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10 Important Concepts of Tai Chi

By Walter McKibben
Oct 2, 2009
Practicing Tai Chi isn't just about the movement of the arms and feet, it's mostly about the meaning behind every movement and style being performed. These concepts paved the way to the creation of various forms of Tai Chi. Now, the challenge for every Tai Chi practitioner is to pay close attention, because even though some of the movements seem basic, they are still very important.

Here are 10 of the most important concepts that you should remember when practicing Tai Chi. By being able to remember these concepts, you'll be it able to fully understand and appreciate the forms that are performed. Read on!

Concept #1

Tai Chi is done with an emphasis on every movement. The fashion of every pattern must be in connected with one another. Meaning, if every motion made must always start from the spine, move down to the waist, legs and feet, then it is simultaneously going up the body from the legs, through the waist, then the arms, hands and last, the fingers.

Concept #2

Maintain your shoulders dropped. The term overflowing tension is used to describe the state where the shoulders are constantly tensed.

Concept #3

Maintain a straight wrists in order to keep your arms and hands supple and open to energy. This allows the energy to flow, not just through your arms, but is an important part of learning to move the energy throughout the body.

Concept #4

Learning to slow down the movements while maintaining their smoothness is always beneficial. This will allow you to develop a strong sense of bond between your body and your environment.

Concept #5

Do not allow external forces to distract you and lose touch. Always stay connected with every instruction by listening carefully to the feeling of your body so that you can overcome any distraction.

Concept #6

Your knees must always be bent during the entire form. Your height must not bob down and up. There are some considerations but all the while, your height must always be maintained at a level that is constant.

Concept #7

The power of Tai Chi may travel opposite to the movement. It starts from the feet, going up to the legs, controlling the Waist, spine, shoulders, and will be released by the hands and fingers.

Concept #8

Your head must be maintained as if it was suspended on air.

Concept #9

Your chest must be depressed and your back should be raised but this must be done effortlessly.

Concept #10

Your breath must be focused on your dan-tien but force must not be exerted. As time in the program may pass, there will be accomplishments that will fulfill you like synchronizing your breathing with the movements that you make.

You should always consult your teacher when to exhale or inhale.
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