Yang Chengfu's Essential Points of Tai Chi
The 10 Essential Points of Tai Chi
Yang Chengfu (1883–1936) was one of the best known teachers of Yang-style Tai Chi. He helped develop the art into its modern form.
His "Ten Essential Points" of Yang style Tai Chi have been much discussed, and re-translated. Here's one version in the graphic, and slightly different one with a link to the teacher's interpretation below:
1 虛靈頂勁 Empty, lively energy lifts the crown
2 含胸拔背 Sink the chest, raise the back
3 鬆腰 Relax the waist
4 分虛實 Distinguish full and empty
5 沉肩墜肘 Sink shoulders, drop elbows
6 用意不用力 Use intention, not force
7 上下相隨 Upper and lower follow each other
8 內外相合 Internal and external united
9 相連不斷 Continuous and unbroken
10 動中求靜 Seek stillness within movement
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