Internal Force Converged 氣 斂
If internal force is undisciplined, then it is not stored and it is easy to scatter. Allow internal force to converge onto the spine, moving in and out unimpeded throughout the whole body.
Body Awareness 身 靈
A stagnant body cannot move freely so we need to be aware of our body. You cannot raise an arm in a trance. The moment the force of my opponent touches my skin; my intention is already penetrating his bones.
Heart is Calm 心 静
If the heart and mind is not calm, one cannot concentrate. When the arm is raised, it does not know which direction to go. Therefore, it is necessary to first achieve calmness.
FIVE CHARACTER TACTICS
The Five Character Tactics explores the five requirements or states that a tai chi practitioner needs to achieve in the process of learning tai chi.
The Taijiquan Treatise Explained: Part 3 of 3 (太極拳論-3)
In these paragraphs tai chi as an internal art is compared to other martial arts which are based on external skills development. It lists some of the skills we want to refine and the common mistakes one makes on the journey of learning tai chi.
The Taijiquan Treatise Explained: Part 2 of 3 (太極拳論-2)
The second and third paragraphs from the treatise describe the Tai Chi learning stages and objectives. It is a good summary of the training goals.
The Taijiquan Treatise Explained: Part 1 of 3 (太極拳論-1)
Tai chi as a philosophy is based on oneness with nature and oneness with the universe. In the beginning, just like the universe, it is boundless and limitless. The universe is governed by the relationship of opposites co-existing and complementing each other. This philosophy is the essence of Yin and Yang.
Tai Chi Push Hands
Push hands training and tai chi forms practice go hand in hand. Using this combination of practice allows us to progress at the most optimal pace in our learning. One type of tai chi practice is not better than the other type. In fact, forms based tai chi practice and push hands are the ideal complements in learning tai chi.
Tai Chi Featured at the 2019 International Traditional Kung Fu Masters’ Exhibition
The performance by Master Bao Sen Liang with his instructors was especially memorable. We’re proud of our instructors here at Ji Hong Tai Chi and how much these performances demonstrate their depth of skill and proficiency in tai chi.
The 3 Biggest Challenges to Advanced Tai Chi Skills – Part 3 of 3
If you have been practicing tai chi for a few years, you may have already been starting to practice some of the advanced skills. Often, once we finish the series of courses to learn all the movements, we offer an advanced class. For instance, after the Basics course which every new student takes to gain
The 3 Biggest Challenges to Advanced Tai Chi Skills – Part 2 of 3
Last time, we started discussing the transition to advanced tai chi skills. We identified when it often begins as well as why it starts to become more challenging for people as they hit the learning plateau between basic skills and learning advanced skills. Learning tai chi is more than physically learning movements during classes. As
The 3 Biggest Challenges to Advanced Tai Chi Skills – Part 1 of 3
A deeper understanding of principles and using effective training methods combined with the correct mindset is necessary to get beyond the first learning plateau.