Yuen Biao

Anyone know what I'm talking about? This is a longshot. Does anyone have any knowledge of Ruyi Taijiquan or indeed practise it. Has anyone even read the following book by Shi Ming? Mind Over Matter: Higher Martial Arts *EDIT - God knows how to link? ~ moderator edit ~ Fixed the link for you. Trunk

Thanks for your replies. The reason I ask my question is that information upon the subject of Ru Yi is difficult to find unfortunately. The spine, shoulder and hip circles are individual exercises to learn and master but help you understand the form itself and how to open up these imporatnt parts of the body for energy to travel through. Obviously this is all in the book itself. The book is quite a complex read so it is quite unlike any other written on the subject of Taijiquan. The only information I could find on Ru Yi is as follows: Ruyi Taijiquan is a newer Taiji system developed by Master Shi Ming from Beijing. Ruyi means Taijiquan, Taijiquan translates freestyle and was developed by Master Shi Ming, a renowned master of traditional Chinese martial art taijiquan, with more than forty years of experience and training. He became known to Western audiences through well-known PBS series Bill Moyers' Healing and the Mind, "Shi Ming is also the author of" Mind Over Matter "translated into English by Thomas Cleary. The steps have been taken over by Ruyi Taiji from the old Yang style Taiji, hand movements of Wu Style Taiji, Xingyi Quan and Bagua Zhang. Animals were taken as models, whose movements are imitated: Snake, Tiger, Monkey, Dragon, Crane. The Ruyi Taijiquan is composed of: Qigong exercises (Zhan Zhuang) Basic Exercises: o The dragon is rising in the sea (Tan Hai Zhuang) o The winds rotate (Yao Lulu) o Distribute the monkey (Dao nian hou) Hand Shape 42 movements Sword form Push Hands / defense techniques o Push Hands o Sanshou The Ruyi Taijiquan has 5 levels: 1. Basic training to learn and form (Jiben Jia Quan) 2. Learn the 3 circles "hip, waist, shoulders" (San Quan Jiazi) 3. Open (Dong Zhi Ze Fen Jiazi) 4. Close (Jing Zhi Ze Fen Jiazi) 5. Empty (Jiazi Kong) One can Youtube Shi Ming and see his skills on video and there are excerpts from the documentary 'Healing and the Mind'. I hope you enjoy the book, it took me three reads before I got it to be honest and I had to put aside my philosophy degree to truly understand it. Peace.

I'll be honest with you as I think it will help me through the next ten days. Firstly my Girlfriend is away on business for the next ten days and I am trying to abstain from physical orgasm. The problem is when I am on my own and bored I do have those urges to sit and play with myself for literally hours. I somehow think that because I'm well-hung(!) makes it even worse as I'm more aware of it - does anyone else feel like that? [embarrassed emoticon] Problem is with her not being here I am more likely to have an orgasm so does anyone have any advice? Secondly we have just returned from a holiday which featured us having lots of sex and drinking regularly so as to yet I have not drunk for a week or as yet had an orgasm. I know to pre-occupy oneself is always good but it's not always possible. I do train regularly in Zhan Zhuang/Taijiquan etc but at times when by myself I find that can heighten sexual desire. Sorry for the waffle Namaste

Interesting point, I cannot answer it accurately. However, I remember from my Ninjutsu training that we very often used to strike/manipulate the acupuncture points. Basically these points can be harmed and healed at the same time, I remember in a perverse way certain strikes being quite invigorating rather then harmful (weird). Saying that most time it would be a very painful experience which I guess is invaluable as it teaches you exactly where these points are for both your protection and attacks! Obviously with arts like Taijiquan and WC these points are exactly the same and are manipulated to gain momentum. ^ That probably did not help much sorry I'm waffling!

I know this book is a work of fiction but it does have a certain readability as far as I was concerned. My question is are there any other books similar to this which you would recommend? I have also read 'The Magus of Java' and 'Opening the Dragon Gate' which are also great books and most likely truer by comparison. Thank you.

Sounds very interesting. I would be keen to read books of this nature but I am aware that some are not very true. Do you have any recommendations perhaps? Thank you.

What? And how exactly is this possible? But seriously I tend not to sit in meditation these days due to the possibilities of situations like this.

I'm slightly lost in my training and wanted to ask your thoughts. Firstly a question: do you believe all martial systems ultimately become alike? I mean in the sense that they all teach the same ideas/principles and so forth? If so what would they be in your opinion? Is the internal aspect this high-end principle which unites arts? I study Taijiquan and Qigong as some of you may know but I'm struggling to describe my path as a martial artist to those who are unfamiliar with the subject. Indeed how does one explain internal aspects, yielding and Qi to people who might be more used to hard skills like boxing or wrestling? Your thoughts would be of interest mostly in relation to internal martial arts. Peace.

Thanks for all your replies. Maybe I am confusing myself, I am happy to be training and enjoy it but I have difficulty explaining what I know to people who aren't aware of the subtlety involved in Taiji. Obviously it is best to 'show' how this works but that's not always possible. Maybe 'Sloppy Zhang' is correct in that body mechanics are used efficiently whatever the system; I think that is what I was struggling with. From speaking to martial artists you can say: "oh yea we have this technique which is the same as your way..." and I do agree with that. At high levels are all systems fundamentally the same? Its basically the internal/external debate ad infinitum. I think the problem is when you begin to talk about effortless skill and using non-force because people just think you are nuts! I do practise Zhan Zhuang but haven't tested my skills for a while, my sparring partner is injured at the moment so we cannot throw each other about. Sorry to bother you all. Peace.

Absolutely.

As Lin suggests this is indeed the mind focusing the Qi to go to the hands. I get this when I use Reiki on others and of course myself. Others usually comment how incredible the heat is that emanates from my palms. I do not fully understand the nature of this but the correlation between heat and Qi is a factor that is very interesting.

Interesting thread. I'm unsure of what to say either way, but on one hand it is nice to see a connection between two people in this world of barriers between the human race. On a cynical note one might be obliged to say be careful and I agree with those who have expressed these sentiments. As a result this homeless person might be trying to steal your energy which is why you may be feeling the pains; other than that it's time to give up smoking? Keep us posted.

Making sure you eat plenty of lentils is a must for your veggie diet. I think chickpeas are similar (?) and they make a nice curry too.

That sounds awesome, let us know if you see it? I know JKD; studied it awhile myself (many years ago) with a top student of Dan Inosanto. I feel its ultimately limited, Lee felt the same. Philosophically it works brilliantly (like MMA) but in practise it is not an experience like learning Taijiquan. I understand completely Lee's point about 'rigid adherence' to form but at the same time it does give you a solid core (structure) to build from so it is very important, just like Zhan Zhuang. There are three 'empty hand' forms to WC, one Mook Jong, one Butterfly knives and then the Long Pole form. There is probably more after you master all six but I guess most people do not get that far! I see JKD as a fluid version of WC personally. Dan introduced Lee to the grappling aspects of Kali (Dumog) in 1967 and I believe Larry Hartsell was also present who introduced grappling even more to JKD. 'enouch' I need to see that video!

Interesting points. On the subject of WC you have to remember that JKD was founded upon it and Lee sought to improve on it by creating better mobility and ultimately fluidity. Taky Kimura I believe began learning WC after Lee's passing so that is also an interesting factor to note. I know the facts as to why Lee had initially lost faith with WC but you have to remember that Lee had not completed the form; if he had maybe he would have won the fight quicker? There was still much for Lee to learn in WC as he was well aware. You have to remember that Master Wong's WC was tweaked slightly in comparison to Ip Man's; maybe that has some bearing on the matter? Re: 'new footage' - I hadn't heard anything about that at all. Have you seen it? Sounds intriguing...

I have started to use my energy to heal others now. For instance I am helping someone who had severe tissue damage from a car-crash over twenty years ago and I am helping them dissipate that blockage. When I become more accomplished (hopefully) I will try to set up a practise and offer this gift to the general public. Re: "greater health and vitality" - I don't think it is necessarily down to a positive outlook because I still struggle with negativity and cynicism when I am not practising, although when I am these thoughts dissapear. I hope that makes sense?

Well let's put it this way, I heard different to you. Master Wong was talking about this right upto the time of his death; others agreed that Lee's style was veering once more towards WC. I know that Lee incorporated much from other arts into his philosophy but he did want to finish his WC training. I know JKD was personal evolution and liberation but Lee still sought out to finish what he had began previously whilst also learning many other things. Besides the letter you refer to was written in the late 1960's, yes? Things can change. Interesting story from Larry Hartsell there, and testament to how far ahead of the game Lee was. Do you have a link?

You are mistaken. Master Wong Shun Leung helped Lee choreograph parts of 'Enter the Dragon' as a result Lee wanted to continue his Wing Chun training with Master Wong and finish the form. Others have noted that Lee's 'style' began to resemble Wing Chun (once again) before he died. The Wing Chun adepts didn't approve of his methods, so you are correct but this was way back in the 1960's, Lee was actively trying to seek out Yip Man's forgiveness so that he could film him for his own research.

You are correct, Lee learned mostly from Master Wong. It is said that Lee wanted to continue learning Wing Chun in HK as a result of spending time with Wong during the making of 'Enter the Dragon'. Lee was not a Master in the true sense of the word but he had amazing skills and trained more than any pro-fighter ever does. What is perhaps more interesting is the fact that Lee was nowhere near finding his potential due to his early death. Imagine if Lee had the chance to study Taijiquan and Qigong later in his life? For me personally Lee was an influence on my martial training and he continues to be so.

'Damo' you are correct, there are many Wang Li Ping's in China, the surname Wang is indeed like the English surname of Smith. The documentary is still cool though and I certainly wouldn't doubt any of the skills of those in question least not this younger Wang Li Ping. On the subject of the book 'Opening The Dragon Gate' does anyone know of any other books similar to this which don't rely on imaginative storytelling?

'Ever Improving Health' is tied in with 'Enlightenment' in my opinion; hence I would vote for both if I could and maybe not to win fights but to become aware of my skills and the ability to use them as peacefully as possible thus refraining from undue pain to my opponent.

'Old wine, new label' is my take on the furore regarding Kunlun.

How...what can I say apart from unmasterful perhaps maybe even arrogant too! Very funny though

I was over for five days (among other places in China) a few weeks ago. Although I am a Yang Taijiquan stylist I met up with my friend who studies Chen. The Taiji is really good there, I was watching some guy go through a form in the Temple of Heaven grounds which looked like he was making up as he went along. There's also lots of Taiji going on in Zizhuyuan Park, Haidian District, northwest of Beijing is where I used to train when I was last there a few years ago. The best place to learn though is at Beijing University of Physical Education with Professor Zhang Guangde who teaches Daoyin Yangsheng Gong.

I also love the book - 'Opening the Dragon Gate'. A truly awesome read and highly recommended; I've been meaning to re-read it but haven't had the time. 'Magus of Java' is very interesting too. A book in a similar vein is 'Chronicles of Tao: The Secret Life of a Taoist Master' by Ming-dao Deng, however after reading the book I found out that it was merely a work of fiction or actually based on many different people rather than one man. As a result I was left feeling a little hollow because I wanted to read something that was fairly accurate and ultimately true. Does anyone know of any books that are similar to 'Opening the Dragon Gate' and 'The Magus of Java'?