Li style Tai Chi Chuan

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The Li or Lee style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan (李氏太極拳) is practised mainly in the UK and continental Europe[citation needed]. 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 (an 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(Soo 1984, p. 15). The Chang Ming diet is also advised by advocates of the system and is similar to macrobiotics(Soo 1984, p. 15).

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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(Soo 1984, p. 9). 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.(Soo 1984, p. 9)

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, his students and the organisation he set up "The International Daoist Society"(Soo 1984, p. 15).

After the death of Chee Soo the school split into four separate groups each led by one of his senior students[citation needed]:

  1. International Daoist Society/The College of Chinese Physical Culture led by Desmond Murray.
  2. Taoist Arts Organisation led by Tony Swanson.
  3. East - West Taoist Association led by Howard Gibbon.
  4. Taoist Cultural Arts Association led by Chris Simpson.

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[citation needed].

[edit] Forms

In common with other styles of tai chi, the Li style includes a number of forms comprising set sequences of movements usually performed slowly and in time with the breath. The Internal Form, usually referred to simply as "The Form" is the first one taught to students. It has 140 movements and is for developing posture and balance. It has the practical advantage that it can be performed in a space 2m square. The Flying Hands Form makes more use of momentum. There are also forms that use weapons including the Stick Form and the Sword Form.(Soo 1984, p. 15)

[edit] Feng shou

Feng Shou (風手) 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. [3]

[edit] Chi shu

Chi shu ‘energy’ or ‘breath’ art is the Lee family throwing art[citation needed]. 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[citation needed].

[edit] K'ai Men

K'ai Men (開門) is usually translated as 'open door' and is sometimes called Taoist Yoga(Soo-Warr).

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[citation needed].

Alleged benefits of K'ai Men include improved general health and physical fitness, greater stamina, increased flexibility and suppleness. In addition it softens the muscle tissues and helps clear the meridians, the channels that carry ch'i energy throughout the body[citation needed].

[edit] Weapons

T’ai Chi Sword which in this system is said to represent the attribute of Water[citation needed].

The sword is said[who?] 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 tranquility.

Feng Shou Sabre or Tao which in this system is said to represent the attribute of Metal[citation needed].

The sabre is said to represent how the order of the universe is carried out[citation needed].

Stick which in this system is said to represent the attribute of Wood[citation needed].

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[citation needed].

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[citation needed].

The flexibility and posture of the wood combined with the concentration and focus of the sword are used here.

[edit] Diet

The Chang Ming (長命; "Long Life") diet associated with this style is said[who?] to be an ancient Taoist diet[citation needed]. based on eating natural foods and avoiding food additives, animal fats, red meat and dairy products.[citation needed]

[edit] Governance

In the UK, some of the associations promoting Li style tai chi are members[1] of the British Council for Chinese Martial Arts which is recognised by the British government Sports Council as the relevant governing body[2].

[edit] See also

  • Feng Shou (風手)
  • T'ien Ti Tao (天地道拳) - Traditional and Modern Holistic System

[edit] References

  1. ^ [1] List of members of the BCCMA
  2. ^ [2] List of governing bodies recognised by the UK Sports Council

[edit] Further reading

Chee Soo wrote 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

[edit] External links