Ten Principles of Yang Style Tai Chi

1. Head Straightening

Do this by holding the neck and head at an erect position, naturally, together with the
mind while concentrating on top. Brush away the feeling of being tensed or else the
needed vital energy and blood will not circulate properly.

2. Back and Chest Position

To correctly position the back and chest, you must feel that air properly “coming in”. The
chest must be inward, slightly, so that you are can sink to the lower belly through
breathing. Avoid chest protrusion for it will make you feel uneasy and breathing will be
heavy. Vital energy that is derived from your lower belly can launch massive force.

3. Waist Relaxation

The most dominant part of the body is the waist part. The moment you relax your waist,
your stance will be strong, forming a base that is firm. All movements that are made
depend on the reaction of the person’s waist.

4. Stances: Empty and Solid

Primarily, it is quite important to distinguish the difference between empty and solid. It
all depends on the shifting of energy in both feet. The moment you put the weight of your
body on your left leg, it will become solid and the right leg will become empty. On the
other hand, if you shift your weight on the right leg, it will be the one that becomes solid
and the left leg being empty. Recognizing these tactics will enable the person to move
and turn the body without any stress and additional effort. Otherwise clumsiness and slow
movements will arise thus making you unstable to stand firm.

5. Elbows and Shoulders Sinking

Always keep your shoulders in a relaxed, natural position because the moment you lift it,
the energy (Qi) will go up with it thus leaving the whole body in a strength-less state.
Maintain your elbows down so as to keep your shoulders at a relaxed state and make your
body move with ease.

6. Use the Mind and Not the Force

Upon practicing Tai Chi Chuan, it is expected that the body be relaxed. And it is also
expected that the mind is the one that tackles all aspects of the human being. There are no
presence of any clumsiness or stiffness in the joints and veins that will hinder the body’s
movement.

7. Coordination
There is but one theory that supports the elements of Tai Chi. It will start at the roots
which is the feet, launching the force to the legs, controlling the waist and elevates
through the arms that is expressed by the hands and fingers. Therefore, the feet, legs and
the waist must communicate well to pass the energy in a harmonious manner.

8. Internal and External Harmony

Tai Chi Chuan lets the mind be the commander of the entire body. Let it be the one to
direct orders and let the body to follow. If the mind is in a tranquil state, the body
observes it by producing graceful and soft movements.

9. Continuity

Practicing Tai Chi Chuan requires an upbeat continuity. It must never be lost. The mind
must always assert the attention and movements from beginning till the very end.

10. Tranquility

Tai Chi Chuan is always based on peacefulness. In every performance, there must be
strict tranquility in order for the mind to interact effectively with the entire system of the
body. Tranquility can make the movements slower and precise and make the body move
smoother without stiffness and pain.

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