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Foreword

Grandmaster Jou, Tsung Hwa

In 1985, I wrote a foreword for Dr. Yang when the first edition of his book, Advanced Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, vol. 1, was published. Time flies like an arrow, and already fourteen years have passed. During this period, Dr. Yang has published many more books and videos related to Chinese martial arts and qigong. In addition, he has been offering wushu and qigong seminars and workshops every year in America, Europe, Africa, South America, and the Middle East.

It is said in Chinese society that “Even separated for three days, we should see each other differently.” This is really true. Dr. Yang, after more than ten years of further study and in-depth research, together with his abundant teaching experience, has written this new book, Tai Chi Chuan, Classical Yang Style. He asked me to write a foreword for him again.

Taijiquan has spread throughout the entire world. Millions of people now practice it. Unfortunately, I believe that almost all the essence of taijiquan has also been gradually lost. Take a look at Wang, Zong-yue’s Taijiquan Classics, where it is said: “There are many martial art styles. Although the postures are distinguishable from one another, after all, it is nothing more than the strong beating the weak, the slow yielding to the fast. The one with power beats the one without power; the slow hands yield to the fast hands. All this is natural born ability. It is not related to the power that has to be learned.” If we look at most of today’s taijiquan tournaments, haven’t they entered the side door, that is, the wrong path? Again, let us read the following sentence from Wang, Zong-yue, where it is said: “Consider the saying: ‘Four ounces repels one thousand pounds.’” It is apparent that this cannot be accomplished by strength. Look, if an eighty- or ninety-year-old man can still defend himself against multiple opponents, it cannot be a matter of speed. Therefore, if we truly wish to learn the real taijiquan, we must free ourselves from the prisons of muscular power (li) and speed. Externally, we must learn to use the body movements to replace the hand movements. Internally, we must pursue and cultivate the real contents of essence (jing), energy (qi), and spirit (shen). To reach this goal and to improve your taijiquan, you are well advised to study Dr. Yang’s books, such as Tai Chi Theory and Power and this book, Tai Chi Chuan, Classical Yang Style.

Jou, Tsung Hwa (1917–1998)

Taiji Farm, Warwick, New York

June 30, 1998