What is Tai Chi Quan and its Secret? Explanation of Silk-Reeling Exercise

Silk-Reeling is the key practice of Chen Style Tai Chi Quan. It should be practiced on a daily basis. Eventually, it can be used in Tai Chi applications.
Video Sections:
1. Explain the term "Tai Chi" (01:30)
2. Is Tai Chi a very old system? (02:34)
3. How to classify different Tai Chi systems? (04:21)
4. Chen Xin's book: "Tai Ji Quan Tu Shuo" (Tai Chi Quan Illustration) (9:16)
5. What is Silk-Reeling? (10:44)
5. How to practise Silk-Reeling? (12:04)
6. Demonstration (13:06)
7. Takeaway (16:06)
#TaiChi #TaiChiQuan #Wudang #SilkReeling #HaiYang #ChenXin #TaiChiQuanTuiShuo
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Website: internalstyle.com
Checkout my videos introducing the other two internal styles:
Ba Gua: • Baguazhang (Bagua) Int...
Xing Yi: • Xingyiquan (Xingyi, Xi...
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[@IThinkSoBrain]

Thank you for this! The level of detail you bring is so refreshing. I love the no secrets attitude. I've watched your videos for some time and note that your students seem quite capable, which is the surest sign of a good teacher.

[@HaiYangChannel]

Thank you for you comments. I appreciate the fact that we share the same feeling of these arts!

[@olowasegun6829]

I like your statement that learning fa Jin is a level of tai chi. I have not yet learned that level 😊

[@MearlThompson]

Thank you Master Yang for your valuable information. Very useful. Cheers.

[@HaiYangChannel]

You are very welcome.

[@earthconnexion]

Tanks for sharing all this stuff. I stand waiting for next vidéos. A follower from France ;-)

[@HaiYangChannel]

Thanks for watching! From a couple of weeks ago, I started to post at least one video per week. Take care in France.

[@charaznable9209]

Thank you for this wonderful lesson and instruction. I practice Qigong but now will add silk reeling to my exercise routine.

[@ah7814]

Thank you shifu for your clarity. This was the first exercise I learned from you, a very good reminder not to forget the fundamentals!

[@HaiYangChannel]

Great! Please take care of yourself. Be safe at NYC.

[@rionuevo5008]

Thank you so much for these video, for your analysis and your kindness in sharing your knowledge and demonstrating the skills!

[@HaiYangChannel]

You are very welcome.

[@markd4292]

Thank you Sifu. I really like the colors in your room where you did the demonstrations. Stay healthy.

[@HaiYangChannel]

Thanks, I will take more video at that area:)

[@toniguglielmino]

Thanks Master. You are giving me the best explanation of the basic tai chi 🙏

[@HaiYangChannel]

You are most welcome

[@I-QUAN]

Nice, clear & concise. Thank you .

[@HaiYangChannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@TaiChiInternational]

Wonderful Demonstration and Explanation Thank you for sharing!

[@HaiYangChannel]

You're very welcome!

[@JoshEijo]

Thank you so much for you wonderful clear and honest explanations! 🙏

[@HaiYangChannel]

You are very welcome. And thanks.

[@djamelka1335]

Thank you Sifu. Wonderful teaching.

[@HaiYangChannel]

You are very welcome

[@meridythrancourt8824]

Thank you so much, Sifu! This information is very much appreciated.

[@HaiYangChannel]

My pleasure! Stay same in Boston.

[@meridythrancourt8824]

Hai Yang Hoping to see you soon, Sifu!❤️

[@Whiskey_Tengu]

The famous escape artist and Magician, Harry Houdini was once asked what his secret was to his amazing performances. He answered to the effect of, "the magic is in the practice". That's what your videos remind me of. Secrets are useless, if one is not practicing them correctly. I greatly appreciate that you understand the importance of accuracy in practice. My Wu Style teacher used to say that you could practice tai chi for 20 yrs, but if you do not follow the principles, you have not really practiced tai chi for any years. Thank you for your deep insights and sharing.

[@HaiYangChannel]

interesting

[@Whiskey_Tengu]

@@HaiYangChannel is there a video where you discuss the concept and practice of Song [ ‘松 ] in greater detail? Additionally, I'm also interested in how the Chen Style articulates and develops Peng [膨] jin. My sincere apologies if I have used the incorrect Chinese characters. It has taken me years of Zhan Zhuang just to get my shoulders to finally sink and relax, as well as develop a root that maintains integrity during push hands and form practice. However, I am always looking for insights into how song energy develops Peng further and the proper methods for fostering this unique Tai chi ability. I once read an interview with Wu Stylist Ma Yuehliang, who said that Peng jin was originally the first true sign that a student had "entered the door" of Taijiquan training, and that it did typically take years for this to happen. What is your experience, or if this is already in a video you made, please direct me to it. Sincerest gratitude.

[@HaiYangChannel]

I have another video about Tai Chi relax, but not in much details. I will make one in the future. It is a good topic. Thank,s

[@Easttndude]

Thank you for such a great explanation.

[@HaiYangChannel]

You are very welcome.

[@truthserum9456]

This is wonderful information and very concise. Thank you. Peter NY

[@HaiYangChannel]

You're very welcome!

[@lotusbolt2218]

Thank you very much for sharing! The theories and practice of internal martial arts are very fascinating to me. Clear information like these are very scarce on the internet and it really is hard to get access to the books outside of China, not to mention the language barrier and looking for the rare books (Master Xue Dian's for example). I appreciate that you have been uploading regularly these recent times. I really enjoy your contents, but as someone who practiced XingYi Quan I hope you also share more about the art, especially the concepts behind it (or even make a structured practice videos if you dont mind), along with the even harder to find XiangXing Shu. Take care!

[@HaiYangChannel]

Thanks for your comments. When I put any contents in public, I always share the information when I studied as a child... I will share more Xue Dian's materials in the future. Also, there is a limitation on KZbin in terms of formal teaching. I am working with my students on developing a well-functioned distance learning system at this moment. I have more time now since the public health issue.

[@lotusbolt2218]

I hope the system can boost your efforts in promoting internal martial arts. Best of luck in your endeavours!

[@roberthoffman9232]

thank you for lecture differentiating tai chi exercise from tai chi martial art... " there are no secrets "...but silk-reeling or spiral energy is key to understanding ... silk-reeling was a concept clouded in misunderstanding for me. Again you have cut through the fog and provided simple explanation with clarity like a bright light.

[@HaiYangChannel]

You are most welcome and thank you for your comment too.

[@martinromero6099]

Sixto Paz wells is a person who had contact with beings from a base in Ganymedes moon of Jupiter, he got there thru a portal, and one of the activities of these beings was a style of Tai chi, with our horizons expanding we human beings are Quantum in nature and the expressions of energies are going to be more expanded, making Tai chi a central activity for future generations, I like your videos very informative for people who do not know Chinese. thanks.

[@ZalMoxis]

Very good to hear.

[@HaiYangChannel]

thanks,

[@timdarmetko4039]

thanks for your time ! :)

[@HaiYangChannel]

My pleasure!

[@Elixirmusiques]

Enlightening. Thank you

[@HaiYangChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it! I hope you are still working on your music.:)

[@Elixirmusiques]

@@HaiYangChannel Ha haaa! Of course. Applying taichi principles in music, and vice versa...

[@davidagudelo2435]

谢谢你的课老师😊

[@HaiYangChannel]

Thank you for your comments in Chinese:)

[@bredmond812]

I've watched a lot of your videos and this is the first place where your teachings are different than what I've already been taught. My teacher said when the hand pushed out, extend with the thumb as the furthest to the outside, and when drawing back, it's with the pinky to the inside. I wasnt taught to me that the wrist bone should lead when pushing out or the hand drops levels when changing overturning in preparation to lead out again.

[@HaiYangChannel]

Interesting.

[@jampeanutbutter]

Very helpful.

[@HaiYangChannel]

Glad you think so!

[@FerrisJerjis]

Thank you for the clarity of your information, it seems to to me that Tai Ji Chuan is a natural evolution of the martial movements that exist in traditional Chinese system often some people view TJC in isolation forgetting the environment and the context in which it was developed. If it all possible could you clarify the difference between Silk reeling and Silk pulling as practiced in smaller frames. Thanks in advance.

[@HaiYangChannel]

Yes, good idea. I will make a video about the differences between silk-reeling and silk pulling in the future! I am surprised that someone knows this term!

[@eatingbitter1756]

@@HaiYangChannel 2nd this, if you please

[@vshivone]

Thankyou

[@user-ws3st7hu2l]

Thanks!

[@dorjedriftwood2731]

Thank you

[@taijitaijiquan]

Thank you very much Mr. Yang. I fully agree with your division: the martial arts taijiquan system and the health-oriented taichi live in two different worlds. It always amazes me that people who only practice forms for health can think of themselves as martial artists - without ever having connected a punch or a kick, or executed a real joint lock with an opponent (or got kicked, punched, thrown, and locked). I've done a bit of Muay Thai and Jiujitsu, and the kind of training that comes with those martial arts absolutely must be included in Taijiquan for it to move from the health-world to the martial arts-world. As someone who finds beauty in martial arts, thank you again for teaching the martial arts-world of taijiaquan with such honesty and clarity. People like you make the world a better place. May I ask a question that's been bothering me for years? I hope I can express it well enough: In some movements, I do not fully understand the relationship between 1) where I am looking, 2) where my upper body is pointing, 3)where my hips are pointing, 4)and what the weight distribution between the legs are. There are movements I can feel are very natural - all of the 4 points I mentioned fall into place correctly, effortlessly, naturally. For other movements, I sometimes feel that if I change any of the points 1-4, I can still feel a good martial application no matter what (for example, if theory says I should have my hips pointed left, but I actually point it right, I don't actually feel that that movement is done incorrectly from a martial perspective). I fear that it's my lack of practice, however, that is the biggest problem. May I ask your opinion on this issue?

[@HaiYangChannel]

You have asked a lot of great questions. This type of specific question is great since it can reflect visitor's level:):):) Normally, as a common principle in Chinese internal styles: our vision follows the opponent. Also, our chest normally keeps a 45 degrees angle. Our hip will be the same and our chest, but they are not at the same "surface"---we call it as Dragon Turning the Body... Our weight distribution is very flexible: as long as not 50-50, then that is fine. Also, there are more detailed information about the weight. I should make a video in the future to talk about it. I hope my answer is not that vague:) thanks

[@taijitaijiquan]

@@HaiYangChannel thank you for answering. If and when you have the time, would you mind explaining the chest-hips relationship in some more depth? With regards to our vision following the opponent: The vast majority of the time I understand that idea and execution - but I still sometimes wonder about some movements (like movement 8 - xie xing) where the vision follows the right hand (near the end of the movement), rather than where I would imagine my opponent's body might be. Again, because I feel that way, I'm pretty sure that I am interpreting the movement incorrectly due to a lack of martial practice. I'm going to order the book you mentioned in your video. It will take me a long time to read it as my Chinese isn't that great - but I'll try :)

[@taijitaijiquan]

@@HaiYangChannel After some internet detective work I found a great English translation of the Chen Xin book as a pdf ( "The Illustrated Canon of Chen Family Taijiquan") on epdf.pub. I'm reading it right now. It's great, and very detailed! I will buy both the Chinese and the Hardcover English versions when I find ones that aren't too pricey.

[@eatingbitter1756]

@@HaiYangChannel think he got way more than he paid for.

[@aldosala1158]

Thanks a lot ! 🙏

[@HaiYangChannel]

You are welcome!

[@guzman4662]

Thanks master, I hope to have the opportunity to meet you. Greetings from Italy

[@HaiYangChannel]

You are welcome. Thanks.

[@_....J........................]

Thank you.

[@HaiYangChannel]

You're welcome!

[@jakecarroll9152]

Thank you for your videos. I have been using your xingyi video's as a guide to help me with my training since I moved away from my teacher. Would you consider making a video explaining your beng chuan? specifically talking about the half step would be really useful.

[@HaiYangChannel]

Thank you for your comments and you are very welcome to take my video as conference. I have a plan to put more information online. Please give me more time and things will be done gradually.

[@jakecarroll9152]

​@@HaiYangChannel thank you. I look forward to your future videos. If you ever host a workshop in or near Colorado I will come.

[@williampalminteri1727]

Thank you so much for these wonderful videos ! Please consider making a short video explaining "Shun" and "Ni" in silk Reeling. 谢谢你, Bill P.

[@HaiYangChannel]

Yes, I will find a chance for it.

[@williampalminteri1727]

@@HaiYangChannel Thank you so much, I greatly appreciate your videos !

[@toniguglielmino]

In this last day of 2020, I wish you a prosperous New Year. I shall spend the first half of 2021 practicing just the first movement of Silk Reeling. 50 times on each side or more? I follow your instructions, Shifu 🙏

[@HaiYangChannel]

Hello, Sure that is a good idea! MAke it very slow and focus on each details...Thanks.

[@toniguglielmino]

@@HaiYangChannel ❤

[@tussortedhaffer184]

Thank you :-)

[@HaiYangChannel]

You are welcome!

[@bareawareness]

Great videos - many thanks for sharing your knowledge and insights. I wonder, where do you focus your awareness during silk reeling exercises? On the breath? On the whole-body coordination? On internal soft tissue connections? Also, is silk reeling unique to taijiquan or does it have a place in baguazhang or xingyiquan also?

[@HaiYangChannel]

Thanks. Many good questions. Basically, people should focus on the place where you want to apply the movement... only tai chi use this term as Silk-Reeling. Other styles have the same "movements" but not the same concept. I should make a new video to explain it in the future.

[@bareawareness]

Hai Yang Thank you for your reply 🙏 😊 So you mean the focus is actually outside the body and not within?

[@HaiYangChannel]

I have answer this question in my new tai chi video. Please have a look. Thanks

[@ruebenandrews9914]

Thank you for the explanation. Around the 14.50 part you talk about initiating movement to the opposite sides by the opposite leg so I'm just wondering how this works. Is it to do with grinding the heels and moving the knees horizontally such that one knee presses outwards and one knee presses inwards. So as you move down while right arm moves down the left knee presses ouwards and the right knee presses inwards and when you rise up its reversed, the left knee presses inwards and right knee presses outwards? Also do you continously sink on the the way down as hand lowers or do you continuously sink on the way up as hand pushes out?

[@HaiYangChannel]

Very good question. I will answer it in the next Q&A video. Thanks,

[@Spectre2434]

Please explain the issue about the arguing about the forms age

[@manrewilding6387]

“Breathe naturally” you say during the demonstration. Do you emphasize an inhale or exhale whenever going outward? Is the breath releasing with the inward coil? Or are you not concerned about breath?

[@ishavolunteer1491]

Thank you for these video treasures! Do you offer tai chi classes online? And if not, where are the in-person classes currently based? And what are your thoughts on practising both tai chi and yoga at the same time? Could there be unwanted interferences between the tai chi and yoga practices at an energetical level, or are they complementary practices? In my school of yoga, they recommend to leave a four-hour gap between energetic practices. Do you agree?

[@HaiYangChannel]

Hello, no problem to practice Yoga and Tai Chi at the same time. These two systems apply different approaches and not necessary to have an interval between two practices. Yes, I teach in Montreal.

[@ishavolunteer1491]

Thank you so much for your answer! Where can I find information about your tai chi classes in Montreal? I am based abroad for now; is it possible to start learning Tai Chi online with you or your students until I am able to be in Montreal? And what is different between the Yoga and Tai Chi approaches? And finally, what is happening between the two opponents in this video at 2:04 (kzbin.info/www/bejne/imSxdHWoeLh1i7cm4s)? I cannot make out any physical sense to it. Thank you so much for your availability and help on these matters. 🙏🏼

[@ludovico2069]

Thank you for the excellent explanation. Is it available the translated version of the book? Do you where can be bought?

[@HaiYangChannel]

There was an English translated edition available online. But after checked it again, it seems that it's out of print.

[@ludovico2069]

@@HaiYangChannel thank you!

[@johnpadilla8502]

Thank you Master Hai....what is the secret for Push Hands? John

[@HaiYangChannel]

hahaha, the secret is no secret:)

[@KlausBeckEwerhardy]

I actually like all the different stories to the different taiji-styles, because I love stories. One very quickly learns, that sometimes even the same teacher tells different stories at different occasions. Which doesn't bother me too much, because I first and foremost come for the taiji not the 'spiel' around it. Could you give the bibliographical information to an English edition of the book you mentioned? That would be great. Oh, and I almost forgot: Great video again.

[@HaiYangChannel]

Hello, I think I understand your point. I would like to say is that technique part is my favorite. Regarding the book, I checked online and found this link: www.amazon.com/Illustrated-Canon-Chen-Family-Taijiquan/dp/5986870085

[@KlausBeckEwerhardy]

@@HaiYangChannel Thanks for the link. It is € 668.- on German Amazon at the moment. I think I will wait for a more accommodating price ;)

[@HaiYangChannel]

@@KlausBeckEwerhardy wow, did not know it is so pricy...

[@KlausBeckEwerhardy]

@@HaiYangChannel Actually, I just found a commented German translation. That's just € 119,-. I put them on my list and will watch the price. Mostly I strike lucky this way.

[@liveman1236]

it would be nice if you added a link to the exact book referred at time 9:32. You could try and set up an affiliate link so that you would get a percentage of every book bought by people that used you link affiliate link to get the book. Thanks for sharing your time and energy.

[@HaiYangChannel]

Yes, some one translated this book before but out of printing, I think.

[@anettehalbestund4184]

Hi-thanks 4 information...one question: now i do some tai chi. ..with my chang quan, hising I,bagua,aikido,taijutsu,teakwondo. ...practice+weapons for full contact. When is the right time to comit a hole "school"form to memory&how? When im in the "flow" i combine "everything " in single practice so the movement is hmm..time free-zing but when I try to make the form bymyself which is teached.... In the fighting Situation the Forms from school comes automatic but in "normal" i can' t remember this.. The reminding comes from alone or I have to activ learning this like someone in Collage the stuff? I train alone with my teacher- so my perspektiv is. ..in the past sometimes when someone was with me teached i get the form learning from them sadly its hard to find here people Who are able /have the time to train with me. ..

[@HaiYangChannel]

Well, it depends on the objectives of your training... :) but in my opinion, we should be able to prioritize our practice.

[@NelsondaLuzBentes]

Thank you for your teachings! Question: how are hard/soft and slow/fast aspects manifested in Yang-style TJ routines? This in comparison to Chen-style in which these aspects are visually more clear.

[@HaiYangChannel]

Different styles have a different approaches. However , even yang style has fast form. Thanks.

[@NelsondaLuzBentes]

@@HaiYangChannel never seen it!! can you maybe recommend some examples here on youtube?

[@HaiYangChannel]

I checked for you on KZbin it seem that there is no such information. Sorry.

[@Viewpoint314]

Where can we buy the book you mentioned?

[@jonmanilenio]

Teacher, I forgot to mention this before, but in the past I was able to ask 2 disciples of Chen Yu (Marin and Nabil) regarding silk reeling. They both confirmed that they don't do any silk reeling exercises because they said it's built into the yi lu form already so no need to do it separately. Did Ma Hong encourage its practice separately from the yi lu?

[@HaiYangChannel]

Ma Hong did not encourage single silk reeling exercise but did not discourage it either. I prefer practicing it since it can help us understand it better.

[@jonmanilenio]

With regard to the silk reeling practice, would you recommend a set number of repetitions per side? Or maybe a set number of minutes per side? Also, just shift weight to left and right and vice versa, no figure 8 movement? Lastly, when's the best time to do silk-reeling exercises? Can we do it even if we just ate?

[@HaiYangChannel]

some good questions. I iwll answer them next time.

[@rolandotillit2867]

I always wondered if it was called "silk reeling" because you have to imagine yourself dragging your hand through strands of silk that tangle around your fingers. Maybe because they didn't have Jello at the time?

[@LaoZi2023]

Shifu, what type of tea do you drink? I drink Golden Flower tea, and Pu Er tea. Golden Flower is very beneficial for health and well being.

[@HaiYangChannel]

I drink many types of tea... white tea, green tea, wuloong...

[@duchuynh7948]

Do you have the link to the book? I have a hard time to find it. Thank you

[@HaiYangChannel]

No, sorry.

[@onedirection3510]

Thanks! Is this silk reeling exercise done to develop Qi in the palms?

[@HaiYangChannel]

Yes.

[@onedirection3510]

@@HaiYangChannel Thank you Hai Yang. 🙏

[@NoverMaC]

how is taiji expressed in other arts like Xingyi and Bagua? from my understanding it's a concept commonly expressed in CMA, so am curious...

[@HaiYangChannel]

Hello, well, that is not the same, unfortunately. Maybe I should make a video to talk about this topic. It is a very interesting one. Thanks.

[@eatingbitter1756]

From my learning, Vision had 3 aspects to be considered with equal weight in the equation. First is the softening of the crane's vision. Second, the awareness of your opponent's upper core,, the term was something like the eagle's tracks the snake. and lastly in all movements, the visualization of your opponent's is the key. meaning the equation of martial mastery requires this. Missing a third of one aspect. hard to have it all working together, if you don't even know the finer details and what they do in their process.

[@HaiYangChannel]

Sorry. I have a hard time to understand your comments.

[@eatingbitter1756]

@@HaiYangChannel ok

[@eatingbitter1756]

@@HaiYangChannel so i was taught the the vision or eyes of the person doing tai chi, are aware of the peripheral edge of one's vision. Second, the person doing tai chi should all was image there is an "foe" or Opponent while doing any form work. and last, the focus of the person doing tai chi should be the upper chest/lower neck area of the "imaginary opponent" so my focal point would be about 4 to 10 inches in front of my hands. Was that better?

[@HaiYangChannel]

Well, it is fine. Thanks.

[@toniguglielmino]

Master I live in Italy and I am looking for the book you mention in this video as the basic one of silk-reeding. In italian I just found a book written by Master Chen Han Ching and contains thirtees scripts about Tai Chi. I think is nor the one mentioned by you. I kindly ask you to write me the full name of the book in english and the author as well in order to look for it on amazon. I thank you for your support to my practice.

[@HaiYangChannel]

Hello, the book is Illustrated Explanation of Chen Family Taijiquan. IT is a huge book in English and you have to think about if you want to invest your time or not...

[@toniguglielmino]

@@HaiYangChannel Hello, I think that is the most wise way to invest my time reading only this book about Tai Chi and practicing Silk Reeling as you explain in your video. Better to do a single thingh trying to do it in the right way 🙏

[@jorkevaneerten3494]

Hello mr Ha Yang, I did see you in action and was impressed, but here I donnot understand the point you make about taichi as exercise for health and self-cutivation and taichi chuan as martial art. I think of it this way: in martial art there can be no fake as to the effect, but that efffect must have the same strength for no minor thing as health and sef cultivation. So in that sense there is no difference, As for instance Wang Shujin, no doubt a martial artist of high leval, could cure al lot of people just because of that.

[@HaiYangChannel]

Hello, I emphasized on the difference between health benefits and martial applications. Different people focus on different aspects more than the other even though both benefits can be achieved through practice, but still, there is major differences between different approaches in Tai Chi practice.

[@jonmanilenio]

I've never heard of head waving...

[@HaiYangChannel]

Now you know.:)

[@peacebe2u480]

I think your leg movement is too fast, it should be arm n leg go out at the same time. Not leg faster than the arm movement. 脚快手慢。。。 是吗?

[@HaiYangChannel]

Sorry, I have to say that your understanding of Tai Chi needs to be improved. Good luck.