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Tai Chi Classroom
Strength
Strength must be applied throughout an exercise without
interruption, pause or abrupt change. This can be
done only when your movements are up to requirements
in terms of continuity, coordination and circularity.
As a rule, Tai Chi requires that all strength be generated
from the waist and legs and transmitted through the
arms and the hands and right up to the fingers. By
following this rule, a movement is performed by the
whole body with the waist as the axis.
While we emphasize the waist and legs as the generator
of strength, we do not mean we should overlook the
role of the upper limbs, which in Tai Chi is involved
in a greater variety of movements than other parts
of the body and which give concentrated expression
to the application of strength. In performing an outward
or inward rotation of the forearm, for instance, the
force should be slightly felt on the radial side of
the hand. In performing a forward push of the palm,
you should not only lower your wrist slightly, but
also try to guide the movement with the forefinger
or middle finger and imagine as if the strength is
carried right up to the tip of the fingers. Thus,
in spite of the constant change in movement, you never
cease putting forth strength at any instant. |
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