Shugyo, using kata to arrive at a higher level of consciousness. Perhaps an interesting concept, perhaps not. As I also flow through the Yang 108 (and have for 25 years), and a good part of the Wu 108 too, I have some definite thoughts on the incredible misrepresentation done to Tai Chi
.
Tai Chi means a wide range of things. There are those who do it for social exercise (as much of China does each morning). Perhaps some do find it ‘spiritually raising’, but in my practice I see it as it was designed, as in a martial art.
I was a Sho Dan in Isshinryu when I began my studies. I wasn’t looking for another martial art, just wanted to experience Tai Chi. My instructor, who is very good, was also a practicing Kung Fu stylist and wasn’t doing Tai Chi as a primary martial art either. The years have changed my understanding.
Moving very slow (as opposed to doing Tai Chi when you move very, very fast) may look like meditation, and perhaps you can move slowly meditating, unfortunately I don’t believe you’re doing Tai Chi if you’re doing so.
In the performance of Tai Chi, your total concentration is focused on your flow, maintaining the moving alignment of your body using your breathing and eye movements to focus your practice. Your mind is more and more aware and focused trying to do all of that. As you’re movement and alignment are focused to bring your energy to play against an attacker, the visualization of the wind range of applications is also part of the practice.
The longer I train the more I realize anyone whose not following the same intent isn’t doing Tai Chi, but rather a tai chi inspired exercise. That may be useful as exercise, but it doesn’t capture Tai Chi’s essence, either.
My students train with me every Sunday, morning, outside in New Hampshire on my driveway, and have been there for over 15 years. Over 100 degrees in the summer and to –20 degrees in the winter, Wind, Sun, Drizzle and Blustery Snow, all. We’ve shared the pain of Tai Chi’s explosion in application, we argue and work over ‘Step Back and Repulse Monkey’ (which is a really great way to make a space and as your opponent moves into it, fill his throat with your hand, which I think is really martial).
And BTW, the ‘Step Back and Repulse Monkey’ has changed in differing version of Tai Chi, too, with fully different martial application. If anything Tai Chi is a vaster study in change than all of Okinawa’s Karate combined. I don’t doubt there are a million different version running out there at any given day.
FYI, my Tai Chi studies has over the years greatly changed how I approach the movement of my Karate. And the study of my Karate’s applications has changed my understanding of Tai Chi, in its own way too.
Change, perception and a good beer. Isn’t that what its all about.
Victor Smith
Bushi No Te Isshinryu
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