The Backbone Should Be Vertical
Taijiquan Quote of the Week “The backbone should be, in general, vertical in relation to the ground, but there are some postures that require a slight forward lean. Never hunch the back.” —Power Taiji Because I think vertical is so important: I’ll go a step further. Be vertical, vertical, vertical. What I mean is this: [...]
Walk Like a Cat, Stepping Carefully and Softly
Be Aware of Which Leg is Yang and Which is Yin
Taijiquan Quote of the Week “Avoid being ‘double-weighted’ (i.e., having your weight equally distributed between both feet.) Be aware of which leg is yang (weighted) and which is yin (non-weighted). Only at the very beginning and the end of the form should the weight be evenly distributed. There must, of course, be a time in [...]
Maintain a Sense of Equilibrium with the Earth
Taijiquan Quote of the Week “Maintain a physical and psychological sense of equilibrium in relation to the Earth (i.e., a sense of being ‘grounded’); never commit yourself fully — always have in mind the possibility of retreating if you advance or of advancing if you retreat.” —Power Taiji No doubt: one should strive for Earthy equilibrium [...]
Never Have Equal Strength in Your Palms
Taijiquan Quote of the Week “Never have equal strength in your palms, as this is also a variation of being double-weighted.” —Power Taiji It’s little and simple. To a normal observer, one’s palms may appear to press (or push) together, but watch close. Notice that one leads the other, arriving slightly ahead of the other. [...]