The Brush Knee video shows left and right
"Raise Hands" is only one example of a "right" side form, yet it, along with others, should be "mirrored" and learned on the "left" side.
Mirror Neuron/“Mirrored Form”
The Tai Chi Classics emphasize symmetry and balance in practice, often stating that what you know to the right, you must understand to the left. This principle is in performing Tai Chi forms and their mirror images, which equally train both sides of the body and promote balance.
The Tai Chi Classics have some good things that surprisingly fit well with Classical Tai Chi. In Tai Chi Classics, the phrase "What you know to the right, you must know to the left" means that to truly master a movement on one side of your body (right), you must also fully understand and be able to execute the same movement with equal skill on the opposite side (left), emphasizing more than a principle of balance and symmetry throughout the practice.
When we speak of a mirror image of the body, we must consider the mirror image of the mind.
A good example: Someone yawns, and you yawn because of "Mirror Neurons."
Mirror neurons play a significant role in learning Classical Tai Chi by facilitating the imitation and internalization of movements. These neurons activate both when observing and performing actions, allowing learners to create an internal representation of movements they see, which helps them copy and master them over time.
According to research, when you watch someone perform Tai Chi, mirror neurons in your brain fire as if you were performing the movements yourself. This process helps create new neural pathways that accurately copy the observed movements. For instance, infants often mimic the chewing actions of their parents, demonstrating the effectiveness of this learning mechanism.
Moreover, studies have shown that mirror neurons can be effectively stimulated through video recordings, allowing learners to slow down and repeat what they see. This is particularly useful for detailed and precise movements like those in Classical Tai Chi.
Your mirror neuron system becomes more active the more expert you are at an observed skill. For instance, I have a video of Master Hwa watching a student do the form, shall we say not so well. Master Hwa moves his body in sync as he stands to the side and just watches. And it looks like his body is telepathic in urging the student to do things correctly. To the extent that you relate in a fundamental sense to the act of balancing and moving forward, your mirror neurons will resonate. But that student's mirror system activity will pale next to that of an expert like Master Hwa watching the same.
Key points about this concept:
- Full awareness signifies the importance of focusing on one side of the body during practice and being fully aware of both sides simultaneously.
- Specific moves of Right Side: When performing "Right Side" Classical Tai Chi moves like "Brush Knee," "Fair Lady," etc., the right and left sides are both done. You are doing a basic mirror image.
- ANY MOVEMENT: That understanding of the "right" side movement means you must also understand how to perform the "left" OF ANY MOVEMENT, thus applying the mirror image in practice with the same fluidity and intention as your "Brush Knee," "Fair Lady," etc.
