I enjoy all the weapon forms and I like how certain principles apply to all of them but how their different attributes such as length, number of points and edges, soft or hard, invite different applications and different expressions of energy. In the case of the spear, it can be viewed as a staff with a point where both ends as well as the middle section can be applied for attack or defense. The spear also feels different to me, depending on whether I am doing Chun Yuen or Chen Taiji. Always, the weapon is an extension of the body and the weapon and the body must move together.
In today’s seminar, GM Tse gave a lecture on a famous Taiji poem about the necessary balance between Yin and Yang:
總論拳手內勁剛柔歌〈七言十句〉
純陰無陽是軟手，純陽無陰是硬手；一陰九陽根頭棍，二陰八陽是散手。三陰七陽猶覺硬，四陰六陽顯好手；唯有五陰並五陽，陰陽無偏稱妙手。妙手一著一太極，空空跡化歸烏有。
A summary of the boxer’s inner strength, strength and softness song (Seven Characters and Ten Sentences)
Only Yin and no Yang is soft hand,Only Yang and no Yin is hard hand;One part Yin and nine parts Yang is like a stick,Two parts Yin and eight parts Yang is normal hand.Three parts Yin and seven parts Yang is still too hard,Four parts Yin and six parts Yang is good hand;Only balance of the five Yin and five Yang is stylish hand.Each movement of stylish hand is Taiji,Everything that comes in, will be neutralised to be nothing.
GM Tse then went on to talk about how, when practising Taiji forms, we should feel good and strong and full of energy and, when doing Tuishou, we should fight with circles, use less energy to defeat our opponents, finish with one touch, and use the position to fight, control and win.
After a break we went on to polish the previous parts of the form which when initially starting the form were very complex and hard to follow, but now after extensive repetitions start to feel like second nature. GM Tse answered all questions about the movements and demonstarted the relevant sections again. At the end, GM Tse taught a new section which included slamming down the spear for the second time, and then a combined kick and strike with the butt of the spear followed by a downwards stab – the last of which could naturally be applied as a jump. A new movement AND a jump all in one. It is hard to ask for more!
We are now about half way through the form, so still plenty to go. Personally, I am looking forward to the next section already.
Thank you, Sigong!
by Tom Hogg
Student Comments
Another fun Chen seminar, the spear is complicated but very enjoyable and gets you nice and warm ! Thank you for a great seminar Sifu. Peter A
Lovely form! Once you start spinning, it just keeps going. It is definitely training my memory.
Thank you, Sigong.
Paul Hogg
A fantastic Chen Spear Seminar today, it was really helpful to go through the early parts of the form in longer sections. At least the first half is finally feeling like it’s starting to fit. The spear form is an addictive mixture of light circles and powerful lines, which makes it very enjoyable to practice. Thank you Sigong. Sam
Another enjoyable Chen Spear seminar! It’s good that we repeat all the form in detail, as some parts are very similar (but still different) and can be confusing. Working in the breakout rooms really helps too. Looking forward to next time. Thank you Sigong. Peter Hogg
Chen Spear is quite advanced and requires a lot of effort and understanding. It’s very good we are going through it at a good pace that I can see and connect the new parts to the older ones. There are a lot of turns and that can be very confusing. I am happy that Sifu shows the form from different directions to really understand the stepping and which side we are facing for each part. Thank you Sifu, looking forward to really understand Chen Taijiquan Spear!
-Radu
Complicated but enjoyable, the Chen Spear needs a lot of concentration to make sure I don’t get lost in the repeat sections! The new part is quite dynamic with an unusual use of the spear. Thank you Sigong. Christine