According to the boxing theory of Tai Chi predecessors, the three practices and three non-practices mentioned in the training rules are to practice the theory but not the strength, practice the essence but not the mark, and practice the body but not the moves.
1, Practice the theory but not the strength
“The theory” is the reason and principle of Tai Chi. Tai Chi practices the great way, that is, the principle that the yang produces the yin and the yin produces the yang in the transformation of yin and yang in Tai Chi. Tai Chi contains softness in hardness and hardness in softness, and hardness and softness complement each other; the extreme emptiness produces the real, the extreme reality produces the empty, and the virtual and the real are transformed. Through the practice of mental concentration, guiding the qi with the mind, moving the body with the qi, and following the mind to the qi and the form, one can achieve full movement, the whole body follows, and the inside and the outside are in harmony. When practicing, follow the rules and go with the flow, and don’t rush for success. Strength training refers to practicing qi strength. Although this kind of practice can train local strength to a great extent, this kind of strength is clumsy and rigid, lacking spirituality, and is not adopted by Tai Chi practitioners.
2, Practice the root, not the symptoms
“Root” refers to the origin, the root, that is, the kidney’s vital energy and lower body kung fu. The kidney stores the original yin and yang, which is the innate root and the source of qi. If the kidney qi is sufficient, the five internal organs can be nourished, and the liver, heart, spleen, lungs, and kidneys can perform their duties, so they can be energetic, strong, responsive, and coordinated. The fullness of internal qi is one of the origins. The second is that on the basis of relaxation of the whole body, the qi is absorbed into the dantian and sinks into the spring, so that the upper body is agile, the middle body is active, the lower body is stable, and it takes root on the ground. “Symptoms” refers to the local practice method with the main purpose of practicing the strength and hardness of various parts of the body. Tai Chi is an internal martial art that cultivates both inside and outside, focusing on practicing internal cultivation, “cultivating the roots and moistening the source”, “cultivating the roots will make the branches and leaves flourish, moistening the source will make the veins grow.”
3, Practice the body, not the moves
Practicing the body means practicing the overall skills, and the moves are the offensive and defensive meanings of each movement. People who are new to Tai Chi often like to understand the usage of each move and posture. If you only explain and understand the usage and connotation of Tai Chi from the perspective of moves and postures, you will not be able to get the essence of Tai Chi. Practicing Tai Chi requires a process of becoming familiar with routines, correct movements, and getting rid of stiffness and seeking softness, so that the whole body can follow, the inside and outside can be combined, the internal energy is full and full, and the skills are practiced on the body. Tai Chi is mainly to train one’s overall skills. When facing an enemy, according to the objective situation, one should sacrifice oneself and follow others, adapt to the situation, and not stick to one move or one posture. When the internal energy is full, the whole body is like a ball filled with air, responding to any sensation, and being able to strike wherever it touches.