Up and Out - Down and In

The practice and study of Tai Chi and its related philosophies is far more a process of creativity than a process of logic; yet it begins as a concentration (or meditation) upon body mechanics.

Each and every posture in the Tai Chi form is in fact and of course a Chuan or Martial application . In turn, every posture may be applied as offensive or defensive.

Therefore, each are both and may only really be defined by whichever postures proceeds or follows - either. Ultimately there are no separate postures and each simply flow from and to each other as one - in accord.

This philosophical principle may be properly understood only through experience, diligent practice and meticulous attention to detail; the coordination of all bodily movement from head to toe, inward and outward, up and down. Concentration (or meditation) upon body mechanics is paramount.

All Tai Chi forms always begin with an investigation into Upwards and Downwards in the broadest sense as 'Attention' to 'Preparation'.

There then follows opportunity for further investigation in the form of Beginning - when the legs "sink" and "the arms are raised".

These three are the last 'symmetrical' postures in the whole form and from this point on the arms and legs (both of each) continually 'shift' from upwards, downward, inward, outward, full and empty.