![<span class='p-name'>[Video] Dong Yingjie (Tung Ying-chieh) performing the Tai Chi Yingjie Fast Form (英傑快拳)</span>](https://brush-and-tale.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/TheWanderer-Sumie-Painting-13.png)
This Video series on YouTube highlights Taiji and other Internal Martial Arts Masters particularly of the old days. Please note that especially those videos of the early 20th century might be of fairly bad quality. However they are valuable sources of history and skill. In this video: Dong Yingjie (Tung Ying-chieh) not only studied under Yang Chengfu but also Sun Lutang and Wu Jianquan before bringing his Tai Chi Mastery to the West
On the banks of a tranquil lake, I encountered a group of Taiji practitioners engaged in the practice of Taiji Sung – the art of relaxed strength. As I observed their movements with keen interest, the master explained the profound significance of this essential principle.
“In Taiji,” he said, “we seek to cultivate a state of relaxed alertness – a harmonious balance between tension and ease, effort and surrender. Taiji Sung allows us to develop a deep sense of rootedness and stability, while remaining flexible and adaptable to change.”
With each gentle movement, I felt a profound sense of release – a letting go of tension and resistance that allowed me to sink deeper into the earth and rise higher into the sky. In the art of Taiji Sung, I discovered the power of surrender – a surrender to the natural flow of life, and a trust in the wisdom of the universe.
Sung 松 in Tai Chi is more than relaxation
The concept of “sung” (also spelled “song”) 松 in Taijiquan (Tai Chi) is often translated as “relaxation”, but it encompasses a much deeper meaning than pure physical relaxation. Sung represents a state of integrated mind-body loosening and release of tension on multiple levels – physical, mental, and emotional.
On a physical level, Sung involves allowing the joints to open freely and move without stiffness or resistance, while still maintaining an upright posture and structural integrity. As one master describes it, the body should be like “a solid piece of rubber” – relaxed yet not completely limp.[1][4] All the major joints – shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, etc. – are gently stretched open from the inside.[1] This loosening enables the smooth flow of qi (energy) through the body, as tension and stiffness restrict this flow.[2]
However, Sung goes beyond just the physical aspect. It also requires releasing mental tensions and cultivating a state of focused presence and awareness.[1][4] Taoist philosophy views Sung as letting go of tensions “on a mental, emotional, and physical level.”[1] When the mind is free of distracting thoughts and the body is truly relaxed, one experiences a sense of being “truly right” and harmoniously aligned.[1]
Achieving this integrated mind-body state of Sung is one of the foundational skills in Taijiquan practice.[1][4] It allows the body to move in an effortless, coordinated way according to Taiji principles. As one master states, “Unless a joint can rotate freely, skill in taijiquan will suffer.”[1] Simply being physically relaxed is not enough – there must be a conscious cultivation of the Sung state through proper training and mindfulness.[1][2]
In essence, Sung represents a profound level of relaxation that permeates the entire being – physical, mental, and emotional. It is this harmonious integration of a relaxed body and calm mind that enables the smooth flow of qi and the effortless, natural movements characteristic of true Taijiquan mastery.[2][4]
Bruce Frantzis
Energy Arts
Classically, learning what is called Sung in Tai Chi is learned through a basic 4 part process, each one of which builds upon and is dependent upon the previous stages being stable. In all 4 stages, you must consciously put your mind inside your body until you can recognize what your mind is contacting, and by mental command alone, you can cause your body to obey.”
– Master Bruce Frantzis
Citations:
[1] https://balancedlifetaichi.com/blog/what-does-song-mean-in-tai-chi
[2] https://newlifekungfu.com/what-is-song-or-sung-in-tai-chi/
[3] http://discuss.yangfamilytaichi.com/viewtopic.php?start=75&t=394
[4] https://balancedlifetaichi.com/blog/what-does-song-mean-in-tai-chi
[5] http://discuss.yangfamilytaichi.com/viewtopic.php?start=75&t=394
[6] https://revealedpresence.com/blog/speaking/tai-chi-sung/
[7] http://www.newcastletaichi.co.uk/sung.htm
[8] https://www.energyarts.com/event/sung-in-tai-chi/
Cheng Man Ching, also known as Zheng Manqing, was a renowned figure in the realm of martial arts, particularly in Tai Chi Chuan, as well as a skilled calligrapher, painter, and doctor of traditional Chinese medicine. Born on July 29, 1902, in Yongjia County, Zhejiang Province, China, Cheng Man Ching’s life journey would leave an indelible mark on the world of martial arts.
Cheng’s introduction to martial arts began in his youth, studying under Yang Chengfu, the grandson of Yang Luchan, founder of the Yang-style Tai Chi Chuan. Cheng showed exceptional talent and dedication, mastering the art under Yang’s guidance. His understanding of Tai Chi Chuan went beyond mere physical movements; he delved deeply into its philosophical and spiritual aspects, a trait that would characterize his teachings later in life.
In addition to his martial pursuits, Cheng Man Ching was a polymath with diverse interests. He received formal education in traditional Chinese medicine and became a licensed doctor. His expertise extended to calligraphy and painting, where he gained recognition for his masterful brushwork and artistic sensibility.
Cheng’s life took a significant turn when he moved to Taiwan in 1948 amid the Chinese Civil War. There, he continued to teach Tai Chi Chuan, attracting a devoted following. He adapted the traditional Yang-style Tai Chi Chuan into a shorter, more accessible form comprising 37 postures, known as the Yang-style Short Form or Cheng-style Tai Chi Chuan. This innovation made Tai Chi Chuan more approachable to beginners while retaining its essence and effectiveness.
Throughout his teaching career, Cheng emphasized the health benefits of Tai Chi Chuan, promoting it as a holistic practice that nourishes both body and mind.
His teachings attracted students from diverse backgrounds, including martial artists, scholars, and health enthusiasts. Cheng’s reputation as a Tai Chi master grew, earning him the respect and admiration of practitioners worldwide.
Cheng Man Ching’s contributions to Tai Chi Chuan extended beyond his innovative teaching methods. He authored several influential books on Tai Chi philosophy, including “Tai Chi Chuan: A Simplified Method of Calisthenics for Health & Self Defense” and “The Essence of T’ai Chi Ch’uan: The Literary Tradition.” These works helped popularize Tai Chi Chuan beyond China, introducing it to a global audience.
In his later years, Cheng Man Ching relocated to New York City, where he continued to teach and spread the practice of Tai Chi Chuan. He founded the Shr Jung School of Tai Chi Chuan, where he trained numerous instructors who would carry on his legacy. Despite battling health issues, Cheng remained dedicated to his practice and teaching until his passing on March 26, 1975.
Cheng Man Ching’s impact on Tai Chi Chuan cannot be overstated. He played a pivotal role in modernizing and popularizing this ancient martial art, transforming it into a widely practiced form of exercise and meditation. His teachings continue to inspire generations of practitioners, shaping the way Tai Chi Chuan is understood and practiced worldwide. Cheng’s legacy as a master martial artist, scholar, and healer endures, ensuring that his contributions to the world of martial arts and holistic health will be remembered for years to come.
Cheng Man Ching’s formative years were steeped in the traditions of Chinese art and culture. Raised in a family of artists, he inherited a deep appreciation for poetry, painting, calligraphy, and the nuanced principles of Chinese medicine. Despite the upheavals of early 20th-century China, Cheng’s artistic upbringing instilled in him a profound reverence for the interconnectedness of nature, body, and spirit – a theme that would resonate throughout his life’s work.
At the heart of Cheng’s teachings lay a profound philosophy that transcended the boundaries of martial arts. Rooted in the wisdom of ancient Chinese sages, Cheng espoused a holistic approach to life – one guided by principles of balance, harmony, and mindfulness. His famous dictum, “Use four ounces to deflect a thousand pounds,” encapsulated his belief in the power of skillful technique, inner strength, and non-aggression – a philosophy that resonated deeply with his students and admirers alike.
Cheng Man Ching’s impact extends far beyond the realm of martial arts. Through his writings, teachings, and personal example, he inspired generations of practitioners to embrace Taijiquan as a path to holistic wellness and self-discovery. In the 1960s, Cheng brought Taijiquan to the West, igniting a wave of interest that continues to ripple across the globe. His “Cheng Man-ching Short Form” became a staple of Taijiquan practice in the West, admired for its elegance, efficiency, and accessibility.
Central to Cheng Man Ching’s teachings was his nuanced understanding of Taijiquan as both a martial art and a holistic practice. While many view Tai Chi primarily as a gentle form of exercise, Cheng emphasized its roots in combat and self-defense. Drawing from his martial lineage and deep knowledge of Taijiquan principles, Cheng integrated martial applications into his teaching, offering students a comprehensive understanding of Tai Chi’s martial aspects alongside its health benefits.
For Cheng, the practice of Taijiquan was a dynamic interplay of Yin and Yang, softness and strength – a manifestation of Daoist philosophy in motion. Through his emphasis on proper body mechanics, sensitivity training, and the cultivation of internal energy, Cheng sought to impart not only self-defense skills but also a profound awareness of the body’s innate wisdom and potential for transformation. In essence, Cheng Man Ching’s approach to Taijiquan transcended the dichotomy of martial art versus exercise, inviting practitioners to explore the rich tapestry of Tai Chi as a holistic path to self-mastery and inner peace.
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In a quiet corner of the village, I stumbled upon an elderly woman bent over a wooden loom, her hands moving with practiced precision as she wove intricate patterns into the fabric. Intrigued by her skill, I approached and struck up a conversation.
As we spoke, the weaver shared stories of her craft—tales passed down through generations of her family, each thread a connection to the past and a testament to the enduring power of tradition. Lost in the rhythm of her weaving, I found myself captivated by her tales, drawn into the rich tapestry of her life and the legacy she carried forward with each stitch.
One particularly poignant story she shared was about a cherished family heirloom—a tapestry that had been woven by her great-grandmother generations ago. The tapestry depicted scenes from village life, each thread meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the people and places it portrayed.
But it was not just the beauty of the tapestry that made it special – it was the stories woven into its fabric, tales of love and loss, triumph and tragedy, that had been passed down through the ages. As the weaver spoke, her voice filled with emotion, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the profound connection between past and present, and the enduring legacy of the human spirit.
I am the Wanderer, a humble journeyer on the winding road of life, embarking on a timeless quest for wisdom and harmony.
Brush & Tale
