A Study of Kun-Long Chen’s Tai Chi Techniques

• Main Authors: Rui-yang Liu, 劉瑞洋
• Other Authors: Tsung-hsin Tsai
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/15883211637253312424

碩士 === 國立臺南大學 === 體育學系碩士班 === 101 === Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art that has real-world applications not limited to novels and apocryphal stories; its use in sparring has been clearly documented. This study is an attempt to further document its use by successful practitioners of martial arts, with the goals of recording the history of Kun-Long Chen’s experience with Tai Chi, analyzing his Tai Chi exercises, and establishing a theory of Tai Chi based on the above. The data in this study is based on field interviews and video recordings, supplemented by collecting, recording, and analyzing relevant Tai Chi literature. This data was used to develop an overall understanding of Mr. Chen’s Tai Chi techniques. Finally, the formation of Mr. Chen’s Tai Chi techniques was investigated in terms of personal characteristics, environment, and the nature of the techniques themselves. The following conclusions were drawn: 1. From the context and formation of Kun-Long Chen’s Tai Chi method, it is apparent that it has been developed based on his own special techniques. 2. Mr. Chen used a particular method of tuishou (“pushing hands”) employing the fundamental Taoist principles of gentleness and passive inaction, allowing him to discover a new method and providing insight into the use of “Chi” and “inner strength.” 3. Research data revealed that Mr. Chen attained practical experience using his Tai Chi methods by sparring with other martial arts enthusiasts. 4. The unique characteristics of Kun-Long Chen’s Tai Chi techniques come from the three historical and cultural aspects of Taoism – internal concepts of pure thought, passive inaction, and modesty; the philosophy of the Doctrine of the Mean; and external physical actions of practicing martial arts and maintaining health and strength. These three aspects are embodied in his method’s internal concept of “meaning and function” and external actions of zhuanggong (“static stance”), quanjia (“fist fighting”) and tuishou. Although the Tai Chi practiced in Taiwan is mostly the same across the country, personal and organizational differences have led to the development of various styles. Tai Chi’s legacy has both a historical heritage as a martial art and a current reputation as a form of healthy exercise. No matter how it has evolved, Tai Chi is a sublimation of martial arts in traditional culture, and that is why it has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries.