Li style T'ai Chi Ch'uan
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The Li or Lee style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan is practised mainly in the UK and continental Europe. The style is taught as part of the Lee Style Taoist Cultural Arts which include K'ai Men (lit. 'Open Door), a form of Taoist ch'i kung, Tao Yin (a ancient form of breathing exercise), alongside the standard empty-hand and weapon forms; including Feng Shou Ch'uan Shu or Hand of the Wind kung fu. The Chang Ming diet is also advised by advocates of the system and is similar to macrobiotics.
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[edit] History
A range of Taoist health, cultural and Wu Shu arts collectively known by them as the Eight Strands of the Brocade is said by its adherents to have been preserved within the Lee family of Wei Hei Wei, Northeastern China, for 3000 years. The Lee family's Taoist Arts were exclusive to the Lee style until the 1930s when it was first taught to outsiders in England by Professor Dr. Chan Kam Lee making it the first T'ai Chi style to be practiced and taught in the West.
One of Dr. Lee's students was Chee Soo and the growth of the Lee style in the UK, throughout Europe, and the rest of the world is largely due to Chee Soo and his students.
After the death of Chee Soo the school split into separate groups led by his top students:
- International Daoist Society/The College of Chinese Physical Culture led by Desmond Murray.
- Taoist Arts Organisation led by Tony Swanson.
- East - West Taoist Association led by Howard Gibbon.
- Taoist Cultural Arts Association
Other students of Chee Soo teach independently now from these associations.
The Wu Kung Federation was set up by Chee Soo's daughter Lavinia Soo-Warr and her husband Peter Warr in 1981.
[edit] Feng shou
Feng Shou is a self-defence system associated with Lee style T'ai Chi Ch'uan. It is said to be an internal or ‘soft’ martial art by its adherents. Feng Shou Ch’uan Shu means Hand of the Wind Boxing. The name comes from the ‘Earl of the Wind’, who in Chinese mythology was called Feng Po. He is depicted as an old man with a long flowing white beard, who stands on the green grass of the heaven’s highest pinnacle, dressed in a yellow cloak and wearing a red and blue hat. In his hands he holds the open end of a cotton sack, and wherever he points the mouth of the sack, the wind blows in that direction. He can turn a full circle, and send the winds unhindered across the whole world. If he moves slowly, then the wind from his sack will hardly move and it will feel like the gentleness of a morning breeze. But if he becomes angry or is surprised then he may turn very fast, and the wind will hurtle across the universe to create the devastation of a tornado.
[edit] Chi shu
Chi shu ‘energy’ or ‘breath’ art is the Lee family throwing art. Whether applying a ward-off, counter-striking or breakout from a lock or a hold, it can become a throw. It uses the extending or contracting of muscles, pressure or release of bones and the opening or compression of the joints. If necessary, arteries, nerves and meridians points can be used. The opponent's force is redirected, throwing them to the ground or into something else. Locks can be applied before during or after the throw, as can counterstrikes. Students learn to roll, fall safely and how to nullify a throw.
[edit] K'ai Men
K'ai Men is usually translated as 'open door' and refers to a collection of Taoist Yoga exercises.
A soft and gentle system, the body moves continually at a measured pace and is not put under controlled stress. Each exercise consists of a sequence performed with conscious controlled breathing, and an extension, where the body is gently encouraged to soften and open a little further.
Alleged benefits of K'ai Men include improved general health and physical fitness, greater stamina, increased felxibility and suppleness. In addition it softens the muscle tissues and helps clear the meridians, the channels that carry ch'i energy throughout the body.
[edit] Weapons
T’ai Chi Sword which in this system is said to represent the attribute of Water
The sword is said to represent the ‘order of the universe’. A great deal of concentration is required to retain complete control of the body and limbs while maintaining balance and poise. On the outside there is physical activity but inside there is peace and tranquillity.
Feng Shou Sabre or Tao which in this system is said to represent the attribute of Metal
The sabre is said to represent how the order of the universe is carried out.
Stick which in this system is said to represent the attribute of Wood
Working with the stick (staff) shows what is happening on the inside so will help you to harmonise the internal with the external. The stick is the hardest weapon to truly master.
Silk which in this system is said to represent the attribute of Earth
T’ai Chi Silk form is a mixture of slow and fast movements representing alternations of gentleness and hardness.
Spear which in this system is said to represent the attribute of Fire
The flexibility and posture of the wood combined with the concentration and focus of the sword are used here.
[edit] Diet
The Chang Ming or "Long Life" diet associated with this style is said to be an ancient Taoist diet based on eating natural foods and avoiding food additives, animal fats, red meat and dairy products.
[edit] Further reading
Chee Soo has written six books about the various Taoist Arts of the Lee style:
- The Chinese Art of T'ai Chi Ch'uan - The Taoist way to mental and physical health. ISBN 0954524403
- The Taoist Art of K'ai Men - Opening the door to your inner self through Chi Gung. ISBN 0954524411
- The Tao of Long Life - The Chinese Art of Chang Ming. ISBN 0954524438
- The Taoist Ways of Healing - The Chinese Art of Pa Chin Hsien. ISBN 0954524446
- The Taoist Art of Feng Shou - 'Hand of the Wind' kung fu. ISBN 095452442X
- The Tao of my Thoughts - The insights of a modern Taoist Master. ISBN 0954524454
These books are all published by Seahorse Books.
