nice to visit the city see the hustle and bustle hear are the different languages and be expose to a wide variety of authentic ethnic culinary and cultural delights. I first visited my good friend by Instructor  Ian Zachemski  Gibbs a classical yet eclectic Hapkido Instructor, we shared some stories caught up with each others life’s and then decided to do some training.

This was great fun, as we get to compare similarities between combat theories, applications, and executions. I was able to absorb some principles and learn a new kick called a “Wheel Kick”. I was also able to Introduce to them the concept of “Ghost Stepping” This is a principle absorbs from the Taijjutsi discipline, and the Japanese system of “Tai Subaki”. Tai Sabaki is related to Ashi Sabaki or (Footwork) and Te Sabaki or (handwork).

The technique of Sabaki is a unique method of meeting an attack by combining defense and offense into one motion. This implies the use of harmony rather than pure physical strength or speed. The students in the class really enjoyed working with this new concept, and were happy to integrate this idea into their own bag of tricks.

Master Ho Lo demonstrates"right foot Seven Star Stance"

My next stop was to visit with my Sifu and mentor Taiji instructor Master Ho Lo Lam. I had heard that he had recently recovered from back surgery and was well enough to star teaching TaijiQuan again. Although he was forbidden by his wife to participate in any push hand instruction, and he was to be very careful when demonstrating applications for us. I was very happy and pleased to see him again ,and he was happy to see me. The whole class welcomed me back as if I was a long lost cousin, to me this is a sign of a true martial arts practice . We all accept each other as if we are all part of one big extended family regardless of our differences..

Class began with our usual warm up and coordination exercises , and then Master Ho Lo began to demonstrated some correction to the form, and what the proper breathing rate and rhythm, should be, and the correct body alignment . He also demonstrated various interpretation for self deference applications as he always does. .

Master Ho Lo focused on the application for ” Single Whip” and “Seven Star Stance” showing numerous variations for application. It was great to see sifu still enthusiastic about the Art of Taijiquan and like always he mentioned the holistic benefits for each posture.,and the practical use for self defense. We then continued to practice the Yang traditional form, and did some push hands. Some students broke off to practice the difficult Chen style” Cannon Fist” some people drank tea and conversed, and then others practiced the “Yang style Taiji Fan form”. I was practicing push hands as I rarely have a opportunity to have anyone to practice with.

As is our tradition after class we usually go out for brunch. So off we went up to Markham China town , and went to our favorite restaurant and had a 8 beautiful course brunch. We all talked about life politics and the weather,and shared stories and then wished each other well, and of course a parting belated“Kung Hao Fat Choy!”(for the Year of the Dragon) and went our separate and merry ways. .

The harmony of taijiquan is natures" Elixir for defeating everyday stress"

     My next stop was to meet up with my good friend Tim, one of the guys from the Taiji class Kohee, decided he would like to come along for the day. So we all jump in my car and decided it would be fun to check out this new to us martial art called” Capoeira” a Brazilian Angolan based martial art.

Here is a brief description with some background information on this interesting martial art. Capoeira is a fast and versatile martial art which is historically focused on fighting strategies when faced by outnumbered opponents, and or situation where you may be in situational disadvantage out maned out weapon ed.

basic evasive footwork for Capeiora

A Capoeira movement (A Fechado)

The Ginga (literally: rocking back and forth; to swing) is the fundamental movement in Capoeira, important both for attack and defense purposes. It has two main objectives. One is to keep the Capoeirista in a state of constant motion, preventing her or him from being a still and easy target. The other, using also fakes and feints, is to mislead, fool, trick the opponent, leaving them open for an attack or a counter-attack.

Balance, Control, Flexibility and Rhythm, tools of a true Capeoirist

The Attacks in the Capoeira should be done when opportunity arises and must be decisive, like a direct kick in the face or a vital body part, or a strong take-down. Most Capoeira attacks are made with the legs, like direct or swirling kicks, Rasteiras (leg sweeps), Tesouras or (knee strikes). The head strike is a very important counter-attack move. Elbow strikes, punches and other forms of take-downs complete the main list.

The defense is based on the principle of non-resistance, meaning avoid an attack using evasive moves instead of blocking it. “This idea is also fundamental to Taijiboxing“ Avoids are called Esquivas, which depend on the direction of the attack and intention of the defender, and can be done standing or with a hand leaning on the floor. A block should only be made when the Esquiva is not possible. This fighting strategy allows quick and unpredictable counter attacks, the ability to focus on more than one adversary and to face empty-handed an armed adversary.

A series of rolls and acrobatics (like the Cartwheels called Au’) allows the Capoeirista to quickly overcome a take-down or a loss of balance, and to position themselves around the aggressor in order to lay up for an attack. It is this combination of attacks and defense which gives Capoeira its perceived ‘fluidity’ and choreography-like style.

Capoeira game

                                                                                           Capoeiristas outside

Playing Capoeira is both a game and a method of practicing the application of Capoeira movements in dangerous situations. It can be played anywhere, but it’s usually done in a Roda. During the game most Capoeira moves are used, but Capoeiristas usually avoid using punches or elbow strikes.

• 
•                                                                             sifu Dennis playing in the Roda   

The game usually does not focus on knocking down or destroying the opponent, rather it emphasizes skill. Capoeiristas often prefer to rely on a take down like a Rasteira, then allowing the opponent to recover and get back into the game. It is also very common to slow down a kick inches before hitting the target, so a Capoeirista can enforce superiority without the need of injuring the opponent. If an opponent clearly cannot dodge an attack, there is no reason to complete the attack. This is martial art of skill and technique not relying on speed and power.

Taijiboxing Adaptive Flow Response Technique

Much like many other martial arts,Capoeirrist, use patience skill and practice to refine their disciplined art, and much like Taijiboxing the skill is developed over time and is one of trail and error. It does not have the focus of other goal orientated discipline .But has the casual idea of a “Game,Roda” are as we say “play at Taiji Quan”. We say to invest in loss, “to learn as you go is to grow as you learn”. For this reason many of the concepts of evasion, attack while defending, mobility and fluid adaptability can be found in both discipline of Taijiboxing and Capoeira.

Roda

Capoeiristas in a Roda ( Porto Alegre, Brazil)

The Roda (pronounced HOH-dah) is a circle formed by Capoeiristas and Capoeira musical instruments, where every participant sings the typical songs and claps their hands following the music. Two Capoeiristas enter the Roda and play the game according to the style required by the musical instruments rhythm. The game finishes when one of the musicians holding a “Berimbau” determine it, when one of the Capoeiristas decide to leave or call the end of the game or when another Capoeirista interrupts the game to start playing, either with one of the current players or with another Capoeirista.

                                              Sifu Pounall in the Roda having a blast , ” Meia Lua Pulada.”

In a Roda every cultural aspect of Capoeira is present, not only the martial side. Aerial acrobatics are common in a presentation Roda, while not seen as often in a more serious one (information taken from Wikipedia).

In Capoeira , music sets the rhythm, the style of play, and the energy of a game, this makes the Roda a very dynamic and intuitive approach to training. This means every Game or Roda is spontaneous, and dynamic making it a much more natural and fluid approach to practicing martial arts. The beauty of this method is that each player progresses independently of his fellow player, making each game a opportunity for discovery and innovation.

• 
•                                                            A Caption of various techniques from Capeiora
• This experience with this new martial art allowed me to look much deeper into the essence of Taijiboxing, and I discovered that some of the basic premises on which Taijiboxing was founded is also inherent in Capeorio stylist. The application of techniques is inherit in a formless form. The Ginga, and Roda allow each player to spontaneously discover a natural inherent rhythm and a unique “Adaptive Response Flow Technique” for self defense.

Each player develops at their own rate , and use the concept of motion to perceive stillness to find opportunities for attack and defense all disguise in a non limiting free flowing approach to martial arts as both a discipline in the training ,and a art form in the game (Roda) Taijiboxing adopts a concept of “Adaptive response flow Techniques” sometimes referred to as “Silk reeling”. One opportunity provides another solution in the conversation of conflict!!

This means that in a state of crisis one technique should flow seamlessly without hesitation,or interruption like a silken thread.

                           Here you see a perfect example , he attacks high I evade low no wasted energy!

Elusive manoeuvrings called a escape, against a high kick from the ground by applying the stillness and motion to your form and spontaneous interpretation of it’s combat principles makes for a well rounded and dynamic form of exercise for the mind, body and the spirit. The ability to use feints, body shifting, uprooting and Fa hing allow you to be unpredictable and elusive without relying on shear speed and power.

Using softness and tailback,(evasive footwork) and free flowing ability to adapt to a ever changing environment.. These principles are hidden in the Game (Roda) and Ginga, the evasive footwork, and the variety of attacks, feints , strikes and take-down apparent in both system of taijiboxing and  Capeiora as true Authentic martial arts. Both have  “Art Forms”, The  individual freedom of expressing the Martial art techniques . Yet both display “The Art of Fighting without Fighting”

• 
•                                                                  Sifu Dennis Pounall separation of right Leg
• This to me is what makes the practice of a traditional martial art a life long experience, and a gift to each person who takes the time to discover this. I hope you enjoyed this article and have a great day, and remember life is a sport play it well.

• 

  Exercising in Nature playground Elliot lake.

 

                                                                 Thank you to my dear wife Jane Pounall for the help editing

walking the trail in Elliott Lake

                                                                  Dennis and his favorite training partner Buba   

                                                                                                                                   

Taijiboxing the Art of Fighting without Fighting

wave hands like clouds, stillness and clarity!!

Sifu Pounall Maio Dao Play

Taijiboxing slow speed sparing silk reeling and flow.

Taijiboxing, and No Nonsense Hapkido Edge weapon free flow, slow speed.

Sifu pounall Knife play

Adapt and overcome everything has it”s purpose especially a bamboo sword stick, never be completely Predictable

Stillness and motion,action and in action

Pluck the root dislodge the tree, timing and range control

speed, timming and agility will defang the snake

Defend high attack low, you give me your arm I control your shoulder

Suddenly still, suddenly in motion, form less form stability in Motion!!

Have a Great day Peace sifu Dennis Pounall

Taijiboxing the path to Health Harmony and Vitality!!

http://rackandswitch.com:  My word press host and server. Richard Dewolfe.

http://www.joepaterson.net/taijiquan/:  Four seasons of Taijiboxing. by Joe Paterson

http://joepaterson.net/  : Joe Paterson Figurative artist.

http://www.kitchenerkicks.ca/   Kitchener kicks martial arts center. Sifu Dave Hacketts

http://www.3fires.ca/Ignite/Sifu Darrell  Couchie

http://nononsensehapkido.com/ Nononsense hapkido martial arts. InstructorIan.Zachemski.Gibbs

http://www.taichiconnect.com/ :  Taijiboxers International TaiJi Players connection:  Taijiboxer!!

http://www.irinabenoit.com/:  Tai Chi and Qigong (Chi Kung). with Irina Benoit.

http://www.wuyijiehe.com/taichiplayers.html :     Master George Picard.

http://www.atadocanada.com/aboutpage.htm ;  Atado School of Defensive Arts: Grandmaster Ron Williamson

http://www.parkerstangsoodo.co.uk/page57.htm:  MASTER Ian PARKER’S SERIAL KICKERS  (MPSK)

http://p2.hostingprod.com/@seido.com/01_about_seido/worldwide_dojos.htm#Jamaica Jamaica Seido Karate:   Jun Shihan Tony Robinson.

http://www.taichiconnect.com/       look for   TAIJIBOXER:   Share something with T’ai Chi Connect – The Global T’ai Chi Network

“Tiger creeps down Yang saber form”

Hello my name is Dennis Pounall and I have been involved in Taijiquan for a number of years, and practicing martial arts for the last 30 years. I was introduced to martial arts by many teachers and influenced by a few. In my time of study I began to understand that martial arts is both a discipline and an Art Form. Pursuing the discipline, one should acquire a combination of proper instruction, adept understanding, and appropriate application.

These factors along with a wholesome traditional foundation separates modern from traditional martial arts. In today’s society, the most challenging aspect of the arts are the recent drawbacks of modern lifestyle and global attitudes. To most young people today, the reasons for choosing and studying a martial art are quite variable. Some may see it as a way to become famous, the next winner of the ”Ultimate Fighting Championship” commonly known as the ”King of the Octagon”.

"Repulse monkey with retreating step"

Others may pursue another path where they choose the tournament circuit as their arena, and pursue recognition by winning trophies and titles…

“The Maio Dao sabers pierces the heavens”

If a traditional approach is chosen, their should be some philosophy, some theology and some room for adaption and innovation. This allows both, the art and the artist to maintain its essential principles, yet develop and add to its traditional forte, Thus allowing room for continued growth by keeping it a living tradition and maintaining a vital system. Then the art’s full expression stays dynamic, and the essential discipline and the style never gets lost. Thereafter each generation of practitioners will add a little more to the system, breathing fresh life into the martial art, making it relevant in the time and environment in which it is practiced.

Taijiquan and Taijiboxing is heavily steeped in the artistic expression depending on which family style you practice, and archaic principles founded in a symbiotic relationship between Taoism and Buddhism.

In article written by Gene Ching From, an interview with master Taiji Player Dr. Yang Jwing Ming (Kungfu Taiji Magazine March/April )edition (pages 33-44), he conducts an interview and asks some very poignant question.

"Separation of Right Foot"

New Artist – Track 02

The Tao Of A Modern Taiji Boxer

My name is Dennis Pounall and I’m feeling incredible at 51 years old .I live and work in Elliot lake with my wife Jane Pounall a yoga teacher and published author and my dog “Baba” “The deconstruction dog”. I have been practicing martial arts for about 30 years, since the ripe age of 13 when I got my first introduction to the art in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England through my older brother.

Currently I am a Primary Care land and air paramedic in the prehospital emergency care field in Northern Ontario working for a company called Air bravo corp. we specialised in air medevac transportation . This involves the transportation of sick, injured or ill patients from one hospital too another. Sometimes for specialized testing, some times for operations, and sometimes as a organ recipient’s. We also transfer neonatal and premature babies in isoletes along with a special teams of doctors and nurses.

Well lets get back to the story; My first style happened to be Japanese Shotokan Karate and got me hooked until my family relocated to Canada. A couple of years of adjusting in the new home put a break on practicing martial arts, but, by the time I turned 20, I resumed my hobby with studying Aki Kempo Karate Do under Master Ken Hayashi and Ron Yamanaka.

This unique hard-style karate with the emphasis on speed and power kept me focused for the next 5 years and earned me a brown belt 2nd stripe at the end, before I moved on to Sensei Ray Zwicker, the study of an eclectic style known as Kali Jujitsu.

This system is based on Indonesian knife fighting and Escarima with some Jujitsu strikes, chokes and submission techniques.

This was lots of fun, all our training was outside in the summer and in a basement in the winter. I then moved back to Mississauga ,and decided to further my education.

A unique opportunity the first step

I went back to school to study to be a Registered Massage Therapist. This was very useful, as it gave me a unique, a detailed knowledge of how the human body worked and how it moved. Anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology were my favorite subjects. I then discovered my primary system, a Chinese Okinawan Style Called Uechi Ryu Karate do, or Pang GI Noon Gung fu, a kind of Okinawan Kempo.

This was a unique style as it had both Internal and External training, hard and soft techniques, linear and circular applications. This was the first time I was introduced to Chi Kung “Breath Energy work”. Uechiryu contains movements from the Tiger, Dragon, and Crane Gung fu techniques. Kanei Uechi (1910-1991), the son of the founder of Uechi Ryu karate who inherited the system.

For the next 13 years I concentrated on achieving a rank of Nei Dan and prepared for my San Dan. My beloved teacher was a University professor named David Mott, who was behind my initiation into Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I graduated with diplomas from both sciences and made a career as an Acupuncturist and Registered Massage Therapist for the next decade.

My next step went along the path in TaijiQuan and classical Yang Style TaijiQuan for more than another decade under Master Ho Lo Lam. Receiving the rank of Assistant Head Instructor was just another honor I was presented with along the way. Art and science of Taiji Boxing deepened my level of understanding and appreciation of the various depths of the ageless dynamic system of “self preservation” and “Enlightenment”.

I am currently adding the intriguing techniques of Kook Sool Won, a Korean martial arts system that complements my Taiji Boxing. The natural surroundings of Elliot Lake , the ultimate “jewel in the Northern Ontario wilderness” This makes for a tranquil and serene environment, as well as for a peaceful place to live, train and meditate. I aspire to share my extraordinary natural surroundings in the near future through workshops, summer camps and teacher exchanges. Let’s keep the wisdom and the beauty of the Traditional Martial Arts alive and kicking!

?!!Please click above for details ENJOY!!!

6272009 114157 Nan dao sword form The art of taijiquan is much like the art of being a masterful magician. It requires a subtle skill and a balanced blend of techniques and tools that come together to form a state of “synchronicity”.  Just like being a magician, there are many layers to your craft. A magician may employ the skill of illusionist, or the skill of being an escapist, then there is the slight of hand techniques, and of course, the masterful  ” vanishing act”. All these skills require dedication, practice and discipline, just like the art of taijiquan. Each facet of training should be intricately woven together so the final product appears to be flawless and limitless. The tools of a taiji boxer are hidden in his training and his ability to glean the skills from his daily practice, knowledge and interpretation of the classical text, with developed natural ability and persistent  dedication to his craft.  A demonstration of true synchronicity is like the quiet workings of a very exclusive watch. On the outside, the watch serves a basic function that is to measure and determine a constant known as time, but the mystery lies in the synchronicity of the unseen working parts, …the gears, springs levers and, of course, the power plant, the quartz crystal.A basic watch can only tell the time, (in hours, minutes and seconds).  The more sophisticated watch can not only keep track of time, but also the month, the lunar cycle, direction, and dual time zones, speed and distance travelled, to name a few things. 

 The point is, it all starts with the same basic components, just as the practice of taijiboxing starts with the basic structure of the ” form”. The “set or form”,( as it is often called) is a wealth of hidden skills waiting to be rediscovered.

This wisdom of the old masters is a gold mine of treasure waiting to be revealed.   If you choose to search for gold, you will need the right tools to find the treasure that is buried below the surface.  

1. The taijiboxer bag of tricks!!.

The ability to use taijiquan as a martial art lies in the understanding and application of  its fundamental principles.  Most of these concepts may be found in the theoretical interpretations of “taiji classics”, but most are found by trial and error.

“Invest in loss.”

A) The skill of relaxation.   The first key is to understand what it means to be relaxed. Relaxed does not mean collapsed.  It means to have a relaxed awareness with a flexible but supple body, mind, and spirit. By achieving this skill both your attention and intention will be in a state of harmony allowing your awareness to expand beyond the obvious and the immediate.  Consequently, you will gain the ability to focus without being easily distracted or in mindless isolation.

B) “Emptiness and fullness”. With this skill, it requires you to incorporate  the principles of yin and yang, and the application of the  “thirteen powers” (the five phases in the legs and feet), and eight triagrams in the arms and  hands.

C) “ Evenness and slowness“.  When using the principles of evenness and slowness, it means to match your opponents movements, while using  the concept of” silk reeling”, thus creating a feeling  of purposeful movement with balance and stability and continuous natural flow. (We practice slow to move fast,… you move fast, I move faster.)

D)  “ Rooting and stability”. Conceptually, rooting means to be still, but not immobile. Rooting does not mean you become rigid and stiff. You should still be light on your feet. Mastery of this skill allows you to have maximum stability with minimal effort, allowing you a greater range of flexibility and upper body mobility to attack and defend, spontaneously and simultaneously.

E) “Coordination and centering”.  It requires many years of practice and more years of patience, coordination, relaxation and complete awareness in order for  the body to move as one complete unit. By mastering this skill, your movements will not be premature or telegraphed, and you should not be tense or stiff. This negates the tendency to rely on speed, power and aggression as your only means for self-defense. Quite the opposite, all your movements are connected in a natural coordinated continuous flow, just like  the natural way a shark moves in water or a bird flies in the sky (nothing is wasted and nothing is needed)…

Economy of Motion

a) Breathing and Qi kung. The use of breathing is unique but not exclusive to taijiquan. Most disciplines of martial arts and competitive sports utilize the inherent benefits of proper breathing. The one major difference is that, in taijiquan, the purpose is dedicated to a breathing system known as “ Nei kung”.

This specific method of breathing is called the “internal merit system”. The application of this specific style of breathing allows each practitioner the full benefits of his every breath, both for healing himself or others, and protection (as in self-defense and fa jin).

 This is accomplished through a specific method of visualization in meditation, diaphragmatic breathing techniques, concentration, attention and practice of mental, spiritual and physiological cues that allow the process to take place over time.

 The taijiboxer combines all the tools and skills to create a system of unlimited phases in  power, speed , stillness and motion.

These skills provide the ultimate expression of synchronicity, and like the magician, allow each practitioner an opportunity to have a full bag of tricks to be used and shared at their discretion. Thanks for taking the time to read my article. I hope it helps and empowers you on your journey of self discovery in the wonderful art of taijiquan.

Peace Sifu Dennis Pounall.

The metamorphosis of a Taiji player to a Taiji boxer is a subtle but enlightening shift in both perspective and potential. It could be assimilated as the pupae and the butterfly; all the essential ingredients are consolidated within. However, only with clear intention and mindful attention, will this subtle change occur.

This transition requires patience, persistence, acceptance of pain and perseverance of the disciple, a road less traveled by the majority of Taiji players.  Most Taiji players practice the form (the form or set of 108 movements) with little attention to its martial roots or its philosophical heritage. It requires adept tutelage, natural ability and, above all, patience, in order for the miraculous conception to take place. This is the mystery of the metamorphosis from Taiji player to Taijiboxer.
If we examine ourselves daily with mindful meditations and mental alertness, checking our thoughts, motivations, and their external manifestations in our behavior, it may be possible to occasionally catch a glimpse of the secret change in process. Looking too hard will most certainly evade your awareness. There lies the beauty of the Taiji symbol and the wisdom of the ages.

If you spend your life and energy to focus only on the inward journey, (the Taiji sequence or set) it is like staring at your fingers pointing to the moon. Do not concentrate only on your fingers. Then you will miss all the heavenly glory of the Taiji boxer’s journey. Form without function is a functionless form. The movement without the meaning is mindless movement. Therefore, the Taiji form without the boxing is incomplete, like a bicycle without gears. You never reap the maximum benefit of the bicycle with all its innate potential. With diligent practice you will grow to understand that stillness is the foundation, and action is the use. Action then becomes the fulfillment of stillness, known as the spirit of vitality. Such blending of stillness and motion is a foundational part of the change related to the Taoist principles of yin and yang.

Another part of the subtle change is the rule of the hard becoming soft and the secret of cotton and steel. It is an important transition that all Taiji boxers understand softness overcoming hardness.

Hard things become brittle, and brittle things break. Too soft can be too weak, therefore I believe “Be soft and sensitive on the outside and strong and supple on the inside” just like cotton over steel. The practice of silk reeling and bone marrow washing and tendon changing skills helps this part of the transformation.

The integration of the thirteen powers, as well as practice and applications of the push hands theory, helps to solidify the “quiet skills”{ Chi Na ,Shuai Jiao, Fa Jin, Kicking skill, and striking techniques}.
The Taiji boxer’s martial skills round out and solidify with the addition of weapons’ training and Qui Kung techniques.

With this basic formula combined with a minimum of 15 years of dedication and diligent practice, the disciple will be on his way to the completion of their metamorphosis.
In the stillness and motion of our daily lives, the Tao of being enhanced with martial discipline and clarity of the Buddhist mind is essential to living a compassionate and vital life.

These treasures, discovered by the ancient Taoist sages, are as relevant now as they’ve ever been. All we need to do is apply them. This may be the reason for Taijiquan to be known as the supreme ultimate fist.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I believe that partaking and sharing our knowledge is the way to achieve our own individual vault of immortality.

Sifu Dennis Pounall

New Artist – Track 02

The Evolution of a Taiji Boxer!!

Hello my name is Dennis Pounall and I have been involved in Taijiquan for a number of years, and practicing martial arts for the last 30m years. I was introduced to martial arts by many teachers and influenced by a few. In my time of study I began to understand that martial arts is both a discipline and an Art Form. Pursuing the discipline, one should acquire a combination of proper instruction, adept understanding, and appropriate application.
These factors along with a wholesome traditional foundation separates modern from traditional martial arts. In today’s society, the most challenging aspect of the arts are the recent drawbacks of modern lifestyle and global attitudes. To most young people today, the reasons for choosing and studying a martial art are quiet variable. Some may see it as a way to become famous, the next winner of the ”Ultimate Fighting Championship” commonly known as the ”King of the Octagon”.
Others may pursue another path where they choose the tournament circuit as their arena, and pursue recognition by winning trophies and titles…

A unique oppertunity the first step

However, the original purpose for martial arts was self defense and later became a method for personal development. There may be different ways to achieve these goals and one must first identify their own real purpose for training. One of my key principles is definitely a system with traditional foundation, which includes meditation, applications, form and function with a feeling.
In a traditional approach this means there should be some philosophy, some theology and some room for adaption and innovation. This allows both, the art and the artist to maintain its essential principles, yet develop and add to its traditional forte, allowing room for continued growth, keeping it a living tradition and maintaining a vital living system where the art’s full expression stays dynamic, and the essential discipline of the style never gets lost. Thereafter each generation of practitioner will add a little more to the system, breathing fresh life into the martial art, making it relevant in the time and environment in which it is practiced.
Taijiquan and Taijiboxing is heavily steeped in the artistic expression depending on which family style you practice, and archaic principles founded in a symbiotic relationship between Taoism and Buddhism.

In article written by Gene Ching From, an interview with master Taiji Player Dr Yang Jwing Ming (Kungfu Taiji Magazine) March/April edition (pages 33-44), he conducts an interview and asks some very poignant question.
Question: ”What do you see as the biggest challenges facing traditional Chinese martial art today?”
Answer: ”Today’s lifestyle has changed as well as the peoples attitudes. A new ‘MacDonald Culture’ has taken over with a fancy of quick and low quality martial arts. There attitude is, fast training and fast result. No time for dedication. No time to practice and no patience is the today’s motto, henceforth the evolution of ‘Mixed Martial Arts’ is in trouble.
Likewise, Dr. Yang Jwing Ming stated: ”Most people don’t care for traditional Chinese martial arts the same way they don’t care for classical music.” Dr. Yang Jwing Ming then went on to show that due to dedication, perseverance and patience, the pioneers of the past were able to produce high level refined music called classical music. As much as many people today listen to Rock music, classical music still survives the test of time. Rock music on the other hand keeps changing genre with each ever-changing generation, however, people still like the classical rock of the 80′s as well as any other decade.

application of "Grasp birds tail"

Consequently, if people did not hold on to tradition and added to it, there would be no foundation for the next generation to stand on. Therefore it is important to preserve the traditional martial arts, its path and method, away from modern distractions and focus towards to living one’s life to the fullest potential. The key to mastering the art is in the discipline, traditions, flexibility and longevity of the human capacity towards elevation from the unavoidable everyday purposeless existence.

With today’s ‘MacDonald Society’ and the immediate gratification and social recognition ideology, it is easy to gather why many young athletes might view traditional martial arts as a waste of their time.
A you reasonably fit and motivated individual might be able to learn the basics of the art, possibly win U.F.C. titles, earn a sizable income and endorsements but the true essence of the art might be lost. You may get lots of money, or even become a famous ‘movie star’ along with possible endorsements or royalties. The Ultimate Fighting Championship ,is the only recognized professional martial arts venue that is not based in Asian affiliated martial arts tradition. Thus widening it’s appeal to the everyday martial arts practitioner with the desire and guts to put the time, effort and training into his self generated careers. This I believe is one of the fundamental reasons for its growing popularity among the next generation of martial artist and professional athletes.
But, on the other hand if you train in a good traditional system you may get peace of mind, maintain a healthy body weight, develop a peaceful attitude, and learn how to avoid personal confrontations.
Which would you choose?
Both require effort but the latter can be life changing and be done for a long time. And just like classical music can get better with age.
With traditional martial arts you train a higher level of awareness and a higher level of alertness, along with the ability for a peacefully integrated mind, body and soul.
Today most of Taijiquan instruction is based in traditional theories with a traditional curriculum. It tends to attract more gentle midlife practitioners who practice for various reasons. Yet still the underlying principles remain consistent regardless of style or focus. Most Taiji players receive an inherent benefit of peace of mind, a willingness to learn and understand that practice makes perfect. Although we do not seek perfection by external gratification but accept the personal benefits of daily development.

"Toe Kick seperation of right foot"

We learn patience, and some delve a little deeper to learn perception, the ability to take the basic principles and add to them to create something else. And yet still others learn transmission, this is yet another skill the ability to bring encourage or enlighten a fellow practitioner to the level of interpretation and applications. These hidden qualities are sometimes overlooked and not mentioned as part of the ongoing evolution for the universal movement of Taijiquan.

Taijiquan instruction and traditional martial arts schools should strive to teach life principles, life skills, and practical applications for today’s students. This could mean not holding back and be willing to keep learning and keep sharing. This gives each player the ability for ongoing evolution as both a disciple or as a player in this great musical adventure called life.
Taijiboxing as a martial art is a journey of self discovery that requires one to understand and except the elusive concept of ”Wuji”. This slow unraveling of truth is the difference between legend and mastery, fact and fiction. The key is not to be attached to either definition, but to only go straight. Adopting a only doing, not trying kind of attitude. I would encourage everyone to discovery who and what is their version of Taijiboxing.
Thanks for your interest. I hope you enjoyed my ideas, be well aware !!

taijiboxing golden palm training technique

I would like to thank my wife Jane for helping me to edit this article and hope you’ll all enjoy it !!