On Movement and Stillness

The combination of movement and stillness in Taijiquan means that the combined practice of static fixed postures and dynamic form routine is necessary. The form routine is in itself divided into movement and stillness, conversion/transition movements being the dynamic phase and end postures being the resting phase. Every moving phase must be completed with a resting phase, which in turn influences and assists the moving phase.

Quiet static practice promotes the accuracy of mo...vements and improves the internal power. There are specific static exercises, such as standing pole, sitting meditation, or single posture or fixed posture training. But they are preconditions for dynamic training. Dynamic practice refers to the whole set of a routine or several combinations of movements. It improves the flexibility and connectivity of Taijiquan movements.

In Taijiquan there is stillness within movements and movement within stillness. It requires practitioners to possess the mental capability to accommodate the idea that only the ingenious combination of both will enable and improve the quality of movements and the skill level of Taijiquan.