The three stages of learning Taijiquan

Beginners - Mould the right shape (xing)

1.  Grasp the sequence of movements.  Be clear what the arms and legs are doing; where the start and end points of each movement are; lay down the correct movement habit.

2.  Observe the core postural requirements.  Carry out the basic requirements in all movements: an insubstantial strength holding up the head; sink the shoulders and drop the elbows; contain the chest and stretch the back; loosen the waist and fold down the buttocks.

3.  Be accurate with footwork.  The human body is likened to a tree, the feet are the roots, the body is the trunk and the arms are the branches and leaves. Correct foot placements and footwork is the entry point to stability and agility.

Intermediate - Understand jin (cultivated controlled strength)

1. Differentiate the fundamental jin: soft and hard, substantial and insubstantial, round supportive strength and whole integrated strength.

2. Remember the duality of yin and yang. Within the different aspects of jin, soft/hard, dynamic/static, insubstantial/substantial, store and release, seek a dialectical unity within the contradictions, and gradually and naturally achieve the right degree of harmony.

3. Understand the 'reeling silk' mode of movements.  Movements are continuous and uninterrupted; during changes and conversions the rotational movements ensure connection and smoothness; each action is linked to the next; the posture changes but the jin continues, until whole integrated jin is achieved.

Advanced - Sync with intention (yi).  Move the spirit (shen).

1.While training shape (xing) and strength (jin) pay attention that the inner gongfu is also improving. Mainly in purpose, disposition, countenance, etc. Cultivate and improve these higher and deeper levels of effort, so that yi guides the qi and qi spurs on the jin. Xing, jin, yi and qi become one.

2. Practise how to use intention to move the spirit, to make imagery become reality.  The spirit should habitually register every move and every posture, concentrating attention on all aspects. Use the eyes to express the intention and spirit. In accordance with the content of each action, sometimes “the hand leads the eyes” and other times “the eyes lead the hand”.

3.Skill is reflected in heightened focus and concentration emphasising both internal and external aspects, the unity of both body and the spirit.

From entry to intermediate and finally into the advanced stage, the three stages are interrelated and mutually reinforcing.