Shifu Justin Meehan and Hun Yuan Taichi

Shifu Justin Meehan

Shifu (Master) Justin Meehan is a pioneer who first introduced Taichi (Tai Chi, Taiji) to St. Louisans in Missouri almost 40 years ago. Shifu Justin has learned various Taichi styles and forms and trained with many Taichi Grandmasters. He has written more than 30 articles and research papers for prestigious Taichi publications. In July, Shifu Meehan was invited to speak at the International Taichi Symposium in Nashville, TN. His subject was about HunYuan Taijiquan and Qigong. He covered a wide range of topics in depth and provided a good background why HunYuan Taichi is relevant and essential.

Shifu Meehan started his speech by quoting Lao Tzu’s the Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching). He emphasized the importance of self-nurturing and cultivation of the Dao De Jing. He appreciates Lao Tzu’s attitude toward life which is living in harmony with the nature and turning within to acquire the spiritual self.
 

HunYuan Logo

According to Master Justing, HunYuan was synthesized by Grandmaster Feng Zhiqiang based on his mastery of various internal martial arts, especially from his two major teachers, Chen Fake (1887-1957) and Hu Yao Zhen (1879-1973).

Silk Reeling (aka Chan Szu Chin) is an essential part of HunYuan system, and so is Chi Gong (Qigong). Shifu Meehan quoted Grandmaster Feng’s “Practicing form without Gong is Empty” to emphasize the importance of Qigong in HunYuan system.

HunYuan Taichi, a modified Chen Style, is noted for higher and more relaxed horse stances, bigger circular movements with introductory circles, and focuses on Dan Tian rotations. It is less vigorous than the traditional Chen Style. The system offers a complete curriculum of Qigong including 12 to 24 standing exercises, 15 restorative massage techniques and standing meditation practices.
 

Shifu Justin recites Dao De Jing during the speech

Justin listed the basic principles of HunYuan system as below:

• Sink
• Go Slow
• Body straight (or Aligned), Head up
• Distinguish Yin/Yang, shift and change the weight
• Smooth, round and continuous movement
• Integrated whole body movement
• Power up from the Ground
• Waist leads the movement
• Intention leads the Chi which moves the  body

• Healthy Exercise
• Stress Reduction
• Self Healing and Energy (Chi) Balancing
• Self Defense
• Explore the spiritual aspects of Taichi.
• Introduction to the Traditional Chinese Culture and philosophy
• Spiritual practice seeking unification with the Dao, or the nature rule