Sunday 25 May 2014

Meditative Traditions In The Chinese Martial Arts

By Marci Glover


Sifu Jan has written three series under the title Warrior of Stillness. They cover the meditative and internal techniques that define masters of Chinese martial arts. These meditative traditions in the Chinese martial arts come from observations made over years of training under one of the most renowned masters in California. They encompass the mental and physical aspects that lead to perfection.

The impact is instant as one begins reading through the chapters of this book. The description involves insightful theories, practical suggestions and anecdotes that make an easy read. The availability of a historical perspective makes the concepts appreciative and easy to understand for readers and would be artists. It helps them to achieve depth in this endeavor.

Wuji is a crucial part off successful meditation. It forms the center of the body and acts as the pole in a human being. Its incorporation into the Taiji traditions has led to incredible awareness of personal strength. The description makes the concept of cylinders and Taiji sphere easy to understand for readers.

The author insists that the central point for each individual should be the Wuji. Everything else springs from this point. Students can easily relate to this description considering that a standing posture is the genesis of any artistic expression. Both hands are placed side by side to achieve balance.

The mode of presentation given by Jan Sifu makes one more aware of internal body mechanic. This awareness is crucial when searching for balance. It makes it possible to improve on personal form when meditating. The theories combine a physical and mental aspect that recreates inner form when one is seeking change.

The book has a regulative, calculative and unique way of introducing inner energy. By experience, Tai chi relaxes the mind and helps to control blood pressure. It has been recommended by cardiologist as a natural remedy.

Senior masters have shared their experiences through the pages on how to achieve inner depth. It helps to transform artists who are used to soft arts during the crucial transformation phase. Some of the techniques suggested include the standing Qigong meditation style and the Grasp Bird Tail which involves motion.

The target for the title is both amateurs and experienced artists. It offers a simplistic guide on how these skills can be mastered. The author insists on consistency in practice as the best way to achieve desired results. Simple moves must be mastered as well if an individual desires to make a difference in martial arts.

The first publication came out in 1995 and majored on Qigong technique. The Tao of Yiquan followed in 1999 as the volume II. The experiences shared come from recording time spent with the masters and taking keen interest in their instructions.

The Masters of Perception closes the chapter on this trilogy and was released in 2013. It goes beyond the power and breadth exhibited by the master studied by Jan Sifu to describe the extraordinary depth and subtleness displayed by this master. The volumes seek to exalt and highlight the powers in stillness. The books are available online at prices that guarantee value for money.




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