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". "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.” “The Tao does not compete; those who compete do not follow the Tao. |
AuthorJohn Hartley, Founder and Principal Instructor of Inner Health School of Taijiquan, Adelaide Categories
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March 2018
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