I am fairly sure that you have heard me and other Tai Chi/Qigong Instructors mention the “Tai Chi Classics” numerous times. Perhaps you are wondering what they are.

Throughout the centuries - starting with Chang Sang-feng (founder of Tai Chi), legendary ancient Masters have passed their wisdom and understanding (often secretly) from generation to generation and to their students. First this was done orally. Over the last 200 years or so (starting in the mid 1930’s), over 100 articles have been documented. These articles detail the Masters personal understanding of the Tai Chi principles, guidelines, or standards for correct Tai Chi practice. These principles and guidelines trace back to the Chen and Yang family (mid 19th century) and are considered the foundation of Tai Chi.

These writings about the understanding and developments of the principles come from proponents of all Tai Chi Styles. Not one of these Masters assert that one style is better than another. They are merely another learning opportunity. Unfortunately, they were frequently written using “prehistoric mystic terminology” from Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taoism, and Tai Chi Chuan’s philosophical roots.

There are eight classic Tai Chi texts today. The first three are often referred to as the Tai Chi Bible:

The Book of Tai Chi Chuan Ching - Chang San-feng - emphasizes the form and how the Tai Chi practitioner should move.
The Treatise of Tai Chi Chuan - Wang Tsung-yeuh - focuses on the philosophical principles including the martial applications.
Expositions of Insights into the Practice of the Thirteen Postures - either Wang Chen-yeuth or Wu Yu-hsiang (differing opinions) - focuses on Qi (Chi), it’s functions, and the inner processes of Tai Chi.

The other books are:

Song of the Thirteen Postures - Wu Yu-hsiang
Song of Push Hands - author unknown
Five Character Secret - Li I-yu
Essentials of the Practice of Form and Push Hands - Li I-yu
Yang’s Ten Important Points - Yang Cheng-fu

These texts are very difficult to translate and, as you would expect, numerous translations, including The Essence of T’a Chi Ch’uan: The Literary Tradition. In addition to ancient language, these Masters often used metaphors to explain the skills and qualities that were and are difficult to put into words or to understand intellectually. For example,

Smoothness and whole body movement may be described as “flowing like a river”or “an ocean rolling ceaselessly”, etc.
Increased sensitivity and responsiveness may be described as “an eagle gliding serenely on the wind”.
Posture may be described as “balanced like a scale”
Controlled power and alertness as “the placid cat ready to pounce on the scurrying mouse.”
Elasticity and resilience as “an accordion, folding and unfolding.”

Combining a study and understanding of the classics, along with patiently practicing the postures and sequences will eventually lead you towards mastering Tai Chi. However, reading all 100 plus articles would be a huge task. Depending on your interest, you could pick a few to study.

In the next blog we will look at some of the most relevant ones, which should give you a solid start on your journey.

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