​Taijiquan is based on the Taiji and Bagua of the Book of Changes, and the ideas of Li (principles), Qi (energy), and Xiang (image) help to give shape to these concepts. Confucius said of the Changes, “Modeled on heaven and earth’s transformations, it never goes beyond them.

​"At the beginning of study do not be concerned with cultivating the chi, but strive rather for precision in your body, leg and eye techniques. It is also important not to use strength, but following the natural movement of each posture perform them slowly and deliberately. Be sure the body moves as one complete unit....All the joints and bones should be relaxed and open".

- Attributed to Scohlar, Ch'ang Nai-chou.
​Source: Lost Tai-chi Classics from the late Ch'ing Dynasty - Douglas Wile.

Professor Cheng Man-ching.

"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.”
- Tai Chi Classics.

Cheng Man-ching in single whip (click to enlarge).

​​“The Tao does not compete; those who compete do not follow the Tao.
The Tao is not grasping; those who grasp do not understand the principles of the Tao.
If you compete, you will attend only to the differences in people's intelligence.
If you grasp, you will always compare yourself with others.
Concerned with petty matters, you will have abandoned the Tao and forgotten about virtue.
The sage appears dull and dim, but his/her wisdom is like a piece of hidden jade.
In his/her interaction with others he/she is not competitive or grasping.
Because his/her spirit is in balance, he/she is in harmony with the sky and earth in all seasons”

- Tao Te Ching