| 7. Both hands must
move together; do not let one stop. |
| 8. Breathing must
be even, regular and natural; do not hold or constrict the breath.
|
| 9. In the slightest
movement the whole body must move; do not let any part stop separately.
|
| 10. Let the waist
lead the whole body. |
| 11. Movements must
be in squares and circles; the limbs must not be too bent or too straight.
|
| 12. Movement must
be smooth and regular, do not suddenly speed up or slow down. |
| 13. In stillness
the mind must be active; in activity the mind must be still. |
| 14. The body's center
of gravity is in one of three places: on the left foot, on the right
foot or in the middle. |
15. The whole body
must be in harmony:
- Three outer harmonies:
- Hand with foot
- Elbow with knee
- Shoulder with hip
- Three inner harmonies:
- Thought with intent
- Intent with breath
- Breath with strength
|
16. Why is it important
in the practice of Tai Ji Quan to be careful in the fullness and/or
emptiness of the feet?
Because emptiness permits nimbleness, nimbleness permits change in
one's own position, change in one's own position permits transformation
of the opponent's movement, transformation of the opponent's movement
permits advantage. |
| 17. In the changes
and transformations of Tai Ji Quan, rest and motion have no beginnings,
change and transformation have no ends, emptiness and fullness alternate
naturally. |
| 18. The method of
using Tai Ji Quan is to seek straightness in the winding, gather it,
then thrust it out; in the changes and transformations if the opponent
does not move, I do not move; if the opponent moves even a little
bit, I have moved first. |
| 19. Concerning the
use of the hands and feet in Tai Ji Quan -- in extending do not extend
all the way; be relaxed but do not be limp; the strength may be broken
but the intent remains unbroken. |
