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Not everyone is capable or willing to explore the hidden teachings of the arcane arts.
Internal power cannot be mastered by the lazy or the inattentive.



Sunday

Form is not slow-motion kata. It is not moving yoga. Tai chi has internal content.
To gain the internal, it is necessary to address how the movements are performed.

A beginner is taught to move their arms and legs in a particular way.
This lays the groundwork but is more about spatial orientation than anything else.
The student learns which way to face, where to step and what to do with the hands.
There is no internal work occurring at this stage.

To understand form, consider a caterpillar or a snake and how they move.
Every action is generated by an undulating wave that causes every part to shift in the required direction. Form is like this.

Instead of moving the localised limb by itself, the framework twists and the striking tool is spun outward.
The movement of the limb is in harmony with the torso and power is developed.

Physics is important in tai chi.
The body parts must be aligned at all times with strength in mind.
Aesthetics are not the concern in real tai chi; priority is given to alignment and the way in which the body is used.

Each movement within the form offers a whole array of potential strikes and skills.
The emphasis is placed upon the movement itself.

The so-called posture simply serves to shape movement. It is not a static pose.

It is not a fixed application.
The form is not as specific as other martial arts kata. It is much more embryonic.
Every movement provides angle, direction and power.
The exponent finds strength in every nuance.

The skills and insights learned through standing and moving qigong must be incorporated in your form practice.