I cant really say im qualified to answer this question so what im stating now is just personal observation. Ive learnt the hard way that everytime i try to define something about Taijiquan within a couple of months my understanding has deepened and what i thought before suddenly seems less relevent.
The application and more importantly the intent is different in single whip in most variations on Taijiquan that ive experienced.
You have to remember that a movement is just a movement and what is important is how someone is using it. To this end people will change the intent of there movement over time and becouse of this the flow and meaning of the technique will change alongside.
There is also something in the name 'dan bian' which is worth noting. Single whip teaches a type of power and how it can be manifested and used.
Postures and martial intents become more and more meaningfull at first and then less and less as you progress. At first you body is simply trying to make the right shape, then its leaning to use the shape. After a while it could be one shape or a million shapes it really doesnt matter, what matters is how its generated and to what purpose.
Ive seen a multitude of different applications to single whip and my personal applications have changed so many times now its become meaningless. The method of manipulating the ging is what is important.
I realise this post doesnt make a lot of sence and may even seem a little contradictory. Please forgive my limited understandings and ability to express them. Its just no one else was posting and i thought it was a shame to let the question go by with commenting.
PS good luck in your Wu style practice, i am a Yang man myself but my sifu loves Wu style and ive been lucky to push with a few of Ma Yu Liang's old students thanks to his introductions. Wu style done well is exceptionaly good gung fu in my opinion.
Last edited by jon; 01-27-2005 at 04:34 PM.
Up and down, forward and backward, left and right, its all the same. All of this is done with the mind, not externaly.
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Shaped dragon and looking monkey, sitting tiger and turning eagle.
"I wonder how they would do against jon's no-tension fu. I bet they'd do REALLY WELL."
- Huang Kai Vun