Principles of movement to follow while practicing taijiquan are
1. Straighten the head while doing all of the movements. Gently lift from the crown so the body feels light.
2. Use the mind to direct the flow of the internal energy (The force of the chi flow) to move stagnate energy and or blockages in the meridian system. Release it by expressing it through the hands feet and skin. Do not use muscle power.
3. Focus on the importance of smooth flowing continuous movement while executing the forms.
4. Co-ordinate your breath with the upper and lower body and move with intent.
5. Be clear about your weight distribution in the solid and empty stance.

As you learn how to follow these principles while practicing Taijiquan, your skill in executing the forms will improve creating harmony wholeness balance and unification of the forms.

Philosophy of Taijiquan

‘Living in harmony with nature’ is the basic philosophy and fundamental belief of taijiquan. The ancient wisdom and knowledge found as one practices the forms are believed to be the primary principle of all things.

Creation and evolution
Tai ji is born of Wu-ji or the ultimate nothingness. This nothingness is the origin of dynamic and static states and the mother of yin and yang. If they move they separate. If they remain static they combine.

Yin and Yang symbolism
This symbol is in the form of a circle divided into light and dark aspects. This represents the yin (dark) and yang (light) concepts. These reflect opposite attributes such as yin female and yang male. Activity yang and inactivity yin. Softness yin and firmness yang. Positive yang and negative yin. Creative yin and destructive yang.

Integration
The yin yang diagram illustrates two opposites harmonized into one whole integrated and interrelated unit which represents a state of balance. Through the complimentary interaction of yin and yang spring the five elements of fire water earth wood and metal.

Taijiquan
The aim of the movements and energy found in taijiquan combine both relaxation and awareness in an interactive way to create wholeness harmony and a state of balance of the yin and yang energies.

Chinese philosophy in working out the proper combinations of yin and yang in taijiquan the student will find a guide in Confucianism (yang) and Taoism (yin) two of the major schools of Chinese philosophy.

1) Confucian philosophy based on the teachings of Confucius emphasizes moderation in all things and living according to set predetermined standards rules clear moral values and ethical behaviors that can be seen in the linear thinking of western and in the development of notions and proportions.
2) Taoist philosophy based on the teachings of Lao Tzu emphasizes the belief that continuous change is necessary for life. This makes any rigid standard for behavior inappropriate.