Classic 3: Interpretation of the Thirteen Tactics Practice

 

(Shi San Shi Xing Gong Xin Jie)

 

Use Xin (thought) to move

Qi (life energy)

Try to let it sink in methodically,

Then it can accumulate and enter the bones.

Use Qi to move the body;

Try to let it flow smoothly,

Then one can act in accordance with Xin without inconvenience.

If Jingshen (vigour) can be raised,

Then there is no need to worry about tilting the weight to one side.

This is what the top of the head hanging means.

Yi (intention) and Qi must be able to interact quickly

Thus there is a wonderful roundness and liveliness.

This is what the changes between empty and substantial mean.

When you attack you must sink in and be completely relaxed,

concentrating in one direction.

When standing the body must be Zhong Zheng (straight/right with the centre) and at ease,

In order to handle attacks from all eight directions.

Move Qi as through a pearl with nine winding paths.

It passes smoothly everywhere.

And carries Jin (the trained force) like steel a hundred times refined,

What firmness can't it break?

The appearance is like an eagle seizing a hare;

Shen (mind) is like a cat catching a rat.

Be still like a high mountain;

Move like a mighty river.

Hoard Jin like a bow;

Fa (discharge) Jin like an arrow.

Look for the straight line among the curve;

Accumulate then discharge.

Li (strength) comes from the spine;

The steps follow the changes of the body.

To receive is to release,

If contact is broken, then reconnect.

When moving backwards and forwards there must be: turning and bending.

When moving forward and backward there must be: turning and changing.

The ultimate softness then becomes the hardest and strongest.

From the ability to breathe in and out properly comes the ability to be light and flexible.

By developing Qi constantly evil does not exist.

By using the curve to gather Jin, there is more than enough.

Xin (thought) acts as the commander;

Qi acts as the flag;

Size acts as the banner.

First seek to expand (open), then seek to be compact (close).

In this way you will get the work well done and neat.

It is also said:

First in Xin (thought) then in the body.

The abdomen is spongy; Qi is stored to penetrate the bones;

Shen (mind) is at ease and the body quiet.

This must be deeply engraved in Xin.

Always remember, whenever there is movement, there is nothing that does not move.

When we move backwards and forwards,

Qi sticks to the back,

It accumulates and enters the spine.

Internally it strengthens Jingshen (vigour);

Externally it shows peaceful ease.

Move like a walking cat.

Mobilise Jin as if spinning the silk of the cocoon.

The body and Yi (intention) are entirely focused on Jingshen (vigour),

Not on Qi.

On Qi, there would be stagnation.

If there is Qi then there is no Li (strength).

If there is no Qi then there is great strength.

Qi is like the wheel of the cart;

Size is like the axle.

This text is sometimes attributed to Wu Yu-xiang, a student of Yang Lu-chan.