Research on Sun Lutang's Theory of "The Unity of Three Boxing Techniques

At the beginning of the Republic of China, Mr. Sun Lutang, influenced by Sun Yat-sen's democratic ideology, resolutely broke the bad habit of martial arts keeping secrets. Besides learning martial arts and imparting skills, he happily wrote and successively published five martial arts works, namely "Xingyi Quan Xue", "Bagua Quan Xue", "Tai Chi Chuan Xue", "Bagua Jian Xue" and "Quan Yi Shu Zhen". It had a significant impact on the subsequent research and practice of traditional martial arts. Its theory of "the unity of Three Boxing Styles" opened up a new situation in the study of Chinese martial arts. This article attempts to demonstrate Mr. Sun's theory of "the unity of Three Boxing Techniques" through comparative studies from the following aspects. I. From the Perspectives of "Wuji Theory" and "Taiji Theory" on "The Unity of Three Martial Arts" "Wuji Theory" and "Taiji Theory" are the fundamental theories of Sun-style Three Martial Arts (Xingyi, Ren Hexagram, and Taiji). Let's first look at the "Theory of the Infinite". The Xingyi Quan Studies states: "Wuji means that before one practices, there is no thought or intention." There is no form or image, no self or other. The mind is in a state of confusion and muddiness, with no clear direction or intention. ... It is the boundless one who can be in one breath." The "Bagua Quan Xue" states: "The Wuji form refers to the state where, before one studies it, one's mind is in a state of confusion and confusion, and one's energy is in a state of chaos. Between actions, it is based on one's natural nature." ... This is what is called the form of the Taiji arising from the boundless. The "Tai Chi Chuan Studies" states: "Wuji means that when a person has not yet practiced Tai Chi, the mind has no thoughts, the will does not move, the eyes do not see, the hands and feet do not dance, and the body does not move." When Yin and Yang have not been judged, and clarity and turbidity have not been distinguished, it is a state of confusion and muddiness, with a unified energy. ... It is the one who can give rise to the Taiji from the boundless. From the above three theories of the Wuji Theory in boxing, it can be clearly seen that the Wuji theory is the theoretical starting point of each boxing. Although there are differences in the amount of text used in the narration, the ideas expressed by the three are completely consistent. From this perspective, the principle of the unity of the three fists has already begun to take shape. Let's take a look at the "Taiji Theory" again. The Xingyi Quan Xue states: "Taiji belongs to the earth element." Among the five internal organs of the human body, it belongs to the spleen. In Xingyi Quan, the horizontal fist is...... Therefore, the heart is sincere within and all things are manifested externally; the inside and outside are always the flow of the same energy. The Bagua Quan Xue states: "The Tai Chi form is born from the boundless and is the mother of Yin and Yang." To the left, it is Yang; to the right, it is Yin. Rotation is the flow of one qi. Taiji is one qi, and one qi is Taiji. "Take the body and words as the Tai Chi, and the use of words as the one qi." " The "Tai Chi Chuan Studies" states: "Tai Chi lies within the boundless. First, it seeks the ultimate state of unity and harmony, and the ultimate state of emptiness and spirituality. When the qi is hidden within, it is virtue." The manifestation of its qi is manifested externally. Then it is the Dao. The flow of the internal and external qi can position heaven and earth and give birth to Yin and Yang...... Therefore, it is named Taiji." From the perspective of the Taiji theory of the Three Boxing Styles, there are significant differences among the characters, but their essence remains consistent - that is, Taiji is the "flow of one qi". The differences discussed can complement each other and form the complete Taiji theory of Sun-style boxing. "Taiji is one qi." The phrase "One Qi is Tai Chi" is the most concise interpretation of the theory of Tai Chi. The principle of the unity of the three punches can be understood from this. Second, from the perspectives of "Wuji Style" and "Taiji Style" on the integration of "Three Forms" In the Sun-style boxing system, at the beginning of all boxing and weapon routines, one must stand in the "Wuji Style" : facing the square, standing upright, with both hands naturally hanging down and feet apart at a 90-degree Angle. The key points are also exactly the same. The hands and feet do not move. My heart is empty and I have nothing. Its energy is chaotic and indistinct, with no distinction between clear and turbid. This is what is meant by "the spirit is unified and seamless, with no trace left." The Wuji Style, as the starting point of the routine, is mostly called the "preparatory style" by most martial arts schools. Although there is not much difference in appearance (some have two feet parallel and apart), there are significant differences in connotation, and thus there are distinctions in realm. I was once severely criticized by my teacher for being careless about the Wuji Style during my practice. Later, through careful experience, I gained some insights into the wonderful skills of the Wuji Style. After the "one qi" emerges from the void of the Wuji style, the "Taiji Style" naturally begins. The body movement shifts from stillness to movement: in Xingyi Quan, half of the face turns to the right, forming a 45-degree form. In Tai Chi, one side turns left at a 45-degree Angle. In Bagua Quan, the right foot should be straight out and both feet should form a 45-degree Angle when stepping down. Although the three forms of the "Tai Chi Style" are not exactly the same, the key points of their inner meaning are basically the same: the waist should be lowered with the mind, the shoulders should be relaxed, and the mind should be natural, stable and calm. Of course, the Three-Fist Tai Chi style also has its own characteristics. Only in this way can the three fists become three fists and not completely become one kind of fist. Iii. From the Perspective of the Basic force and intention Leadership of Sun Minshi's Three Fist Forms, the "Three Fist Unity" Xingyi Quan takes the "Two Movements" form as an example: It requires both shoulders to be relaxed and both straddle arms to exert force simultaneously (the shoulders and straddle arms are combined). Hang your elbows down and bend your knees inward (bring your elbows and knees together). Twist the heels of both feet outward (bring hands and feet together). This is called the external trinity. The Bagua Quan takes "Green Dragon Tail Contraction" as an example; When the toes are turned inward, the heels of both feet should be twisted outward with force, and the hands should be joined together to hold the force. Both hips pull back with force and also extend outward, while the shoulders contract back. Keep your waist flat and strong. Take the "pressing" form of "Lazy Dress" in Tai Chi as an example: It requires the waist to be lowered with force, the feet to push off with force, the head to be pushed off with force, and the shoulders and legs to be pulled back with force, using intention rather than force. From the above three examples, it can be seen that the key points of the force and intention are actually the same. Not only these few forms are the same, but in fact, almost every form in the Sun-style boxing system includes these key points, and these key points are actually the External Three Combinations. Furthermore, the "Seven Essentials" of form, intention and movement are consistent with the "Nine Essentials" of Bagua Quan and are still applicable to Tai Chi. The nine essentials are: first, to collapse; second, to grip; third, to lift; fourth, to support; fifth, to wrap; sixth, to loosen; seventh, to drape; eighth, to contract; ninth, to rise, drill, fall, and flip clearly. The "collapse" refers to a situation where the waist descends and the coccyx rises, following the principle of the Governor Vessel. The term "Kou" refers to the principle of opening the chest to smooth qi, descending Yin qi, and following the Ren meridian. "Ti" means to lift within the valley path. The term "ding" refers to the top of the tongue, the top of the head, and the top of the hand. Wrap the elbows inward with force. "Relax" means to loosen the shoulders as if drawing a bow, without exposing the tips of the shoulders. "Drooping" refers to the force exerted by both elbows to hang down with all one's might. The two shoulders and the two straddles of the body are drawn back with all their might. In the case of "lifting a drill and falling over", "lifting" means drilling and "falling over" means flipping. Rising is horizontal, falling is smooth. Drilling through is piercing, falling over is hitting. Rise and fall, strike; The rise and fall are like the continuous cycle of a wheel. The principle of the unity of the three fists is truly reliable! Iv. From "The True Meaning of Boxing" and the Lost Writings of Mr. Sun, We Can See "The Unity of Three Boxing Styles" "The True Meaning of Boxing" is a theoretical monograph on boxing written by Mr. Sun. Apart from the brief biographies of the masters of the three schools, this book mainly records their discussions on the three forms of Xingyi, Bagua and Taiji. There were seventeen people and thirty-nine entries. However, these discussions were not simply recorded but were based on the research insights of Elder Sun. It was sorted out. In the preface of the book, the master repeatedly emphasized: "The forms of the three schools are different, but their ultimate way of returning to emptiness is one." The forms of the three schools of boxing are different, but their principles are the same. The usage varies, but it is the core of creating people. And the one who wins over others is one. The three schools of boxing originated from one principle, split into three schools in the middle, and never merged into one principle. From the discussions of the three schools of boxing, we can indeed see the intrinsic connection among the three boxing styles. Especially for Mr. Sun himself, the skills of martial arts and alchemy have become one and the same. If there were no integration and unification of the three boxing techniques, wouldn't the fusion of boxing and alchemy be nothing but a castle in the air? From the lost text "Preface to the Study of Bagua Quan" (manuscript) of his grandfather Sun Lutang, which was cherished by my teacher Sun Shurong, it is clear to see the process of the establishment of the theory of the unity of three Quan: Mr. Sun first studied Xingyi Quan for several years and then touched upon Bagua. At first, the powers of the two punches were quite different, then gradually merged, and eventually became one. This process lasted for two or three decades. In the first year of the Republic of China, the master began to practice Tai Chi again. Three years later, he suddenly had an epipany and the powers of the three schools merged into one. Based on his years of practical experience and understanding, Mr. Sun combined the philosophy of the I Ching, Laozi and Zhuangzi, as well as the Confucian ideas of "Zhongfu" and "Zhongyong", to establish the theory of "Three Boxing Styles in One". He pointed out: "The three schools all follow the principle of the three elements: it is the eight trigrams and the heaven." Form and meaning refer to the earth. Tai Chi is about human beings. This is the principle of the unity of the three schools. The method of practice is to regulate the form and meaning, to coordinate the eight trigrams, and to harmonize the Tai Chi. Mr. Sun further used "steel balls and iron balls", "wool beads and iron wire coiled balls" and "leather balls" to metaphorize the nature of the three elements. In his humble opinion, it means that the form and meaning emphasize the clear force, the eight trigrams emphasize the hidden force, and the Tai Chi emphasize the transformed force. Mr. Sun further pointed out, "Although the image is divided into three elements, it cannot be separated from the energy of one's dantian." The three elements of heaven, earth and man, that is, the prevailing energy of Taiji, are thus integrated into one. V. From some of the martial arts and weapons of this school, the "Three Forms in One" Sun-style Tai Chi Chuan is a unique form of Tai Chi Chuan created by Mr. Sun on the basis of inheriting Wu-style Tai Chi Chuan and integrating it with Xingyi and Bagua. Sun-style Tai Chi Chuan is also known as Opening and Closing Dynamic Step Tai Chi Chuan. Especially the "Live Step Method" (follow when advancing and follow when retreating; advance with the first step and retreat with the first step) originated from the Eight Trigrams of Form and meaning and is unique to this school of Tai Chi. Not only that, many of these boxing styles also originated from Xingyi and Bagua. For instance, the second form of the "Three-way Back" is actually the double pull of the eight forms of Form and meaning. The first half of the third form is actually the Tiger Pounce form. For instance, in the scene of "The Jade Maiden shuttling", there is actually the image of the green dragon retracting its tail and returning its head. Therefore, Sun-style Tai Chi Chuan is the crystallization of Master Sun's theory of the unity of the three martial arts. In the field of Bagua Sword, Mr. Sun authored "Bagua Sword Studies", which is the only specialized work on weapons among his five works. Whether it is the Wuji Theory, Taiji Theory, Wuji Style, Taiji Style of his swordsmanship, or the key points of the force and intention of his swordsmanship, they are all no different from the three styles of Sun. In addition, no matter what kind of weapons are used in Sun-style boxing, whether it is the Tai Chi Sword, the Pure Yang Sword, the Eight Immortals Sword, or the Snow Flake Sword, the Six Combinations Staff, the Nested Ring Magic Spear, etc., they all adhere to the principle of the unity of the three boxing styles. To sum up, the theory of "The Unity of Three Martial Arts" is the elevation of Mr. Sun's lifelong pursuit of martial arts and his meticulous understanding. It embodies the countless efforts of Mr. Sun and many predecessors of the three schools. On this basis, Mr. Sun established a brand-new martial arts system - Sun-style boxing (including three major parts: Sun-style Xingyi Quan, Sun-style Bagua Quan and Sun-style Tai Chi Chuan). The master's practice in martial arts tells us that those engaged in martial arts must not hold onto sectarian views, be self-righteous, or be complacent. Instead, they should humbly study with their peers, draw on the strengths of others, and complement each other. As the saying goes, "A stone from another person's mountain can polish jade." However, the practice of changing one's mind from the Qin Dynasty to the Chu Dynasty and being fickle is also not worth emulating. For enthusiasts, only by being down-to-earth and taking one step at a time can one almost master the essence of boxing.