Because of its unique charm of health-keeping, Tai Chi Chuan has attracted a large number of foreigners from various countries. However, due to some culture difference, it is difficult for these foreign learners to understand the essence of Tai Chi, thus they would not be able to catch the correct form of Tai Chi.
The following words are about the basic technical essentials of body form in Tai Chi Chuan. To start Tai Chi training, you'd better pay attention to the following 11 proposals.
Head
Keep the neck straight and the head up. Do not slant or shake the head.
Keep the neck straight and the head up. Do not slant or shake the head.
Neck
Keep the neck upright naturally. Do not stiffen the muscles.
Keep the neck upright naturally. Do not stiffen the muscles.
Shoulders
Relax and drop the shoulders. Do not shrug, or stretch them backward, or hold them forward.
Relax and drop the shoulders. Do not shrug, or stretch them backward, or hold them forward.
Elbows
Drop and relax the elbows, and bend them naturally. Do not stiffen them or lift them up.
Drop and relax the elbows, and bend them naturally. Do not stiffen them or lift them up.
Chest
Relax the chest and hold it in slightly. Do not thrust the chest out or hold it in too much.
Relax the chest and hold it in slightly. Do not thrust the chest out or hold it in too much.
Back
Straighten the back. Don’t be humpback.
Straighten the back. Don’t be humpback.
Waist
Keep the waist relaxed and natural. Do not arch it or hold it out.
Keep the waist relaxed and natural. Do not arch it or hold it out.
Backbone
Keep the backbone upright and straight. Do not twist it to either side.
Keep the backbone upright and straight. Do not twist it to either side.
Buttocks
Keep the buttocks in. Do not thrust it out or sway it.
Hips
Keep them relaxed, upright and in. Do not stiffen them or thrust them to either side.
Keep them relaxed, upright and in. Do not stiffen them or thrust them to either side.
Knees
Bend, stretch and relax the knees naturally. Do not stiffen them.
Bend, stretch and relax the knees naturally. Do not stiffen them.
