Basic Art and Science of Ancient Wing Chun Kuen Thesis: 6 13 3 Rajesh Singh
BASIC ART AND SCIENCE OF ANCIENT WING CHUN KUEN Thesis By Rajesh Singh March 2016
Contents Page
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………....................2 Chapter 1: Physical Element…………………………………………………………………………………….6 Chapter 2: Mind Element…………………………………………………………………………………………7 Chapter 3: Breathing Element………………………………………………………………………………….9 Chapter 4: Qi Element…………………………………………………………………………………………….11 Chapter 5: Strength Element…………………………………………………………………………………..13 Chapter 6: Momentum Element……………………………………………………………………………..16 Balanced Living……………………………………………………………………………………………………….18 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………………………………20 6 13 3 Model…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..21
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Introduction The 6 13 3 is a comprehensive analytical tool which allows one to test, verify and experience the concepts of Ancient Chinese Internal Arts. The 6 13 3 serves as a guide built for practice in order to experience these concepts in a simple, step-by-step and systematic way. It can therefore be used as a litmus test for checking the validity of any Ancient Chinese Internal Art. As the name suggests it uses a platform of 6 Core Elements, 13 States and 3 System Keys in order to identify and develop the concepts. The 6 core elements are the foundational core concepts they are as follows: 1. Physical Element 色身 2. Mind Element 心 3. Breathing Element 气（呼吸） 4. Qi Element 脈 （真氣流) 5. Strength Element 力劲 6. Momentum Element 势 Internal Systems such as Qigong, Tai Ji, spiritual meditation and healing systems of various kinds can all be analysed and verified using 6 13 3 model. It is proven that all complete Ancient Chinese Internal Arts have a common structure which consists of 2 parts; the Body 体(Ti) and the Application 用(Yong). The Body of the Art consists of the first 4 core elements and the Application of the Art consists of the last 2 core elements. Thus the 6 13 3 tool allows one to test that the 6 Core Elements exist in any art that may claim to be an Ancient Chinese Internal Art. The 6 core elements are further broken down into the 13 states. The 13 states represent the detailed components within the first 4 Core Elements which gives the practitioner a deeper understanding of their own development in each Core Element. The 13 states are as follows: A breakdown of the Physical Element identifies the states of 1. Open 松 2. Linked 贯串 3. Light 輕灵 A breakdown of the Mind Element identifies the states of 4. Settled定 2
5. Quiet 静 6. Peaceful 安 A breakdown of the Breathing Element identifies the states of 7. Breathing with noise 风 8. Breathing with panting 喘 9. Chest breathing 气 10. Natural lower abdominal breathing 長气 A breakdown of the Qi Element identifies the states of 11. Qi Ready 心息相依 12. Qi Surfacing 得气 13. Qi using Intention 以意领气
Table showing 6 Core Elements and 13 States:
1. PHYSICAL ELEMENT 1. Open
2. Linked
3. Light
2. MIND ELEMENT 4. Settled
5. Quiet
6. Peace
3. BREATHING ELEMENT 7. Noise
8. Panting
9. Chest
10. Natural
4. QI ELEMENT 11. Ready
12. Surface
5. STRENGTH ELEMENT
6. MOMENTUM ELEMENT
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13. Intention
The 3 system keys are 3 universal laws which cannot be violated for an art to be a true Ancient Chinese Internal Art. The 3 system keys are as follows 1. Reality 2. Style 3. Variation. 1. Reality: The first key must act in accordance with reality and as such must not violate the laws of physics, it must be in accordance with human biomechanics and must follow the Chinese medicine practices as per the Yellow Emperor Chinese Classics. 2. Style: the second key is that the art is bound by its style e.g. there can be different styles of a t-shirt; a polo t-shirt and a round neck t-shirt. 3. Variation: the third key is that there are variations within the style e.g. there can be different sizes or colours of a polo t-shirt.
Diagram showing the 3 System Keys:
Reality
Style
Variation
Each core Element is built on its preceding core element i.e the Physical Element must be developed before the Mind Element, the Mind Element must be developed before the Breathing Element, the Breathing Element must be developed before the Qi Element and so on and so forth. This idea can be illustrated in a spiral model, the chart shows the relationship between the first 4 Core Elements and 13 States.
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The relationship between the first 4 Core Elements and the 13 States: The Body of the Art
1. Open 13. Qi Intention
2. Linked
12. Qi Surface
3. Light Physical
11. Qi Ready
4. Settled
Mind Breathing Qi
10. Natural
5. Quiet
9. Chest
6. Peaceful 8. Panting
7. Noise
In practice one would need to traverse these states in sequential order from 1 to 13 and as a general rule of thumb one should aim to achieve a Physical Element which is Open, a Mind Element which is Quiet and a Breathing Element which is Natural. Once Open, Quiet and Natural can be achieved through traversing the first 10 states then one can attain the Qi Element states which will naturally become Ready and can Surface. However, if the Qi Element states by themselves are chased without the other Elements in place then improper practice and unbalanced energy can result. The 6 core elements therefore act as a preventative measure for such dangers and can be used as inner sensors to safely manage and maintain the 13 states.
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Chapter 1: Physical Element The Physical Element is the first of the 6 Core Elements and is the foundational platform that the other core elements are built. The body is the Physical Element, and in the 6 13 3 model it is the vehicle from which the other Elements can operate. Without proper development of the foundation Element one cannot experience the other elements integrated as one. At the first stage a state of Loose (Song) is obtained, to do this the first 3 states 修证 must be experienced, and they are: 1. Open 松 Relaxed body with no tension. 2. Link 贯串 Loose body and joints. 3. Light 輕灵 Moving with awareness, open, relaxed and linked body. One should focus on knowing the body and being aware of the body, the exercises below can be carried out which allows one to explore the state of Loose.
Assignment 1 Aware – Lie down, move the joints individually and observe. Assignment 2 Open – Lay rest for 5 minutes and observe. Assignment 3 Link – After laying rest for 5 minutes, slowly move the joints smoothly and observe.
The above exercises focus on experiencing the state of Aware, Open and Link. Aware is where all parts of the body including joints, sinew and tendons are monitored by your awareness. Open is where the muscles and joints relax and unwrap themselves. Link is where the body stays within the Open state and you begin to move the body in a slow, gradual and loose way. Through regular practice being able to experience this state from each part of the body without tension, one can attain an advanced Link state called Light body state. In this state one is able to stand and move with Open joints and to be fully aware. This procedure needs to be practiced regularly starting by lying down at first and then progressing to a standing state. Without obtaining the Open Linked and Light states in The Physical Element there is no base to further develop the other Core Elements.
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Chapter 2: Mind Element The Mind Element is the second of the 6 Core Elements and being in a state of Loose from the Physical Element leads to being mentally Loose in the Mind Element, both are mutually supporting. The Mind Element is similar to a computer for a sports utility vehicle, unless we know how to use the software program then we can never control the vehicle. There are 4 functions of the Mind Element, they are:
Thinking 思: The process of calculating Intention 意: The process of giving direction Visualisation 观: The process of forming a mental picture Awareness 知: Consciousness is in the present moment. No Thinking, no Intention and no Visualisation.
One needs to be clear on the differences between each function and be able to utilize each function to serve different needs and not be trapped by the Thinking function. The Awareness function should be developed to acquire the next 3 states 境界 of the 13 States, these are called: 4. Settled 定 Ability to know which thoughts to stop and settle down the mind 5. Quiet 静State of mindfulness e.g. one can drive a car without paying attention 6. Peaceful 安 Residing at a quiet state the mind becomes unfettered and at peace To do this the exercise below can be carried out in order for the Mind Element to be explored and the goal of the mind being in a more silent state attained:
Assignment 1 – Observe which of the 4 functions of the mind you are using during the day: Thinking, Intention, Visualization, Awareness.
All of the 4 functions of the mind are supported by the Spirit (Shen), through the above exercise one can come to understand that each function has an effect on the Shen which means the body’s supporting energy is drained and weak. The exercise below allows one to observe the Shen.
Assignment 2 – Observe the Shen energy during a 24 hour cycle. Observe what affects the Shen and at what times of the day the Shen is strong and weak.
All Ancient Chinese Internal Arts need to be able to attain a quiet or silent state of mind, the body can then become Loose, as body and mind are connected. In the Buddhist way, a mantra can be recited along with the breathing to enter into the silent state. Once in this state, one’s Shen can be refilled. 7
The goal of the Mind Element is to achieve the Immovable Heart and stable mind, where the mind is not influenced by external or internal influences.
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Chapter 3: Breathing Element The Breathing Element is the third of the 6 Core Elements and builds on top of the previous Physical and Mind Elements. Breathing is the bridge between the body and the mind and can be very misunderstood. There is no shortage of breathing exercises, with many that emphasise slow and long or holding the breath at intervals or rapid and forceful. However without the proper identification types of breathing one cannot develop it in the proper manner. There are 4 states of the 13 States within the Breathing Element, they are: 7. Breathing with sound 风 Forced breathing which is audible. 8. Panting 喘 Stagnated and forced breathing due to prolonged inhale/exhale. 9. Shallow chest breathing 气 Common or normal everyday breathing. 10. Full body breathing 長气 Natural Lower Abdominal effortless breathing. The following exercises can be carried out in order to identify the 4 types of breathing:
Assignment 1 – Observe the breathing after high intensity exercise Jumping Jacks 5 mins / Running 5 mins. Assignment 2 – Observe the breathing during SNT whilst doing the first section slow and with prolonged inhale and exhale. Assignment 3 – Observe the breathing whilst talking or listening to music or working on the computer. Assignment 4 – Observe the breathing whilst lying down and observe the Perineum area.
Once the different types of breathing are identified then one can move towards the proper type of full body breathing which is Natural Lower Abdominal Breathing. When the breathing is noisy and coarse or it is forced due to prolonged exhale and inhale, the mind and body will also be in a chaotic state and thus can cause stagnation in the body. If the breathing is shallow and only with the chest then a lower breathing volume per minute is the result. All Ancient Chinese Internal Arts use Natural Power Abdominal Breathing as volume intake can be increased by 2 to 5 times, it also has a lower breathing frequency and lower breaths per minute which is beneficial for martial arts, health and vitality. The following guidelines should be used for proper breathing:
Avoid practice under physical or mental stress Avoid practice in polluted air Avoid inhaling through the mouth Avoid rapid breathing or forced prolonged breathing Avoid practice on an empty stomach
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The best practice standard for breathing for all Ancient Chinese Internal Arts must be fine, even, soft and gradual never forced. As mentioned before the 3 rules of thumb to attain this stage of the 6 13 3 model are Loose in body, Quiet in mind and Natural in breathing which are all experienced and understood in the first 3 of the 6 Core Elements. There is no end to the refinement of these states within proper practice. At an advance level the state of non-breathing 息 can be attained which leads one to enter Samadhi (advanced Spiritual state).
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Chapter 4: Qi Element The Qi Element is the fourth of the 6 Core Elements. Qi can be translated as Energy although there are many different types of Qi in Ancient Chinese Internal Arts we can view Qi as biochemical energy, bio-electrical energy, bio-thermal energy or the energy behind the various technologies of the body. There are 3 states 境界 which are the last of the 13 states which can be identified, these are: 11. Qi Ready state 心息相依 In order for the Qi to flow smoothly a good handling of the first 3 Core Elements must be developed for the Qi to become Ready. 12. Qi Surface state 得气 The Qi will surface naturally when one has refined it beyond the Qi Ready state. It needs no artificial manipulation when the Qi is full similar to a charged battery. 13. Qi handling with intention 以意领气 At an advanced stage, the Qi flow is handled with intention and visualization. One can direct the Qi through a channel naturally and smoothly in order to remove blockages, strengthen the body or internal organs. The Qi flows through channels or meridians in the body. There are 12 Primary Channels, 6 are Ying channels and 6 are Yang channels. They flow up and down the arms and legs from the head and chest as shown. To understand the direction of the flow of Qi one can practice self massage on the Ying and Yang Channels shown in the diagram.
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Assignment 1: Practice self massage on the arms. Whilst exhaling, start at the chest and massage down the inside of the arm downward to the fingers, these are the 3 Ying Channels. Then whilst inhaling massage up the outside of the arm upwards from the fingers towards the head, these are the 3 Yang Channels. Assignment 2: Practice self massage on the legs: Whilst exhaling, start on the inside of the feet and massage up the inside of the leg up towards the chest, these are the 3 Ying Channels. Then whilst inhaling massage from the head down the outside of the legs towards the feet, these are the 3 Yang Channels.
If one is not taught through a trained teacher then it is best not to touch Qi training in order to avoid harm to one self. It is important to reiterate the importance of the first System Key at this stage which maps out the boundary of Reality and all practice must not violate:
Laws of Physics 物理 Laws of Biomechanics 生物力學 Laws of Traditional Chinese Medicine as per the Yellow Emperor Classics黃帝內經
Sensations that are observed during the Qi training or Qi growing practice such as feeling light weight, warm or other sensations should not be chased but only to remain loose, quiet, and natural. Working with Qi is similar to working with medicine; one must know the benefits and also the side effects and risks before one partakes of it. It is therefore safer to follow the 6 13 3 direction of the Physical Element - Loose, Mind Element - Quiet and Breathing Element – Natural in order to work with Qi handling.
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Chapter 5: Strength Element The Strength Element is the fifth of the 6 Core Elements. The first 4 Core Elements: Physical, Mind, Breathing, and Qi Elements, represent the Body (Ti) of the Art, and the next Core Element, Strength Element, is the beginning of the last 2 Core Elements which represent the Application (Yong) of the Art. The Body can be seen as a car and the Application the driving techniques thus a good understanding of the practice of the first 4 Core Elements is needed in order to apply the Art effectively. Strength 力(Li) is raw force and Force Flow 劲流(Jin) is a lively use of Li which means Force Flow is a time dependent resulting force vector which flows from one part of the body to the other. One must understand the differences between Li and Jin and their uses. Force Flow can be analogous to water flowing through a pipe, where the water is Force Flow and the pipe is the Force Flow Path. Thus the handling of Force Flow depends on time, direction and the sequencing of joints in the body. Power generation deals with power sources which have 2 types: 1. Borrowing the force from the opponent. 2. Self generating the force by oneself. In the case of self-generated force, there are 2 types: one is brute force, e.g. using muscles and tendons and the other is using gravity e.g. using your body weight. One may fuse both of these basic power generations to suit the technique and application.
Assignment 1: Make a tight fist and observe. Assignment 2: Lay down in a controlled fall due to gravity
In order to handle power efficiently, one must be aware of coupling between the contact point and the ground. At an advanced level, the contact point can be anywhere on the body and an impulse power generation can be produced using full body power and through multiple Force Flow Paths.
Assignment 1: Coupling - Take a sponge and put it to the wall with the palm and play, see how force can be transferred back and forth into the wall and palm. Assignment 2: Take a sponge and place under the feet and play, observe how force can be transferred to and from the ground and feet.
Development of the first 4 Elements, especially the Physical Element must be achieved for an advanced handling of Force Flow. Thus the awareness and development of the body joints, also known as the 7 bows, must be attained.
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Diagram showing the 7 Bows 七弓
In examining force flow, the understanding between action force and reaction force is important. When exerting a force at a contact point, there is a reaction force generated as well. Understanding the difference and how they may be used, one can develop a higher level of Force Flow handling.
Assignment 1: Observe action force and reaction force through palm and feet.
Experiencing Force Flow and being able to develop it is very difficult many times one may find themselves reverting back to use of brute force or Body type Power, which can cause joints to be locked and muscles to be tense. Without a loose body, the reaction force cannot flow freely and can stagnate within the body or a break in the Force Flow Path can occur which can result in internal damage or Qi stagnation. Force Flow handling is therefore less common than Body type power handling. Body type power is where one uses muscle strength to move the limbs of the body in order to strike the target. For example if the body is the hammer and the target is the nail, then the body limbs are used to crush the target in the same manner a hammer strikes a nail. Moving the physical body takes more time, needs distance to accelerate and is slower whereas Jin or Force Flow uses the force generated instantaneously and can inject Reaction Force 阴劲 14
using minimal or even zero movement. Body type power is usually telegraphed, has a trajectory and only focuses on the Action Force 阳劲, thus the Reaction Force is not used and handling of strength is therefore less effective and highly dissipative.
Assignment 2: Make a fist and hammer fist the sponge lightly against the wall. Assignment 3: Push a sponge against the wall and observe.
There exists linear and rotational types of Force Handling, for example pushing a car is linear and loosening a nut with a spanner is rotational. Generally the rotational type is used for close body force handling.
Assignment 4: push a sponge against a wall in a spiral and observe the Reaction Force.
Advances practitioners in the Strength Element are able to handle both the body type of power and force Flow type of power at will. The legendary ‘inch power’ or Fa Jin is thus dealing with Force Flow and is required to support a close range body art strategy.
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Chapter 6: Momentum Element The Momentum Element is the last of the 6 Core Elements. All martial arts deal with momentum play and momentum handling because any physical action will cause the body to move which generates momentum. When in motion the Centre of Gravity and the Centre of Gravity Axis (centreline) will change. Thus, any type of motion, from walking in a straight line, to changing direction, requires effort due to the change in momentum. For the body to adapt and readjust well, training in all types of Momentum handling should be practiced so that one can obtain the skills required to deal with the changing conditions. All of these conditions affect how the body rebalances and readjusts itself during dynamic movement.
Assignment 1: Stand still and then walk forward Assignment 2: Inertia - observe that whilst the body is already in motion the effort needed to maintain motion Assignment 3: Walk straight and suddenly turn 90 degrees
There are 2 types of momentum: 1. Simple momentum - A direct movement e.g. a straight punch or a straight kick. 2. Complex momentum - An indirect movement or setup e.g. a punch with a break in the timing or a feint. There are 5 ways of handling momentum: 1. Giving birth 生 Use of one’s incoming momentum. 2. Subduing 勊 A counter or a block with whole body e.g. a wall stops water. 3. Control 制 Jam the opponents centre axis to destroy their momentum using their own stability. 4. Dissolving 化 Absorbing or neutralizing an attack, e.g. receiving a basket ball in both hands. 5. Weight 数 Using your own weight to crush a smaller opponent eg tsunami against a wall. No need for techniques because power of weight can overcome this. If your opponent is much heavier than you and they are running towards you they will have a deeper penetration depth it would be ineffective to try to handle their incoming momentum using a subduing type of handling. Instead, one could step away and would therefore not need to deal with their momentum head on. A good use of momentum in fighting is thought to be like a boulder rolling down a hill into the enemy. Martial arts styles that use body type power are also know as Long Fist arts because they require distance to generate power and thus have limited effectiveness in close quarter combat. In contrast the close body short range arts seek to take advantage of Long Fist arts 16
as they use close distance to disrupt the Centre of Gravity and take up operating space required for Long Fist arts to function. Thus the 2 Styles of Martial arts can be categorized as follows: 1. Long range style 一力降十会 Keeping distance and pushing the opponent (usually with arms length distance). The momentum depth is the penetration distance of the momentum, if this distance is deep you need to move out of the way or step back because you will not be able to handle the momentum. 2. Close body style 以柔克刚 The purpose is to jam the opponent with your body (hugging distance). At this distance you can no longer use body type strength generation, you should use force flow strength. Through understanding of the Strength Element including the differences between Force Flow, Body Type, Long and Short fist, one must also understand the 5 main ways of handling Entry Momentum. Each way deals with the forms of entering into the spatial distance of the opponent, these are named as follows: 1.
Faced square on - Direct entry 侧
2.
Faced square on - Side entry 侧
3.
Faced 90 degrees - Step out and return entry 胯
4.
Faced 180 degrees – turn around and return entry 囘
5.
Faced 180 degrees – turn the back all around entry 迥旋
The footwork required to support these must also be mastered in order to have complete skill in handing Entry Momentum.
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Balanced Living Today many art forms are losing their heritage and many can be seen emphasising the application of the art only rather than the body of the art due to various reasons. A balanced art has both the body and an application, both of them have to be developed in order to know the art. The process of development is known as Gong Fa which is passed down in order to develop the Gong Fu and a balanced art should start with Physical Element and move through the Physical Element to Momentum Element in that sequence. The Qi Element needs advanced development of the first 3 Core Elements with these 3 developed the Qi can be sensed and checked to see if the Energy Flow is smooth or if it is stagnated at a certain point in the body. In development, there is Training and Growing.
Training can be thought of as making sure the wires in a system are fully connected with all resistances and obstructions removed. Growing can be thought of as charging a battery.
Training the body can be done by Loosening the joints, Settling the mind and reaching the Natural breathing state. Once this is done, the battery needs to be charged, either in standing position or laying down position to allow the growth of Qi. Your diet is very important along with your mood or frame of mind. Anger, sexual activity and stress can drain your energy. Therefore Training without Growing is like pulling the filament in an oil lamp instead of refilling the oil or not recharging/replacing a battery in an electrical appliance. According to the Ancient Concepts of balanced living there are some guidelines that one can follow to live a balanced lifestyle:
Avoid extreme temperatures and avoid windy areas, if wind enters the body it can cause problems with internal organs, wear proper clothing to prevent this. When you wake up in the morning do not do any sudden movements as this can shock the body systems. Instead always move slowly and gradually straight after waking. Eat more vegetables than meat and only eat to about 70% full instead of very full all the time. Do not drink cold drinks during eating your meals, it can cause the food to become heavy and dense. Generally cold foods use up more energy in order to process and digest properly. Only practice training of internal arts one hour before or after meals. If it is not possible to sleep at night, it is advised to sit up and recite a mantra to settle the mind in a quiet state. It is better to sleep at 10pm and wake up at 4am
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instead of going to sleep at 1am and waking up at 8 am. The body has a cycle that needs to be observed. These guidelines have been tested over time and are important in leading a balanced life, and developing a balanced art. In addition to these guidelines there are 5 Precepts of Buddhist Martial Art tradition which exists in the ancient writings of Shaolin and Emei 12 Zhuang which are moral codes of conduct. The 5 precepts below should not be violated: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Not Killing Not Stealing Not engaging in sexual misconduct Not lying Not consuming intoxicants
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Conclusion In today’s world it is difficult to practice Internal Arts due to their internal and mystical nature. Many elements may not be detectable without proper guidance and consequently the essential details may remain hidden and unseen. Therefore, much needed in today’s world are true guides that can shed light on such darkened pathways of the Internal Arts and can help us through the arduous journey of Ancient Chinese Internal Arts practice. We can see that the 6 13 3 model is such a guide, it represents the common denominator for all Ancient Chinese Internal Arts and can be used as a comprehensive and systematic tool in order to obtain a macro level view on the bigger picture and also a micro level view on the finer details and thus bring those Ancient Concepts into today’s practice and science. The 6 13 3 model works to prepare and maintain a strong core foundation from which one can progress and grow in a natural way. Through direct use of the tool on a regular basis one is able to install 6 sensors within the body and mind which allows one to experience the Ancient Concepts step-by-step. With further advancement in the 6 13 3 tool, one can detect areas of practice where one may lack development or may need further improvement or growth, thus it also serves to identify one’s own faults and deficiencies as well as help to correct them. Without full direction over ones development, progression in the Internal Arts will always remain incomplete. Due to the lack of tools available to correctly assess one’s ability in the Internal Arts one can be open to misinterpretation and misunderstanding which can then lead to improper practice resulting in an unbalanced mind and body. Thus the 6 13 3 tool serves as a potent yardstick for gauging one’s Kung Fu development and also guiding ones practice in the right direction. The 6 13 3 is therefore an excellent method which not only shines light on the path but is the path on which to tread in order to directly experience the Ancient Concepts of the Ancient Chinese Internal Arts.
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6 13 3 Model
REALITY •Laws of Physics •Biomechanics •Yellow Emperor Classic
STYLE
VARIATION
PHYSICAL ELEMENT Open
Linked
Light
MIND ELEMENT B
Settled
Quiet
Peace
Physical
O Y
• QUIET
BREATHING ELEMENT
D Noise
Panting
Chest
Natural
Surface
A
Intention
STRENGTH ELEMENT
P
Li
P
Force Flow
L I
MOMENTUM ELEMENT
C A T I O N
Giving Birth
Subdue
Control 21
Mind •NATURAL
QI ELEMENT Ready
• LOOSE
Dissolve
Weight
Breathing
