Taiji is a traditional martial art from. It emphasises softness, redirecting an oponent's force; and using explosive force, fali or fajin, to hit on a weak point. There are many wrestling techniques in Taiji as well as striking, and joint locks. Taiji is classified as a Neijia martial art, an internal as opposed to external martial art. Taiji training is divided into:

1. Form Practice
2. Tuishou Pushing Hands Practice
3. Sparring
4. Weapons including the famous Taiji Sword
5. Neigung Qigong

Form Practice is often done very slowly. While this may seem strange, boxers also practice very slowl punches in alternation with very quick punches. This gives the practitioner the chance to improve the quality of their movement. Some people claim it helps circulate the internal energy, Chi; others claim that more stabiliser muscles are integrated into the movement with time, which keep the body much more connected in a movement and therefore drastically increases the force. Alongside these theories, many see practising slowly as a way of better connecting the mind with the body, so that mind and body work at the same speed; so that they can eventually unite: Body and Mind are one. This is something held dear in all martal arts and fighting sports.

Tuishou is a good method in order to develop a feel for the opponents body, as well as control over one's own. With time it trains the practitioner to be able to react very quickly to an empty-spot in his opponent so that he can push, hit, choke, lock his opponent. It is not totaally discimilar to the practice of swimming done in Western Wrestling. It is said that when you push hands with someone able in Taiji you will not be able to stand properly and you will feel that he is controlling your whole body. This is its aim.

Sparring in Taiji is very varied according to the practice of the teacher. Some are very conservative training set attacks and set defences, while other pracctise freel with protectice equipment, and some go full-contact. Taiji weapons use the power of Taiji, and the constant change of direction used in Taiji with weapons. Neigung is often claimed to be the powerhouse of the internal martial artd. It is only through Neigung that a practitioner can develop the Neili, internal poweer, used to redirect an opponents attack in Taiji, as well as the explosive force Fali or Fajin. For more information please search Neigung on this site.

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Feng Zhiqiang

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