Guang Ping Yang Tai Chi Chuan - Basic T'ai Chi Principles

Basic T'ai Chi Principles

The whole body is relaxed; do not use force. Relaxation does not mean slack, the body is full of potential yet empty. The term in Chinese for this is "sung".

Keep the mind focused; if the mind wanders, gently bring it back to its focus.

Be natural and at peace, release any tension.

The head should be as though it were suspended on a string from above, relaxed and lifted.

The body should not lean to any direction, and the spine should be lifted.

There must be a clear distinction between the empty (non-weighted) and full (weighted) feet (alternation of yin and yang).

Breathing must be long, even, and natural; do not hold or constrict the breath.

In even the slightest movement the whole body must move; do not let any part stop separately. When one part moves, all parts move; when one part stops, all parts stop.