You make a good point about allowing the chi to flow where and how it needs to within the body during a Tai-Chi Chuan Forms Set. The same holds true regarding regulation of the breath during a Forms Set practice, when it is best to naturally allow the speed and depth of the breath, as well as the speed and strength of the heart rate, to synchronize with the speed and rhythm of the movement pattern. Practicing a full routine of the exercises in this way, without any deliberate mental control, enables these normally autonomous physiological functions to adjust themselves naturally for maximum efficiency and benefit.
However, it is my expert opinion that the practice of repeated, individual Form Postures for the training, development, and maintainance of specific skills necessitates a mentally directed and regulated practice of the individual Forms used for these purposes. A common example would include the training of internal power issuing techniques for fighting applications, since the 'intention' to project or issue the chi in a strike or kick and the proper regulation of the breath in doing so is imperative to the use of such skills. Another common example would be the practice of an individual Form Posture known to enhance the volume of chi in a specific energy meridian vessel for the purpose of eliminating a diagnosed blockage of the vessel, and to supplement the flow of chi to a weakened internal organ specifically supplied with energy by that associated meridian vessel.
However, it is my expert opinion that the practice of repeated, individual Form Postures for the training, development, and maintainance of specific skills necessitates a mentally directed and regulated practice of the individual Forms used for these purposes. A common example would include the training of internal power issuing techniques for fighting applications, since the 'intention' to project or issue the chi in a strike or kick and the proper regulation of the breath in doing so is imperative to the use of such skills. Another common example would be the practice of an individual Form Posture known to enhance the volume of chi in a specific energy meridian vessel for the purpose of eliminating a diagnosed blockage of the vessel, and to supplement the flow of chi to a weakened internal organ specifically supplied with energy by that associated meridian vessel.
I have been fascinated with the Shaolin Wahnam breath control techniques, which according to Sifu allows the exponent to spar for hours without being tired. Unfortunately, I have yet to experience this first-hand (but I soon will). Also according to Sifu's book "The Complete Book of Shaolin", Four Gates is performed with 5 breaths.
I am wondering about that, because in between each breath, there are striking movements (or in Taijiquan parlance, fajing movements) which should require an expulsion of breath. I would have thought each strike requires an outbreath to expel the qi (and waste). Maybe the Shaolinquan instructors could explain this to me, although it is probably all academic .
Now for Taijiquan. I am curious how Shaolin Wahnam breath control techniques work in Taijiquan, because:
a) the movements are slow. It is impossible to perform 5 breaths for 24 postures (impossible for me anyway).
b) the way the 108 form is structured, there are fajing movements that require one to release the energy build-up. I am sure StierSIfu knows what I mean. He mentioned the Single Whip which is a very powerful release of that built-up energy, passing from the hook to the striking palm. There are movements like that fairly often in the form so there should certainly be more outbreaths than in a normal Shaolin set, I suspect.
How as I taught? I was taught to breathe naturally, although I know of some schools that teach to breathe in when the hands come inwards and out during an oitward movement.
I have always suspected there is something missing in the way I was taught because my instructors would be panting or visibly tired after a full set. The reason is that they had used a lot of qi in directing their movements. We in Wahnam know that after qigong, you should feel fresh, not exhausted. I mentioned elsewhere that visualisation is involved which takes its toll on shen (mind).
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