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Internal
The 'internal arts' are so-called because the focus is
within. You are required to feel rather than do. Outward
movement must reflect the inner condition and should stem from what is
happening internally.
This sounds difficult until you consider it further.
How
Every movement made by the human body begins under the skin; nerves activate
muscles and muscles move the bones. There is nothing special about this; it
is the normal process.
Tai chi simply reconsiders the way in which the movement is generated; it
explores the how, the process, the means.
Physical
A student aims to move without becoming tired. This is quite different to
exploring the physical extremes of possible movement, as with yoga or
Pilates. Subtle action is necessary.
Connection
Many tai chi beginners confuse connection with peng. 'Connection' is the
process of joining separate parts of the body together through mild or
serious stretching.
For example: yoga uses strong stretching to achieve connection. Most martial
arts could offer their students the benefits of connection through the use
of strong stretching, but this not peng.
How is connection different to peng?
Peng has give. The student must fold. The stretching is only to 70% and the
muscles may not be tensed in any way.
Moving
with the Tao is important; understanding the Tao is impossible.
The purpose of moving with the Tao is to harmonize in dynamic balance
everything that is inside and outside oneself,
and to become a process that facilitates a larger balance of harmony.
There is a broad balance inherent in the nature of things.
(Ray Grigg)
Gravity
The body uses gravity and connection to channel
kinetic energy throughout the body. Energy passes through the structure
towards the extremities.
Centrifugal and centripetal force accomplishes this on the horizontal, and
the rippling of the joints and vertebra on the vertical. This is the heart
of 'reeling silk'.
Physical tension and holding will impede this flow.
External
People who attend tai chi classes irregularly or train in other martial arts
are often very stiff. They have difficulty letting-go of tension.
The habitual practice of muscular contraction conditions the body to exert.
Such exercise blocks energy and reduces physical sensitivity.
Ability level
There is also a danger from within the class.
In order to see how tai chi generates movement, the pattern of movement must
be demonstrated and then practiced in a manner befitting the student's own
ability level. This will be
crude at first.
If the exercise was shown correctly, a beginner could not see the detail or
understand what they are looking at. This is why
the form slowly internalises every movement.
Moving yoga?
Is tai chi moving yoga? No. Not really. Yoga
postures typically stretch the limbs strongly out from the centre. The
purpose of the exercise is to stretch. 'Hatha' means willpower; to force.
Tai chi is not like this. Stretching is not
extreme. It is aided by the relaxation of the muscles and the weight of the
joints.
The skeleton is encouraged to align naturally and freely; and to move
comfortably and easily. Wu wei involves not
forcing; allowing.
Patterns of movement
Tai chi is ultimately a martial art. The movements were designed to
deliver power. Adopting a static, yoga-like exaggerated pattern of movement
is unnecessary and counter-productive.
Instead of increasing strength and amplifying power, it actually limits your
capacity to move freely and spiral effectively.
The 70% rule
If you remain well within your limits at all times there is less risk of
injury. Most people exceed their natural range of safe movement frequently
throughout the day without realising it.
The 70% rule encourages them to be aware of their natural range. In combat,
over-commitment is a serious flaw because you have little room for failure.
Holding 30% in reserve is a useful safety precaution.
Natural range
Our approach to tai chi works safely within your natural range. If you move
a limb away from your centre, the support decreases the further away it
goes.
Experiment with your arms and legs - stretch them away in various
directions...
In each instance there should be distinct boundary points where a subtle but
tangible strain occurs and increases with the degree of movement.
You may not notice this initially; finding your natural range takes patience
and sensitivity.
Mind, body,
spirit
Once the essence of a movement is understood, you must explore the spirals,
circles and curves that generate the action. You must also consider the
potential application.
Finally, the awareness must go deeper. Awareness and neigong will unlock the
subtle inner rhythm of each motion.
Breath, energy and gravity will become more
significant than outward show; and your training will fold the tai chi
inward.
Page created
18 April 1995
Last updated
16 June 2023
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