Masich Internal Arts Method Mottos
'Lacking intention, do not move' and 'Softness endures'
The twin mottoes of the Masich Internal Arts Method (Maxiqi Neijiaquanfa 馬希奇內家拳法) reflect the yin-yang, mind-body nature of the internal martial arts (neijiaquan 內家拳).
The first motto, Wuyi Budong (無意不動), means ‘Lacking intention, do not move.’
This motto asserts that in the internal arts, movement should be undertaken purposefully, not haphazardly. In the ‘Thirteen Powers Circulation & Cultivation Transmission’ (Shisanshi Xing Gong Xinjie 十三勢行功心解) which is one of the Taijiquan Classics (Taijiquan Jing 太極拳經), it is stated, ‘The ‘intention’ and ‘vital energy’ (yi 意 and qi 氣) must interact adroitly—only then is there roundness, liveliness and delight.’
The description of yi and qi in interaction is a concept excerpted from the ‘six-harmonies’ formulas that are a staple of all internal martial-arts practices. The six-harmonies formulas are broken into two categories—the ‘inner harmonies’ (neihe 内合) and the ‘outer harmonies’ (waihe 外合).
The ‘inner-harmonies’ concept describes three interactions between four progressively linked processes, each pairing giving rise to the next.
The Three Inner Harmonies (san nei he 三内合)
1) 'Heart' and 'intention' harmonize (xin yu yi he 心與意合)
2) 'Intention' and 'vital energy' harmonize (yi yu qi he 意與氣合)
3) 'Vital energy' and 'force' harmonize (qi yu li he 氣與力合)
The motto, ‘Lacking intention, do not move’ suggests that movement be generated by intentional mobilization of the qi rather than by reflexive, unconsidered means.
The second motto, Rouze Changcun (柔則長存), means ‘Softness endures.’
This is one half of the Chinese saying, ‘Rigidity breaks easily, softness endures’ (Gangze Yizhe, Rouze Changcun 剛則易折，柔則長存). The ‘Taijiquan Treatise’ (Taijiquan Lun 太極拳論), another of the five Taijiquan Classics, also states, ‘When the opponent is rigid and I am soft; it is called receiving.’ (Ren gang wo rou wei zhi zuo. 人剛我 柔謂之走。)
In order to ‘receive energy’ (zou jin 走勁)1 rather than resist it (kang 抗)2 the practitioner must be pliable and soft yet possessed of inner firmness. This requires the cultivation of inner lines of connection through practices that involve a relaxed yet precise linking up of body parts.
The ‘outer-harmonies’ concept describes three symmetrical pairings between the main joints of the upper and lower extremities.
The Three Outer Harmonies (san wai he 三外合)
1) Shoulders and hips harmonize (jian yu kua he 肩與胯合)
2) Elbows and knees harmonize (zhou yu xi he 肘與膝合)
3) Hands (wrists) and feet (ankles) harmonize (shou yu zu he 手與足合)
The motto ‘Softness endures’ suggests that internal connection achieved by relaxation and connection has greater effect and longevity than forced, ‘clumsy’ ways of generating force.
Practicing according to the Masich Internal Arts Method Mottos is consonant with advice given in all sources of traditional taijiquan literature. Having these heuristic phases in mind when practicing the internal martial arts, practitioners can maintain a principled approach.
‘Receiving energy’ (zou jin 走勁) is the fourth of the ‘Taijiquan 25 Energies’ (太極拳二五勁).
‘Resisting’(kang 抗) is one of the ‘Four Errors’ (sìbìng 四病) described in the ‘Yang-family Forty Chapters’ (Yángjiā Sìshí Piānzhāng 楊家四十篇章).