Taiji deals with the interplay of Yin-Yang, the basic essential qualitative
duality of existence: soft-hard, yielding-firmness, insubstantial-substantial,
female-male, etc. Physically, Taiji trains one to move continuously alternating
between opening and closing the body driven by relaxed internal strength (the
unique optimal and sophisticated use of the ground strength in opening and
whole-body connectedness augmenting gravity in closing). Most styles of
Taiji are characterized by training the unique form of strength and
sophisticated tactics of Taiji through slow, continuous movements connected
together in a long form. In some styles practitioners
occasionally practice short, explosive, yet relaxed movements releasing
startling power (i.e., fajin). Beginners in Taiji may start with static standing
practice, followed by individual simple movements (termed Silk Reeling Exercises
or Chan Szu Chin), empty hand and weapons form practice and push
hands training with a partner.
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