Tai Chi Search Center Principles: Coordination

Walking naturally is the example given: right foot steps forward, left hand hangs back to counter balance. Timing is the key factor: both movements occur simultaneously.

The flowing appearance of T’ai Chi movement comes from timing, the coordination of the parts of the body that are moving into the posture. Timing is about the mind controlling the movement. Uhlmann’s example is of the cat catching the mouse: in it’s mind the job is done. The cat’s center is on the mouse and all movements are coordinated by the mind. The mind has already caught the mouse..the body follows. Uhlmann also says that coordination regulates speed of the movement: even. Master Wang suggests “extension” as the result of coordiantion: the movements reach towards infinity. The discussion of mind intention strongly suggests that one underststand the meaning of each of the postures: what is the intention? What am I trying to accomplish with my partner? Others have suggested trying to deveop a sense of “enemy”. These ideas flow naturally, or at least logically

Recommended Practice: Study the martial applications for the postures: know what the INTENTION of the movement is, and understand how the body must move in order to deliver the maximum energy. Practice (gently) with a partner. Practice the form, visualizing yourself walking in space: attempting to do work on the surface of the space shuttle. Since there is no gravity, there is no “down”, if there is no down, there is no “up”, in order to remain on the surface, and not go hurtling off into space, each movement must be carefully coordinated with any others, in order not to overdo and push away from the ship, or to spin off by turning or reaching incorrectly.