Ask a dog where a bird lands.

He will answer on the woof.

Basic Principles of Tai Chi

 

Relaxation  The entire body should always be relaxed, especially the chest, shoulders and elbows. Relaxing is different than collapsing the body. The eyes should be relaxed while focused and alert.

 

Emptiness and Fullness  Noticing the transition when your weight shifts from empty to full is a important concept in Tai Chi.

 

Evenness and Slowness  The form flows continuously. Slowness develops exactness, better balance and patience.

 

Balance  The spine should be held straight and vertically for optimum strength and balance. The shifting of weight should flow smoothly.

 

Rooting and Sinking  As one learns to relax and sink, one becomes rooted. Sinking means dropping the center of gravity and the center of energy to the lowest possible level. In order to sink one must relax the waist and joints, particularly the knees and ankles. Rooting is the ability to anchor oneself into the ground, like the roots of a tree.

 

Coordination and Centering  In Tai Chi the body moves as a complete unit. The movement of the torso leads all other movement. The arms move as a result of the “waist turn” while the head follows the body, turning only when the center of the body turns. The mind is coordinated with the body, which is coordinated with the breath.

 

Breathing and Chi  Tai Chi breathing basically consists of inhaling whenever the arms are contracted or pulled backward, and exhaling whenever they are stretched, raised or pushed forward. Correct inhaling in Tai Chi means deep abdominal breathing. Correct exhaling is not merely releasing this air but rather releasing only a portion of it and pressing the rest of this Chi down into the Tan Tien. The stomach will naturally expand when one inhales and contract when one exhales.

 

Concentration  Developing concentration is an important part of Tai Chi. Learning the sequence of movement and addressing the principles of Tai Chi require focused attention.

COLUMBIA

Tai Chi is the popular abbreviation for T’ai Chi Chuan—pronounced tie chee chuwan (ti che choowon). It is an ancient Chinese exercise consisting of slow, relaxed movements for total self-development: for the body it is an exercise; for the mind it is a study in concentration, will power and visualization; and for the soul, it is a system of spiritual meditation. Tai Chi is also a preventative and curative branch of Chinese medicine, and the “Supreme Ultimate” system of martial arts known as a soft form martial art.

 

These basic principles show the depth to Tai Chi. The depth to which you wish to study Tai Chi is your own personal goal. Anyone can do Tai Chi no matter what age or  physical ability. Each movement can be modified to meet your specific need.