Taijiquan or Tai Chi Chuan contains many values and principles which lay the foundation for a balanced self-study. In Wudang, the fascination of Xuan Wu is an ideal image for Taiji. In short, this is the mystery of the Movement that comes from within, but which is not recognizable for outsiders. The basic principle can be explained in a practical way: (This text is for advanced students in Taijiquan)

Direction and movement, the theory

The force center of every Taiji movement is the Dantian. If we give our body a definite movement, then a primary direction must be present over the Dantian. To be in line with the movement, there are Taiji areas that go with the Dantian and some that give a “feedback” (yin-yang). This “feedback” is always Yang (force) and is not visible as such purely from the outside. This yang movement takes place inside and must move so that this remains visually in place (rest). This interplay of strength and tranquility are the basic components of the Taijiquan movement.

It always needs a counterpart – so that Yang finds an orientation, it needs the balancing Yin (emptiness). Yin moves optically recognizable with the Dantian, but is in the inside therefore motionless. While Yin and Yang remain constant in their direction, both forces act opposite to each other, with the Yin side retaining the position (ie, from the inside), and yang with the force effect. The feature in the taijiquan is that both forces arise from a circle, so the elbows and other joints are always in a “round” angle (blunt angle).

Under the influence of heaven and earth (head and feet), we give the circle a third dimension and form a spiral. Thus the beginning and end of the intention becomes clear and Taijiquan can be put into practice.

Learning Taijiquan
In our Wudang Academy, we learn daily about the consciousness of Taiji. The practical application is possible with the internalization of these principles and is important for further self-development. It follows a better understanding of the self and our environment.

Filed under: Knowledge Tagged: China, Internal Arts, Taichi, Taiji, taijiquan, Wudang