Development of Tai Chi movement involves regular practice of simple exercise patterns working with gravity to encourage light, smooth body use. These exercises are derived from the work of many teachers over the last 400 years and are often associated with the form/s practiced by the teacher passing on these exercises. Tai Chi principles of relaxation, movement from the centre, and connectedness, should be considered at all times, unless one has a particular purpose such as in stretching, or for energy work (Chi Kung) or to develop body awareness through breathing.
It is worth noting that Chen style Tai Chi is often referred to as “hard / soft” and especially encourages the development of softness according to the Taoist Yin/Yang model. A half relaxed “sung” body state is referred to.
