10 Important Concepts of Tai Chi
Practicing Tai Chi is not merely a swing of the arm and the movement of the feet. There is a reason behind every movement and style that is made. These concepts paved the way to building every form of Tai Chi. So you have to pay close attention to the things that are not brought often because even if things seem too basic, they are indeed important.
Here are 10 of the most important concepts that you should remember when practicing Tai Chi. By being able to remember these concepts, you’ll be it able to fully understand and appreciate the forms that are performed. Read on!
Concept #1
Tai Chi is done with an emphasis on every movement. The fashion of every pattern must be in connected with one another. Meaning, if every motion made must always start from the spine, move down to the waist, legs and feet, then it is simultaneously going up the body from the legs, through the waist, then the arms, hands and last, the fingers.
Concept #2
Maintain your shoulders dropped. The term overflowing tension is used to describe the state where the shoulders are constantly tensed.
Concept #3
Maintain a straight wrists in order to keep your arms and hands supple and open to energy. This allows the energy to flow, not just through your arms, but is an important part of learning to move the energy throughout the body.
Concept #4
Learning to slow down the movements while maintaining their smoothness is always beneficial. This will allow you to develop a strong sense of bond between your body and your environment.
Concept #5
Never let anything disconnect you. You should always stay connected with every movement. If you have been disconnected, continue to perform the movements and listen to your body so that you can overcome any distraction.
Concept #6
In practicing Tai Chi, your knees must always be bent. Also you need to maintain your balance for your height not to bob up and down.
Concept #7
The power of Tai Chi travels differently from the movement of Tai Chi. Power of Tai Chi will start from the feet going up to the legs, controlling the shoulders, and will be expressed by the fingers and hands.
Concept #8
Imagine your head is being help up by an imaginary string very high in the sky.
Concept #9
Without overdoing it, avoid puffing out the chest. It should remain relaxed and slightly concave.
Concept #10
Keep your breath to your body’s center of gravity, the dan-tien ; again this must be done effortlessly. As you master this, you will likely synchronize your breathing with your movements.
Remember to always consult your teacher when to exhale or inhale.