Uniting External and Internal Work
In Taijiquan, there are two types of work: external work and internal work. This article focuses on the external method of Taijiquan, which cannot be underestimated. External work focuses on body structure, optimal joint angles, advantageous positions relative to the opponent, and effective defensive parameters – essentially, combat theory. Without it, Taijiquan lacks martial effectiveness and practicality. Internal work, on the other hand, refers to the use of sophisticated body mechanisms that rely more on the use of jin rather than on muscular tensions or on the movements of the various body segments. Internal work aims to achieve the most efficient ways of using the human body.
In Wu-Style Taijiquan, both the internal and external methods begin to be cultivated in unison right from the preparation exercises of the style as well as with the practice of the slow frame routines. Like observing slow-motion movements in a video, such deliberate slow practice can enhance anatomical analysis, facilitate the comprehension of key movement elements, increase familiarity with the trajectories of offensive and defensive actions, how to generate the proper jin from stillness, and contribute to the development of automatic responses, thereby achieving great improvement.
Subsequentially, through the practice of pushing hands, practitioners gain the ability to manage forces by maintaining and adjusting the postures and movements learned in barehand routines. They use waist turns and steps to neutralize forces and coordinate their jin with their partner's jin. Lastly, with the weapon routines, as well as the fast frame routine, the use of jin is noticeably accentuated, enabling practitioners to manage more intricate scenarios, thereby facilitating the comprehensive understanding of Taijiquan's principles of slow practice and fast application, ultimately enhancing one’s combat capabilities.
Taijiquan practitioners must pursue the integration of both external and internal methods into a unified practice. Once this integration is achieved through the repetition and accumulation of correct methods, Taijiquan becomes an extremely sublime martial art. Nevertheless, this is a pursuit that requires serious dedication, sustained effort, and a long-term commitment.
