Slow Form, Small Circle Tai Chi

SLOW FORM, SMALL CIRCLE VIDEO

In the transcript of this video, Master Stephen Hwa said: “The difficulty of slowing down is that the movements and intention cannot have any break.” The word to describe this is “continuity” of movement, essential to promote internal energy and qi in the body. It is also interesting that he talks about the role of the practitioners back. Evidence of stretching and contraction on the back proves that internal energy and martial intention “Yi” is leading the movement.

I recall a World Tai Chi Day demonstration in Rochester, NY, in 2007. At that demonstration, our group of students demonstrated this slow form. There was very clear evidence of “stretching and contraction” on the back because our T-shirts were tucked in. Additionally, our group was facing away, and the large audience of people who watched could see our backs. As we did the form, Master Hwa pointed out this evidence to the audience.

Slower speeds: "Uncovering the Treasure, Classical Tai Chi's Path to Internal Energy and Health" on the Amazon website, p. 95: "When the playing speed slows, the movement's internal force level does not change. In other words, if you stop your internal movement midway, you will find that the internal force remains energized (it is almost like an isometric exercise). So, playing slowly gives you more time to sense and experiment with the details of the internal move. What is changing with slower speed is the slower circulation of the internal energy in the body. Eventually, one will have a diminished sense of circulating energy, or energy flow will become intermittent. That means the playing speed is too slow, which will probably happen when it is close to 20 minutes for the complete set."