(and the Supreme Ultimate Fist of Taijiboxing)
Use the art of foot placement, and range control to make sure when and if you do kick it will be effective!
The term synthesis is used in many fields, usually to mean a process which combines two or more pre-existing elements resulting in the formation of something new. The verb would be “to synthesize” meaning to make or form a synthesis.
Taijiboxing is both a discipline and an art form, and has multiple levels of expression and is popular worldwide. It is renowned for its many preventive disease benefits as well as it numerous natural health benefits. It can be practiced by young and old, strong and weak, in sickness and in health. Both the rich and the poor can glean the benefits from this ancient discipline.
But what sets this discipline apart from the many other forms of exercise and martial arts systems? I believe that, within the practice of Taijiquan, is the unique availability of self-guided, on-going development, allowing each practitioner the ability to continually improve, share, and grow as they age in life, in mind, in body, and in spirit…
This unique trait makes Taijiquan practice, principles and application unlimited and timeless, making it, in a sense, the supreme ultimate, as it is limited in potential only by the boundaries of each practitioner.
Consequently, it never grows old and is never in or out of style. This, unlike most martial arts disciplines, allows this system to be both universal and also international. With each new generation of Taijiboxer comes the refreshing of the old wisdom becoming the new rediscovered knowledge.
This concept of natural transmission through the spoken word, and to learn by doing is quite foreign and difficult to sell in today’s fast-paced, information age, and the modes of transmission are much more difficult to negotiate. As the world turns and our universe appears smaller, our full awareness of self also gets distorted. We focus on technology and over-consumerism. Our feeling is continuously pacified and we are disconnected, first from our true self (the concept of a higher power, God, Buddha, Jehovah, Ala, nature), then from each other, our family and our friends, then our neighbors, relatives, and work acquaintances. This creates a subdued feeling and sense of isolation, … and a society of shut inns.
Everyone believes their only mandate is to foster a sense of survival, and life becomes a constant struggle to survive, and very few people actually live.
“Golden rooster stands on one leg”
The essence of Taijiboxing is found in Buddhism, which is all about “compassion and sharing”, and the fundamentals of Taoism, which promotes “self awareness, and interaction and understanding of universal cycles of cause and effect, and the collective cooperation between man and his universe to promote longevity and maintain harmony on the planet.
These two concepts enhance universal, compassionate enlightenment with a sense of immortality of the spirit. These transcend the boundaries of mind and body, therefore, we no longer struggle with death, dying and diseases, which are all natural processes. But with a caring, compassionate lifestyle in harmony with your environment, you know and can choose to embrace life, and nurture the supreme, ultimate gifts found within the daily practice of Taijiquan.
Synthesis is the unseen ability to draw from your past, present, experiences and future in intuitive knowledge and observations. These concepts give you the unique ability to create an alternative solution to any given or unforeseeable conflict.
This ability in some people may be innate, but, in most, is learned, and in a few individuals can be developed. The ancient Taiji master must have discovered a method of harnessing this truth and applied it to their daily life. This wisdom was applied in both physical conflicts and in everyday life experiences on the journey of life…
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
This gift was sometimes passed on to a chosen few, but, in most cases, died with the master, or was never fully transmitted. For this reason, Taijiquan is still the supreme ultimate fist, and awaits the reincarnation of the gifts of the masters for all to benefit. (It’s hidden in plain sight.) The essential aspects of synchronicity are the applications of the five phases of Taijiboxing.
1. stillness in motion and motion in stillness.
2. “Silk reeling skill” and Synchronicity and “Economy of Motion”
3.Chi Na in (5 levels )
4..Fa Jin and Chi kung
5. Shuai Jiao
- These concepts, when integrated with meditation, healthy living, a wholesome, varied diet, and a natural zest for life, help to maintain Taijiboxing as one of the supreme ultimate gifts left by the ancient Taoist Sages..
In conclusion Taijiquan and Taijiboxing have a synergistic approach to maintain a healthy, vibrant attitude to life and living. The philosophy and discipline, found in the application of Taijiboxing principles to everyday living, helps to maintain an open and free- flowing mindset of synthesis that allows for spontaneous, flexible options to living a full, happier life.
I hope you enjoy my article. Please feel free to comment and leave your ideas and observations. Keep the information flowing..
Sifu Dennis Pounall