Other Internal ArtsThe following is an overview of the rich heritage of Taoist Tai Chi™ internal arts and methods (other than taijiquan and Lok Hup Ba Fa) that Master Moy passed on to the International Taoist Tai Chi Society:
Taoist Meditation
While taijiquan focuses on 'stillness in movement', the emphasis of Taoist meditation is 'movement in stillness'. Meditation helps the practitioner to still the mind by letting go of thoughts and attachments that cause stress and anxiety. Taoist meditation is offered by the Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism, a sister organization of the International Taoist Tai Chi Society.
Push Hands
This is a two-person exercise that develops strength, sensitivity, speed, and spontaneity of response. Training in Push-Hands, typically offered in continuing classes in taijiquan, develops strength in the spine and the lower part of the body. Push-Hands also cultivates sensitivity and spontaneous reaction as a student learns to deflect and dissipate the momentum of an incoming force.
Moreover, Push-Hands can be used to open tight joints, condition muscle and tendon, and facilitate changes in the skeletal structure for the unhindered circulation of internal energy.
In the International Taoist Tai Chi Society, Push-Hands is first and foremost taught as a technique for cultivating mind and body and never as an aggressive sport. We believe that the development of a peaceful attitude and a non-egotistical mind is the best form of self-defence. It takes the student's mind away from aggressive tendencies and develops a calm and effective response to adverse conditions.
Taoist Tai Chi™ Sword and Sabre
The taiji sword and sabre sets supplement the training in taijiquan. The weapon becomes an extension of the spine, and wielding it by connecting the arm to the spine facilitates the development of spinal flexibility. These sets also provide ideal conditions for introducing movements of the spine that might take a longer time to develop through the regular course of training.
Seminars and Lecture Series in Taoist Studies
These seminars and lectures introduce the philosophical principles that underlie Taoist Tai Chi™ internal arts and methods, and may form part of larger workshop progams. Topics discussed include the physics of forces in taijiquan, women and Taoist training, understanding taijiquan through Eastern and Western medicine, and the history and theory of Taoist internal alchemy. There are also opportunities to explore the scriptures of the Taoist Canon, some of which have been translated and published internationally by Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism.
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