One of my readers recently asked about Sun Style Tai Chi’s Repulse Monkey. Ismael, thanks for your question. I’m not sure I found the actual reason but I discovered some new information since I last blogged about Sun. I hope you’ll find it interesting and informative.
Sun Style (or Family) Tai Chi was founded by expert and advanced practitioner, Sun Lutang (1863-1933). Lutang was also considered an accomplished Neo-Confucian and Taoist scholar, especially in the I Ching and the Tai Chi Classics. Lutang was also influenced by Yang Shaohou, Yang Chengfu and Wu Jianquan. He founded the Sun style based on what he had learned from Taoism, Tai Chi, Xingyi, and Bagua. When he was in his 50’s, Lutang studied under Hao Weizhen, a master of Wu Hao style Tai Chi and was given “full access” to the Wu Hao tradition. There are several different versions about how this came about. Interestingly, Sun Style “showcases” the influences of the different martial arts in a single form. This Form was taught by Lutang for over a decade at the Beijing Physical Education Research Institute from 1914 until 1928.
Lutang’s SUN 97 form (often known as 98 form) consists of smooth, circular movements with “gentle transitions” between postures which are medium to high. Bagua’s (Baguazhang) movements are circular in nature. Xingyi’s (Xingyiquan) attacks are linear, with retreats, and very quick light steps. For purposes of this blog, I will use Sun 97 form which appears in many resources. However, the Sun-style long form that Sun Lutang describes in his book, Taijiquan, consists of 98 movements.
Interestingly, Lutang’s traditional Sun style Tai Chi was passed down to both his sons, daughters, and granddaughters, which was unique and not the “norm” in Tai Chi families. Most forms were taught only to sons so that they were kept in the family. Lutang’s family members taught in Beijing and northern China which helped his form to reach a wider audience (including women), who were eager to learn Tai Chi and maybe even teach it!
Like every family of Tai Chi, Sun style has multiple versions of the short Form. Short forms usually teach the core movements of a Form. The primary 73 movement long form was based off the teachings of Sun Lutang and was standardized in 1989-1991 by Men Hui-Feng. Hui-Feng was also a professor at the Beijing University of Physical Education. The 73 movement was adopted by Sun style schools and used for competition. Later, a modified, shorter version of the 73 Sun style form was created by Dr. Paul Lam, a student of Men Hui-Feng. Lam reduced or eliminated some the more difficult movements in order to benefit students/practitioners with Arthritis and/or balance of mobility issues. The 73 movement long form, Sun sword form, short form, and 73 movement form are the most common forms practiced.
How does the 73 movement form differ from the 97 movement form?
The 73 form is often considered a competition form. It eliminates the repetition present in the 97 form. The 73 form is also more left-right balanced than the 97 form. Sun Lu Tang's original form is a one side only form. The entire first section of both forms is the same. However, the next section contains several movements that are on the “unfamiliar side”, such as Single Whip and Cloud Hands. Fair Ladies are in a different order in the 73 form. In the 97 form, the order of the Fair Ladies is the same as in the Yang 108 long form. The original 97 form’s applications were more martial and the “medicinal benefits” were considered greater. Some practitioners feel that the 73 form stretches the limbs more and is more expressive.
Wu style characteristics and (other martial arts) influences:
Currently, Sun Style Tai Chi ranks fourth in popularity and fifth in terms of seniority among the five major family styles of Tai Chi. Sun style has a higher stance, and employs less punching and kicking. It also has a strong emphasis on Qigong. The Sun style is popular with older practitioners and/or those with physical deficits or weakness. It also appeals to those who are looking for a form that is less athletic and martial appearing.
When stepping out with one foot, the other foot follows (like Xingyi). This is commonly knows as a “follow step”. The movements are light, quick, and agile. The spine remains erect and the postures are medium to high, with a few lower movements. The hands are continuously circling like Bagua. Pushes or punches are delivered without force.
Let’s talk about Sun’s Repulse Monkey:
In the original form, Repulse (the) Monkey moves laterally (on the diagonal) four times, using smaller movements. It is considered a better method of self-defense and as a combative move/technique, this increases the effectiveness “100 fold”. The original form also contains a “real retreat” with a lot of twisting. This is different from the 73, 48, or other versions (or applications) of Repulse Monkey. In the 73 form, it is done in three directions, in a more elongated manner, which diminishes the “flavor of retreat”.
The 73 form Repulse Monkey actually comes from Sun Style Xingyi or is basically a brush knee in all directions. When it comes to the application, the SUN Style Repulse Monkey is considered a spiral throw. One option is to hook your right arm under your opponent's left arm and pull his right arm under your left armpit with an “overhook”. By stepping back with your left foot, you place your right foot between your opponent’s feet and throw him around (not over) your hip. I am sure that there are at least a few other methods.
Ismael, I’m not sure that this explanation answers your question. Perhaps some of the readers of this blog may be able to contribute further information.
Below are a few videos for your viewing if you are interested.
https://kehoemartialarts.com/patreon-com-edkehoe-tai-chi-repulse-monkey-footwork-drill/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBveJKGa1gw
https://kehoemartialarts.com/review-repulse-monkey/
Bottom Line: Do remember that in Tai Chi, we do not actually retreat, even though it may appear that way! It is a combat move!
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