
There are two facets of Yang style Taiji that I think are genius. The first, every movement being coordinated with the breath and the second, all movements are performed at an even, slow speed. The benefits of these two factors are immense. But one thing that Yang Taiji lacks are silk reeling exercises. In Chen Taiji much emphasis is placed on these exercises, which helps the practitioner get in touch with the dāntián and learn to move and generate power from it. The dāntián is the area located below the belly button and is an energy center, sometimes referred to as the “sea of qi(chi)”.
In Yang Taiji, it is harder for practitioners to learn to move from the core and generate chi from the dāntián.
One of the best ways I’ve found to begin feeling the movement in the dāntián is by practicing stationary cloud hands, yún shǒu. Standing in a comfortable horse stance, relax into the circular arm movements, allowing the body to move the arms. Your weight shifts from one leg to the other and your upper body turns slightly to the right and then to the left. Allow your breath to be natural and unforced. As you settle into the slow rhythm of the movements, become aware of the dāntián area. Feel how the dāntián perfectly generates each movement. Chi is not only sent out into the arms, but simultaneously down the legs in perfect harmony for proper execution. When the right arm goes down and the left arm goes up, there is a turning in the dāntián. Hold your attention on the dāntián throughout the exercise. With persistent practice you will begin to feel the dāntián in other Taiji movements throughout the form. Practicing cloud Hands for just a few minutes each day with the focus on moving from the dāntián will significantly improve your Taiji.
In Yang Taiji, it is harder for practitioners to learn to move from the core and generate chi from the dāntián.
One of the best ways I’ve found to begin feeling the movement in the dāntián is by practicing stationary cloud hands, yún shǒu. Standing in a comfortable horse stance, relax into the circular arm movements, allowing the body to move the arms. Your weight shifts from one leg to the other and your upper body turns slightly to the right and then to the left. Allow your breath to be natural and unforced. As you settle into the slow rhythm of the movements, become aware of the dāntián area. Feel how the dāntián perfectly generates each movement. Chi is not only sent out into the arms, but simultaneously down the legs in perfect harmony for proper execution. When the right arm goes down and the left arm goes up, there is a turning in the dāntián. Hold your attention on the dāntián throughout the exercise. With persistent practice you will begin to feel the dāntián in other Taiji movements throughout the form. Practicing cloud Hands for just a few minutes each day with the focus on moving from the dāntián will significantly improve your Taiji.