The 10 Commandments of the Tai Chi Exercise


  1. Assume basic posture - conscious of centreline, alignment of waist, limbs and head

  2. Be conscious of coordination of body parts in movements: 1. the basis, 2. central and 3. leading body parts

  3. Move from the ground basis, conscious of gravity and balance.

  4. Be aware of the changing of yin and yang, forceful and empty, in feet and body parts

  5. Emphasise centrifugal power in rounded, curved movements

  6. Proceed in a steady flow

  7. Mark beginnings and ends of each meaningful movement

  8. Coordinate movements and breathing so that you breathe out when you make a forceful movement and breathe lightly into your stomach between these bursts

  9. Be meditatively sensitive even to the air/wind and nature around you

  10. Relax and enjoy without need of achievement, give yourself time