TCC Movement Differences

This summer at the T’ai Chi Chih Teacher Conference I was asked to explain why a few of my movements differ from Justin’s. For those of you who weren’t there I’ll restate what was shared.

First, I want to emphasize: of primary importance in TCC practice is the functional flow of vital force, chi, directed through each movement.

If we are growing in this discipline, the ongoing refinement of our performance will access and accommodate chi’s expression progressively. Each time we enter practice we endeavor to experience an improving generation and circulation of chi within each movement, by sensing then adjusting, to invite its enhanced, less inhibited expression. This means being sensitively, attentively attuned to what we’re involved with and willing to be responsively flexible.

General Differences

The general, obvious differences between my movements and Justin’s are: 1) My postures are more openly expressive (not exaggerated), supported by broader, lower stances. This derives from personal preference based on body type, age and what feels best and most natural. 2) My movements are more slowly paced and uniformly even because I choose to apply traditional chi kung breath synchronization with each pattern.

Personal Training

In T’ai Chi Chih I am primarily self-taught. I spent part of one weekend with Jim Burns, Justin’s closest student at the time, after working with the T’ai Chi Chih textbook for several months. Jim helped clarify many movements I’d been unable to assimilate from the book. Next, I attended a teacher training course with Justin, which allowed me to sharpen my performance (surprisingly without correction during our week together). Immediately following the course I began active sharing of T’ai Chi Chih through public classes which has continued for nearly 20 years.

During my first few years as a teacher I often visited Justin’s teacher accreditation courses to renew and assist as a volunteer. Auditing these classes and working with new teachers was wonderful learning for which I’m most grateful. In ’81 I was asked to conduct my first teacher training course, and have endeavored to honor this role and Justin’s blessing by continually growing and serving as best I can.

In addition to my ongoing study of T’ai Chi Chih, I’ve been involved for periods with T’ai Chi Chuan and various chi kung sets, which share the same movement principles used in T’ai Chi Chih. Through substantive practice of Yang style T’ai Chi Ch’uan and my master’s confirming request that I become a teacher (which I declined), plus the in depth study of moving and stationary chi kung forms, I know the proper articulation of yin-yang movement principles as delineated in the “T’ai Chi Classics” and other reliable sources. My book, Perspectives in Motion and Stillness, offers explanations of key movement principles derived from personal experience through practice and experimentation.

Movement Refinements

Modifications of certain T’ai Chi Chih movements have developed in my practice, improving their functional efficiency and potency. These I have shared for years and are represented in their initial form on my videotape, filmed in ’87. Since then additional minor refinements have manifested, resulting in increased effectiveness, and of course this process continues.

These modifications accord perfectly with the yin-yang movement principles and it would be senseless to breach them. Anyone with sufficient understanding of these important principles will recognize they are faithfully embodied in each movement pattern. With confident humility I invite any who may be doubtful about the few movement refinements I’ve made, to examine and test them by moving as indicated, for verification. Again, these modifications naturally evolved through diligent, conscientious practice to better accommodate the potential chi flow within the context of these movement patterns. This isn’t only my testimony but the experiences of probably 90% of our teachers.

Movement Example

Pulling Taffy Variation “A”:

The original way to begin this movement is to drop down slightly, then turn from the waist while swinging the left arm back into position for the forward pull. To me this is disjointed.

I find it more efficient to begin the movement by turning from the waist while sinking, creating a spiraling down motion which leads directly into the forward pull. In this there is no wasted motion or discontinuity.

Also, the original forward foot position creates a semi-pigeon-toed stance which is traditionally classified as “chi stagnating” and mis-aligns the posture for me. I prefer using the standard front-to-back foot positioning though shortened to accommodate the anchored rear heel while shifting weight forward.

This is one example of how slight modifications can help to better facilitate the chi flow. The minor alterations which have manifested through my practice have been ‘suggested’ by the circulating vital force endeavoring to express in a less inhibited manner. I have simply done my best to feel and adjust to honor this direction, supported by my knowledge of movement principles.

Additional Comments

All credit for any accomplishments I may realize in T’ai Chi Chih rightfully go to Justin Stone. I acknowledge him as the inspired developer of this modern, specialized chi kung set and the firm foundation upon which we all stand in carrying this extraordinary life gift into the world. Thank you Justin for the opportunity to serve usefully in this life.

In my experience and opinion, T’ai Chi Chih is an evolving quantity which will continue to undergo constructive though minor alterations in form. Personally, through 20 years of practice, this has been the case.

I differ with those who assert that T’ai Chi Chih is a fixed quantity to be carried forward in time rightly, as a structured set of inalterable movements which must be conformed to without any allowance for possible refinement or improvement.

Finally, I want to assure everyone that I have no intention or interest in changing Justin Stone’s T’ai Chi Chih, though I do acknowledge that a few simple movement modifications have come through me to help enhance chi function. I am grateful for this and to Justin for trusting me to serve as his representative. Thank you for listening.

Love, Steve