Sunday, August 29, 2010

The Importance of Alignment

My investigation of Tai Chi Chuan really took off when I understood the importance of approaching my practice with alignment in mind. Whether you come to this study for its health benefits, martial properties, or as a form of personal expression, your alignment should be a clear indication of your level of success.

Take the simple analogy of a water hose: if this conduit is left open the water continues to flow along the path; if the hose is bent, however, the output is hindered or completely blocked.

“Well,” you might say, “I'm a wee bit more complex than a tube... how does this apply to me?”

Tai Chi Chuan means “Supreme Ultimate Fist” or “Supreme Ultimate Form.” This is not a declaration of ego (quite the opposite), but rather a reference to the relationship between the Taoist principles of yin and yang. For a moment, think of the joints of your body as gates that allow energy to flow. When these gates are working in unison, energy flows freely in the direction of your intent. However, if a gate is closing (yin) when it should be opening (yang), the flow is compromised. Likewise, if a gate is opening when it should be closing, energy is lost.

As we listen to and work on alignment, our practice can't help but improve. From a health standpoint we become more efficient on many levels, which relieves excessive strain from our bodies. From a martial perspective, we learn more about the transfer of energy and the dangers of overcommitment. Artistically, we will find ways to communicate more clearly.

Over the coming weeks we'll look at ways to get a better understanding of alignment and ways to improve it. Stay tuned.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Welcome to Tai Chi Method!

The mission of this site is to help practitioners of Tai Chi Chuan get the greatest benefit from their investment of time and energy.
 
It is important to understand that the study of Tai Chi Chuan is not an end in itself, for how could a lesson on the ever-changing Tao ever be complete? Whether you have been practicing for five weeks or fifty years, there will always be room for refinement. Being mindful of this during one's practice will reveal Tai Chi Chuan as an invaluable method of investigation that will lead one to growth and transformation.
 
Principles are presented here to aid you in that investigation. Most of these relate to the alignment and mechanics of the body and are therefore applicable to any Tai Chi form. So explore and experiment with what you find here.
 
Study with patience; enjoy your practice.