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This Video series on YouTube highlights Taiji and other Internal Martial Arts Masters particularly of the old days: Yáng Shǒuzhōng (Yang, Sau Chung) showcasing the Yang Style Tai Chi Form – Yáng Shǒuzhōng is the elde
This Video series on YouTube highlights Taiji and other Internal Martial Arts Masters particularly of the old days: Unfortunately there does not seem to be any video footage of Sun Lutang doing his Tai Chi form, howe
Wu Wei (simplified Chinese: 无为; traditional Chinese: 無為; pinyin: wúwéi) is a central concept in ancient Chinese philosophy, particularly in Taoism (Daoism). It literally translates to “non-action”, “effortless action”, or “inexertion”, and refers to a state of being in harmony with the natural flow of the universe, acting without forcing or striving against the current. The origins of Wu Wei can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BCE) in ancient China. It emerged as an important philosophical ideal, expounded upon in seminal Taoist texts like the Tao Te Ching and the writings of Zhuangzi.
In Taoism (Daoism), Wu Wei is about aligning oneself with the Tao (Dao), or the natural way of the universe, rather than going against the flow or trying to force things. It involves letting go of expectations, desires, and the need to control, and instead allowing things to unfold spontaneously and effortlessly. The Tao Te Ching states: “The Way does nothing, and yet nothing remains undone.” This encapsulates the idea of Wu Wei – acting in accordance with the natural order, without excessive effort or interference. Zhuangzi, another influential Taoist philosopher, emphasized the importance of embracing one’s innate nature and not imposing artificial constructs or striving against the natural current of life. Wu Wei is about trusting the inherent wisdom of the universe and acting with a sense of effortlessness and spontaneity.
Wu Wei is often contrasted with the more Confucian ideals of imposed order, artifice, and excessive human effort or striving. While Confucianism emphasized the importance of social hierarchy, rituals, and moral cultivation through conscious effort, Taoism advocated a more natural, spontaneous approach to life. The Taoist concept of Wu Wei advocates aligning oneself with the inherent patterns and rhythms of nature, rather than trying to force or control things through human will and effort alone.
In modern times, Wu Wei has been interpreted as a kind of “not forcing” or “not trying too hard”. It is about letting go of overthinking and excessive striving, and instead trusting one’s instincts and going with the flow of life. As Bruce Lee famously said, “Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way around or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves.” This idea of effortless action, embracing the natural course of events, and not forcing things unnecessarily, is at the heart of the Wu Wei philosophy. In essence, Wu Wei is a profound concept that encourages us to align ourselves with the natural rhythms of the universe, act with spontaneity and effortlessness, and let go of the need to control or force outcomes. It is a central tenet of Taoist thought that has influenced various aspects of Chinese culture and philosophy.
Watch this video by Paul Cavel to learn more about the concept of Wu Wei from a Taoist point of view.
This Video series on YouTube highlights Taiji and other Internal Martial Arts Masters particularly of the old days: Delve into the timeless elegance of Professor Cheng as he unveils his 37-step open hand form in arch
Chen Fake 陳發科 (1887–1957), courtesy name Chen Fusheng, was a renowned Chinese martial artist who played a pivotal role in the development and global spread of Chen-style Taiji. He was born and raised in Chen Family Village (Chenjiagou, 陳家溝) in Henan province, where he was … read more
This Video series on YouTube highlights Taiji and other Internal Martial Arts Masters particularly of the old days. Please note that especially those videos of the early 20th century might be of fairly bad quality. However they are valuable sources of history and skill. In this video:
Witness the graceful mastery of Cheng Man Ching as he executes the Taijiquan sword form with precision and elegance. Cheng, a renowned polymath and Taijiquan master, seamlessly blends the art of swordsmanship with the principles of internal cultivation and self-awareness.
In this captivating display, Cheng’s movements flow with the fluidity of water, demonstrating the hallmarks of his unique approach to Taijiquan – a harmonious integration of the external and the internal, the physical and the mental.
As he guides the sword through a series of intricate patterns, Cheng embodies the essence of Taijiquan – a martial art that transcends mere physical technique, becoming a meditation in motion, a dance of self-discovery, and a testament to the depth of traditional Chinese culture.
Observe the power and control, the grace and tranquility, that Cheng Man Ching brings to the sword form, and witness the timeless wisdom he imparts through his mastery of this ancient art.
Visit the website for more: https://www.talesbythewanderer.com
This Video series on YouTube highlights Taiji and other Internal Martial Arts Masters particularly of the old days: Dong Yingjie (Tung Ying-chieh) performing the Yingjie Fast Form (英傑快拳) which he developed and was la
In a humble cottage at the edge of the village, I found a healer tending to the sick and wounded, her hands gentle and sure as she applied salves and poultices with practiced precision. Intrigued by her skill, I struck up a conversation and learned … read more
This Video series on YouTube highlights Taiji and other Internal Martial Arts Masters particularly of the old days. Please note that especially those videos of the early 20th century might be of fairly bad quality. However they are valuable sources of history and skill. In this video: Dong Yingjie (Tung Ying-chieh) not only studied under Yang Chengfu but also Sun Lutang and Wu Jianquan before bringing his Tai Chi Mastery to the West
This Video series on YouTube highlights Taiji and other Internal Martial Arts Masters particularly of the old days: T.T. Liang performing the Sword Form. A Tai Chi master who captivated hearts and minds, leaving beh
Sitting amidst the wildflowers, I closed my eyes and allowed myself to be carried away by the gentle hum of bees and the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. In the midst of nature’s symphony, I found clarity—a moment of peace and stillness amidst … read more
On the banks of a tranquil lake, I encountered a group of Taiji practitioners engaged in the practice of Taiji Sung – the art of relaxed strength. As I observed their movements with keen interest, the master explained the profound significance of this essential principle.
“In Taiji,” he said, “we seek to cultivate a state of relaxed alertness – a harmonious balance between tension and ease, effort and surrender. Taiji Sung allows us to develop a deep sense of rootedness and stability, while remaining flexible and adaptable to change.”
With each gentle movement, I felt a profound sense of release – a letting go of tension and resistance that allowed me to sink deeper into the earth and rise higher into the sky. In the art of Taiji Sung, I discovered the power of surrender – a surrender to the natural flow of life, and a trust in the wisdom of the universe.
Sung 松 in Tai Chi is more than relaxation
The concept of “sung” (also spelled “song”) 松 in Taijiquan (Tai Chi) is often translated as “relaxation”, but it encompasses a much deeper meaning than pure physical relaxation. Sung represents a state of integrated mind-body loosening and release of tension on multiple levels – physical, mental, and emotional.
On a physical level, Sung involves allowing the joints to open freely and move without stiffness or resistance, while still maintaining an upright posture and structural integrity. As one master describes it, the body should be like “a solid piece of rubber” – relaxed yet not completely limp.[1][4] All the major joints – shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, etc. – are gently stretched open from the inside.[1] This loosening enables the smooth flow of qi (energy) through the body, as tension and stiffness restrict this flow.[2]
However, Sung goes beyond just the physical aspect. It also requires releasing mental tensions and cultivating a state of focused presence and awareness.[1][4] Taoist philosophy views Sung as letting go of tensions “on a mental, emotional, and physical level.”[1] When the mind is free of distracting thoughts and the body is truly relaxed, one experiences a sense of being “truly right” and harmoniously aligned.[1]
Achieving this integrated mind-body state of Sung is one of the foundational skills in Taijiquan practice.[1][4] It allows the body to move in an effortless, coordinated way according to Taiji principles. As one master states, “Unless a joint can rotate freely, skill in taijiquan will suffer.”[1] Simply being physically relaxed is not enough – there must be a conscious cultivation of the Sung state through proper training and mindfulness.[1][2]
In essence, Sung represents a profound level of relaxation that permeates the entire being – physical, mental, and emotional. It is this harmonious integration of a relaxed body and calm mind that enables the smooth flow of qi and the effortless, natural movements characteristic of true Taijiquan mastery.[2][4]
Bruce Frantzis
Energy Arts
Classically, learning what is called Sung in Tai Chi is learned through a basic 4 part process, each one of which builds upon and is dependent upon the previous stages being stable. In all 4 stages, you must consciously put your mind inside your body until you can recognize what your mind is contacting, and by mental command alone, you can cause your body to obey.”
– Master Bruce Frantzis
Citations:
[1] https://balancedlifetaichi.com/blog/what-does-song-mean-in-tai-chi
[2] https://newlifekungfu.com/what-is-song-or-sung-in-tai-chi/
[3] http://discuss.yangfamilytaichi.com/viewtopic.php?start=75&t=394
[4] https://balancedlifetaichi.com/blog/what-does-song-mean-in-tai-chi
[5] http://discuss.yangfamilytaichi.com/viewtopic.php?start=75&t=394
[6] https://revealedpresence.com/blog/speaking/tai-chi-sung/
[7] http://www.newcastletaichi.co.uk/sung.htm
[8] https://www.energyarts.com/event/sung-in-tai-chi/