"Proper Alignment and Structure in Classical Tai Chi"
by 
Master Hwa correcting for proper structure and alignment. In the photos below, there is a correct structure with a straight line and there is an incorrect curved line.
"The
other topic discussed in great detail in this book is the body structure or alignment
in Tai Chi Form and ts applications. Proper body structure or alignment is essential to the mobilization and delivery of energy and qi flow. It is also
essential to maintain healthy joints in the body for the long haul. Therefore, some of these discussions
delve deep into the nitty-gritty of the movements not usually seen in other Tai Chi books which usually emphasize the ethereal aspects of Tai Chi.
I sense
there is an unspoken belief among modern Tai Chi practitioners that as long as
one has the right mental state, almost any movement is a Tai Chi movement. As a
result, infinite varieties of Tai Chi Forms sprout everywhere. Those early
Masters who developed Classical Tai Chi Form must have had in-depth knowledge about body
mechanics and its effect on joint health and energy transmission and generation
in the body. They meticulously incorporated their knowledge into every move in
the Tai Chi Form. After all, a bad posture will stop internal energy generation
and qi flow. No mental state or wishful thinking can overcome that.
That is the reason why I pay so much attention to the details of the movements
in the discussion.
The
material in this book is based on the teaching from my teacher Young Wabu, who
was a student of the legendary master Wu Chien Chuan. From the beginning, I was
attracted to Young's teaching not only for its impact on my body's well-being
but also for its logical, rational, and scientific approach. Fifty years of
studying this art is truly a road of discovery. I am constantly surprised by
discoveries of its benefits, its power, and its exquisite structure created by
Masters of the past.
At first
glance, it appears to be very complex, but gradually it becomes simpler because
every element in it, no matter how minor it is, follows certain rules, and these
rules form a logical structure with calculated, scientific reasoning behind it.
Every element is optimized toward two objectives; martial art applications and health benefits. As a
result, every element is tightly coupled with other elements even though they
may appear to be unrelated. The entire structure is rooted in Chinese philosophy.
It is truly a world heritage treasure."
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