The following is a valuable article written by Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang concerning the process of skill development in taijiquan. As it is from his lineage that I first learned the Chen style, I thought it well to present this piece here for everyone to consider. As noted, the original author is Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang with this English translation rendered by Tan Lee-Peng, PhD.
The Third Level of Kung Fu
'If you wish to do well in your quan (or form), you must practice to make your circle smaller.' The steps in practicing Chen-style taijiquan involve progressing from mastering big circle to medium circle and from medium circle to small circle. The word 'circle' here does not mean the path/trail resulting from movements of the limbs but rather the smooth flowing of the internal energy of qi. In this respect, the third level kung fu is a stage in which one shall begin with big circle and end with medium circle (in the circulation of qi).
The Taijiquan Classic mentioned that 'yi and qi are more superior than the forms' meaning that while practicing taijiquan one should place emphasis on using yi (consciousness). In the first level of kung fu, one's mind and concentration are mainly on learning and mastering of the external forms of taijiquan. While in the second level of kung fu, one should concentrate on detecting conflicts/uncoordination of limbs and body and of internal and external movements. One should adjust body and forms to ensure a smooth flow of the internal energy.
When progressing into the third level kung fu, one should already have the internal energy flowing smoothly: what is required is yi and not brute force. The movements should be light but not 'floating.' heavy but not clumsy. This implies that the movements should appear to be soft but the internal force is actually strong/sturdy, or there is strong force implied in the soft movements, and the whole body should be well-coordinated and there should not be any irregular movements. However, one should not just pay attention to the movement of qi in the body and neglect the external actions. Otherwise, one would appear to be in a daze and as a result, the flow of internal qi may not only be obstructed but may be dispersed. Therefore, as stated in the Taijiquan Classics, 'attention should be on the spirit and not just qi, with too much emphasis on qi there will be stagnation (of qi).'
One may have mastered the external forms between the first and second level kung fu, but he may not have attained co-ordination of the external with internal movements. Sometimes, due to stiffness or stagnation of the actions, full breathing-in is not possible. On the other hand, without proper co-ordination of the internal and external movements, it is not possible to empty one's breath completely. Thus, when practicing quan one should breathe naturally. After entering into the third level kung fu, there is better co-ordination of internal and external movements. As such generally the actions can be synchronized with breathing quite precisely. However, it is necessary to consciously synchronize breathing with movements for some finer, more complicated and swifter actions. This is to further ensure co-ordination of breathing and actions so that it gradually comes on naturally.
The third level of kung fu basically involves mastering the internal and external requirements of Chen-style taijiquan and rhythm of exercise as well as the ability to correct oneself. One should also be able to command the actions with more ease and should also have more internal energy (qi). At this level, it is necessary to further understand the combat skill implicit in each quan form and its application. For this, one has to practice push-hands, check on the forms, the quality and quantity of the internal force and expression of the force as well as dissolving of force. If one's quan form can withstand confrontational push-hands then one must have mastered the important points of the form. He would gain more confidence if he continues to work hard. He may then step up his exercise routine and add in some complementary practice like practicing with the long staff, sword or broad sword; spear and pole as well as practicing fa-jin i.e. expression of explosive force on its own.
With two years continuous practice in this manner, generally one should be able to attain the fourth level of kung fu. With the third level of kung fu, although there is smooth flow of internal qi and the actions are better coordinated, but the internal qi is weaker and the coordination between muscle movements and the functioning of the internal organs is not sufficiently established. While practicing alone without external disturbances, one may be able to achieve internal and external coordination. During confrontational push-hands and combat, if the advancing force is softer and slower, one may be able to go along with the attacker and change one's actions accordingly; grab any opportunity to lead the opponent into a disadvantageous situation; or, avoid the opponent's firm move but attack when there is any weakness, maneuvering with ease. However, once encountering a stronger opponent, the student may feel that his peng jin, i.e. blocking force, is insufficient, and there is a feeling that one's form is being pressed and about to collapse (this may destroy the unfailing position which is supposed to be never-leaning and never-declining but with all round support), and cannot maneuver at will. The student may not achieve what the Taijiquan Classics describe as 'striking with the hands without them being seen, once they are visible, it is impossible to manipulate.' Even in leading-in and expelling-out the opponent, one [may] feel stiff and much effort is required. As such the skill at this stage is described as '30% yin, 70% yang, still on the hard side.'
To be continued in Part Four...
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