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Centres
There are different centres to consider in the tai chi fighting method:
Vertical centre/axis
Physical centre/tan tien/centre of gravity
Literally: 'Suspended
from above'...
The vertical centre of your body is an
imaginary line which falls from the crown of the skull
down through the body to emerge between
genitals and anus, down to the ground.
It terminates at the front of the heel and directly affects
balance.
2. Physical centre
The physical centre of your body is located below the navel, inside the body
where it bisects the vertical axis.
All movements in tai chi must start from
the physical centre.
It is your centre of gravity.
In tai chi, the centre of gravity is moved closer
to the ground in order to stabilise the body and make it
stronger.
3. Centre of balance
The centre of balance
exists between your two feet.
It should always be beneath the torso.
If you over-extend, the centre of balance is
moved beyond the feet and you become
unstable.
The centre of balance moves relative to which leg is
primary at any given time.
If you are forward-weighted then it is nearer the lead leg, and if
rear-weighted it is near the rear leg.
4. Centreline
The centreline is an imaginary line right down the front of
your body.
This is where your zip would be if you wore a jacket.
Along this line are many vulnerable points.
Your tai chi structure is designed to protect
the centreline when moving.
5. Centre relative to an
opponent
When faced with one or more
opponents, it is essential to think in
terms of centre.
To strike you, the opponent must find your centre.
This is fundamental physics; a question of positioning and angles.
By moving your centre from where they are striking, you cannot easily be
hit.
The centres must be unified relative to the opponent.
By maintaining the vertical centre, moving
forwards and backwards, side-to-side, protecting the
centreline and originating all movement from the centre - you become an
evasive target.
Taking the centre
You must always attack your opponent's
centre.
De-stabilising this will prevent them from effectively countering.
Subtle pressure can take their balance.
Once off-balance, they become structurally weak.
Small circle
The ability to move from the
centre becomes more sophisticated as a student
progresses within tai chi.
Very subtle stepping and waist movement will allow
close quarters fighting to occur without any loss of
striking power.
The exercise known as 'pushing hands' can
train this ability if practiced softly.
Xingyiquan,
bagua,
tai chi and centre
It is said that
xingyiquan firms the centre, bagua
moves the centre, whilst tai chi
empties the centre. What does 'emptying the centre' mean?
An opponent should not be able to find or take your centre; it should
feel insubstantial to them.
Centering
An important feature of meditation is the
ability to remain 'centred'.
This means present, clear, grounded and alert.
Bring the attention to the physical centre.
Breathe.
This centred freedom-to-respond is
predicated on inhibiting the entire neuromuscular habit pattern associated
with conflict.
(Michael Gelb)
Page created
18 March 1997
Last updated
16 June 2023
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