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.
Click here for a pdf version of the summary in the picture
We talk about 5 principles, and offer specific 'indications' to help you embody them:
-
Relaxation
We release physical tension and calm our mind. Ultimately, developing ‘looseness’ in body and mind helps us to feel more ‘at ease’
-
Moving from the Tan Tien
We co-ordinate all movement via our Tan Tien. Ultimately, developing our ability to be 'centred' in our Tan Tien helps us to feel both 'flexible' and 'powerful'
-
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'
-
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’)
-
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'
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.
