ewtc 2012 whitsun weekend english translation

Wu style Taijiquan

Questions and Answers

Ma Jiangbao

Interpreter: Benjamin Kasenda

Text and translation: Mark Rusman

Organisation: Bart Saris

rn mn yn l x ku shu.

To enter into study one must have the oral teaching.

Source:Text: - Shsn sh g - Thirteen posture song

Author: Anonymous

26/27-05-2012 EWTC Whitsun-weekend Wu style Taijiquan Questions and Answers Ma Jiangbao, Benjamin Kasenda and Mark Rusman- 2 -

y ru k gng

Overcoming hardness with softness


1.1.

ru l yu gng gng b p, gng zhng w ru b wi jin.

(If) there is hardness within softness, it is impossible to break through. (If) there is no softness within hardness, then it is not really strong.

Source:Text: B z f ju - Eight secret words of techniquesAuthor: Yang Banhou

1.2.

su nn zh, ni yo hn x jin gng r b sh, wi zhng ru run r yng d, y ru run r yng jin gng, sh jin gng jn hu w yu y.

What is difficult is to remain internally reserved, to contain the hardness without expressing it, while externally meeting the opponent with softness. To respond to hardness by using softness causes the opponents hardness to be dissolved into nothingness.

Source:Text: Tij xi chng w sh ji An explanation of taijis lower martial aspectsAuthor: Wu Jianquan

1.3.

yng y b yng l

Use intent not muscular force.

Source:Text: Tijqun sh yo - Ten Important Keys to TaijiquanAuthor: Dictated by Yang chengfu and recorded by Chen weiming


Notes


y jng di dng

Meet the offensive with calmness


2.1.

bn sh sh j cng rn.

The foundation is in giving up oneself to follow the other person.

Source:Text: Tijqun ln The Taijiquan treatiseAuthor: Wang Zongyue

2.2.

y jng zh dng, y ru k gng zh, yu y gn ju sh rn.

Using calmness to subdue movement and using softness to defeat hardness are all possible due to touching and feeling.

Source:Text: Mn y b yng l zh ji sh The Interpretation of Slow and Without ForceAuthor: Wu Gong Zao

2.3.

b w zi wi jn xng gng j y qin, w yng y jng di dng, y y di lo, ho w chng jin. b wi dng, w b dng, b wi dng, w xin dng.

Before the opponent and I engage into battle, I meet (his) offense with calmness, waiting at ease for his actions without perceiving them. (If) the opponent doesnt move, I dont move. (If) he moves but the slightest, I move first.

Source:Text: Ling d Gauging the Opponent Author: Wu Gong Zao


Notes


y xio shng d

Overcome the opponent with lesser strength

but greater skill


3.1.

rn t j l li d w. qin dng s ling b qin jn.

No matter how much force he hits me with, it is led along so that four ounces can move a thousand pounds.

Source:Text: D shu g - Playing Hands Song Author: Anonymous

3.2.

y y b nng ji. yng chng b nng lu. rn b zh w. w d zh rn

A feather cannot be added, a fly cannot alight. My opponent does not know me, I alone know him.

Source:Text: Tijqun ln The Taijiquan treatiseAuthor: Wang Zongyue

3.3.

yn jn lu kng h j ch.

Lead [the opponent] in, [and he] falls into emptiness, [I] unite and immediately issue.

Source:Text: D shu g - Playing Hands Song Author: Anonymous


Notes


y tu wi jn

Retreat in order to advance


4.1.

tij zh su q ji shn, y zi rn xin

Taiji follows the bend with regard to the extend, my intent is ahead of the opponents.

Source:Text: B - A PostscriptAuthor: Wu Cheng Qing

4.2.

tu zhng yn yu jn j, c zhng x yu zhun h

Within retreat, there is a hidden possibility to advance. Within this, it must have turning and unification.

Source:Text: Sh yun ln Thesis of interpreting the originAuthor: Wu Cheng Qing

4.3.

s q d f, zi tng q x sh. ru wn r b d, z k jn r j zh. ru yu su d, z x tng q dng jng zh hun j, j jn tu zh fng xing, sh nng bin q x sh y.

If [I] ask and there is no response, then [I] can advance and attack. [Nevertheless,] if there is a response, then [I] have to listen to the speed of his action in combination with the direction of his forward or backward motion, only then [I] am able to differentiate his insubstantial and substantial.

Source:Text: Wn d - Questions and AnswersAuthor: Wu Gong Zao


Notes


dng zu zu h xin

Circular movements


5.1.

tu qun rng y jn qun nn, b l yo dng hu y qin. su nn zhng t b l wei

The retreating circle is easy, but the circle of advance is difficult. Whether advancing or retreating, maintain [the alignment of] the waist and the crown of the head. What is difficult is [to keep] the central earth without losing its position.

Source:Text: Tij qun The Taiji CircleAuthor: Wu Jianquan

5.2.

y q x hun de lng. ni yu yun hu zh mio. su wi bin zhun x sh y.

The intent and qi must change with agility, only then will there be the wonder of roundedness and liveliness; this is what is called changes of the empty and full.

Source:Text: Shsn sh xng gng xn ji Exposition of insights into the thirteen posturesAuthor: Wu Yuxiang

5.3. []

[]

ti j zh, yun [yun] y, w ln ni wi shng xi zu yu, b l c yun y; ti j zh, fng y, w ln ni wi shng xi zu yu, b l c fng y. yun zh ch r, fng zh jn tu

What is taiji? It is round. Regardless of whether it is internal or external, up or down, left or right, it will not deviate from this roundness. What is taiji? It is square. Regardless of whether it is internal or external, up or down, left or right, it never leaves this squarness. Enter and exit with roundness, advance and retreat with squareness.

Source:Text: Tij zhng gng ji Explanation of how to practice Taiji correctlyAuthor: Wu Jianquan


Notes


Text: Tijqun sh yo - Ten Important Keys to Taijiquan

ewtc 2012 whitsun weekend english translation

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