Taiji quan

cctv.com 09-15-2003 09:06

Lived during 14-15th century, Zhang Sanfang is one of the most important names in Wudang Taoist history. Worshiped as a 'true man', the one that obtained enlightenment, he is also believed to be the creator of Taiji quan.

Designed to genteelly exercise the flow of Qi, the body, and the mind. The movements of Taijiquan, the Grand Ultimate Boxing, are deceptively simple & to the outside observer, ridiculously slow. But the various strikes, pushes, blocks, kicks, spiral throws are all fighting technique in disguise.

But the very nature of taiji Quan is still its emphasis on cultivating gracefulness and gentleness. My taji teacher, Master Zhong, as well learned as he was , stayed as a soft-spoken, humble Taoist priest who taught me more than just kungfu.

Yin and yang are two fundamental Taoist notions, meaning the forces of the opposite characters. The philosophy of Taoism understands everything in terms of these two opposing principles. According to Taoism. Yin and yang merges into each other, creating the natural balance of self and the world,

Wudang martial art follows Taoist doctrine of avoiding assertive action. Opposite to Shaolin kungfun that emphasizes on pre-emptive and powerful strikes, wudang kungfu attacks after the opponent, by re-directing the opponent's power back to the opponent, one does not need physical advantage to win, 'soft can prevail hard', the Taoist philosophy.

Editor:Han Ling  Source:CCTV.com