Tai Chi
Ba Fa (The Eight Methods)
These are the eight essential energies or techniques used in Tai Chi. They represent different ways of applying and transforming internal energy (Qi) through movement.
掤:Ward Off,An expanding, uplifting energy that protects your center.
捋:Rollback,Yielding or redirecting an opponent’s force.
挤:Press,Applying forward pressure with balanced force.
按:Push,Using the body’s internal strength to project energy outward.
采:Pluck,Pulling or drawing in energy with control.
挒:Split,Dividing or spiraling energy to neutralize force.
肘:Elbow,Using short-range power from the body’s core.
靠:Shoulder,Applying close-body power or leaning energy.
Together, these eight energies form the core internal principles that guide all Tai Chi movements, whether soft or strong, yielding or advancing.
Wu Bu (The Five Steps)
The five fundamental stances or directions represent stability, mobility, and adaptability in movement.
进步:Step Forward,Advance energy or position.
退步:Step Backward,Retreat with control and balance.
左顾:Look to the Left,Awareness and movement to the left.
右盼:Gaze to the Right,Awareness and movement to the right.
中定:Central Equilibrium,Maintaining perfect balance and rooted stillness.
Ba Fa Wu Bu teaches Tai Chi practitioners to move in harmony — balancing Yin and Yang, stillness and motion, inner and outer strength.
Practice Tips
Move slowly, smoothly, and continuously — no breaks between postures.
Relax shoulders and hips, keep posture upright.
Let the waist lead all turning and hand motions.
Breathe naturally: inhale when opening, exhale when closing.
Emphasize mind-intent guiding the movement.