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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.
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