Wu Gongyi insight to T'ai Chi Ch'uan training

                                Raise Hands Posture at the Hile's ramp access in NSB
 

Traditional Tai Chi is not about achieving skill by simply being "relaxed" but rather about using the right force (Li), applying Li correctly, and engaging in proper expansion and contraction movements. The "square frame" utilizes a balanced and stable "internal Li (force)" to support and stretch the entire spine, joints, tendons, and muscles, promoting expansive and gentle large opening and large closing movements, as well as calm, balanced lifting and sinking. These movements gradually improve the body's functions and quality, increasing its strength and flexibility. One should coordinate the internal and external movements, maintaining a balance between tension and relaxation, connecting each section, and integrating it into the spine, allowing the "centralized internal strength (Zhong Ding Nei Jin)" to govern the whole body, resulting in an "elastic" body frame that can withstand pressure without collapsing even during dynamic movements.

Through continuous practice, under the condition that the internal strength (Nei Jin) does not become weak and the structure does not become loose, gradually reduce the force applied. Ensure that the posture and movement are completed with just the necessary amount of force, without using even a tiny bit of extra effort, allowing every posture and position, every movement and change of the entire body and individual parts to lay on the lightest point. Jin must come from "harmonize the upper and lower, mobilized of Shen-Qi"; the body should "appear relaxed but not loose (seems to relax but not relax), with both hardness and softness present." Only by reaching the state of "when hardness is needed, it is hard; when softness is required, it is soft; every movement is a skilled power (Gong), and attaining without thinking", can one truly master the essence of the "square frame."

Wu Gongyi

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