Sophistication
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
(Leonardo Da Vinci)
Easy
Simple is not easy.
Modern culture saturates our minds with complexity and we find it hard to even
notice simplicity let alone appreciate it.
The Tao Te Ching speaks of how too much sight, sound and taste can blunt the
senses.
Even when the simple is shown to us, our minds slide off it.
This is why qigong frustrates beginners and few people ever truly learn tai chi.
It seems boring.
Complexity
'Simple' does not mean simplistic.
The cycle of training for a martial artist starts with the simplistic
understanding of a new starter, building to the advanced skill of an instructor,
ending with the simplicity of self-mastery.
This is why some masters wear a belt or outfit that suggests 'novice' status
despite their great skill.
In martial arts, complexity leads ultimately to simplicity as redundancies are
removed.
A tai chi person seeks to regain the simplicity we had as a child; natural,
uncontrived and open.
Elegant
'Elegance' is a misunderstood term.
It is the art of loss; paring away everything that can be removed until only the
absolute essence remains.
In tai chi terms, this is the movement which produces the jing.
What else matters?
You cannot use anything else in self defence.
Only the movement.
Stripping the practice of everything you do not need will make your tai chi
pragmatic, lean and effective.
Effective
Convoluted material is not effective in self defence.
It takes too long to perform, makes assumptions about your opponent and their
intentions, and leaves you overcommitted and exposed.
Simple moves are the best: compact, direct - following the path of least
resistance.
If something goes wrong, it is easy to abort and change your approach.
Economical
Small, simple movements use less
energy than large ones.
They do not tire you.
Tai chi should always move from large circle to small circle and from large
frame to small frame.
In terms of delivery, small circle offers a better arc.
In terms of leverage and range, a smaller frame is the most economical.
Frame size should be gauged relative to the necessity of the situation.
Subtle
Subtlety is a by-product of simplicity.
When your form and application become subtle, few will appreciate your
skill
because it is too slight to be noticed.
Folded within the practice, it is manifest only in the smallest detail.
Your form may look unfinished, like the 'uncarved block' so prized by taoists...
Devoid of glamour and extremes, it will look easy and effortless:
nothing remarkable at all.
Page created 2 March 1998