Tai Chi - Part 2

By Master David Allerton (5th Dan)

This article is a follow up to the Tae Geuk Kwon (Tai Chi) introduction.

All Tang Soo Do practitioners should be aware that the art provides a technical and philosophical progression from external forms into the internal art of Tai Chi.

I shall now look at specific strategies and techniques from the Sip Sam Seh. These 13 ancient influences are the cornerstone of the internal arts and can be considered to be the dividing line between Tai Chi and external forms. The eight energies can be divided into four directions (Peng, Lu, Ji, Ahn) and four corners (Chae, Lieh, Jou, Kao). It is the latter I wish to consider in this article.

The Four Corners are known as inside or close quarter techniques and comprise takedown, splitting, elbow/knee techniques and finally use of the shoulder/hip to unbalance the attacker.

In addition, the five elements can also be divided into external and internal. To follow the theme of this article I shall discuss the internal or strategic forces.

The first element is “Fire”, which is taken in this context to mean “Awareness”.
By this we mean developing the sensitivity to “second guess” the opponents intentions. This can be achieved through Ho Sin Sul partner drills. Look, listen and feel for the slightest changes in distance or body movement. If you can predict the enemies intentions you can respond with the appropriate technique. That is not to say you should follow every movement slavishly in case you are drawn into a trap. Therefore, this element is full of energy and adaptable to changing circumstances.

Secondly, we “Join” with the opponent (like “Water” flowing down a stream). For example, an opening parry may use a small circle outside palm to connect with the attack. Parry only in the direction the energy is travelling and allow it to miss by the slightest margin so that we remain in control.

Thirdly, we “Stick” to the opponents energy (Wood element – think of sap from a tree). The outside brush palm may immediately be followed by an inside circular parry to adhere to the punching arm like a hook. We can now grab or control while the other hand strikes. Please refer to previous articles or my book “Secret Moves”, for practical examples of this. Sticking is an important concept to learn in Tai Chi.

The fourth strategy is represented by Metal and means - “Redirecting” or leading the opponent away from the intended target into a disadvantageous position. After sticking we could pull the attacker off balance and this is shown to good effect with a “splitting” energy. (Lieh)

Finally, the fifth element “Earth” provides the over-riding strategy which is not to oppose force but harmonise with it and turn it to our own advantage. This gives another indication of how the old Master can be effective in Personal Protection by using Tai Chi principles. Physical strength will diminish with age but mastery and guile does not. This element also encompasses the environment and the way we adapt to different situations. Rooting is very important in Tai Chi since we draw energy from the earth. Power can also be transmitted from one’s centre to the feet for stability and sequentially to the palms as in a push. In the photo sequence shown the surface was very soft allowing extended forward energy. In less stable conditions the stance would be more upright with a narrower base of support. It is particularly important with kicks to consider this point. In all cases we utilise the energy from the ground to add to the technique using ground reaction forces.

We can now apply these five strategies to any of the 8 energies. Let us look again at the 4 close quarter techniques.

In the first sequence we see a knife attack which is redirected away from the intended target. Lieh energy is used to simultaneously pull and strike with an upward elbow.

The weapon hand is then turned in a circular motion locking the arm and placing the attacker in a disadvantageous position. The defender could capitalise on this with a heel kick to the floating ribs before folding the arm in toward the attacker and pushing away whilst importantly retaining the weapon itself.

The next sequence shows a kick being absorbed and redirected prior to a returning wave energy to a Kup So point.

The principles of breath control are very important in Tai Chi , particularly in relation to applications and combat. There are two extremes being a “Ha” sound which is all Yang and therefore positive. It harnesses all of the physical, mental and spiritual energies at one point. When making the “Ha” sound you should visualise the energy extending to the palms and flowing through the target. It is possible to generate this energy with or without audible sound. The other extreme is the “Hen” or in-breath sound which is purely Um and used during yielding or redirecting movement. Energy is being gathered ready for a counter attack. It is said that in Tai Chi storing energy is like drawing a bow and releasing like shooting an arrow.

To start visualise holding a ball in front of you and expand the energy during the in breath and let it contract during the out breath. Let the breath open and close your hands rather than conscious muscular effort. Feel the energy between the palms.

In between the “Hen and Ha” is an out breath which is not completely Yang. Here we require Yang energy with a retained element of Um . In other words you will find many instances in our forms where we counter-attack with multiple techniques without exhaling fully.

It gets even more interesting when you practise the Chil Sung or Yuk Ro forms which successfully combine internal and external techniques. Here we have to demonstrate the Ki Hap and muscular tensioning at some points whereas others will result in the softer more relaxed Ha sound. Both are on finishing techniques and therefore purely Yang yet they are very different.

Finally, Tai Chi fighting strategy includes ways to attack what are known as an opponents open door . For example, in the first sequence the parry has unlocked his defensive door. Furthermore, in the form you will find instances where we press down on the lead hand so we open the upper window to attack. The opponent will , of course, try to close it down very quickly so the attack must be immediate in order to succeed. There are many ways to open doors and windows by using footwork, push/pull, sticking and coiling techniques.

The 4 Corners are the lesser known of the 8 energies, however, they are indispensable for practical Tai Chi Chuan training.

My hope is that these few thoughts may give more advanced Tang Soo Do students new avenues for training which have not previously been open to them. I for one shall continue to study and learn.

Good luck and good training.

Master David Allerton