The above video explains the basic principles of the tai chi walk. It is very important to know and understand this to do the form correctly
Yang Style Short Form Part 1
This is the first part of the short form. 1. Opening. 2. Part the wild horses mane. Scroll down to the Tai Chi Principles
Tai Chi Principles
Attributed to Chang San-feng (1279 -1386) the Father of Tai Chi Chuan who is said to have seen a fight between a snake and a crane and after observation of how these animals used their energy in the fight developed a series of exercises based on the movements of animals and other elements in nature. This is imperative in understanding tai chi.
1) In motion the whole body should be light and agile with all parts of the body linked as if threaded together. 2) The ch'i should be excited, 3)The shen (spirit) should be internally gathered. 4)The postures should be without defect, without hollows or projections from the proper alignment; 5) In motion the Form should be continuous, without stops and starts. 6)The Jing (intrinsic strength) should be rooted in the feet, generated from the legs, controlled by the waist, and manifested through the fingers. 7)The feet, legs, and waist should act together as an integrated whole so that while advancing or withdrawing one can grasp the opportunity of favorable timing and advantageous position.If correct timing and position are not achieved, the body will become disordered and will not move as an integrated whole; the correction for this defect must be sought in the legs and waist. 8)The principle of adjusting the legs and waist applies for moving in all directions; upward or downward, advancing or withdrawing, left or right. 9)All movements are motivated by I (mind-intention), not external form.
