There are FOUR METHODS of the application of ENERGY. They are called:
1) PUSH
2) WARD OFF SLANTING UPWARDS
3) PRESS FORWARD
4) PULL BACK
These four should be clearly differentiated. When these four methods of applying energy are understood, one can then follow the opponent's high and low movements, thus making it difficult for the opponent to mount an effective attack.
We let the opponent attack us with his hard strength. Using but FOUR OUNCES OF PRESSURE, we turn aside his THOUSAND POUNDS of force, letting the attacker fall into empty void. When the chance comes, we return his attack by JOINING to him without letting up, FOLLOWING his every move and STICKING to him even if he moves backward in an attempted retreat. This STICKING ability cannot be done if we use force.
If the opponent does not move, we do not move; but if he moves even slightly, we are already moving. Our inner power appears slack, but it is not slack. Sometimes it appears to be stretching, but truly it is not. If it appears we have stopped short, the idea and mind intent of our motion continues on.
The neck and head are straight, chin a little low. The tongue lies against the hard palate.
The shoulders relax and sink. The chest withdraws, as you tuck the pelvis under.
The sacrum is straight, anal sphincter contracted and hip level. Weight is lowered.
The breathing is relaxed, naturally through the nose, using the diaphragm-chest relaxed.
The eyes follow the fingers and palms. Hands feel as if pushing upward, elbow lowered.
The waist precedes the arms (the sacrum circles inward and upward).
Legs bowed slightly, pelvis tucked, outside sole edge, heel and toes grip the floor lightly.
Though relaxed, the body is like a coiled spring requiring only a touch to set it off.
1) First, last and always the student must relax. Doing the postures correctly aid him in this. All rigidity and strength must be emptied from the upper torso and must sink to the very soles of his feet, one of which is always rooted firmly to the ground.
2) The student relaxes completely and breathes like a child -- naturally through the nose, using the diaphragm rather than the intercostal muscles between the ribs.
3) Only in the flexibility of the waist is there true strength, for the waist is the foundation of all bodily movement. It is the axis from which all T'ai-Chi movement should derive its celerity, crispness and power. To move with arms or legs independently of the waist is a mark of a perpetual beginner.
4) The earliest T'ai-Chi classics stress that when the sacrum is vertical, the intrinsic energy (Chi) reaches to the top of the head and that when the head is held as if suspended from above, the entire body feels light and nimble. The body must be held so light that the addition of a feather will be felt and pliable that a fly cannot alight on it without setting it in motion.
5) Every defensive movement in correct martial art science should be circular. If the force of a straight line attack is opposed by a straight line defense, the stronger force will prevail. But, if the incoming force is neutralized by circular movement, it is a simple matter to defeat an opponent, regardless how strong. If one were pushed by force of one hundred pounds frontal, he would withdraw slightly and neutralize his opponent's push. A slight pull is enough to bring him down.
You can learn how to Push Hands with the Hwa-Yu T'ai Chi Pushing Hands video tape series.
"Those who set out to learn the exercise, do not misjudge the value of The Chinese Five Word Song."
Verses 133-134
"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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