Well, although you may see practitioners in all styles, not hold to the vertical axis in all postures, does not mean that maintaining a perfectly vertically aligned spine is not a guiding bedrock Tai Chi principle. It is. This is one of the gateways into internal art. Without feeling suspended from above, the external frame will not be able to relax and allow the internal to be free to respond.
Another way to translate "do not lean or incline" in the classic, considering its actual context, is "do not be partial or biased". The whole "vertical axis" thing is a result of a bit of text taken out of context by lower level students who never had the chance to be corrected by an actual master.
"Vertical axis" isn't a Taijiquan principle. Some people think it is, but the 5 families; Chen, Yang, Wu, Wu/Hao and Sun, don't. All of them incline in various directions during their traditional forms.
I agree with the second comment. Tung was one of Yang Cheng Fu's top disciple's, a formidable fighter. He developed the Tung Fast Form, a blend of Yang and the old WU/Hao form Tung began with. In the old days of Yang it was well known for it's martial ability and Tung one the best. There was a mattress or something similar to break the falls of all those slamming into the wall in push hands.
Well, although you may see practitioners in all styles, not hold to the vertical axis in all postures, does not mean that maintaining a perfectly vertically aligned spine is not a guiding bedrock Tai Chi principle. It is. This is one of the gateways into internal art. Without feeling suspended from above, the external frame will not be able to relax and allow the internal to be free to respond.
daveygrokit 11 months ago
"Straight spine" is a good principle, though.
Another way to translate "do not lean or incline" in the classic, considering its actual context, is "do not be partial or biased". The whole "vertical axis" thing is a result of a bit of text taken out of context by lower level students who never had the chance to be corrected by an actual master.
Loyaute 4 years ago
"Vertical axis" isn't a Taijiquan principle. Some people think it is, but the 5 families; Chen, Yang, Wu, Wu/Hao and Sun, don't. All of them incline in various directions during their traditional forms.
This is a good video.
Loyaute 4 years ago
I agree with the second comment. Tung was one of Yang Cheng Fu's top disciple's, a formidable fighter. He developed the Tung Fast Form, a blend of Yang and the old WU/Hao form Tung began with. In the old days of Yang it was well known for it's martial ability and Tung one the best. There was a mattress or something similar to break the falls of all those slamming into the wall in push hands.
Circlesof8 5 years ago
sorry, not impressed. Violates several taichi principles especially maintaining vertical axis.
bobagee 5 years ago
i dont know if you understand what you are talking about friend
drdankness 5 years ago