Tuesday, October 6, 2009

10 Important Concepts of Tai Chi

By Walter McKibben

Practicing Tai Chi is not merely a swing of the arm and the movement of the feet. There is a reason behind every movement and style that is made. These concepts paved the way to building every form of Tai Chi. So you have to pay close attention to the things that are not brought often because even if things seem too basic, they are indeed 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

Shoulders must be kept dropped to avoid any tension. It is said that if your shoulders are always propped you have overflowing tension.

Concept #3

Keeping your wrist straight allows you to be prepared and have ample capacity for moving energy. This simple concept goes a good way to enabling an individual to cultivate the flow of energy in 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 travels differently from the movement of Tai Chi. Power of Tai Chi will start from the feet going up to the legs, controlling the shoulders, and will be expressed by the fingers and hands.

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

Keep your breath to your body's center of gravity, the dan-tien ; again this must be done effortlessly. As you master this, you will likely synchronize your breathing with your movements.

Always heed the advice of your teacher regarding the proper rate of inhaling and exhaling.

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