Basic Principles of Yang Style Tai Chi

• Posture is erect and relaxed. Breathe slowly and deeply.
• Sink down in legs to a comfortable position and maintain the same level during 95 percent of the form.
• Move as though you are in water, fluidly, with a slight sense of resistance.
• First to move is the intention, eyes, head, then torso, then step, then shift weight.
• Movement is continuous; no stopping between the forms.
• Bow stance is the most stable stance, with feet shoulder width apart (left to right and front to back), and the back foot should be at 45 degree angle.
• Feet move in and then back out in the Bow Stance (most of the time).
• Shift weight off the full (weight bearing) leg before pivoting.
• Lower body (legs) is rooted to the ground; upper body moves like the branches of a tree; feel your center at the Dantien (center of being).
• Focus on the Chi: Feel it as you move.

    (Author unknown)

Author: Frank Ellsworth Lockwood

Hello, my name is Frank Ellsworth Lockwood: I now live in Kennewick, Washington with my wife Laura and our cat, Iggy. I enjoy practicing Tai Chi, playing the guitar, writing, reading and blogging, and gardening. Work History: I have had many different careers, but have long since retired. View all posts by Frank Ellsworth Lockwood