Favour is given to the left hand of gentleness rather than the right hand of force.

(Lao Tzu)

Ambiguity

What does it mean? Why are they doing it?
Ambiguity lies at the heart of our tai chi - we never want to broadcast our intentions.
Creating uncertainty and doubt is very important. When something is unclear, it leads to thinking.
Thinking is the enemy of action; it clouds your ability to do.


Subtlety

Tai chi is never just one thing. Every lesson, every move, every nuance can and does mean more than its seems.

The art is a labyrinth of hidden understanding and concealed intentions.

Stealthy skills

You can cultivate stealth:

1. Stillness
   - practice being immobile
   - sit without twitching or moving for as long as you can
   - ignore any urge to move
    

2. Silence
   - let your own mind become quiet and just listen; you will hear more
   - walk silently
   - consider how noisy your clothing is
    

3. Mobility
   - your body should be capable of spontaneous movement in any direction
   - sustain balance at all times
    

4. At home
   - upon entering your home, move from room to room as though you may have been burgled
   - open the door, watch the shadows and listen for noise
   - pause before entering a room
    

5. Imaginary assault
   - play a game in which you picture somebody attacking you without warning
   - imagine where you might move and what your options are
   - learn to see possibilities

These 5 ideas may seem corny or silly, but they will help to tune your awareness.
Stealth is a useful skill to develop.

Remember to keep it real - you are not a ninja.


Partner work

Be stealthy in your partner work.
Deliberately allow yourself to lose, so that you can practice escaping from the compromised position.
Constantly 'winning' is pointless.
What will you do if you find yourself suddenly losing?

Appearing weak is a classic strategy from the art of war.


Form practice

As time goes on, your form should look less and less like form.
This is the real meaning of 'formless'.

When your martial intent is hidden within the movements and the postures themselves no longer really look like tai chi, you are getting somewhere.

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Page created 5 August 1999