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Tai Chi Chuan Training Tips

Tai Chi Classes at Go With The Flow Martial Arts

Tai Chi is an ancient martial art from the 13th century China. The style that will be taught is from the 17th century and was used by the Emperor’s personal Body Guards. Though Tai Chi Chuan, which is translated, as the “Supreme Ultimate Fist” is an excellent martial art, it is perhaps best known for its health benefits. Like a precious diamond, Tai Chi has many facets. As a health exercise it has no equal. As a martial art it can be devastating. As a physical manifestation of Chinese (Taoist) philosophy, it engages the mind to reflect upon the rhythms of nature and seek accord with them. As a stress relieving therapy, it leaves the practitioner refreshed and centered, ready to face whatever difficulties their day or their life may bring. It has been said that whoever practices Tai Chi diligently, twice a day over a period of years, will attain the pliability of a child, the health of a lumberjack and the peace of mind of a sage.

The Five Virtues and The Eight Truths of Tai Chi Chuan
“The Five Virtues of Tai Chi” and the “The Eight Truths of Tai Chi” are direct translations of early manuscripts by unknown masters.

“The Five Virtues of Tai Chi”

1) Your study should be broad and diversified. Do not limit yourself. This principle can be compared to your stance, which moves easily in many different directions.
2) Examine and question. Ask yourself how and why Tai Chi works. This principle can be compared to you sensitivity, which is receptive to that which others ignore.
3) Be deliberate and careful in your thinking. Use your mind to discover the proper understanding. This principle can be compared to your understanding power.
4) Clearly examine. Separate concepts distinctly, then decide upon the proper course. This principle can be compared to the continuous motion of Tai Chi.
5) Practice Sincerely. This principle can be compared to heaven and earth, the eternal.

“The Eight Truths of Tai Chi”

1) Do not concerned with form. Do not be concerned with the ways in which form manifests. It is best to forget your own existence.
2) Your entire body should be transparent and empty. Let inside and outside fuse together and become one.
3) Learn to ignore external objects. Follow the natural way. Allow your mind to guide you and act spontaneously, in accordance with the moment.
4) The sun sets on the western mountain. The cliff thrusts forward suspended in space. See the ocean in its vastness and the sky in its immensity.
5) The tiger’s roar is deep and mighty. The monkey’s cry is high and shrill. So should you refine your spirit, cultivating the positive and negative.
6) The water of the spring is clear, like fine crystal. The water and your spirit like the spring.
7) The river roars. The stormy ocean boils. Make your chi like these natural wonders.
8) Seek perfection sincerely. Establish life. When you have settled the spirit you may cultivate the ch’i.

Key Points to Observe in Tai Chi Chuan Practice

1) Relax the neck and suspend the head from the crown point.
2) The eyes should focus and concentrate on the direction in which the ch’i flows.
3) Relax the chest and arch the back.
4) Drop and relax the shoulders; drop and relax the elbows.
5) The wrist should be set comfortably while the fingertips stretch outward.
6) The entire body must be vertical and balanced.
7) The coccyx must be pulled forward and upward with the mind.
8) Relax the waist and the juncture of the thighs and pelvis.
9) The knees should stay between relaxed and not relaxed.
10) The sole foot should sink and attach comfortably to the ground.
11) Clearly separate the substantial and the insubstantial.
12) Every part of the body should be connected to every other part.
13) The internal and external should combine together; breathing should be natural.
14) Use the mind, not physical strength.
15) The ch’i attaches to the spinal column and sinks into the tan t’ien while circulating through the entire body.
16) Mind and internal power should connect together.
17) Each form should be smooth and connect with no unevenness or interruption and the entire body should be comfortable.
18) The form should not be too fast, and it should not be too slow.
19) Your posture should always be proportionate.
20) The real application of the form should be hidden, not obvious.
21) Discover calm within action and action within calm.
22) First the body should be light; then it will become limber. When limber it should move freely; when it moves freely you will be able to change the situation as needed