 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. |
|||
