Principles Of Tai Chi
There are actually many different types and styles of Tai Chi, but you will find that most of the different styles will be based on the same basic principles. The many different styles were developed by the old masters, which focused on different emphasis and personalities as well.
Of course, each style has its own advantages as well as disadvantages, which may play a role in determining which style is right for you.
The 13 Principles of Tai Chi
1) Shoulders sinking and elbows dropping
2) Relax the chest and round the back
3) Sink Chi down to Dan Tien
4) Point head up lightly
5) Relax the hip and waist
6) Focus on differentiating between full and empty-yin and yang
7) Coordinate upper and lower parts of the body
8) Utilize the mind rather than using force
9) Establish harmony between external and internal
10) Connect the body and Chi
11) Focus on finding stillness within the movements
12) Stillness and movement should be present at the same time
13) Continuity and evenness should be established through the entire form.
Sample Yang Style-The Single Whip Exercise
• Stance-left bow
• Body-should be upright and turned to a right 45 degree angle
• Hands-the left hand should have an open palm and the right should have a hook down
• Focus-look over and then beyond the left index finger
• Feeling-the imaginary rubber band should be stretched lightly
• Application-focus on extending the elbow of your opponent and pushing