Seeing the small is
called clarity;
Keeping flexible is called strength.
(Lao Tzu)
Lateral/width centre
There is a tendency to allow
the hips to sway or lean to one side in order to balance.
Keeping the lateral centre requires the student to spiral around the
supporting leg rather than lean.
This spiral action firms the centre and prevents imbalance.
Physical centre
The physical centre of your
body is located below the navel, inside the body where it bisects the
vertical axis.
All movements in tai chi must start from the physical centre.
It is your centre of gravity.
In tai chi, the centre of gravity is moved closer to the ground in order to
stabilise the body and make it stronger.
Centreline
The centreline is an imaginary line right down the
front of your body.
This is where your zip would be if you wore a jacket.
Along this line are many vulnerable points.
Your tai chi structure is designed to protect the centreline when moving.
Centre relative to an opponent
When faced with one or more opponents, it
is essential to think in terms of centre.
To strike you, the opponent must find your centre.
This is fundamental physics; a question of positioning and angles.
By moving your centre from where they are striking, you cannot easily be
hit.
The first five centres must be unified relative to the opponent.
By maintaining the vertical centre, moving forwards and backwards, side to
side, protecting the centreline and originating all movement from the centre
- you become an evasive target.
Taking the centre
You must always attack your
opponent's vertical centre.
De-stabilising this will prevent them from effectively countering.
Subtle pressure can take their balance.
Once off-balance, they become structurally weak.
Small circle
The ability to move from the
centre becomes more sophisticated as a student progresses within tai chi.
Very subtle stepping and
waist movement will allow close quarters fighting
to occur without any loss of striking power.
The exercise known as 'pushing
hands' can train this ability if practiced softly.
More...
Page created 23 March 2000