Shui Tao
Internal
Martial Arts
Tai Chi Chuan
(Taijiquan)
Description
'Generally practiced slow and great for relaxation and focus'
Taijiquan which means 'Supreme Ultimate Boxing' is the most well known Internal Martial Art of China. Unlike most other martial arts it's main focus is to balance hard with soft, even when compared to other Internal Martial Arts this concept is still most prevalent. There is also much emphasis on the principles of Taiji such as Yin and Yang, sensitivity, and the understanding of Chi or energy. This means that there can be a deep underlying skill which can be turned to any martial art and any technique. But these skills can also be used to improve general health and happiness as the principles of Taiji are taken from the 'Tao' or 'Natural Way of Things', so the student is simply learning how to harmonise with everything around them.
History
Legend holds a 12th Century Taoist monk by the name of Zhan Sanfeng as the creator of Taijiquan, but historical evidence points to the 17th Century and Chen Wang Ting (dipicted here) of the Chen Family Village and founder of Chen Style Taiji.
It is said that in the 19th Century Yang Luchuan watched and practiced in secret as the Chen family trained. Yang was later taught by Chen Changxing after seeing the skill he had achieved. Yang Luchuan later developed Yang Style Taiji which became the most widely taught family system today.
Yang Luchuan 1799-1873
the founder of Yang Style Taiji
I have practiced mainly two family branches of Taijiquan which have been derived from the Yang Family Lineage:
Sun Lutang 1861-1932
a revered fighter and already a pioneer in the arts of Xingyiquan and Baguazhang and founder of one of the Sun Style Taiji Families.
Sun Lutang went on to teach Li Yulin and his son Li Tianji (nicknamed Longfei or Flying Dragon).
Please follow my Lineage Tree to see more.
Chen Man-ch'ing 1900-1975
Some consider a rogue family system as Chen coined a very soft system in Malaysia, but he was also known to have amazing Jing or vital energy and sensitivity.
Forms Taught
24 Standardised (Simplified) Short Form
108 Shui Tao Modified Long Form
Styles