Authentic Tai Chi classes in
Welwyn and St Albans
HERTS School of T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Our teaching is built on internal Tai Chi principles...
The real benefits of Tai Chi come from embodying Cheng Man Ch'ing's internal principles (being ‘in principle’) not just during class, but in everyday life.
What are the internal Tai Chi principles?
You can only fully understand the principles when you experience them in your own body. However, in our beginners' classes, we have some simple words to guide your 'intentions' as you start to practice. For a pdf version of the summary in the picture click here.
We talk about 5 principles, and offer specific 'indications' to help you embody them:
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Relax
We release physical tension and calm our mind. Ultimately, removing fear and anxiety from body and mind helps us to feel more ‘at ease’ / less 'stressed'
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Be upright
We hang from above and release weight into the earth below. Ultimately, our connection to heaven & earth helps us to feel more 'stable' and 'secure'
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Distinguish full vs empty
One leg is full, the other steps empty. Ultimately, separating Yin and Yang and developing each to the max helps us to feel more ‘alive’ (‘full of Qi’)
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Connect upper & lower body
All movement comes from the ground, transmitted via our pelvis. Ultimately, freeing up the pelvis to move helps us to feel both 'flexible' and 'powerful'
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Keep Wrists Beauteous
All our joints are open and our touch is soft. Ultimately, developing internal and external openness & sensitivity helps us feel more 'empathy' and 'connection'
You'll hear other words to express these principles, and new indications, at each curriculum level. However, these initial words form a solid foundation to build on.