1、虚灵顶劲 (Xu Ling Ding Jin) Practicing Tai Chi requires 虚灵顶劲, where the spirit is concentrated at the top (This concept suggests that “顶头悬” (Ding Tou Xuan) and “神贯顶” (Shen Guan Ding) are two different mental activities. “顶头悬” is also known as 悬顶 (Xuan Ding), 提顶 (Ti Ding), 拔顶 (Ba Ding), and 吊顶 (Diao Ding). The … Read more
One First Practice Opening This “opening” is something we are all familiar with. Tai Chi should start with practicing large circles, which means stretching the major joints in our body. The purpose of stretching is to relax; if the joints are not open, it is difficult to relax, which is one of the goals. The … Read more
This stage, starting from the beginner level, requires serious practice of each movement and a solid foundation. The heights, depths, emptiness, solidity, size, and routes must be executed meticulously according to the requirements of the Tai Chi form. At this point, one should neither pursue techniques too early nor focus solely on the strength of … Read more
Tai Chi culture is an ancient Chinese culture that permeates various cultural fields and phenomena. Due to the universality of Tai Chi, its essence can infiltrate various cultural domains and phenomena, allowing us to feel its omnipresence and omnipotence; however, this does not imply that everything can be called Tai Chi, as each phenomenon has … Read more
1. Hand Shapes 1. Fist: Fingers curled naturally, thumb pressing against the second joint of the index and middle fingers. 2. Palm: Fingers slightly bent and spread, palm slightly cupped, the space between the thumb and index finger forming an arc. 3. Hook: Fingers naturally pinched together at the first joint, wrist bent. All hand … Read more
Chen Zhaokui, a master of Chen-style Tai Chi, once said, “The essence of Tai Chi is martial arts; every movement of the hands and feet has its purpose. The hand shapes cannot resemble a five-fingered fork nor the orchid hand of Du Jinfang. Different hand shapes are used according to different applications. The palm techniques … Read more
1. Tai Chi often does not provide immediate noticeable fitness effects, similar to slow walking or hiking, but this is not the case. The reasons for this feeling are twofold: First, the practice time is insufficient, meaning the exercise volume is inadequate. If one only practices the simplified Tai Chi three times a day, taking … Read more
As an ancient yet fashionable exercise for fitness and mental well-being, Tai Chi has become a part of many people’s lives. Many have learned various postures in Tai Chi studios or through online videos, but is Tai Chi merely about showing off these postures? In fact, practicing Tai Chi involves “three major taboos, four essential … Read more
Tai Chi (Taijiquan) is permeated with the concepts of “Yin and Yang” and “Void and Reality” throughout its practice. This is manifested in each Tai Chi movement, which embodies the principles of “Opening and Closing”, “Round and Square”, “Coiling and Uncoiling”, “Void and Reality”, “Light and Heavy”, “Soft and Hard”, “Slow and Fast”, and features … Read more
1. Why is it called Tai Chi Chuan? A. The Tai Chi diagram divides Yin and Yang, and Tai Chi Chuan is situated between emptiness and fullness, hence the name Tai Chi Chuan. B. The Tai Chi diagram divides Yin and Yang; Tai Chi Chuan emphasizes full-body relaxation, leading with the crown, containing the chest … Read more