Upper Body Turning a Lesson

Example of  a Move Using Internal Discipline

Upper Body Turning a Lesson  a Video

(Reframed from Uncovering The Treasure: Classical Tai Chi's Path to Internal Energy & Health

by Stephen Hwa, Ph.D.)

This is submitted as a first lesson for students who are new to the art and as reference for all.

 

Turning the Upper Body

 

Try to stand two feet parallel to each other, about shoulder-width apart. Then, turn the body without moving the feet. Most people who have not been trained in classical Tai Chi will turn at the hip, carrying the torso with it, while the legs will twist following the hip.

 

This is a weak external move without much power, and the body structure has poor balance and stability. In Classical Tai Chi, the turning move is carried out at the waist using the power of the abdomen and back, while the pelvis and the legs essentially are not moving, providing a stable framework and grounding. When this move is done correctly, a strong internal energy flow in the waist region can be felt. This move is classified as a half-body body, upper half vs. lower half. The upper body is yang (moving), while the lower body is yin (not moving). The yin-yang junction is at the waist.

 

For the beginner, the difficulty lies in the mental discipline in which all attention has to be concentrated on the core region. Any attention on the shoulder and the turning move will be partially initiated from the shoulder. One can see whether or not the shoulder is involved by making the move in front of a mirror. When done correctly, there should be no sensation feedback from the shoulder and arm. The yang part of the body, i.e., upper chest, shoulder, and arm, is relaxed, just following the movement of the waist. 

On the other hand, the yin part of the body has some complex, small, and powerful moves. The portion of the core just above the pelvis, together with the buttocks, exerts a counter-twist to keep the pelvis stable.

In other words, the upper abdominal muscle turns in one direction, carrying the yang part of the body, while the lower abdominal muscle turns slightly in the other direction to stabilize the pelvis.