Taiji 37

Taiji 37: understanding Taiji differently

Taiji 37, or the 37 postures at the origin of Taijiquan, returns to the roots of this practice. The development of Taijijin forces is one of them. These principles can be applied to all styles of Taiji. The practice of standing positions produces spontaneous movement reactions. We learn to control them to better direct the Taiji forces. The sequence of postures (the form) is linked to the internal movement of the dantian. This is the ultimate phase of the practice, from which harmony results.

To practice Taiji 37 is to understand that nothing has an end. Everything comes from the Tao and everything returns to it. Master Shen Jin.

Taiji 37, its place in the BuQi® system

The goal is not combat. It refers to the philosophy of Taiji, represented in the Taiji symbol. One is soft force, the other concentrated force, but the two are inseparable. This Yin/Yang game is also implemented in Taiji 37. It takes up the offensive positions of Taijiquan associated with changes of direction and position.
The body becomes flexible, thanks to the opening of the joints and the stretching of the ligaments. We find the principles applied in all the BuQi® System practicesThese are also the functions of the TaijiwuxigongEg.
The practice of Taiji 37 helps us regain the natural balance of our physical strength. It allows us to restore our mental and emotional balance. It allows us to understand how the dantian is the origin of movement.

The origin of Taijiquan

Taiji was originally developed as a martial art and was used for fighting. Fighters practiced standing postures to activate their dantian. Subsequently, the dantian's power flowed freely through the energy channels. Skilled fighters could project this power out of their bodies. They could use it to fight opponents, even at a distance.

A health practice

Taijiquan, often pronounced “Taichichuan,” is very popular and widely known today. It is associated with an image of serenity, good posture, and balance. Health professionals are beginning to recognize the value of Taiji exercises. They have preventative, and sometimes even curative, purposes. However, the most important thing is to find and practice the correct technique.

Today, the use of Taijiquan has shifted toward more health-oriented goals. However, the forces we use to work on and heal health problems remain the same. Taijiquan practice helps clear blockages in energy channels. It thus optimizes the flow of vital energy, or life force. Proper use of the exercises changes the quality of internal energy. These exercises correct and regulate bodily functions, improving health and well-being.

A well-kept secret now passed on

Taiji 37 is a series of secret Taijiquan techniques. As is customary in Chinese tradition, these were only passed down within the family. This explains why this ancient wisdom became fragmented over time. Dr. Shen Hongxun was fortunate enough to be able to gather this knowledge from several Taiji masters. They still possessed authentic, uncorrupted knowledge of these techniques. He understood that these traditional teachings were in danger. To prevent them from being lost, he began to teach them openly.

The TaijiJin forces

Practicing any of the Taiji 37 postures activates the dantian. This leads to the development of Taijijin (Taiji forces). If these postures are practiced correctly, the student discovers spontaneous movement. This helps clear and open the body's energy channels and activate internal energy forces. These forces are innate in everyone, but they are usually dormant. Many Taijiquan practitioners never experience this internal energy. They do not know how to discover and develop these "Taijijin." Traditionally, however, the basis (and obligatory point of passage) for the study of Taijiquan was the development of Taiji forces.

Why refer to Taiji forces?

The main Taijijin that we develop are the force of vibration, the force of spontaneous movement and mental force. These forces find an application in martial arts. But the other important aspect is the possibility of using them for therapeutic purposes for oneself and for others. Taiji forces therefore have different functions. To fight, which mainly concerns martial arts practitioners. To keep the body healthy. Or to treat patients. The martial applications of taiji forces are the best known. But it is important to know that the correct practice of postures allows the opening of energy channels and activates the circulation of energy (Qi). The effects are therefore to cleanse the body of BinQi (pathogenic toxins).

Taiji philosophy

Taiji 37 develops the same principles. They are based on Taiji philosophy.

They join the principles of the BuQi system®.

Studying the 37 Taiji postures leads to restoring flexibility to the body.

Open the channels and meridians.

Feel that the dantian generates movement.

Understand the concept of expansion, apply it concretely philosophy of change, represented by the 64 hexagrams of Bagua.

Being in harmony with the cosmos.

How to work on Taiji 37 postures?

The poetry of the Nanpai School (Southern School) devoted to Taiji evokes something mysterious and enigmatic. It speaks of being invisible and formless.

This means that there is no single form of Taiji, strictly speaking. The postures flow into one another through spontaneous movement. Each of the thirty-seven postures has its own spontaneous movement. It manifests as the result of the appropriate mental attitude, the right level of concentration, and correct posture.

When practiced in this way, the postures open different energy channels. They activate the circulation of Qi, which helps eliminate pathogenic factors (BinQi) from the body.

Here we also find the principles of BuQi system® . The spontaneous movement in question here is not the externalization of each person's blockages. It is refined with practice and this allows us to be aware of the desired goal: to obtain mental calm.

The sequence of Taiji postures 37

Taiji Form 37 is the result of sequencing postures according to Taiji's principles of force direction. The active dantian becomes the center of movement. Master Shen Jin created this sequence. It explores how to blend postures by following the internal movements of the dantian. The higher the level of practice, the greater the feeling of being guided from within.

The first effects of the practice

The practice of Taijiquan has beneficial effects. Most people believe that Taijiquan improves their health because it activates the flow of Qi. In fact, the main reason for this feeling is the elimination of BinQi (negative elements, pathogenic factors). Taiji forces expel BinQi from the body through the meridians. This Qi then circulates freely again.

Change with the practice of Taiji 37

As the exercises progress, spontaneous movement becomes increasingly refined and pure. It becomes less and less visible. At this stage, students learn to control and guide it through the development of powerful mental strength.
For example, with the "Peng" posture, the student focuses on expanding the body in all directions, until it is connected with the entire cosmos. The body fills with energy, the channels and meridians open. We find the meaning of the Taiji symbol, in resonance with the cosmos.