A question from a user:

“Hands a little bellow the collar bone correct? i have been getting conflicting advice on the arms height.”

Answer from Stephan Berwick:

Generally for beginners, hands are in front of the dan tian (3 fingers below the belly button). Once a person can comfortably hold that position for 5-10 minutes, the arms are raised…

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It’s the opposite of core engagement in traditional exercise. Keep the abdominal muscles relaxed instead. However, if your abdominals are relaxed and your pelvis is anterior or posteriorly tilted, then you may need additional exercises to correct that.

This sounds like good advice. Is there a particular technique or thought we should keep in mind in relaxing the dantian?

A user asks, “Curious to know if you inhale and exhale using nasal breathing only.”

Alan says, “Yes. You inhale and exhale through the nose. If possible, gently rest the mid-tip of your tongue on the alveolar ridge (the bumpy ridge in the back of the upper teeth). If you have difficulty breathing this way, then breathe through the mouth. This…

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What is it like at a seminar with Chen Xiao Wang? Read this article to find out.

https://wujimon.wordpress.com/2004/09/13/pizza-from-chen-xiao-wang/

Translated by Tan Lee-Peng, Ph.D

Reposted from: https://www.nickgudge.ie/5.d.viii.-five-levels-of-gong-fu-tan-peng-lee.html

Learning taijiquan is in principle similar to educating oneself; progressing from primary to university level, where one gradually gathers more and more knowledge. Without the foundation from primary and secondary…

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Reposted from: https://www.nickgudge.ie/5.d.vii.-cxw-discussion.html

Q: How do you use the dantian in applying force?

CXW: The dantian is the energy center of the body and requires coordination of the entire body. The force generated originates from the dantian and coordinates with the rest of the body, gaining force.

Q: What are the mechanics…

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Nineteenth-Generation Heir of Chen Style Tai Chi by J. Mackenzie Stewart From Inside Kung-Fu Magazine, 1982

Reposted from: https://www.nickgudge.ie/5.d.vi.-chen-xiao-wang-visit.html

In December 1981, the All—China Sports Federation invited an eight—man delegation,
sponsored by the National Chinese Wushu Association of America, to…

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Reposted from: https://www.nickgudge.ie/5.d.iii.-training-advice.html

Learning Chenjiagou Taijiquan is similar to learning other forms of sports. There are some basic facts and training requirements which will be helpful to know. I hope that what I have delineated below will benefit all who love learning Taijiquan.

1. When learning…

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By Howard Choy and Ahtee Chia

Reposted from: https://www.nickgudge.ie/5.d.ix.-five-levels-of-gong-fu-choy-chia.html

Since the publication of our interview with Master Chen Xiaowang (see “Chen Xiaowang: Keeper of the Tai Chi Secrets” in Inside Kung Fu Magasine), many readers have requested more inform­ation about Chen family tai chi. Most…

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The following article first appeared in “Inside Kung Fu” Magazine October 1991:

Reposted from: https://www.nickgudge.ie/5.d.iv.-cxw-keeper-of-the-secrets.html

Chen Xiaowang, grandson of the famous Chen Fake, is recognized as the present-day keeper of Chen style taijiquan. In this rare interview, master Chen reveals the true history of his…

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Each movement has a yin and a yang aspect, an opening and a closing.
When you do a movement, can you identify which part is yin and which
part is yang?

By keeping the area around the dantian relaxed while still maintaining
proper structure, more yang energy drops into the legs giving more
power, stability, and root.

User writes:

My question again comes from my Kung Fu and Schwang Yang background. I have normally been led to believe that stance is key as a foundation to external and internal martial arts. In the 19 form there are some pushes whilst only firmly on one foot, with the other on tip toe. Please could you explain this to help me understand…

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User writes:

I have noticed that Master Ren throws his punches out like a whip in the 19 form, as opposed to keeping a straight arm and wrist as in Kung Fu. Is it OK to use a more orthodox Kung Fu motion as it really goes against the grain practicing a move that would end in a broken wrist if it made contact?

Answer from Stephan Berwick:

To…

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