Fundamental Principles
The fundamental principles can be addressed as some of the basic traditional philosophies of Tai Chi expressed through the understanding of dynamics, anatomy and the mind.
The Traditional Chinese Philosophies of "equilibrium", "yin-yang", the "five element theory" and Sun Tzu"s Know yourself and know your enemy, win a hundred victories in a hundred battles, are fundamental to our system.
Equilibrium is the basis for stability and the complementary dynamics that need it as a base reference.
Yin and Yang can mean hard being balanced or countered by soft amongst other aspect.
The Five Element Theory is used to describe the relationship of the internal organs and related energy meridians in the human body. Knowledge of this can be used in combat for immobilising or shutting down bodily functions.
Sun Tzu's statement has great implications in non telegraphic movement, feinting and disguising foot work.
Physics is used in our treatment of speed, time, position, stability, momentum and other aspects of linear and rotational mechanics in relation to combat applications.
Anatomical analysis is used to work out the strength and weaknesses of the body and the best ways to improve its performance. Examples of this are in our methods of stretching for flexibility and use of pressure points for knock outs and submission holds.
Finally the conditioning of the mind is critical to a martial artist's effectiveness in training or fighting. The fighter must have total confidence in the training and can remain calm to apply techniques under stressful conditions.
Equilibrium is the basis for stability and the complementary dynamics that follows. Understanding equilibrium will help to define a firm base reference for establishing balance and the motion to be generated from it. It can be said to be the pivot point or axis of rotation in a physical sense. It is also very similar in the more esoteric ideological sense, which is very important in strategic planning for battle. Locating and maintaining the axis will also help in keeping the spine straight which will improve posture, balance and efficiency in movement
Yin and Yang has a few significant meanings for martial arts. It can mean using the soft to overcome the hard and vice versa, such as using the palm (soft) to strike the skull (hard) or using the knuckles (hard) to strike the solar plexus (soft). This especially true in coordinated pressure points strikes where striking appropriate yin and yang points can create grave consequences.
It also means or pulling and pushing to form a "couple of force" which is more effective than a single force._ It can mean weight distribution and the subsequent shifting of weight to generate useable momentum or even leverage if the opposing limbs are taken into consideration. Yin and Yang is continuously used to create the potential difference need for energy flow.
It also means not resisting: Yang must be complimented by Yin and not Yang. This can be carried further to say optimum force or movement is to be used, no more or no less.
The twin fish Tai Chi symbol in the logo signifies the Yin -Yang relationship. The little dots or eyes of the fishes symbolises that Yin or Yang must not be absolute. On a strategic level it means that in an attack there must be consideration given to defence or when defending there must be awareness for the chance of counter attacking.
Five Element Theory uses the forces flowing in a circle of metal, wood, water, fire and earth to describe the laws of nature. The elements has a special relationship with each other in a self repeating cycle of creative or destructive forces.
Wood produces fire, fire produces earth (ashes), earth produces metal (ores), metal produces water, water produces wood in a creative cycle. Metal cuts wood, wood penetrates the earth, earth dam water, water puts out fire, and fire melts metal in a destructive cycle.
The Five Elements Theory is used to describe or explain the relationship of the internal organs and related energy meridians in the human body. We can use the respective cycles to hurt in pressure points attacks or to heal the body in accupuncture treaments.
Sun Tzu's "Knowing yourself and knowing your enemy will result in a hundred victories in a hundred battles" means thorough preparation and understanding of one"s own strengths and weaknesses as well as intelligence and counter intelligence. It has great implications in non telegraphic movement, feinting and disguising foot work.
Surprise is a great factor in battle. The strongest attacks can be stoutly defended or better still, avoided if information of its arrival is known. Similarly the strongest defence can be penetrated if detail information of its strength is likewise known. There must be training to avoid giving away signals of impending attack or defence actions to increase the chance of success. The sending of false signals is even advocated to deceive or confuse the opponent.
© Copyright 2006 by Chans Martial Arts
