"Comprehensive self-defense emphasis must be placed on "contact" with an opponent, and then redirection of the opponent's force with "control" and "counter" along with appropriate self-defense skills. Movement centered from your mid-line increases speed, power and intuitive awareness of your opponent's body position. When a student is comfortable with their mid-line yielding and clearing movement they will soon be able to control and counter without hesitation.
Conscious action is extremely slow and cumbersome. Unconscious action is startling fast and effective. Focusing primarily on the whole body sinking and clearing the mid-line eliminates the visual and mental business of the mind, which impedes speed and good martial arts skill level. Slow, even, smooth practice both with the eyes open or closed and the use of a blindfold will also enhance the feel of movement centering. Feel the contact, then interrupt with control and counter with an effective skill."
Grand Master John Chung Li
"Those who set out to learn the exercise, do not misjudge the value of The Chinese Five Word Song."
Verses 133-134 of The Chinese Five Word Song
"The Chinese Five Word Song" was written by Master Li Tung Fung during the early part of China's Sung Dynasty. Master Li learned Hwa-Yu T'ai-Chi Ch'uan (Liu Ho Pa Fa Ch'uan Fa) from Master Chen Hsi-I, creator of the martial art and health exercise. Master Li Tung Fung took refuge in the mountain of Yun, southeast from the Lok district. While living on Yun, he authored the famous Chinese Five Word Song, which serves today as the only extant treatise explaining the principles of the original Liu Ho Pa Fa.
Hwa-Yu T'ai-Chi Ch'uan was a closed-door martial art for almost 1,000 years. Master John Chung Li opened the door to hundreds of students in China, the United States and Europe. Master Li translated The Chinese Five Word Song and added his commentary to each of the 134 verses to help students understand the truth within Internal Martial Arts. We are privileged to now offer the insights to this phenomenal martial art and healthcare science through the publication of The Chinese Five Word Song.
We are extremely pleased to announce the publication of The Chinese Five Word Song. It's filled with tremendous insights into the philosophy and guiding principles of Internal Martial Arts from one of the true masters of the 20th Century.
You can purchase "The Chinese Five Word Song" from top online book sellers (Barnes and Noble, Borders Books, Amazon.com and Books A Million).
Contact Mark McGee by e-mail if you would like to receive a signed copy of the book.
You'll also enjoy the new book by Master Glenn Newth titled "Hwa Yu T'ai Chi Ch'uan: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Five-Word Song." You can purchase this book through any of the major booksellers websites.
For more information about Hwa-Yu T'ai-Chi Ch'uan
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