Never
stealing
Injuring no one
Who can discredit me?
Do you think
that I’d climb down from an elephant
To ride on the haunch of an ass?
(Songs of Mirabai)
Economy of structure
Tai
chi is
concerned with using the body’s natural structure in the most efficient
manner possible.
Easy, healthy, comfortable movements are used at all times;
stretching and straining must be avoided at all costs.
By keeping the body rounded and loose, power can be channelled without
effort.
The minimum amount of muscle strength is an important consideration.
Economy of motion
Loose,
flexible joints allow the body total freedom of motion.
By remaining rounded, flowing and circular, it is possible to move
efficiently.
If the tai chi postures are performed with tension, motion is restricted.
It is essential to keep the movements soft whilst the body is widening and
lengthening at all times.
Economy in life
Taoism teaches that we
must know when to stop.
Bruce Frantzis encourages tai chi students to remain within
70%
of their maximum potential.
This approach can apply to all aspects of life and prevents over-commitment.
Spontaneity
It is
important to be able to move in any direction without preparing in advance.
This requires a relaxed mind as well as body.
Anticipation tenses the muscles and stiffens the joints; preventing smooth
motion.
Tai chi
movements are initially performed in an exaggerated way.
The nervous system is incapable of moving in subtle ways without first
practicing larger movements for a lengthy period of time.
Eventually the movement becomes familiar and the
tai chi goes from large to
small.
This process of internalisation cannot be forced.
Folding
The body has grown to
move in a certain way that is healthy and natural.
Folding is the process that occurs when the joints remain loose, the muscles
soft, and energy becomes stored in the joints and vertebrae.
Like a compressed spring, the body generates bow tension, ready to be
released.
Water teaches
Water is the
perfect analogy for how the tai chi student must move.
Watching the way in which water operates can teach a person how to relax,
flow and become fluid.
When water reaches an impediment, it flows around it.
Water seeks the line of least resistance.
Tai chi students must learn to go with the flow.
Economy in self defence
Economy in
self defence ensures no wasted motion.
By using the tension found in the opponent as an a fuel source, a
tai chi
student can conserve their own energy considerably.
Incoming force must never be impeded; it must be utilised.
The efficient use of tai chi movement combined with
centering ensures
optimal use of the body in a self defence situation.
Page created 16 September 2003