Energy Arts, founded by Bruce Frantzis, is dedicated to offering the most comprehensive tai chi, qigong (chi gung), internal martial arts, breathing and meditation programs on the planet. www.energyarts.com
Thank you for this video, I`ve been studying Yang Long form 108 moves for eleven years and do the form every day. I constantly ponder on the inner workings of tai chi and in the last two years suddenly I have begun to understand how it works and this video has shown me that I am on the right track and has encouraged me to continue searching. I am now in my 80th year and am hoping to continue in good health for many more years.
This is just superb, been searching for "learning powerful methods to build your Chi energy" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Fellmeroni Rudimentary Chi - (just google it ) ? Ive heard some decent things about it and my work buddy got great results with it.
Thank you for pulling off one of the most difficult challenges in teaching Tai Chi, articulating the meanings and nuances related to openings and closings. This video is truly beautiful. I studied Tai Chi in Singapore and have tried to incorporate some of these aspects into a medical technology, SynPhNe, which helps those with paralysis get back to mobility and life.
You are continuing the ancient tradition of passing on the most important aspects of Taiji to the next generation. Thank you. I've been doing Taiji for 26 years. I studied Chen style with Marilyn Allysum and Yang style with Ray Hayward and Paul Gallagher. It has helped me immensely in many ways. I will never stop. Keep on spreading the word.
Superb explanation. I'm fortunate to have found Bruce's teaching after some 18 years of practice. Now at 76, I am "relearning" the forms I know. Experiencing the "energetics within those movements is a totally new experience.
After 14 years of study, I finally "opened the bones," as I call it, in 2014. I gained inner softness through practicing "relaxing of the emotions" as well, which was then applied all over my body. Then, the Micro Cosmic Orbit was opened in 2016. I am thankful to be able to say I know what Bruce is talking about at this point. It's real, you can do it. But it requires that you look for THE SMALLEST THING in your awareness. This isn't a big, earth-shattering experience, the movement of energy. I think people believe that's what it's like; it isn't. The smallest changes produce the largest results. "Pay attention," -Miyamoto Musashi, The Book of the Five Rings
have been doing tai chi for about 12 years have two books of yours,thanks to watching you tube a new chapter has opened for me to try and take my self to a new level,thanks
As a beginner I'm amazed & delighted by the benefits of Tai Chi especially if taught by you. You bring life & great possibilities by ur amazing ways of explaining the details. Thank you!!!
Great presentation, from start to finish. The section from 9:53-14:13 is pure gold for any practioner of tai chi- it explains so many layers of internal and external movement inherent in the commencement of the form. Thank you Bruce.
I am almost 71, just started Tai Chi 2 years ago. Prior to that studied martial arts over a period of years. My health has definitely benefited from Tai Chi, bit have felt there was much more to it. Your talk really interested me and I'm looking forward to learning more. I heard you explain things I've never heard before. Fascinating stuff.
Bruce is basically your PHD study, whether youre a beginner or a veteran like me. I can't recommend him and his system enough. He transformed my practices from my first training with him in London, in the mid 1990s, after 10 years of Tai Chi with some other teachers of varying quality. This particular video is a wealth of important information, like a template you can place over any form if you do the work.
I keep coming back to this video for it's gems of knowledge and such wonderful explanations and demonstrations. I always feel that practising Taiji is like peeling layers of an onion, a very large, infinitely large onion! The first layer is often to be aware of correct posture in the neutral preparation standing position (the principle of head suspended from above and alignment of the spine - usually requiring gradual adjustments over time). This is something that is possible to discover yourself, but most of us need some guidance from an experienced teacher to get started. The next layer is more often than not "relaxation", but that in itself can take many years to release the background tension which has accumulated over many years of our lives. It's easy to say "relax" this and that, but how? Again, it's possible to discover this for oneself, however most people need some guidance to get started and later corrected and tested. Before we can relax, it if often necessary to do other exercises aimed at loosening the joints and gently stretching muscles and tendons. Otherwise, our relaxation can be impeded by too much stiffness in the body. It is common to find Taiji instruction that gets students to work on several "layers of the onion" at the same time e.g. head suspended from above, relaxation, waist turning, sinking the weight, separating full and empty, opening and closing etc. In solo practice, it can help to practise the form focusing on one principle first, say keeping head and spine straight, to really pay attention to it. This might require several hours of practice over several days or weeks of daily practice of at least an hour per day once or twice a day, in order to make a bit of progress and to get some feeling for it. It doesn't have to be perfect, or even good, but one should try and improve to the point where one can notice changes to feeling and sensation; physical, mental and emotional. Some change should be noticeable and consistent by the end of the focused period. For the next two weeks, or whatever time is necessary, one can focus on the waist turning being the driver of the motion, having at least managed to achieve some level of consistency or improvement in the first principle previously worked on. Like this one can make Taiji practice both more interesting and more challenging, while also developing gradually over many years of patient and persistent effort. Bruce Francis didn't get where he is overnight, his dedication and obsessive interest in the internal arts is what gave him such knowledge and insights. He has also had many difficult challenges to overcome, as we all do. But his faith in his art is absolutely unshakeable, which he is generously sharing with many of us who watch this channel. I've noticed his transformation over the years, from the 80s when I read about him in an "Inside Kung Fu" magazine in the UK. In those days there was no internet or RU-vid, nor DVDs. I think some videos were around, but I didn't see any. There are so many Taiji and Yoga schools now, so much to choose from! But in the UK in the 70s the choices were limited unless you went to China (for Taiji, Baguazhang, Xingi) or India (for Yoga). Judo and Karate were the most popular oriental martial arts widely available at that time. There were also some schools of Aikido and Jujitsu. More western martial arts such as boxing, fencing, unarmed combat (army) were quite easy to access at that time too. Later on, particularly in the 80s in the UK, earlier in the US, different Taiji schools started to emerge, mainly founded by masters or highly skilled students who had fled mainland China, often via a period of time in Taiwan or Hong Kong. Then some westerners, like Bruce Francis and my own teacher, John Kells R.I.P., who had travelled to the east to learn Taiji first hand before then bringing the newly acquired knowledge and experience back to their home country. Schools were often founded so that the teacher could not only make a living, but also develop some skilled students to practise with, and ultimately try to give people an insight into themselves. Some of those students would eventually go on to start their own school in another part of the city or country or another country altogether. Nowadays, it's as if every year some school or teacher is trying to reinvent the wheel and promote their system as the best. But this also happened in the 70s and 80s, when Kung Fu clashed with Karate. Then different styles of the same art would dispute eachother's validity and credentials, which became known as "the style wars", it was pathetic really, but that is a problem of our egos, and perhaps a bit of business motivated aggression to try and discredit what some may have seen as the competition. Despite so much dedicated practice in martial arts, it seems to me that the "enemy" to personal development, health and also the ability to protect oneself (paradoxically), is one's own ego. Taiji is one of several disciplines that, when practised sincerely, can help a person overcome many obstacles in life. It can help you with whatever else you have to do. We slowly learn not to use brute force, we slowly learn to listen and be more aware to what is our true nature. From there we learn how to connect with other people in a more meaningful, kind and unselfish way. Some people are already quite good at this, but most of us (myself included) have a lot of work to do to improve. In the words of another RU-vid Taiji teacher, Ian Sinclair: "First we learn how not to beat ourselves up, then later we learn how not to beat up the other person"
Thank you very much. Have been practicing Master My Lin Shin's long-style for 35 years, and in 1998 bought a copy of your "Power of Internal Martial Arts" Last week I began study of you excellent Daodejing, The Oral Tradition each day after morning and evening practice.
My words will fall short. This man has traveled the world, and has found the truth. I would bow to my heels if I was ever so fortunate as to meet him, and yet he is so open as to post RU-vid videos. Thank you...
What an informative short series. I have studied under one of William CC Chen' Students and as a result have attended several of Master Chen's work shop's. I find your insight and amplification of the energy aspects very valuable. You have a great gift for explaining complex idea's. With this knowledge and 20 more years of practice I am looking forward to realize better knowledge of your ideas. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge.
After a few classes with you in NYC mid 90s, I got pregnant and moved to MI. I enjoyed the chi gung classes because I could feel the energy. Now I am in Phoenix and went back to Tai Chi studying with David Block at Tai Chi Chuan Academy. Yang style. My teacher's teacher is Grandmaster Tung Kai Ying. My teacher is teaching the energy. We are working on Luntwen and funtwen right now. I am not sure how those are spelt. I am enjoying your videos. Thank you for sharing!
Thank You Watching your video gave me a better conscious sense of the unity, unity as in wholeness that is important to me. I'm been studying for about 10 years in LA First with a teacher who was from Taiwan and passed away a few years ago, I was lucky enough to connect with a friend of his Master Sizifang . And have been learning the 42 form for about 2 years. I just finished learning the sequence and now I'm focusing on getting better. Like the I Ching there is no end in site. I'm 72. Thanks again Joey
Master Zi Yang Family Style, Playa del Rey, Ca. Enjoyed this lesson, and I am looking forward to learning more on these principles. Thanks for the opening to new directions.
Thank you very much Bruce. I teach Yang Jia Michuan in Taipei, Taiwan at 228 Peace Park formerly known as New Park. I studied under Wang Yan-Nian王延年 here Taipei in the early 90's and under Scott Rodell in D.C. the late 80's. I would just like to say I really appreciate this series. I have followed your internal martial arts career and find what you say to be an affirmation of what I teach, but find it really difficult to explain it like you do. Thank You.
I have been practicing Yang 24 form on and off for years. I am finally getting more serious about my practice and I am expanding into Yang Long form. It is hard to find a teacher who is qualified within my affordable driving range. However, I will say reading and listening to all the theory is very enlightening and I hope as I practice from these videos I dont develop any bad habits. Thank you for your video on the opening and closing and it has shed light on the meaning of true relax.
Thank you Bruce for this very interesting and valuable lesson. I’m 60 and stated Tai Chi Chuan in 1976. My teacher was a student of Kuo Lien Ying in SF Chinatown and the form was Yang style from Guang Ping. I also studied Chi Kung from Chiu Lim Chan in SF. I practiced my form for about 20 years without ongoing tutelage. I then studied Chen Style from a disciple of Wang Xian. At the same time I learned Yang forms and push hands from a disciple of the Tung family. After 20 years of doing the Chen style I have had both knees replaced and back surgery. I recently started doing a Yang Ban Hou form from a video done by Yang Jwing Ming. It sounds cliche but the more I learn the more I’m sure I don’t know. Thanks again for your valuable lessons.
Loved this presentation. I never thought I could learn so much from a video, but the principles and demonstrations are simple but extremely precise. About me: I am a studying in Argentina with a disciple of Wang Tsu Jin. He is a man of principle, patient and committed.
Thank you Bruce, I am an orthopaedic surgeon and have trained in Kang Hap Ki Do-Tae Kwon Do for a number of years/decades which led to independent study of Taoist breathing techniques, Nei Gung, Stand Like a Tree. At time (1994), 23 years prior, first read your book. Recent recovery from Stage IV cancer I have interest in training in the York Maine area- 1 hr north of Boston and would like a recommendation on a teacher. Safe travels. Matt
Thank you Bruce.I have been training Chen Style for 4 years, in the 80 move long form and push hands. I have competed in the form and push hands in Canada and in China in Chen Village and Taishan. I now travel and teach both the health aspects and the martial components as I have a medical massage therapy background. My wife and I are working on our book, Tai Chi and Tango about our story and time studying these arts in our travels. Looking forward to learning more from you!
Thank you Bruce for your video, most informative and instructive. I have been performing the Yang Cheng-fu form and Chi Kung for 30+ years which has kept me in good health. cheers, Steve (Australia)
Thank you, Bruce....All the separate pieces of information I've gotten from your DVDs from the mid-90' and more recently the on-line courses and other media has built an enormous amount of possibility into what would have kept me lost in a forest of my own imagining. Access to knowledge and the understanding that that makes it usable is a wonderful thing...especially for those of us who aspire but cannot be present in person to study with the right teacher regularly because of distance. At least not yet. Thanks again
Hi...The first of Bruce's books I got was "Opening the Energy Gates of Your Body"... twenty years ago. At the time I was doing what I had learned of Tai Chi the the previous 20 years wrong.But that book got me started.I was able to learn the physical sequences of the Cloud Hands and the Three Swings.However I was not able to understand the significance of the Standing Meditation / Dissolving.Now I find Standing Meditation...in particular Bruce's "I Chuan" DVDs the most pertinent information I've had in 30 years. But I was ready for it.So you could try the book and check out some of his DVDs or online courses,or get some advice from Energy Arts.Keep it simple and take baby steps...do the beginner mind thing. Learning this stuff on one's own can leave one prey to one's own proclivities. This I can attest to...Good Luck
I've practiced Yang style for over 40 years and this is the best description of opening and closing I've seen on the web. As I've taught this to students, it's not easy since the moving, breathing and then concentrating on openings or lengthening the joints is nearly impossible for some to grasp. It's too much to pick up at any given time. Thanks for the training tips. I'm going to link this to my blog and invite as many to watch and learn!
That information was so awesome thankful,I run a tai chi club in UK,the principles are so hard to translate & your explanation is really good if been taij player for 20years and I never stop learning,IV got some of your books too,these online lessons are making sense what you put in your books,I do Yang style,Cheng man Ching,Yang Cheng fu and old Yang style,keep doing the videos great to see you are still teaching don't ever stop,Rico.
Thank you Taiji & QiGong G'master Bruce Frantzis . I got to learn of you from your book " Opening the Energy Gates of your Body " which I borrowed from the library here in Singapore many years ago when I was learning Dao Yin Qigong . In 1972 I actually started learning Cheng Man Ching's 37 postures yang style tai ji at the school here for about five+ years. I received very little knowledge on this soft art because the movements were taught mostly from the external aspect. After I retired from my job I spent three years at the Wu Style Taiji School. Nothing much being acquired because the trainer do not explain the why and how for the development of Taiji power like you. I ended up investing in my own practicing from the understanding of the Dao Yin Qigong which highlight the use of pre-birth breathing for every movement of the postures. I now practise Taiji coupled with pre-birth breathing and am able to feel the increase in qi energy in the system. I would to request your advice whether inhaling which is stretch or reserving and exhaling which is unstretch or issuing (like a bow n arrow) are the same as opening and closing which is discussed in this video. NgaiWeng Chan 10/12/2018.
Practicing Wu super short form, love commencement and very grateful for the way you share Taoist arts so I can learn ‘out in the sticks’ in Glastonbury (Somerset, Southwest England). Thanks a million and wishing you and yours health and happiness:)
Very clear instructions especially opening and closing of the joints and body of old Yang style. Wu style seems to be more condensed not as easy to clearly see the opening and closings. Much appreciated Bruce
Excellent seminars! Thank you... I've studied tai chi now for over 45 years, since I was 20. Some of my teachers included Yang style from Ralph Shun, old Yang style from YC Chiang and Wen Mei Yu, WU style from Wen Mei Yu and others throughout the years. I learned pretty much the way you did and don't particularly care for modern day Tai Chi which is devoid of much energy, as many principles are taught to be limp instead of relaxed. Tai Chi is an amazing art with new lessons on a daily basis. Thanks for sharing what you know! Rick Zanotti, Northern Shaolin, northern Mantis and Tai Chi teacher.
Thank you! I have an outstanding teacher but you have helped to articulate and teach me the concept of open and close, helped me to understand the interaction of the jins, the benefits of single postures, the bear and other concepts. All this from just peeking over the wall. Thanks again, 武氏太极拳
I'm learning the Yang full-form Tai Chi here in Israel. From your video I can see that I have a lot to learn in term of understanding the deeper theory underpinning each move.
Thank you for such a good clear explanation. I have got so much from what you have said and I’m so impressed by your laid back but precise use of words and communication and teaching style. I’ve been doing Yang Style at the Master a John Ding academy in London for a few months now and regretfully started any years ago but moved away and never really stopped thinking about it over the years and now I can say with great surety I will as long as I live never stop again so watching your video has been a great inspiration. Look forward to seeing more of your teachings. May you be teaching and spreading the true principles of tai chi for many many years to come☯️🙏
Thanks Bruce , I began with a generic yang at an adult education Centre but nothing was explained. Then I fell into lessons with a badly informed wu teacher, but later i was properly taught by students of Cheng Tin Hung that gave me a heads up on boxing and 12 yin and 12 yang neigong set and weapons and tuishou sets. That school closed after 9 years so I found a Hao style but none of his students could fight and he started teaching some long fist type of boxing to augment their lack of skills. The same teacher also taught some Chen style which is great with low stances when you are with a spear and wearing historical armour_ which is never. Right now I am learning a 108 move yang form which is was adapted by a taoist guy called master Moy but I think the stances are too narrow and ok for the geriatric set but would never work in the street...too easy to be knocked over. The school also teaches lok hup ( Liu he bafa ) . I did take some lessons from a Chinese woman in xingi but that school closed. Anyway, you have to make taijiQuan your own, so what do I do with it ?...I think I will incorporate the energy of the xingi 5 punches into my wu style from Cheng . I will continue with the narrow Moy yang style and widen it with the wu style footwork and then look at opening and closing more closely between wu and yang and see what I can discover. Cheers, thanks for great explanations. Ciao.
I need more step-by-step Old Yang Style Short Form Taiji practice...I am new to a class and this is the ONLY accurate and excellent teaching tutorial I've YET found! I reside just outside of DC, but am very interested in more intensive training.
Thank your for your explanations that are so easy to understand. I was aware of these principles, and you increased my comprehension. Now I can include this awareness into my practice. I am learning the Yang style long form 105, and live in the Philadelphia area, learning from a wonderful teacher who speaks to the internal aspects..
I am most grateful for your knoweldge. I have searched since I was 8 for an instructor of your capacity. Currently trainging with one of your students(instructors). I look forward to being able to train with you in the not to distant future. Again, Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for this. I am always amazed at how you take very complex theory and explain to it in a way that is easily digested and integrated into practice. A Physicist friend of mine has the same ability. By definition it is a very good teacher that can do this. Thank you
Very precious video, thank you. In our school these important details were provided from the very beginning like a normal stuff, but many of us didn't pay enough attention to them. With years I understand better the words of my teacher "I give you a lot of fish, but instead of eating fish, you just throw it back to the Dnipro river".
Thank you for your teaching. I am gradually acquiring your knowledge as taught by Brian Saxton who has received training from you. Its not a quick process but learning the 18 move Wu style Tai Chi for healing has really improved my stamina and ability to bounce back from injury. Today from your video I learnt about sinking the energy in the opening move something I had not embraced. Thank you.
This topic is seldom discussed openly in Taiji class. You did a very good job explaining finer points. Looking forward to your video on qi mobilizing and fajin. Thank you very much
superb explanation of the internal mechanics , ive just started practising tai chi (yeung 108 ) this year and it has already helped me in many different ways . thanks for the knowledge bruce , peace and love all the way from new zealand!
Been watching a lot of your videos lately and am feeling drawn towards this type of movement. Thanks a bunch for making this knowledge available like this in a very clear way!
that was very intersiting. i study yang style with john ding here in london. we went though open and close. when we do it, we say the open and close as we go though the form. to show where the movements open and close. thank you i will keep watching.
Excellent presentation. Thank you. I live in Spain and am learning Yang style with 2 different teachers, one very experienced (Yang Long form), the other newly qualified (Yang 10 with more emphasis on Chikung) . I am learning different aspects from both. Watching your videos and hearing your explanations help me a great deal, not least because it is in English as I am sure I miss some of the details from my Spanish techers!
Opening closing etc all these metaphors. True learning comes from experience and DIRECT transmission from a good teacher who possesses both knowledge and good intention. BTW, I'm a professional classical musician.
Thanks Bruce! Really enjoyed the video. I agree that many arts today could really accelerate by a deeper understanding of the ancient principles that have gotten lost, or fragmented, through time. Thanks again for sharing your information!
It is a very good video, I started learning Yang Taichi for almost 15 years and recently practicing it through ChiGong. I must say I am greenhorn about it but would like to share a bit of my experience. By using ChiGong, the opening form of raising hands, we should use the the hydraulic pressure inside the body, start from dan tin (丹田) our hands actually float up. It is not using the muscle of the hands, arms or shoulders. The hydraulic pressure is what you call (內功) in the video. :)
Great discussion.I didn't know that was you bruce. I am a ranking member of the international yang Chen Fu assoc. And have attended master yang Jun seminars.i can see that the large frame style results in a greater range of movement,thus promoting open/close dynamics
Thank you for this teaching. I am interested so much in all that encompasses tai chi. I want to do this art correctly and gain its knowledge so I can pass it on to my sons. I don't just want to look good doing it. The roots of this art form are very important to me. I did many movements with you in the video and I felt everything you were teaching. So grateful. Looking forward to more lessons
Bruce YOur video is superb but only problem that I have is understanding opening and closing of joints with various moves which I am trying to do but am getting confused on this subject. Can you explain in detail about it.
I have been practicing Yang for many years mostly on my own and sometimes with friends who are not real masters. I have been reading a lot especially Cheng Man Ching. I also watch youtube. however, I found your method of teaching inspiring and eclectic, therefore accepting. I want to follow you.
I practice Yang style & insights you shared are really great. I tend to see TaiChi a work in progress for me. Interestingly whn I give a gap between practice e.g., if I stop for two weeks and restart my practice, I kind of get atleast one new insight as as what correction I need to do. Wondering why is it so?
Thank you. very mind opening. Thank you for such a good clear explanation.I practice more then 5 years and seeing you and hearing you went deep inside, I will do that again so it is deep inside me. thanks again
Thank you very much, wonderful insight and further understanding. If you could answer one question and it was the hip rotation near the end of the video. Is the hip rotation meant to have some tension to rotate, a bit like a karateka ?
Bruce, thanks so much for sharing you wonderful life experience in the martial arts. i learned yang long new form with Marshall Ho'o at cal-arts back in 70-72 and continue with it today. i have since studied with various different style teachers in China as well for short periods. since i live in a very small town it is not easy to find others to work with, tho at the moment i have found a good Hsing Yi teacher. i have been reading your Power of Internal.....with much appreciation as it is a wonderful expansion of my knowledge and a great contribution to my practice. thanks also for sharing thru your videos. hopefully one day i can study with in you in person, ensha'allah! peace......jon
Would you consider putting up a short video explaining peng,liu, ji and an in your short wu form? It would be extremely useful for those of us who have studied with you in person.
This was great! I've been practicing Yang style (Chen Man Ching's 37 form) for the last 3 years. I've been wanting to learn more about the internal energy aspects. This was very helpful.
Great, how's your practice going? I hope you are still at it. I made the mistake of not practising for several years and in the last 3 years I've got back into it again, particularly the CMC form.
Very interesting presentation, Sifu Frantzis! As a Wu/Hao, Wu, Yang Taiji and Fu Style Pa Kua student, I strive to learn the yin yang theory and energy pathways from many sources. Thank you as well for your superb books, several of which I have and enjoy immensely!
Thanks for the video, for me it was very informative and useful. I started with the Yang style tai chi and am picking it up again. My goal is to learn it as authentically as possible, which means all the info that usually gets left out and causes it to not be all that it could for me. I think it is because the soft style eastern arts have so much subtlety that a lot of it gets miss or never learned by instructors.
Thanks so much for sharing this. Mostly practice Yang and Chen.for 10 years or so. Originally for Health and Meditation then pretty much exclusively for Martial. Now I'm just running with total relaxation, having everything open, and come from the Ground. Maybe even seeing what this Chi thing, whatever it may be, actually is.
Thank you but now I am getting some knowledge about opening and closing of joints after watching clips again and again. I hope I succeed also opening and closing of internal organs which is difficult to understand now as beginner
Bruce, you have great new focii in this work, like when you use lung, po and an-not as separate things, but ingredients in the movement. You have presented several things over the years, that really enhance my sense of energy flowing. thank-you (you are mainland again now?)
Thank you for the Video...give us the idea about every tiny detail is important in the movements, I was doing Yang style for years and now for geographic reason, I am doing Wu style, no my favorite but I am trying to apply my Yang feelings of movements in the Wu movements, at least internally because at the end, we have the same target...been healthy...
I dont know how well this will be received in this forums, but i come from a wing chun lineage under karl godwin that has incorporated the principles of the tai chi Classics into our art. This shift into this internal world began about 20-25 years ago and has vastly increased our skills across the board from structure to sensitivity and even health.
