Internal Principles (deepening steps in the form)

After learning the fundamental movements, the student begins the training of the deepening structures. Like a sculptor, the practioner is working on a more and more clear form whose foundation is the spiral. 

Every deepening step means a correcture of the form on a higher level. More relaxation will come and a feeling of cheerful calmness.  

Six Internal Principles

Yin-Yang-Form

The form gets a structure. Yin-Yang is the fundamental principle in the taoism. Yin and Yang should always be in balance. Ying means breathing in, Yang means breathing out. We learn to combine the movement with the breathing.

Chi-Form

The spiral is a living principle in nature, arm movements in spirals support the floating of chi in the energy channels of the body.

Moving the Center

We learn how to use the energy and at the same time, physically, we learn how to use the center of the body the "dan tien". It is located 2 inches below the nable. Center move means to combine the arm spiral with the movement of the center.

Leg Spiral

The leg-spiral opens the knees. Now the chi can sink to the feet. The body feels much more centered and rooted.

Neck Spiral

Neck spiral means a subtle movement of the neck to combine the movement of the head with the arm spiral. Now the energy can go up to the highest point of the head: "the door of heaven". The energy structure from feet to head is completed .

Internal Breath

The sixth and last deepening step is the internal breathing. This is a special form of breathing and the most advanced way of practicing Tai Chi. Before practising the internal breath, all other deepening steps should already be mastered. Using the internal breath supports the awareness of the body followed by quick and more powerful actions.