Training Principles of Chens Taichi

In Chens Taichi, the basic training principles are: apply the theory not the
strength; focus on foundation not the presentation; train the body not the
techniques.
(I) Apply the Theory Not the Strength
Theory explains the very basic principles of Taichi. Practicing Taichi is to
work on the ultimate general Dao that is the basic theory of how yin
emerges from yang and how yang emerges from yin in the process of change.
During practice, it requires to have softness imbedded in hardness and
hardness implied in softness with softness and hardness inter dependent
and supportive to each other. When hollowness reduces to its extreme,
solidness forms; and when solidness grows to its extreme, hollowness
appears. This is how hollowness and solidness morph from one another.
With high level of concentration, the mind guides the qi and the qi move the
body. Practice while focusing on getting the qi and movements to follow the
mind. When in motions, every part moves, the whole body follows and the
internal and external coordinate. Control the postures and mover according
to the requirements and follow the natural motions of the body. Progress
patiently. Strength training refers to the training for physical strength.
Such training will increase the power in certain specific body parts.
However, in most cases, this type of training will lead to clumsy strength and
stiff strength. Its lack of flexibility and control. Therefore, it is not preferred
my achieved Taichi practitioners.
(II) Focus on the Foundation Not the Presentation
Foundation refers to the root and base, i.e. the kidney qi and lower body
kungfu. The kidneys hold the fundamental yin and yang. It is the prenatal
base and the source for vital qi. When the kidney qi is strong, all organs are
well nourished. The heart, liver, spleen, lung and the kidney will function
properly. As a result, the person is good spirits, quick in response and
coordinated in motion. Internal qi is one of the important aspects of good
foundation. The other aspect of good foundation is the kungfu of the lower
body. Under the condition when whole body is relaxed and, the qi settles in
dantian and charges to yongquan, the body can be rooted solidly on the feet
so as to achieve the state of livened upper section, flexible middle section
and rooted lower section. Presentation refers to the shown intension,
strength and hardness of certain specific parts of the body. Training methods
focusing only on the presentation do not agree with Taichi principles. Taichi
is an internal system. It training both the internal qi and external skills with
the main focus on solidify the internal foundation. Hence there are sayings
like: Nourish the root and enrich the source, Nourish the roots and the
branches and leaves will flourish; enrich the source and the stream will flow
afar.
(III) Train the Body Not the Techniques

Train the body means to train the capability of the body as a whole. Train
the techniques means to work on special defensive and offensive
techniques of an application. At the beginning stage, most people are
interested in understanding the applications of each move. However, such
training in focusing on explaining and understanding of the applications of
Taichi defensive and offensive techniques will not lead one to the essence of
Taichi. The correct process of learning Taichi must involve learning the
forms and routines, correct postures and moves, reduce stiffness, achieve
softness so as to reach the level when the whole body is coordinated, the
internal and external are coordinated and the internal qi is full and solid. Let
the skill be part of the body. Taichi training is for the complete ability of the
body. According to specific situations in application, Taichi principle is to
lose the self to follow the opponent and adapt when situation changes. It
never resorts to the specific application of specific techniques. When the
internal qi is full and solid, the body is like a well inflated balloon. It
responds to any sensation of external impact. It enables the Taichi
practitioner to strike with the part wherever is being attacked, such as
described in On Boxing: When achieved, one can counterattack according
to the attack without thinking. The application will come naturally and
automatically.