”Although the changes are numerous, the principle that pervades them is only one.” – Classics
The Tai Chi Principle
Tai Chi (Taijiquan), like Taoist philosophy, is based on universal philosophical concept. This concept views the world as a dynamic relationship between two opposing forces – yin and yang, emptiness and fullness, retreat and replenishment, night and day. We call it the Tai Chi Principle.
The Tai Chi Principle is based on centuries of experience and observation of the people of China. With its help it is possible to analyze any phenomenon. In Tai Chi (Taijiquan), we consider the Tai Chi Principle to be a civil aspect. There is nothing martial about it, unless it is connected with the martial ideas, which are inseparable from Tai Chi (Taijiquan).
Analysis of the Tai Chi Principle
Tai Chi Principle contains of 3 points:
1) Point of retreat – yin
When in contact with an opponent, we retreat in a place where the opponent puts pressure on us. This will neutralize his force.
2) Point of advance – yang
Simultaneously we supplement the movement where the opponent’s pressure is missing.
3) Central point
At the same time, we find the center around which the retreat and replenishment points rotate.
Use of the Tai Chi Principle
The Tai Chi Principle is a constant dynamic process and change. The application of this principle in Tai Chi (Taijiquan) leads to martial changes derived from Shaolin ideas – eight positions of trigrams.
The Tai Chi Principle is practiced on several different levels, as described on the 2 videos below. The terminology mentioned in the videos was made by Robert Amacker and is typical only for schools connected with his name and teaching. On the third video you can see a very useful skill – following the center of the opponent and keeping the right distance with him (Connective Tai Chi).