The source movement of Tai Chi
The main focus of Tai Chi Chuan practice is to train the "dang" (crotch area). Especially in Zhao Bao Tai Chi Chuan, the dang is the key to internal strength. Whether Tai Chi Chuan is lively or not depends on the operation of the dang. If the dang is not flexible, the movements will inevitably be sluggish. The dang and hips are the secrets of Tai Chi Chuan. This so-called "heavenly mechanism" refers to the key points of mystery, and all movements and changes rely on this. Without understanding this secret, it is difficult to achieve Tai Chi skills. Therefore, practicing Zhao Bao Tai Chi Chuan primarily involves training the dang. The dang is the key to the heavenly mechanism. Without the operation of the dang, Zhao Bao Tai Chi Chuan does not exist, highlighting its importance. To inspire those who practice Tai Chi Chuan, I emphasize cloning Tai Chi, even cloning the intricate details of a Tai Chi master's form, to understand how to operate the dang and control the whole body's movements with precision. In Tai Chi Chuan, the dang plays a leading role, and its operation is hard to express in words. In the past, teachers used the analogy of puppet theater to explain the role of the dang and hips in Tai Chi Chuan. Puppet theater is performed with hands; without hands, there is no performance. This metaphor aptly captures the importance of "using the dang instead of the hands" in Tai Chi Chuan. Practicing Zhao Bao Tai Chi Chuan requires understanding how to "operate the dang," and Tai Chi master Zheng's method is extremely subtle, appearing as if it is not there. The higher the skill, the smaller the movement circles, making the changes imperceptible, which keeps the opponent unaware of one's depth and variability.