The teacher of Tai Chi master Yang Luchan, the 14th generation of Chen family, “Changxing Gong”, said: “From familiarity with the moves, you will understand the power, and from understanding the power, you will reach the level of the spirit.”
1, Primary stage (familiarity with the moves):
The first stage is to practice the empty frame, practice the moves, and practice the standard.
Focus on the basic composition of appearance and technology, and gradually master the basic movements and skills of Tai Chi through learning and imitation.
Beginners need to focus on the basic aspects of body posture, hand techniques, footwork, eye techniques, etc. to ensure that each movement can be performed correctly.
This stage may take several months or longer to achieve the initial effect.
This includes removing the influence of stiffness and clumsy force and achieving the initial effect of relaxation and softness.
2, Intermediate stage (understanding the power):
The second stage is to understand the power, that is, to be empty above and solid below, soft outside and hard inside, and practice internal energy.
As the practice deepens, practitioners will enter this stage, at which time they can not only accurately perform Tai Chi movements, but also feel the inner power and rhythm behind the movements.
This stage emphasizes the understanding and mastery of the thirteen forms of Tai Chi, namely, sticking, swimming, connecting, following, leaping, dodging, folding, emptying, folding, folding, folding, folding, stroking, squeezing, pressing, and living, making the technique and internal strength training more fluent and natural.
Before this, the practitioner may feel that although the movements are done well, they lack an inner sense of strength and coherence.
3, Advanced stage (Shenming):
The third stage of kung fu is completely round and unified, with a combination of hardness and softness, and a combination of large and small circles.
The practitioners at this stage are those who have mastered the essence of Tai Chi, and their techniques and understanding have reached a new level.
At this stage, the practitioners pursue the flexibility and freedom of external movements, and the harmonious combination with internal strength.
This high level of skill is not just an external performance, but is integrated into the spirit and consciousness of the practitioner and becomes a natural habit.