Longfei Taijiquan Association of Great Britain

Classic Corner
Longfei News Letters - Volume 1, Issue 1

Li I Yu (1832-1892) learned the art of Taijiquan from his uncle, Wu Yu Xiang. Later Li was attributed with recording his uncle's work and understanding of the art. In addition, he wrote on the classic writings of Wang Tsung Yueh. Li I Yu's compilation of poems, songs and folk classics from the basis of what are now referred to as the Taijiquan Classics. Of these, my personal preference is the "Five Character Secret" the first of which refers to our mind set and I would like to refer you to it below.

The mind should be calm. If it is not, one cannot concentrate and when the arm is raised whether forward or back, left or right, it is completely without certain direction. Therefore it is necessary to maintain a calm mind. In beginning to move you cannot control it by yourself.

The entire mind must also experience and comprehend the movements of the opponent. Accordingly, when the movement bends it then straightens without disconnecting or resisting. Do not extend or retreat by yourself. If my opponent has li (strength), I also have li, but my li is previous (in exact anticipation of his). If the opponent does not have li, I am with it (li), but my mind is still previous.

It is necessary to be continually mindful; to whatever part of the body is touched, the mind should go. You must discover the information by non-discrimination and non-resistance. Follow this method, and in one year of a half year, you wil instinctively find it in your own body. All of this means use i (mind), not jing (internal force). After a long time the opponent will be controlled by me and I will not be controlled by him.

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