WHY MOVINg in CIRCLES is important in Tai Chi
USING circles, spirals and elliptical pathways to enable us to move with less effort.
In learning Tai Chi we gradually discover how to move from the straight and narrow, to the more circular path.
This can be a challenge for beginners who are used to directions that prioritise moving in straight lines. Even those that have practised other, perhaps more harder martial arts may have learned that the most efficient move is the shorter one. But in Tai Chi this is not the way. By looking for the circular, we remain more fluid and adaptable.
This may sound vague and wishy-washy, but its roots can be found in the exercises that show us how to move in a simple fashion, using circles, spirals and elliptical pathways that enable us to move with less effort.
So, today, you will learn two simple exercises to help you explore and develop your sense of circular movement (or spirals) in Tai Chi.
What is Spiral Energy?
The energy of a Spiral can be found within our DNA, within the expression of a galaxy or the shape of a lightbulb. And that should be a clue, to take with a pinch of salt the claims by many in Tai Chi that the use of spiral energy is something bordering on the mystic. More often than not, this is just a fanciful demonstrations of structure and compliant students rather than a special energy force generated by secret practices.
Spiral movements simply prioritise actions that are curved rather than angular and they prefer to utilise the opening and closing of the joints in sequence rather than all together. In effect you get something that resembles a snapping force, like that of a whip as opposed to that of a hammer or a stick.
Irrespective of style, temple, cult of the personality of satin suit, you can work on sequencing your joint action by taking things slowly and adding movements one by one, until you feel comfortable with the technique.
HOW TO PRACTICE TAI CHI SPIRALS
Take a look at the two video snippets below showing some of the spiral workouts we practice. The two sessions can be found as part of the Single Whip Workshop featured in the Complete Tai Chi Course.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
Why not try these other exercises - on balance, movement and breath
There are over a hundred sessions that explore all aspects of Tai Chi in the 12 month Complete Tai Chi Course.
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