Song of Secrets for Training

in the 13 Techniques

                    The “Song of Secrets for Training in the 13 Techniques” is in the form of a poem. As usual, much of its poetry is lost in translation, although the meaning remains. Wu Yu Xiang, who combined the Old Form of Yang Lu Chan and the New Form of Chen Jing Ping, is the founder of Wu-style Tai Chi Chuan. Here is his advice:

Don’t underestimate the thirteen techniques,

The source of life is at the waist.

Pay attention to “apparent” and “solid”,

Without hindrance chi flows with grace.

Stillness in movement, movement in stillness,

Adjust according to what the situation is.

Every technique must be guided by will,

Combat efficiency will be achieved with ease.

All the time pay attention to your waist,

The abdomen is charged with chi and might.

The spine is straight and full of spirit,

The whole body is relaxed with head upright.

Be attentive to details in every move,

Spontaneous let your movements be.

A teacher’s guidance is needed to enter the way,

When accomplished, unrestricted by rules is he.

What is so difficult about the form?

Mind and energy are the king.

What is the aim of Tai Chi Chuan practice?

Health and vitality and eternal spring.

The Thirteen Techniques of Tai Chi Chuan

            The eight fundamental hand movements are:    

• Peng or warding off
• Lu or rolling back
• Qi (pronounced chi) or pressing
• An or pushing
• Lie (pronounced liat) or spreading
• Cai (pronounced chai) or taking
• Zhou or elbowing
• Kao or leaning

The five fundamental leg movements are:

• Jin or moving forward
• Tui or moving back
• Ku or moving to the left
• Pan or moving to the right
• Ding or remaining at the center

    Experience has shown that delaying the practice of a Tai Chi set in order to spend more time on these basic hand and leg movements usually results in the student progressing faster.

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