The article explains that Tai Chi practice goes beyond imitating movements—it requires integrating spirit, intention, and qi from the start. While beginners often focus on external form, real progress comes from using intention to guide movement, ensuring fluidity and relaxation.

Breathing should remain natural rather than being forced to match movements. Internal energy (qi) must develop alongside physical technique, as rigid practice without understanding impedes progress. Mastery comes from learning principles early, leading to effortless, intuitive movement.

A quiet practice environment is essential for deep focus. The ultimate goal is a harmonious blend of mind, movement, and qi, allowing for spontaneous and natural expression of Tai Chi.

The Essence of Yang Style Tai Chi

by Wei Shuren

Introduction to Practicing Tai Chi

When people typically learn Tai Chi, they often start by imitating the postures and movements of their instructor, focusing on the external form. They then try to understand the principles and deeper meaning of each movement through repeated practice. However, this approach can lead to the physical movements dominating one’s consciousness, trapping practitioners in a cycle of rigid, mechanical movements for years or even decades without true progress.

In contrast, my teacher emphasized understanding the intent and meaning behind each movement from the very beginning. This allows students to experience how spirit, intention, and energy (神意氣) guide the physical movements. While this approach may seem slower initially, it is a more efficient path to truly mastering Tai Chi in the long run. Therefore, from the start, practitioners should focus on both the form (形) and intent (意) of each movement, ensuring that the mind and body are in harmony. Only by using the mind to guide the body can the movements become relaxed, smooth, and free of stiffness.

Key Points for Beginners

• Internal vs. External Focus: Beginners often focus on the external movements because they are visible and easier to imitate. However, the internal flow of spirit, intention, and energy is hidden and harder to grasp initially. Practitioners must follow the principles of Tai Chi and gradually integrate these internal elements into their movements through careful practice.
• Avoid Overcomplicating Breathing: The idea of coordinating breathing with movements (e.g., inhaling on closing and exhaling on opening) is unnecessary and contradicts the principle of relaxation (鬆). Instead, breathing should be natural, just like in daily life, allowing practitioners to reach a state where they are unaware of their breathing. This is essential for progressing to the stage of using true energy (真氣) to guide the body.

Levels of Practice

1. Beginner Stage:
   • Focus on correct posture and hand movements while integrating internal principles.
   • Avoid rushing or trying to learn too much at once. Each movement should embody the principles of “intent first” (意在先) and “guided by intent” (以意導形).
2. Intermediate Stage:
   • Deepen understanding of internal principles and their application in movements.
   • Use “heart-mind energy” (心勁) to guide movements, focusing on the center of the chest as the source of power.
3. Advanced Stage:
   • Achieve a state of effortless flow, where movements and internal energy are seamlessly integrated.
   • Reach a level of mastery where the body becomes transparent and empty (全體透空), entering a state of transformation (化境).

The Importance of a Quiet Environment

• Practicing in a quiet environment is crucial for focusing the mind and exploring the principles of Tai Chi.
• Avoid distractions like music, which can disrupt concentration and hinder progress.

Internal Power (內功) and Its Role

• Tai Chi requires cultivating both external movements and internal energy.
• Beginners should focus on understanding the principles of internal power early on to avoid developing bad habits that are hard to correct later.
• The integration of form (招) and internal power (術) is essential for achieving the balance of Yin and Yang in Tai Chi.

Correct Approach to Learning

• Traditional teaching methods emphasize understanding the principles of Tai Chi from the beginning, using these principles to guide the correct execution of movements.
• Practitioners should follow the “form contains technique” (招中有術) approach, gradually moving to “technique emerges from form” (術從招出).
• Each movement should be guided by intent, ensuring that the body and mind are always in harmony.

Conclusion

Mastering Tai Chi is a journey that requires patience, focus, and a deep understanding of its principles. By integrating spirit, intention, and energy into every movement, practitioners can move beyond rigid forms and achieve a state of effortless flow and internal power. This holistic approach ensures that Tai Chi is not just a physical exercise but a profound practice that cultivates both body and mind.