Tuesday, September 29, 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 great emphasis on every movement that follows a continuous and connected pattern. This is evident i how the movement always starts from the spine, goes down to the waist, then moves lower to the legs and the feet. At the same time there is an upward motion; going up to the body 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

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

Slow motion is one of the best ways to achieve mastery. It can never be overlooked because if the slow rate of your motions is performed with continuous smoothness, this will improve the connection of your body to 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

Keep your knees bent during the entire form. Your height must not bob up and down. Although, there are some considerations, your height must still be maintained at a constant level.

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 without exerting any force.

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.

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

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