Practice! Principles Part III

This is a continuation and the final section of a 3 part lesson inspired by Open the Door to Tai Chi's Diane Bailey. Once you know the movements of the 24 form and also become familiar with the Principles, they must be combined to allow you to experience the most important features and benefits of tai chi. To complete this lesson you must be familiar with the Left Kick movement through Close (and the Principles.) Yes, Part II ended with the Left Kick but to start this section, the Left Kick is necessary. To refresh your memory of the movements and the Principles, refer to my Guide.

The breakdown of doing the same movements over and over while concentrating on a different Principle each time is an excellent way to improve your understanding of tai chi, while making personal, individual improvements. This is YOUR practice.

LESSON

The movements in this lesson are:

Left Kick (west/south west)

Snake Creeps/Pheasant Stands (left)

Snake Creeps/Pheasant Stands (right)

Fair Lady Works the Shuttle (right)

Fair Lady Works the Shuttle (left)

Pick the Needle Up from the Sea Bottom

Block/Fan through the Back

Deflect, Intercept and Punch

Pushing Chi

Return the Tiger to the Mountain

Close

You will be practicing the same movements 8 times with a different focus every time. Give ALL of your focus to one Principle at a time.

1. Perform Left Kick though Close giving your attention to COLUMNS.

   
   

2. Perform Left Kick though Close giving your attention to ROTATION.

   
   

3. Perform Left Kick though Close giving your attention to BALANCE.

   
   

4. Perform Left Kick though Close giving your attention to being ROOTED AND GROUNDED.

   
   

5. Perform Left Kick though Close giving your attention to gathering and releasing ENERGY.

   
   

6. Perform Left Kick though Close giving your attention to FLOW - CONTINUOUS MOTION.

   
   

7. Perform Left Kick though Close giving your attention to your BREATHING.

   
   

8. Perform Left Kick though Close for THE UNIFICATION OF ALL THE PRINCIPLES.

   
   

   Is difficult to convey the meaning online, BUT, if you practice this lesson and complete all 8 routines, you will understand it better and it will enhance your practice. Do this every day for one week. Now you should be able to incorporate all of the Principles into the entire Yang Style 24 Short Form. You can review the movements here.

   
   

   Peace