Below are some of the training principles the student will come across.

The 10 Essential points of Tai Chi Chuan:

1. 1. Emptying the thoughts and raising the head as if suspended from above.
2. 2. Hollowing the chest to raise the back.
3. 3. Loosening the waist.
4. 4. Distinguishing between substantial and insubstantial.
5. 5. Sinking the shoulder and weighting the elbows.
6. 6. Using the intention and not physical strength.
7. 7. Coordination of upper and lower body.
8. 8. Internal and external togetherness.
9. 9. Continuity without breakage.
10. 10. Seeking stillness within movement.

These are the profound methods within the Tai Chi form.

The Six Approaches of Tai Chi Chuan:

1. 1. Centrifugal and centripetal forces are the primary movers in the body.
2. 2. Rifling is the line of motion, Tai Chi’s “spiral” method; like a bullet shot from the barrel of a rifle.
3. 3. Strength in attack and defence comes from life and agility.
4. 4. Shifting the centre to generate power.
5. 5. Coiling to store and uncoiling to release is the strategy and weapon.
6. 6. Force towards the centre is the direction of attack.

The Thirteen Postures:

The thirteen postures are made up from the four sides and the four corners of a square, together with the five directions. This is also known as “the eight gates and five steps”.

The five directions in Tai Chi Chuan are:

1. 1. Advance
2. 2. Retreat
3. 3. Gaze left
4. 4. Gaze right
5. 5. Central equilibrium

The four sides in Tai Chi Chuan are:

(The four cardinal directions linked to the four sides of the square)

1. 1. Ward-Off
2. 2. Roll Back
3. 3. Press
4. 4. Push

This is also known as the primary hands in push hands training

The four corners in Tai Chi Chuan are:

(The four cardinal directions linked to the four corners of a square)

1. 1. Pull Down
2. 2. Split
3. 3. Elbow Stroke
4. 4. Shoulder Stroke

This is also known as the corner hands in push hands training