“Although the changes are numerous, the principle that pervades them is only one.“ – Classics
The Taiji principle
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 Taiji principle.
The Taiji 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 Taijiquan, we consider the Taiji principle to be a civil aspect. There is nothing martial about it, unless it is connected with the martial ideas, which are inseparable from Taijiquan.
Analysis of the Taiji principle
- This animation is in Czech language. If people will be interested in Interplay training , this animation will be done with English voice-over.
Taiji 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 Taiji principle
The Taiji principle is a constant dynamic process and change. The application of this principle in Taijiquan lead to martial changes derived from Shaolin ideas – eight positions of trigrams.
In Taijiquan the Taiji principle is practiced on several different levels. Here on the video you can see a very useful skill – following the center of the opponent and keeping the right distance with him. This particular skill is one of the most important in learning this set. Other levels of the Taiji principle are explained in Interplay training.