3d • General discussion
Core principals.
The Core Principles of Tai Chi According to Grandmaster Chen Xin (陈鑫)
Introduction:
Grandmaster Chen Xin (陈鑫, Chén Xīn), the author of "The Illustrated Book of Tai Chi Quan" (太极拳图说, Tàijíquán Túshuō), was instrumental in systematically documenting and explaining the theory of Chen-style Tai Chi (陈氏太极拳, Chénshì Tàijíquán). The following principles are distilled from his legacy.
1. The Mental Foundation: "The Mind is the Commander" (以心为主, Yǐ Xīn Wéi Zhǔ)
A Calm Mind, A Relaxed Body (心静身舒, Xīn Jìng Shēn Shū):
Begin from a state of stillness. Stand centered and upright, free from tension and distraction. The mind must be serene and peaceful for the body to respond with precision and agility. This is the state of Wuji (无极, Wújí)—the primordial state of undifferentiated chaos before Taiji emerges.
Use Intention, Not Brute Force (用意不用力, Yòng Yì Bù Yòng Lì):
Every action originates from conscious Intention (意, Yì), not from crude, muscular strength. As the classics say: "Use the mind to move the Qi... use the Qi to move the body" (以心行氣...以氣運身, Yǐ Xīn Xíng Qì... Yǐ Qì Yùn Shēn). True internal power (Jìn, 劲) flows naturally only when thought and movement are unified.
Maintain Central Equilibrium (守中, Shǒu Zhōng):
Balance is the root of stability. Always keep the body centered and upright; avoid leaning or tilting. This is the principle of Central Stability (中定, Zhōngdìng), one of the Eight Gates (八门, Bā Mén) of Tai Chi. Let the spirit remain peaceful, alert, and in harmony with the breath.
2. The Core Movement Principle: "Chan Si Jin" (缠丝劲, Chán Sī Jìn - Silk-Reeling Energy)
This is the living soul of Tai Chi—a spiraling energy that connects all movements into one continuous, flowing whole. Every motion of the hands, feet, or torso follows a circular, coiling path, like silk being drawn from a cocoon.
Types of Silk-Reeling Energy:
By Direction: Forward (进, Jìn), Backward (退, Tuì), Left (左, Zuǒ), Right (右, Yòu), Upward (上, Shàng), Downward (下, Xià).
By Nature:
Outward Coiling (顺缠丝, Shùn Chánsī): Rotating outward.
Inward Coiling (逆缠丝, Nì Chánsī): Rotating inward.
Large Coiling (大缠丝, Dà Chánsī): Large spirals (torso, arms).
Small Coiling (小缠丝, Xiǎo Chánsī): Small spirals (wrists, fingers).
Purpose:
To circulate Qi (气, Qì) and blood smoothly throughout the body.
To cultivate profound internal strength.
To make defensive and offensive actions effortless and efficient.
3. Essential Body Mechanics
Head (头, Tóu): Keep the head upright, as if gently suspended from the crown by a single thread—a concept known as "An Energy of Lightness and Alertness at the Crown" (虚灵顶劲, Xū Líng Dǐng Jìn). It should feel alert yet completely relaxed.
Shoulders (肩, Jiān): Sink the Shoulders (沉肩, Chén Jiān). They must be released downward, never lifted or stiffened.
Elbows (肘, Zhǒu): Droop the Elbows (坠肘, Zhuì Zhǒu). Elbows should always point downward, guarding the torso and channeling force correctly.
Chest & Back:
Chest (含胸, Hán Xiōng): Slightly drawn in and relaxed, allowing the Qi to sink to the Dantian (丹田, Dāntián).
Back (拔背, Bá Bèi): Should be naturally rounded, open, and "full," facilitating the circulation of Qi.
Waist (腰, Yāo): The "rudder" of the entire body. All movements are initiated and directed by the waist. It must be flexible, stable, and alive with energy.
Kua / Hips (胯, Kuà): Rounded and open, forming the body's pivotal point. Imagine sitting naturally on horseback—rooted yet agile.
Knees (膝, Xī): Always slightly bent and aligned with the toes. Avoid locking the joints; maintain dynamic, fluid stability.
4. Combat & Application
Tai Chi is the art of "using softness to overcome hardness" (以柔制刚, Yǐ Róu Zhì Gāng) and "using stillness to control motion" (以静制动, Yǐ Jìng Zhì Dòng). True mastery lies not in strength, but in sensitivity (Listening Jin, 听劲, Tīng Jìn) and precise timing.
The Principle of "Receive, Neutralize, Issue" (接-化-发, Jiē - Huà - Fā):
Receive (接, Jiē): Adhere and stick to the opponent's force without resistance. This is the skill of Connection Energy (执手劲, Zhí Shǒu Jìn).
Neutralize (化, Huà): Redirect and dissolve that force through circular, spiral movements, rendering it harmless.
Issue (发, Fā): Once you have control, release your internal energy (Issue Jin, 发劲, Fā Jìn) at the precise moment—swiftly and decisively.
These three phases flow seamlessly into one another, forming the essential combat rhythm of Tai Chi: a continuous cycle of sensing, neutralizing, and issuing power.
5. Practice & Mastery
Perseverance is Essential (练功必坚持, Liàngōng Bì Jiānchí):
"Practice the form a thousand times, and the spirit will naturally emerge" (练拳千遍，神拳自然, Liàn Quán Qiān Biàn, Shén Quán Zìrán). There are no shortcuts—only patient, diligent cultivation.
Slow and Attentive (慢练细悟, Màn Liàn Xì Wù):
Train slowly to meticulously refine your posture, timing, and internal coordination. Speed and power will arise naturally from this foundation of precision.
From Form to Formless (从有形到无形, Cóng Yǒuxíng Dào Wúxíng):
At the advanced stage, rigid structure dissolves into intuitive expression. The practitioner moves without conscious effort, reaching a state described as, "Learning without tiring, even skillful hands become empty" (学而不厌，巧手亦空)—where movement is so harmonious it leaves no trace.
Conclusion
For Chen Xin, Tai Chi was more than a martial discipline; it was a way to cultivate intelligence, awareness, and unity. It nurtures both body and spirit, guiding the practitioner toward harmony with nature and the self. Through continuous refinement, one transcends form to embody the true Dao (道, Dào) of Tai Chi: movement born of stillness, strength arising from softness, and the mind governing all.
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Core principals.
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