There are nine priciples in Tai Chi. Although all are important there are 3 that are at the top of the list and should be practiced from the beginning . In order not to overwhelm those that are new to Tai Chi the top 3 (in order of importance) are described below and the remaining 6, also im,poortant, are just listed for awareness and as a future objective. Note: all of them will be described in detail in the advanced section.
- Columns
This principle is for developing correct posture and body alignment. THere are three columns in Tai Chi, the first emmenating from the head and running down throug the center of your body. The second and third emminate from your shoulders and run down to your hips. Because Tai Chi is a soft martial art rigidity in posture is not the goal, softness and body alighment is what we need to strive for. - Rotation
- Balance
- Substantial/insubstancial
- Moving from the Dan Tian
- Ball of energy/Circular Movements
- Rooted, Grounded and Flow
- Relaxation/Connectedness
- Breathing
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