Tai Chi Principles

The Tai Chi Principles

Tai Chi movements follow clear rules (principles) which have been handed down for centuries in China, verbally and in written documents known as the Tai Chi Classics. The earliest and most famous of these is the Treatise of Master Chang San-Feng which is thought to originate from the 12th century. The other major Tai Chi Classics are the Treatises by Master Wang Tsung-yueh and Master Wu Yu-Xiang. Translations of the classics can be found in many different books.

The basic Tai Chi principles are as follows:

Principles relating to posture

The feet should be planted firmly on the ground (rooted).
The knees should be relaxed and the weight sunk low like a coiled spring (sinking).
The spine should be straight and upright and the tail bone dropped.
The body should be relaxed, light and supple.
The shoulders and elbows should be relaxed and lowered.
The head should be held upright, as if suspended by an invisible piece of string.

Principles relating to movement

Each part of the body should feel connected to every other part, “like a string of pearls”.
Movements should be balanced, smooth, co-ordinated, efficient and precise.
Movements should be continuous and flowing, like a river, without interruptions or hesitation.
The foot is positioned carefully before transferring the weight.
The flow of movement is directed through the legs, waist, arms, hands and fingers, like cracking a whip.
If the arm pushes forwards and upwards, the leg pushes backwards and down, centred in the lower abdomen (Dantien).
The breathing is naturally coordinated with the movements.

Principles relating to fighting skills

Never meet force with force, always yield to an attack.
Stick to your opponent, use his incoming movement to your advantage to unbalance him.
Redirect his movement by deflecting him past you or off to the side, (turn your waist).
If he tries to get away, follow. Allow him no escape.
To knock your opponent over, direct your power upwards, to uproot him.
Never leave your centre line (face, heart, groin) unguarded.
Look for “doors and windows” (exposed areas of your opponent’s body where a strike would be effective).
Be aware of every direction, in front, behind, right, left, all four diagonals, above, below and your centre.
Practice ward-off, roll-back, press, push, split, pluck, elbow-strike, shoulder-strike.

Why it is important to follow the Tai Chi Principles

Any movement or exercise system which does not follow the Tai Chi principles is not Tai Chi, by definition. For people who are practicing real Tai Chi, a correct understanding and application of the principles is essential in order to acquire the martial skills, gain the potential benefits and avoid the risk of injury.

There are very few risks associated with performing Tai Chi for health and relaxation, when it is taught by a competent teacher who has developed the necessary skills and is able to communicate the principles clearly. However, if the teacher does not understand the principles, perhaps due to having been taught wrongly or having had insufficient time to develop the level of skill and understanding required (for example by learning it in a weekend!), undue strain can be placed on the back and the joints of the leg; especially the knees but also ankles and hip joints. These problems can arise from something as simple as incorrect timing or misunderstanding a principle; for example:

* Attempting to turn out a foot before turning at the waist.

* Deliberately bending the knees rather than "sitting down" (sinking and rooting).

* In forward stances, bending the knee so much that it projects beyond the toes.

* Bending forward and putting a strain on the back rather than "suspending the crown point" and correctly aligning the spine.

* "Leaving a foot behind" - forgetting to allow the toes of the back foot to follow when changing direction, thereby putting a strain on the ankle and knee jonts.

It is also important to follow the principles when working with a partner to practise pushing hands and martial applications effectively and safely.

Therefore it is important to find a teacher who has been properly trained.

The Tai Chi Principles

Principles relating to posture

Principles relating to movement

Principles relating to fighting skills

Why it is important to follow the Tai Chi Principles

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