Small v Large Circle Tai Chi

SMALL V LARGE VIDEO 

Classical Tai Chi is Small Circle/Frame Tai Chi. I once asked my teacher: “Master Hwa, my own students have asked me why their Yang Style or Wu Style, Large Circle/Frame Tai Chi, could not integrate 'internal discipline' into their 'Large Circle' Tai Chi? He was very succinct and said, “No, it cannot because of the mechanics.”

I will explain the mechanics:

Classical Tai Chi emphasizes "Internal Discipline”, where movements originate from the internal core—the abdomen and back—rather than from the limbs, which distinguishes it from external/large circle styles of Tai Chi. 

This distinction is analogous to a tree swaying in the wind: In Classical Tai Chi, the movement comes from the trunk (core), causing the branches (limbs) to move as a result, whereas in external styles, the branches move independently, without a deep connection to the trunk.

In external styles, actions like pushing forward in “Brush Knee & Push” are initiated by the arm and shoulder, making the shoulder the junction of the segmented or yin-yang—essentially, an external movement. 

In contrast, Classical Tai Chi uses the abdomen and back to move the entire upper body, placing the yin-yang junction within the torso, which defines an internal movement. 

Similarly, when one takes any step in external Tai Chi, the reliance is always on the legs, and the hips provide a junction. When one takes a step in a (external) large circle, it is in a Large Frame. It is a large frame, which means a large step size. Internal Discipline will not work with large steps and arm movements. 

Classical Tai Chi delivers the mechanics that only the core of the body can offer. Taking any step is a mechanical asset controlled by the Torso. Internal discipline of the Torso (Core) provides energy to lift the pelvis. Movement of the pelvis is driven by the core lifting the pelvis, which then lifts the leg, keeping the upper body still and maintaining the junction in the lower torso. One could not take a larger step using those “mechanics” of the body.

This internal approach requires segmented movement—moving one part of the body while keeping another still—much like a pianist who moves one finger while maintaining the others relaxed, illustrating the importance of segmented motion. Ask yourself this question: How can you keep something still in the body when taking a large step that naturally moves the whole body? 

In fact, in speaking of the large circle, the Tai Chi Classics state that "when one part of the body moves, every part moves, and when one part is still, every part is still." My teacher told me “…the classics are considered holy writ yet they have some grievous errors…”.  The “…when one part moves, every part moves…” is one of those errors. 

Large Circle styles often employ the coinciding movement of several body parts. People move, even swing their arms in large arcs, while they push with their legs. This will hinder the flow of internal energy at the joints. 

In Classical Tai Chi, minimizing external motion allows internal energy to circulate unimpeded through the torso, enhancing both health and martial effectiveness.