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Hi,
What is Wahnam Taijiquan? Is it Yang style Taijiquan taught in Wahnam or it is it a spin-off, with its own character and style. For example, Cheng Man Ching's Taijiquan has its own character and style although it had roots in Yang Cheng Fu's Taijiquan.
Your question can be answered on a number of levels.
Put most simply, Wahnam Taijiquan is the Taijiquan that is taught by Sifu Wong Kiew Kit and the certified Wahnam Taijiquan instructors of the Shaolin Wahnam Institute.
The word Wahnam comes from the names of two of Sifu Wong’s beloved masters (my beloved Sigungs) Lai Chin Wah and Ho Fatt Nam.
In practical terms, Wahnam Taijiquan is Taijiquan as we sincerely believe it was trained by past masters. This is based on Sifu Wong’s profound understanding of various Taijiquan Classics including works by Wu Yu Xiang, Li Yu Yu, Wang Zong Yue, Zhang San Feng (attributed or real, depending on your belief/perspective) and others. I would also include the Dao de Jing as having influenced Wahnam Taijiquan.
I don’t think it’s unfair to say that Wahnam Taijiquan has benefitted greatly from Sifu Wong’s lifelong involvement in Chinese martial arts, as a practitioner, teacher and scholar. I find it very interesting that some of my Shaolinquan brothers (hello Darryl!) often utilize Taijiquan principles in their life and training.
In relation to the styles you mention, I’d say that Wahnam Taijiquan contains elements of both Yang and Chen style Taijiquan.
Some of the hallmarks of Wahnam Taijiquan include:
• Wahnam Taijiquan is always qigong and always spiritual cultivation
• Taijiquan principles including yin-yang harmony are trained from the first lesson
• The importance of stance training (both Zhang Zhuang and moving in stances) is emphasised
• A great deal of emphasis is placed on training internal force
• The use of a comprehensive sparing methodology
• Taijiquan forms are seen as a means and not an end
• Taijiquan patterns are used not only in form practice but also in sparing
• Wahnam Taijiquan believes in Platinum Card Kungfu
If you want to go beyond these words, I suggest that you enjoy viewing some of the videos on Wahnam Taijiquan that Sifu is making available. If you have any specific questions at all, please post them here and it will be my pleasure to answer them to the best of my knowledge and experience.
Hi Jeffrey,
Thanks for giving me a good overview of Wahnam Taijiquan. Having combining the elements of Chen ,Yang and perhaps Shaolinquan, can we say that it is a new form of Taiji with its own requirements for postures, form ,stepping, depth/width of stances and breathing much like Sun style Taijiquan when Sun Lutang combined elements of Xingyi, baguazhang and Wu Taijiquan?
How many postures does it have ? Do you happen to have a list of the postures ? Is it just one set or does it have multiple sets like the other styles: small frame, large frame, slow set, fast set etc ?
Hi Jeffrey,
Just one more quesiton Would the entire set of Wahnam Taijiquan be taught at the 1 week intensive course?
Some of the countries do not have Wahnam schools, so after attending the 1 week intensive course, when the trainee returns to his/her home country, how does he get his forms/postures/movements checked for compliance and corrected?
You ask interesting questions. Let’s see if I have any interesting answers for you!
First of all, I’m not sure whether it is useful to compare Wahnam Taijiquan with Sun Style Taijiquan because it is not Sifu’s intention to combine other martial arts to form a new style. Even if he often jokes that Taijiquan is for lazy people, I think that Sifu believes that Taijiquan is a complete art that doesn’t need to borrow from other martial arts.
As I mentioned in my previous post, we believe that the Taijiquan we practice is similar in style to what would have been practiced by past masters. Of course we realise that our level is by far inferior to those who preceded us.
We tend to talk about patterns rather than postures and I don’t have a list but if you have a look at this link, you’ll find the names of the patterns that appear in the Wahnam Taijiquan set.
As far as sets go, rather than talk about fast or slow frames, I prefer to think that they can be trained and taught on different levels which can be classified according to the intention and skill of the teacher and/or student.
To start with we can perform a set at the form level, taking care that each pattern is done correctly, paying attention to footwork, yin-yang harmony, turning the waist, flowing graceful movements etc. Even at this stage there are many ways of training the set, including repeating patterns, using each pattern as Zhang Zhuang training and others.
At another level, appropriate breathing is used so that qi directs the form. This is the energy level.
Later on, the form can be used to train internal force and explosive force. Here the form may be performed faster.
At a high level, the form is performed at the mind level where the mind directs the qi and the qi directs the form.
On paper these levels seem distinct but in practice there is a great deal of overlapping.
As far as small and large frames go, we tend to allow our internal development to govern the depth of our stances. By that I mean that there is an ideal (shown by Sifu every time he demonstrates anything!!) but that it is better to allow ourselves to naturally sink into the correct depth over time and as we become more aware of our Dantian. We do not purposefully perform the sets at different depths, even if some patterns do require deeper stances like, for example, Dodge Extend Arm.
Here are the sets that are usually taught in Wahnam Taijiquan
• Our version of the 24 pattern set which has an elbow and shoulder strike not usually found in this set
• The Wahnam Taijiquan set which contains many elements of Chen style sets
• The 108 pattern Yang Style set
• Several smaller sets designed for specific purposes.
I’d like to emphasize that sets, while a useful training method for connecting patterns, are not the essence of Wahnam Taijiquan. It would be theoretically possible to reach a high level in Wahnam Taijiquan solely by concentrating on a few patterns like Grasping Sparrow’s Tail, Cloud Hands and Single Whip. Our focus is on developing internal force and applying Taijiquan principles in Pushing and Striking Hands as part of a systematic sparing methodology. As I have previously written, Wahnam Taijiquan is always Qigong and always spiritual cultivation.
To find out more about breathing in Wahnam Taijiquan I suggest that you read through this thread. If you are interested in the stances we use, the videos on Sifu’s website will provide you with a wealth of information.
In my next post I’ll answer your questions about the intensive Taijiquan course.
Best regards,
Last edited by Jeffrey Segal; 14 April 2005, 10:03 AM.
Just one more quesiton Would the entire set of Wahnam Taijiquan be taught at the 1 week intensive course?
Some of the countries do not have Wahnam schools, so after attending the 1 week intensive course, when the trainee returns to his/her home country, how does he get his forms/postures/movements checked for compliance and corrected?
As you may have noticed from my posts, sets are not a priority in Wahnam Taijiquan. Again, I’m not saying that they are unimportant but the aims and objectives of the intensive course are more concerned with teaching the essence of Taijiquan. If you have a look at this link, you’ll see that it says that a Taijiquan set will be taught if feasible. This will depend on the level of the course participants. Normally the Wahnam Taijiquan set is not taught at these courses. It is more usual to teach one of the smaller specially designed sets that I talked about in my previous post. This may consist of just a few patterns, allowing course participants to develop invaluable skills.
Generally speaking, after spending 5 days of intensive training with Sifu, course participants have internalized sufficient techniques and skills to continue training on their own. Also, once you have been initiated into Wahnam Taijiquan, you’ll find that the material on Sifu’s website is of immense value in terms of helping you stay on the right track with your training.
This forum is also an important part of post-course training. If you browse around the forum you’ll find that apart from our respected guests, there is a large community of Shaolin Wahnam instructors and students sharing experiences and offering advice to each other.
Hi Jeffrey,
Thanks. Your answers had really helped me to get to know Wahnam Taijiquan better.
Hope you won't mind me asking a few more as I try to understand better.
Here are the sets that are usually taught in Wahnam Taijiquan
• Our version of the 24 pattern set which has an elbow and shoulder strike not usually found in this set
Is this just the standard Beijing set with only the addition of the shoulder strike or has the footwork and transitions been modified to conform to Wahnam style ?
• The Wahnam Taijiquan set which contains many elements of Chen style sets
I followed the link to Dr Lie's page. Finally I get to see all the postures (patterns) of the Wahnam Taijiquan set I counted 99 patterns.
Besides Dr Lie, has any other Wahnam Instructor learnt the entire set? It's a pity that Dr Lie did not put up a video clip of him performing the set. Is a video available to students of the Intensive course?
The intensive course would only teach a small portion (perhaps 15 to 20) of the 99 patterns. Although the student will learn the Wahnam Taiji principles and skills at the course, how does the student learn the remainder of the 99 patterns of the set after the course, If he had not seen it performed in its entirety before? In addition, the student will also need to learn the combat applications of the remainder of the patterns.
Thanks.
Last edited by beausimon; 15 April 2005, 06:04 AM.
I am sure that Jeffrey Sihing will be able to answer more of your questions . I just wanted to say a few things . I hope they are helpful .
I have not experienced a Taijiquan Course with Sifu , but I have attended an Intensive Chi Kung Course and during that time I was among a few lucky people who received some instruction in Taijiquan ( some applications , how to use Chi to direct Form , and how to correctly perform Lifting Water ) .
Those short sessions really taught me a lot about Taijiquan . Even though I practise Shaolinquan now , I respect Taijiquan more than ever .
I think what Jeffrey was trying to say , is that during a course with Sifu , you will be taught the ESSENCE of Taijiquan . This is really the most important thing you can learn ! Like Jeffrey said , you will most likely learn a smaller set that has been specially designed for the course .
You can learn a set from most Taijiquan Schools . Many schools that don't truly teach energy flow or combat application will still perform the sets correctly ( on the physical level ) . Some things don't often change . For example : drop the elbows , relax the shoulders , movement controlled at the waist , etc ( although these skills are best taught by a Master )
At the course Sifu will give you the Foundation upon which your Future Skills will be built . You will learn Essential Skills , rather than a whole lot of physical ( and empty ) movements . The Course will be most likely focus on things like Footwork , Stance Training , Pushing Hands , Combat Application & Chi Flow . Later on you can learn the longer sets , and then apply the skills from the course to the sets to expand your range of techniques .
I think it would help you a lot to read the excellent article " Wahnam Taijiquan and Noodle Making " by Emiko Sijeh . I think it has a lot of relevance to your posts in this thread .
Beausimon, I think you need to understand the idea of "platinum card kungfu". Although I am not an instructor, I have experienced many benefits from this skill I learnt in my limited way at the qigong courses. Like Kevin said, what you will probably take away the essence of Taijiquan.
I think what Kevin is saying is you are expected to pick up the forms elsewhere even if they are not Wahnam Taijiquan sets per se. The idea is to use your skills to perform any set well to obtain the benefits of Taijiquan.
Of course, each style has its own unque training methods that may bring out the best in each style. For example, if a particular lineage of the Yang style specialises in explosive force, while the Wu style focuses on neutralising force in combat application, their zhan zhuang training and postures can be very different from each other. But underlying both styles is still the internal force generated from zhan zhuang, relaxed state and the ability to direct qi. This is the ultimate manifestation of the famous phrase: 虽变化万端, 而理为一贯 What i learnt at the qigong course and what i hope to learn at an intensive Shaolin / Taijiquan course allows me to grasp the essence of any style, even if not the finer details.
An example. If I have trained to be able to run for long distances with intermittent sprints of 100 metres throughout, I can do just about any sport that requires stamina. In basketball for example, you need to be able to last 15 minutes in constant motion, but at the same time make short bursts from one end of the court to another. Maybe I cannot dribble or shoot all that well, but I can outlast any unfit player.
The above is not a really good example as it suggests that the platinum card is very generic (stamina) and cannot be used for specific ends. In truth, the platinum card can be a generic skill or a specific skill. Perhaps improving on that example I could say that in addition to having good stamina, I also have excellent hand-eye coordination which is the absolute foundation in any ball game. Then I can dribble and shoot with ease and accuracy.
So, if Taijiquan is a combat art, what you need are the elements that make an internal art what it is - calmness and relaxation, using the mind and qi, footwork, internal force etc. Maybe you don't have the knowledge of some esoteric skill in that art but with Wahnam Taijiquan, you get 80%. That is already pretty impressive. The rest you can figure out on your own. When you can sense your qi flow and direct it, you will be surprised at the extent you can progress in most things, especially martial arts.
Interestingly, at the qigong course, the seeds of the platinum card were planted so subtly that it seemed that what I learnt at the course had no direct relevance to kungfu fighting (but only relevant for health). But after a while, I found that I felt more refreshed after my form practice, my body was moving "right" and I was able to really enter into a deep meditative state, and of course, I could really FEEL the qi flowing and sometimes gushing. I am not saying that these sensations are an indication of correct practice though they often are, or that qi sensations prove what I am doing is real Taijiquan. That can only be truly assessed in a real combat situatiion or when I can cultivate my spirit.
Hi Kevin and Wuji,
I agree with you that after you have learnt the skills and essence of Tai Chi, you can pick up complete Tai Chi sets of other styles from other instructors. But you can only learn the entire Wahnam Taijiquan set (click here to see full set ) from Wahnam.
The intensive course would only have taught a portion of this to you. Bear in mind that the complete Wahnam Taijiquan consists of 99 patterns. It is not likely that you will learn more than 30 of these at the 5-day course, definitely much less than 80% of Wahnam Taijiquan.
After the course, it is true that you can bring the skills home and learn Wu Style taijiquan. In the end, you will know complete Wu Style taijiquan and still only some Wahnam Taijiquan (which you had learnt during the course).
Hi Jeffrey,
To make it easier for you to see the questions that were missed, I've extracted them from the post above
Is this just the standard Beijing set with only the addition of the shoulder strike or has the footwork and transitions been modified to conform to Wahnam style ?
Besides Dr Lie, has any other Wahnam Instructor learnt the entire set?
how does the student learn the remainder of the 99 patterns of the set after the course ?
At which wahnam branches is the complete 99-form-Wahnam Taijiquan available if someone wants to learn?
Thanks.
Last edited by beausimon; 19 April 2005, 05:23 AM.
I’ve only formally learnt the 24 pattern set from Sifu so I’m not in a position to give an opinion as to how it differs from the standard Beijing set. Perhaps, when you have learnt Wahnam Taijiquan you will be able to tell me what the difference is
Sifu has often taught the Wahnam Taijiquan set at courses in Spain so there are quite a few people who know it. We also worked on it specifically at the special (invitation) Taijiquan course in 2002. Of the Wahnam Taijiquan instructors, I'm sure that Javier, Rama, Attilio, Iñaki, Laura, Jorge and yours truly train or have trained it regularly. There may be others.
I don’t know exactly what my brothers and sisters are teaching in their classes but in the normal training program, the Wahnam Taijiquan set does not appear until level 6. Up till now, I have not been teaching in one place long enough for my students to reach this level. When I start teaching Taijiquan in Melbourne (probably some time this year) I expect that it will take at least 2 years before we start learning the Wahnam Taijiquan set. I do not consider it to be a priority. I am far more interested in my students training qi flow, internal force, some basic Taijiquan patterns, pushing hands, striking hands and generally training Taijiquan following Taijiquan principles.
I think that Kevin wrote an excellent post on this thread. In my opinion, between us we have explained the aims and objectives of Wahnam Taijiquan and the intensive course quite well. Of course you are welcome to post any more questions that you may have.
Thank you posting that Jeffrey, and also to Beausimon for asking the right question
It is very interesting to know some background on Wahnam Taijiquan, and the material covered from day one.
Beausimon wrote:
The intensive course would only have taught a portion of this to you. Bear in mind that the complete Wahnam Taijiquan consists of 99 patterns. It is not likely that you will learn more than 30 of these at the 5-day course, definitely much less than 80% of Wahnam Taijiquan.
Just a quick point...
For convienience, a art (in this case, Wahnam Tajiquan) can be classified in to four dimensions. Form, Force, Application and Philosophy.
The set you mentioned fits in the Form category (generally speaking). It is the visual aspect, the obvious if you like.
"Form" constitutes one of the lesser important dimensions. Force and Application are the real "meat" of an art, along with philosophy.
Sets (Form) are available everywhere, but chi flow, internal force and using that form for self defense (Force and Application) are not.
Do not go on the course if you want just form, or even mainly form. Go for the real treasure, and you too will be fortunate like so many who have done so before you
I'm curious to know why common domain Tai-Chi Chuan postures, which appear with the same name in the Form Sets of every major style, are given different names in the Wahnam Tai-Chi Form Set? Why, for example, would a Form posture like 'Brush Knee and Twist Step' be renamed 'Green Dragon'?
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Would the entire set of Wahnam Taijiquan be taught at the 1 week intensive course? 
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