The essence of the art | ||
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Tai Chi Classics
There are certain things that every tai chi student should know. This knowledge
and ability will enable the student to follow the teachings outlined in The
Tai Chi Classics.
Strict adhesion to the Classics assures correct practice of tai chi, regardless
of what style you practice.
The essence of
the art
Every
tai chi student in the world should be working towards
acquiring these abilities and knowledge:
4 ounces of pressure
5 centres
6 balanced pairs
13 methods
Accord
Blending
Central equilibrium
Chin na (seizing): misplacing the bones, dividing the muscles, sealing the breath & cavity press
Close-range combat
Connection
Conservation of energy
Folding
Freeform triangle
Groundpath
How to
apply every
form movement martially
- at least 7 different ways
- in a thorough & convincing manner
- using
shuai jiao, chin na &
jing
- in keeping with
The Tai Chi Classics
Invest in loss
Listening
The meaning and application of The Tai Chi Classics
The meaning and
application of the martial Classics
- The Art of War
- The Book of Five Rings
- 36 Strategies
The meaning and
application of the
Taoist Classics
-
The Way and Its Power
- The Way of
Chuang Tzu
- The Book of Changes
Metacognition
Moving from the centre
Mushin
Opening & closing
Practical applications of yielding
Shen
Shuai jiao (take downs)
Sinking & rooting
Small circle movement
Spontaneity
Strategy & tactics
Substantial & insubstantial
Tzu-jan (of itself so)
Uniting upper & lower
Using the mind instead of force
Whole-body movement
Wu nien (not preparing)
Wu wei (not forcing)
This list is not
comprehensive or exhaustive; it merely serves as an illustration. Many more
skills might have been included.
Other tai chi schools might consider additional skills to be
equally important.
If you can't do it, you don't know it.
(Mike Sigman)
Actual ability
It does not matter how many forms, drills or applications you
know.
Your skill in tai chi comes down to the essence of
the art and how well you can express it.
Calculate your ability level
Go carefully down the list mentioned above. Add up the number of items you fully
understand. This is your actual ability level in tai chi. Would your
instructor agree with your estimate?
Page created 29 May 1996
Last updated
16 June 2023