A Neuroscience Question

[DJ...]

No matter what view one adopts to explain the mechanics, at the end of the day, if it is observable and impacts within our "realm" then current science can measure it or at least detect it. To merely assert that there exists another sphere of reality and that we must change the way in which we approach science, I'm sure you can agree is pretty preposterous...

 

[Geriatrix]

Derren Brown performs the exact same trick, where he (sometimes violently) manipulates volunteers without touch whatsoever. He admits to using a multitude of techniques, none of which are spiritual, religious or unexplained in any way. The other problem with qi is that if it truly existed and impacts human beings the way it is purported to, then we would be able to measure it using current techniques. Considering it impacts us in a physical manner (supposedly) we wouldn't need new technologies to measure it.

We simply can't though...

Yep. I think it was a concept born out of ignorance. I'm open to being proved wrong but up to now I've seen no evidence for it.

As a "tradionalist" yes, Somewhat ,

I'm a purist. That's why I'm so critical of hippy taichi. I find it revolting what has happened to this fighting form.

Life , time and politics on China of the day caused this
....

Ok, Mao is also to blame then.

Never said it wasnt true just that there are variables to be considered.

All things equal, Wing Chun for the first 5 years Yes, beyond that the variables increase.

Teachers ability, students ability, fighting spirit, training methods, practical knowledge, physical ability etc, etc.

Both arts are also extremely similar, both employ neutralising principles against attacks, both have "sticking hands", both emphasise partner work for sensitivity training, both work off the waist, both punch linear, both deflect circular, neither has high kicks, both employ "uprooting" principles, both employ joint locks and chin-na, Wing Chun employs more elboy techniques, Taiji more grappling and throws.
Both are "soft arts" , both are "internal" arts that place emphasis on "fajin" energy.

IMHO - Here is a rather good rendition of a Taiji form performed fast. Notice the reduction in movements.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHitMFFbTZs

Compare those same reduced movements to these:
Pao Fa Lien Wing Chun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8ErY0gfLgY
Pan Nam Wing Chun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWT-e2N8m28&feature=relmfu

Variables.

Yes, there are many variables. But I'm talking averages here.
Anyhow.
Here are some of the taiji(god I always mess up the spelling) forms I like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QqUGNjMuZw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0tc8IGYpfU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FbASDzC3bU&feature=related

What I would like to see, though, is some actual sparring. I've seen students at our school, I'm talking masters here. And not this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEeBTKdoeD0
and not demo's with compliant partners.

Because all I could find was this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1KQefb7UnU
and that's embarrassing. :wtf: