Wayne's Blog # 23

 July 21-2025 Monday in Taipei 

  Wayne's Blog # 23

     Here is Bob’s question : 

 “ Wayne - if you get the chance would you ask Sifu Chen what is his understanding of a person reaching “Tong Chi” in Tai Chi? How does one achieve it? “ 

  Today Monday morning I asked Sifu Chen his description and experience on internal system aka Nei Gong 

“ Tong Chi .” 

   Here is a brief translation on the video captured today : 

    “  Tong Chi are your joints all open and Song. His hand 🤚 showing a 90 degree , a corner where Chi flow is blocked. Like water passing through clear pipes. Once a joint is stiff / closed will affect rest of your body joints. Tong is not simply relax & do nothing, because your internal structure will collapse. A strong mind intention will stiffen your joints thus no Tong in your body…..

   Daily practice of Song Gong loosening exercises and tai chi form will develop Tong ,” said Sifu Chen 

   At Arm Bridge Tai Chi in person classes, we practice many choreograph, partner drills to cultivate “ Tong “ 

    Because there is an incoming force, it is very easy for your mind to process & thinking too much causing Tong to stiffen up. Partner drills are done slow to help the individual learn to feel , listen  and understand ( FLU ) of Energy ; therefore , helping you to develop better Tong access 

   To understand Tong one needs to learn and develop Song. In fact , they go hand in hand 🤚 

  When you are Song , you are releasing Energy, releasing from top to bottom of your body as your joints are open causing proper energy alignment ( PEA ) which is a Tong quality 

     Unfortunately tong is  quality that not many people understand due to how we practice, engage in push hands and the misguided competitiveness of winning and losing. 

   Typical push hands play there is way too much “ force, resistance, clutter mind , tension,” ( FRCT) 

  These are all mal qualities that will affect your Tong development 

How & where do start to learn Tong ? 

   Daily Song Gong loosening exercises is an intelligent choice to develop Song and Tong. These exercises were created by grand Masters to help you with a strong foundation in the internal systems aka Nei Gong 

   I have said many times these exercises are done externally in the beginning, but through consistent practice, you will become more familiar & comfortable, ultimately applying the principles of Nei Gong to your movements. 

       Trust in the process , be determined in your goals , & need “ time “ to lean anything of quality. No short cuts but enjoy the journey. 

  All tai chi forms are good because they are guided by the tai chi classics that describe the principles and foundation.  Daily Tai Chi Form practice will 💯 percent develop Tong because of application tools such as :  

The 5Rs 

 SOS 

 Cop

 GOES 

OARR 

 FLU

 CCC

 General-Commander

The Gift 🎁 

  

   All these acronyms at Arm Bridge Tai Chi serves as a way to guide you into the internal system correct direction. 

  In summary, Tong is internal quality often associated with both Song and Emptiness. It is not a quality that serves on its own . 

   When you feel Tong , you will also feel Song. When you have Song and Tong , you will develop Rooting 

    Important to practice  Daily Arm Bridge Stance , Song gong , Tai Chi , Meditation walking, two person partner drills to help you with the development of Tong 

   Take notes that these daily blogs do not serve as a compressive guide to a particular subject, but provides a solid foundation. 

Wayne 

Arm Bridge Tai Chi 

 July 21, 2025 Monday In Taipei 

 Wayne's Blog # 23

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