Wayne's Blog # 57

 August  27, 2025  Wednesday In Taipei         Wayne's Blog # 57

Simply One Word :   Song 

A.

   Sifu Chen describing the 9 joints to me today , see video posted today ( in mandarin only ) 

B.

   Next 5 days live streaming my feeding session with Sifu 

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A.

   Sifu Chen describing the 9 joints to me today 

       Sifu is constantly making reference to the 9 major joints in the body. From Song Gong Loosening exercises , tai chi form , push hands ,etc , maintaining the joints to stay open is essential in IST development 

  The bottom list of joints are often mentioned in class by Sifu : 

The 9 joints are : 

Fingers

Wrist

Elbows 

Shoulders

Waist 

Hips 

Knees

Ankles 

Feet 

   The most difficult joint to cultivate is the waist , followed by the shoulders. 

   The feeding sessions , mostly rooting series , play a crucial role to loosen and open up both the shoulders and waist joints. 

   When you learn to open and keep open one joint , it does affect positively all the other joints to be open 

    However, when you stiffen one joint up, for example your elbow, it will affect all the other joints 

   During 2 person drills , aka push hands , you will easily compromise your balance anytime you tense up - a joint locks up . 

  How to train the joints to 

   stay open: 

1. daily Song Gong Loosening 

       exercises 

2.Daily tai chi set done slowly 

3. Learn to receive energy both in 

      Empty force & contact force 

4. Application CCC always 

5. Two person drills done softly 

 The first 1-2 years learning about joint opening is new and not easy because it is an inside feeling. 

  Know that IST direction will guide you and the daily practice will itself organically teach you joints cultivation. 

B.

   Next  6 days live streaming my feeding session with Sifu 

   I am the 1st to arrive at the park to greet Sifu. He is already practicing on his own. Depending on what time the other classmates arrive , it is a one to one session that can endure up to one hour , practically non stop. 

   The feeding sessions with Sifu are a lot of fun for me. There is much conversation going back and forth. 

 Yes , we do talk about IST and principles, but we can also casually discuss about the weather , life in Taipei or in USA , etc. 

  When I first started with Sifu 7 plus years old , the feeding sessions were , of course , difficult. 

  The purpose of Sifu feeding you his energy- both normal and internal are  to help you to : 

1 develop listening ability 

2 develop sticking ability 

3 develop PEA ability 

  Proper energy alignment 

4 develop JFM 

5 develop internal rooting 

6  develop Song 

7 develop supple Rolling 8 Ball

8 develop empty waist 

    After my lengthy feeding session with Sifu I feel I just received an internal massage, all the joints top to bottom are now open and my awareness to my Zhong Ding is stable 

  

   The live streaming is to share how the feeding sessions are done in real time . Sifu will work with you and your current level. Safety is always a priority for Sifu and he is respectful and aware not to go beyond your skill level. 

In Summary ,  learning and applying joint opening is a skill you will become familiar and proficient when there is correct consistent practice. 

  Not only for IST  tai chi but important for general good health. 

  Tight , closed joints leads to stiffness and tension in your muscles, causing physical and mental discomfort. 

Wayne 

Arm Bridge Tai Chi 

August 27, 2025  Wednesday In Taipei 

   Wayne's Blog # 57

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