Longfei Taijiquan Association of Great Britain

Classic Corner - Number 4
Longfei News Letters - Volume 3, Issue 3

Yang Cheng Fu, grandson of Yang Lu Chan the creator of Yang Style Taiji, left ten instructional insights to correct training. The newsletter will carry an introduction to these one, at a time so they can be studied and cherished.

If we are able to clearly distinguish between empty and full (in the legs) a 180 degree turn becomes easily negotiable. The word "Xu" (empty or vacuous) is the key if the entire body weight is placed over the left leg then it is said to be substantial, leaving the right leg empty (Xu). Turning motions will become light and agile. If the weighting is not clear, turning and stepping will become awkward and heavy. Substantial and Insubstantial, Empty and Full, are analogous for "Yin and Yang". Although the majority of commentary discuss these points with regard to the legs and progressive stepping, substantial and insubstantial can also refer to the ebb and flow of the torso and upper limbs.

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