Taiji: Quan and Yi - Workshops

Monday 7 and Monday 14 May, 2007.
Starting at 8pm in the Reid Memorial Hall, Edinburgh.

The body has its intrinsic patterns of energy and the mind has its too, and it is natural to want to explore their relationship. In the martial context, this leads us to consider the relation between the fist (quan) and the mind (yi).

This workshop, spread across two Monday evenings, explores the connections between the psychological energies represented by the symbols of the Yijing (I Ching) and the physical energies explored in the art of Taiji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan). Both of these systems are based on a systematic analysis of the patterns of yin and yang. In the Yijing, the result is a symbolic language for describing patterns of change; whilst in Taiji Quan, the result is a set of physical exercises and martial techniques.

Each of the eight trigrams in the Book of Change represents a fundamental energy in the world. The minimal and maximal energies are pure yin , the absolutely Receptive, the base of empty space; and pure yang , the absolute Creative, the peak energy of pattern. In between these two extremes are the mixed patterns of yin and yang. The basic yang energies are: Shock , an arousing spark; Flow , current and eddy; and Bound , an articulated limit. The basic yin energies are: Open , a buoyant reservoir; Cohesion , light lick of flame; and Root , a penetrating softness.

Each of these metaphysical symbols corresponds to a particular form of physical energy in Taiji Quan. Empty space is closest realized in this context by Wuji Standing. Flow is rotation of the waist, opening. Also representing the ceaseless continuity of movement. Root comes from deep standing. Bound is locking and controlling. Cohesion is adhering and sticking, also closing. Shock is releasing energy into the opponent. Open floats just beneath the opponent's force. These energies are not separate - they all inter-relate in an unfolding variety of ways. So, finally, Creative encompasses all the energies expressed through all the varieties of pattern. This is spontaneous fullness.

In this workshop we will explore these energies through a range of exercises, mostly drawn from the traditional Wu-Cheng syllabus. The exercises explore the relationships between yin and yang, helping to refine both martial technique and mental capacities. This results in a form of practice that we might refer to as Yi Shou (see the calligraphy on the left) - literally "Change Hand", a characterisation of the physical jins through the symbols of the change.

Some familiarity with Taiji Quan will be useful to get the most out of this workshop. In particular, having experience of Taiji Pushing Hands will be an advantage. However, although the exercises are drawn from the Wu-Cheng syllabus, practitioners of any style should find the workshop of benefit. Equally, if you already have some experience with the Yijing, you will find that just as the symbolic descriptions provide a new perspective on the physical energies, so the physical practices provide insight into the metaphysical energies of the symbols.

The flyer for the workshop is here.

They probably won't make much sense without having attended the workshops, but...

• The handout for the first workshop is here.
• The handout for the second workshop is here.

There's also an earlier paper of mine about other attempts to connect Taiji Quan and the Yijing.

The cost of the workshop was £14 for both evenings.