Taoist Tai Chi - Form Principles

Form Principles

Taoist Tai Chi has several principles of movement that are meant to be a part of every posture, these principles are what defines Taoist Tai Chi as a unique tai chi practice. Several of these are attributes espoused by many non-Society teachers, but are expressed somewhat differently than is traditional within Taoist Tai Chi. Here is a brief description.

45 Degree Angle Step"

the principle of Straight/45 refers to the desired degree of the feet in relation to one another, usually with the front foot Straight forward and the back foot (left or right) at 45 degrees outward. This is meant to aid in squaring the hips.

Positioning the Front Knee

The knee should not extend beyond the toes to prevent injury.

"Squaring the hips"

at the end/forward position of a movement (such as Single Whip) the hips of a practitioner should be square or facing completely forward and in line with the front or "Straight" foot. Conversely, when at the rollback or beginning of a posture the hips should be in line with the back or "45" foot. The professed health benefit of this is that it facilitates a turning/stretching of the spine and an opening of the pelvic region (specifically the hip joint).

Weight placement

there should be a straight line from the top of the head to the heel of the rear foot in all forward positions.

"Equal and Opposite Forces"

In Taoist Tai Chi a push with one hand is balanced with an equal push with the other hand.