If the body is clumsy, then in
advancing or retreating it cannot be free;
therefore, it must be agile.
Once you raise your arm, you cannot appear clumsy.
(Li I-Yu)
Dr Paul Lam's 6
essentials
This is a detailed description of posture and body concerns whilst
performing tai chi:
1. Make your movements slow, even and continuous, maintaining the same
speed throughout
In other words, control your movements.
2. Move as though there is a gentle resistance
Imagine that the air around you is dense and you have to move against this
dense air.
This will help you cultivate your inner force.
3. Be aware of your weight transference
First, centre yourself, then control your balance, keeping your body
alignments, and when you move backwards, forwards or sideways, touch down
first, then gradually and consciously transfer your weight forward or
backward.
4. Body alignment
Be sure you keep your body in an upright position.
5. Loosening the joints
It is important to do the tai chi movements in a relaxed manner but
relaxation here does not mean that all your muscles go floppy.
You should be stretching, loosening.
Try consciously and gently stretch most joints from within, almost like an
internal expansion of the joints.
6. Mental focus
Be sure not to let your mind distract what you are doing and focus on your
movement so that your internal and external are well integrated.
Page created 8 June 2000