Classical Tai Chi Workshop from July 2011, Buffalo, NY. Master Stephen Hwa of Classical Tai
Chi (Wu Tai Chi, Wu Style Tai Chi Taiji). Master Hwa discusses Silk Reeling “Quarter Body
Folding Movement”.
Excerpted and some editing from “Uncovering the Treasure, Classical Tai Chi’s Path to Health & Energy” by Stephen Hwa:
Please go to this link: Classical Wu Style Tai Chi “Quarter Body Folding Movement”
in the background. RIP Al, it was always good to have you as a
student. I did not know you had a Black Belt in Judo and thank you once
again for enabling our access to teach at St.Marks.
The folding move involves only one side of the body; but in this case, it is not the entire side (including the legs which are shown in the photo above)
(including the legs which are shown in the photo above) which would be
known as “hand follows foot, elbow follows knee”, so please do not
confuse this with that movement
This is just the upper quadrant
of the body moving/folding as a unit. It is a QUARTER-BODY move. In the
case shown in the video, the right side of the body is folding or
unfolding by keeping the left side of the body stationary. The
stationary part provides support, and some of the power for the move but
the lower 2 quadrants (legs) provide grounding. The Right side of the
body is yang, and the left side of the body is yin. The Yin-Yang
junction is at the spine. One can visualize that the spine is a hinge,
so each side of the torso, down through the buttocks is like a door that
folds or unfolds using that hinge. If the leg was involved in the
movement, it would be a HALF-BODY move.
Even though only a
quarter of the body is moving it is still an important example of how to
make a move but still keep a portion (in this case 3/4 of the body).
It is also of importance as an example of how to make a move but keep a
significant portion of the body alignment intact. Whether half-body or
quarter-body, whether the leg moves with it or not it can only be
achieved when the turning power comes from the waist and the entire
back’s muscles.
If this is done correctly and tailor-made, one
will achieve a continuous energy flow in the body. It is a “neigong”
exercise. It is tailor-made to be a “silk reeling exercise” which might
be defined as a continuous symmetrical simple internal movement or
movements. By doing this, one will be able to learn gradually how to
move with internal discipline and enjoy the sensation of internal energy
circulation. This exercise emphasizes the stimulation of muscles,
tendons, and blood flow along the spine and the back. Those who
practice this regularly experience a sense of rejuvenation and improved
well-being. If one has spare moments during the day, particularly if
the exercise can be carried out in a casual and relaxed mood, there will
be more chances for the subconscious to play a part. The ultimate
objective is to learn internal movements like this in more or less a
piecemeal fashion and then integrate them into the Form play.
