Transformation Tai Chi

Mu-i
by Zochi Young

“To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.” —Lao Tzu

TRANSFORMATION TAI CHI, as developed and defined by Dr. Abbott, is an extended variation of Mu-i, a 10-step movement form of Taiji (Tai Chi) originally developed by Stephen Dogi Kow, Roshi in Hawaii as a form for Zen training. Mu-i (fearlessness), is meant to embody the principles of Zen without having practitioners get stuck on long and complicated form. This removes the anxiety often associated with learning a complex somatic practice. The goal is to deepen engagement into the essential components of the practice and integrate them fearlessly into the practitioner’s daily life. 

For over a decade I have taught Mu-i and Yang Taiji throughout the Bay Area of Northern California, Asia, and Africa to thousands of students—including Dr. Abbott himself. In essence, Mu-i is alchemy for changing one’s inner self from lead to gold. The participant experiences change through each of the six senses, as affirmations harness emotions, breath and neuro network. Mu-i is grounded in 3,000 years of Qigong or energy development training, martial engagement, Taoist philosophy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as taught through the lens of Zen. Through the practice of Mu-i, students are revitalized in mind, body, and spirit.

I was introduced to the practice by the Rev. angel Kyodo williams and later instructed by Roshi Norma Wong who had incorporated Mu-i training into her program, Forward Stance. 

Having studied various forms of Taiji for over twenty years prior to learning Mu-i, I built upon its foundation and added contemporary names based on the core principles of the movements. This led me to add affirmations as both a narrative of the practitioners journey and as a set of intentions. One motivation for doing so was my understanding that principles can get lost in translation due to cultural and historical differences. Like other forms of Taiji, Mu-i has become removed from the temple environment, where mouth-to-ear, teacher-to-student transmission occurs. Therefore, much as the founder of Mu-i did, I realized that the lessons and information needed to be transmitted in an easily digestible form.

And since I sometimes offered Mu-i to communities and populations with extremely busy lives, beyond the physicality of the movements themselves I also added practicums and embedded lessons that students could apply in their personal/work lives.

Taiji itself is as organic and forever changing as the Tao (way/path). As my teacher of Yang Taiji, Prof. T.Y. Pang, always reminded us, “If you are doing the same Taiji that you were doing yesterday, you are not practicing Taiji.” Nonetheless, there are those who will attempt to narrowly define or limit the form and practice through its origin story. Yet in doing so they limit the evolution of the art as well as their potential to go beyond it.

To be clear, the form or movement may look the same each time it is practiced, while it is we ourselves who are internally changing each day of practice. The core principles and teachings are the elements of the container, and the more we practice these principles with intention, the more our perception and understanding slowly shifts, and we are transformed.

TRANSFORMATION TAI CHI contributes an additional 10 elements and affirmations, based on Dr. Abbott’s personal experiences, understanding, practice, and journey. This book represents his translation of the alchemy of practice and the metamorphic journey of Mu-i. It is an open-hearted invitation into a simple and powerful means for self-development.