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Our teaching is built on internal Tai Chi principles...

The benefits of Tai Chi come from embodying Cheng Man Ching's internal principles – what we call being ‘in principle’.

 

Our goal is to stay ‘in principle’ not just during class, but in everyday life. 

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What are the internal Tai Chi principles? 

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You can only fully understand the principles when you experience them in your own body.

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However, in our beginners' classes, we have some simple words to guide your 'intentions' as you start to practice.

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We talk about 5 principles, and offer specific 'indications' to help you embody them:  

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  • Relaxation 
    We release physical tension and calm our mind. Ultimately, developing ‘looseness’ in body and mind helps us to feel more ‘at ease’

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  • Moving from the Tan Tien  
    We initiate all movement from our Tan Tien. Ultimately, developing our ability to be 'centred' in our Tan Tien helps us to feel both 'flexible' and 'powerful'  

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  • Uprightness 
    We are held from above and root into the earth below. Ultimately, developing our connection to heaven & earth helps us to feel more 'stable' and 'stronger' 

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  • Being 100% not 'double-weighted' 
    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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  • Beauteous Wrists 
    Our wrist joint is open and our hand is soft. Ultimately, developing internal 'unity' and external 'sensitivity' helps us feel more 'empathy' and 'connection' 

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You may hear other words to express these principles - and certainly you will hear new indications - in classes at each new level.

 

However, these initial words form a solid foundation to build on. ​

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Click here for a one-page summary of the principles as we teach them at B1 

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