When I first learned Tai Chi it was taught the ‘square’ way – stopping and starting at various points.
Very mechanical, without circles.
Once I learned the Wu Style Tai Chi form the next step was to round it out i.e. make it more circular and continous.
One method that helps me to round out the form is to think of circles when practicing the form. I imagine my arms and legs following the outline of a circle.
For example, in Grasping The Bird’s Tail posture when I have my hands in the left corner position at eye level – I imagine my arms forming a circle. And at the same time as my arms move to the right I imagine my hands following the arc of a circle which is at eye level in front to me.
This gives me a more rounded feeling as I practice the form.
It doesn’t matter what style of Tai Chi you practice you can still use the circle technique to round out your form.
Why not have a go and let me know how it feels?
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