China Arts Association

1. Upright but comfortable, with no leaning to one side. Just, without bias

The movements of Zhang Style Tai Ji are executed with a balanced frame, with no leaning to either side, unobstructed flow of the blood and concentration of the consciousness, governing by the mind. Therefore, Zhang Style Tai Ji requires a balanced attitude for the movements, and the pursuit of balance during the execution of the movement.

2. Taut back, empty chest, relaxed shoulders slightly stretched forward

A taut back and empty chest can increase the elasticity of the movements of the limbs throughout the execution of the form. At the same time, it enables the central weight to go downwards, increasing the stability of the stance, thereby developing flexibility in movement, and ease in attack and defence.

Relaxed shoulders, slightly stretched forward, enables the shoulder joints to become flexible, while also increasing speed and nimbleness. With relaxed shoulders the stretching forward of the shoulders increase the length of the arms, which are relaxed, soft and long, thus increasing their attacking speed, while at the same time, movements are extended, and enlarged, with a graceful posture.

3. Use the wrists to turn the shoulders, use the ankles to turn the knees

Zhang Style Tai Ji is based on the concept “As soon as you move there is nothing that does not move”. That is, during a movement the whole body is moving, the whole body emits force, with concentrated coordination. Therefore, every movement is the coordination of using the wrists to turn the shoulders, and the ankles to turn the knees. A movement of a hand does not just entail that the hand moves- the movement must come from the shoulder, the waist, the knees, the ankles, and ultimately, the Dantian. This principle is fundamental to Tai Ji practice.

4. The hands higher than the elbow, the knee never extends further than the foot

While practicing Zhang style Tai Ji, the hands are never below the elbows. Only by ensuring this, can the movement of the hands be consistently flexible. The knee never extending further than the foot ensures a balanced posture, flexible shifting of the centralised weight, and ease of change in foot and legwork.

5. The sinking of Qi into the Dantian, and the internal turning of the Dantian

The relationship between movement and breathing in general uses the movement to stimulate the breathing. According to the requirement of the movement, the breathing is altered, and in this sense, breathing is used to service the need of the movement. Breathing is used for achieving a certain effect during attack, and Zhang style Tai Ji does not rely on one particular type of breathing for the movements; one type of breathing limits the progress of the movements. Therefore, the technique of the movement determines the type of breathing, maintaining flexibility for change. Using just one type of breathing when making a skilled attack is not realistic, indeed, it is pointless.

The breathing in Zhang style Tai Ji can be divided into: rise, gather and sink. The most general usage is as such; while breathing in, the stomach button is forced slightly inwards, and while breathing out the stomach is forced outwards, using the external movement to aid the breathing process. If qi is directed straight down, then it is the sinking of Qi into the dantian, while if the qi is forced to twist in the stomach it is the internal turning of the dantian. The sinking of Qi into the dantian in Zhang style Tai Ji is achieved when the practitioner focuses on the qi as it is turning, and through a specific sinking of the posture is able to force the qi into the dantian in an almost direct manner. The sinking of Qi into the dantian improves the stability of posture and balance of upright stance, causing the body and qi to both be in sync. Prolonged practice results in the stomach muscles and internal organs being strengthened, higher levels of internal stored qi, an empty top with a solid bottom , and prolonged life. The internal turning of the dantian followed by the sinking of qi increases the force of attack, and causes the emitted force to be in a mixed state, therefore, increasing the effectiveness of the attack.

6. Change comes from the waist; the circular twist ideal

The changes of movement in Zhang style Tai Ji are dictated by the waist, which is like the circular motion of an axle of a car. Therefore, changes of movements of the hands and body are also circular, with the movement being completed in the progress of the arc that makes up the circle. As a result, the movements are extremely flexible to change. Zhang style Tai Ji splits the body into three main parts, upper, middle, and lower, with the waist as the middle part, acting as a pivot/axis. It is only with a relaxed waist that consistent speed of change can be attained.

7. Footwork and legwork : two become one

Zhang style Tai Ji, apart from maintaining the original footwork of traditional Tai Ji, has also assimilated aspects of the footwork and techniques of Xing Yi, Ba Gua, and San Da , merging them to create an ingenious series of movements, which are not only flexible but also highly practical in application. Regardless of whether it is a kicking step, advancing step, low stance, or jumping, each one is an implied attack mechanism. For example, an advancing step implies the sharp movement of the knee upwards, a retreating step implies the stamping of the foot (on the opponent’s) and so on. Therefore, the footwork of Zhang style Tai Ji is in fact legwork, and the legwork is in fact footwork; there is no obvious distinction between the two.

8. A stable external physique, a solid internal spirit

The birth of Zhang style Tai Ji is based on the research of the relationship between external and internal: externally solid, calm and sincere, as stable as Mount Taishan; internally calm and composed, while cultivating clean qi. The stable external physique is necessary for lightness and speed, while maintaining a feeling of tranquillity, and a solid internal spirit means the ability to control the flow of qi, which is used for the unity of the external and internal. Zhang style Tai Ji is a combination of will and form, a fighting form based on the unity of internal and external; the two are inseparable, and no bias should be placed on any one in particular.

9. The will moves the qi, do not refrain from using force

Zhang style Tai Ji believes that “the heart issues the order, and qi moves the flag.” The order is issued and the flag moves, as soon as the mind thinks, the qi moves. Qi follows the will. This is known as will moving qi, because qi serves the movement, and is used to increase the effectiveness of the attack, and the will and qi are interconnected and cannot be separated. Consciousness is the primary controller of action, and is used to control the breathing, the movement of limbs, and arrange breathing and movement in a sequenced order. In one aspect, consciousness controls the qi, and qi is used to move the body, with power stemming from the qi, causing the movement of the body. In another, consciousness controls the movement of the body, using regulated movement for external change to stimulate the corresponding breathing, causing consciousness, qi and will to unite as one, resulting in the state whereby “consciousness directs the body, the body guides the qi and the will moves the qi, and the qi moves the body,” creating a harmonious ideal.

Zhang style Tai Ji is based on technique and therefore does not refrain from using force. However, it never uses force rashly and clearly distinguishes when, and when not to use it. Under the principle of the entire body being relaxed, the minimum amount of force is used to execute the regulated movement, storing force for when it is really needed. Thus, the force is economised and used rationally.

10. Moving is like being still, and being still is like moving

Zhang style Tai Ji applies the concept of “moving is like being still” in the following way:

a. Even though the body is moving, the mind and spirit should be as still and tranquil.
b. Although there are numerous changes of movement, full of twists and turns, and winding jumps, the movement of the body should also be made in balanced equilibrium.
c. Changes of movement should also be made with a tranquil attitude.

Zhang style Tai Ji applies the concept of “being still is like moving” in the following way:

a. Although the body is still, the mind is moving.
b. When dealing with enemies, one waits for the right opportunity, and as soon as contact is made, the stored power is released.
c. Being still is for preparing to move.

In conclusion, Zhang style Tai Ji is based on the foundation of being a fighting skill, and this basic principle should not be forgotten when practicing the style.