High, Medium or Low Frame?

Each posture of traditional Taijiquan, whether low, medium or high, has its own strength and purpose. 

The purpose of a low frame is to train the muscles, bones and external appearance of the whole body in order to develop lower body capability - xiapangong.    The low frame stretches the muscles, extends the bones and exaggerates opening and closing...which in time increases the range of kua actions; strengthens the support capability of the legs; improves the flexibility of the waist and kua; enables the downward shift of the centre of gravity and the stabilisation of the lower plane. Throughout the process of developing  xiapangong pay strict attention to the specifications of the routine, eg. the hand positions for hand placements; the feet positions for footwork; the anatomical positions for the body method; and how to facilitate changes of directions.  This is the stage of “learning rules and training gongfu”.

The medium frame is the most common method of practice as Taijiquan progresses. The frame is conducive for whole body relaxation and sinking qi and to realise the light ethereal conversions between substantial and insubstantial. The focus of middle frame practice is on the whole body, seeking the three internal and external harmonies .  The mind/intention drives the movements of the body and the energetic conversions are no longer under the domination of the body’s strength.   Every part of the body is relaxed and pliant -  the waist-kua, knees-ankles, feet-hands, shoulders-elbows, head-neck, chest-back. Movements are completed alternately during the process of qi/jin sinking to the feet and then rising to the top, whilst striving to keep the centre light and natural. It is a perpetual cycle, with neither substantial or insubstantial taking precedence. Achieve skill through the comprehensive understanding of taijiquan principles through mastery of all relevant practice.   This is the stage of “abiding by the rule, compliance with the rule”.

The high frame practises qing-ling-yuan-huo - to be quick and skilful, flexible and smooth.  The goal is for every joint of the body to have a universal ball bearing that is capable of moving smoothly and efficiently. Each and every part of the body seems to have its individual autonomous control.   This stage of practice is almost exclusively internal with the cultivation of zhongding gongfu - central balance/stability- being the objective. Zhongding is considered the soul of the thirteen (all) potentials of Taijiquan and is highly regarded by long time practitioners.   Practice at this point is not to impress externally or being aesthetic. However possession of the skill renders the practitioner untouchable.  Movements are unpredictable and unfathomable and every part of the body is useable. This is the stage of “intangible ‘nothingness’”.