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The Seven Principles of Taiji Practice

Relaxation, Center, Concentration, Circle, Proportion, Balance, Coordination

Introduction

Master Henry Wang’s Seven Principles represent a distillation of over 45 years of dedicated practice and teaching. These principles transcend style and form, offering a universal framework for authentic taiji development. They guide us beyond merely making external shapes through unwarranted physical force (“Li”). Instead, they provide a genuine path to internal transformation, where the body becomes unified and qi flows naturally. We should seek to simultaneously embody these principles at all times. They are presented here in order of relative importance.

As Master Wang teaches: “You don’t need to know the (martial arts) applications. You just train to embody seven principles. The body then becomes unified and then all techniques become available”

Principle #1: Relaxation 

The Foundation of All Practice

Relaxation is not mere looseness—it is the sophisticated state of (松 Song), where structure is maintained while unnecessary tension dissolves. Think of a pine tree: the needles are loose and flexible, yet the tree maintains its center and integrity even in strong winds.

Levels of Relaxation Development

Beginning Level: Release obvious muscular tension in limbs and trunk 

Intermediate Level: Systematic release of each body part while maintaining structure

Advanced Level: Active relaxation that maintains function — “soft yet connected”

Key Insights

  • Qi flow uses mind, not muscle: True relaxation comes from mental stillness, not physical collapse
  • Breathing to the dantian: Relax the breath down to the lower dantian, creating internal spaciousness
  • Daily practice principle: Spend time each day simply learning to distinguish tension from relaxation

Principle #2: Center

The Source of All Movement

Initially, the Center is an imaginary line running through the crown, spine, and lower dantian to the feet. It is both the physical axis and the energetic core from which all authentic taiji movement originates.

Practical Application

  • Center turns first: While correctly rooted in the feet, before any weight shift, the center initiates the turning motion
  • Globe shape awareness: Maintain the sense of the whole body as a sphere with the dantian as its center
  • No leaning: The body remains upright. Never sacrifice center for reach or power

Internal Development

As you progress, learn to sense the center not just as a line, but as a three-dimensional field that expands and contracts with the breath and intention (“Yi”).

“Without Center, there can be no Balance. Without Balance, there can be no power.” – Master Wang

Principle #3: Concentration

The Union of Intention and Attention

True concentration in taiji involves yong yi (用意)—using the mind to watch the whole body and pay attention to all principles simultaneously.

Two Aspects of Concentration

Intention: What the body/mind plans to do, and 

Attention: Awareness of what the body/mind is actually doing

Advanced Understanding

While intention generally has the quality of projecting outward, attention primarily turns inward. It’s essential to make this distinction between these two mental qualities in practice. We use this meditative awareness to observe the whole body’s expression of the seven principles, not to force, compel or impose a particular outcome.

Practice Method

  • Begin by focusing on one principle at a time
  • Gradually expand awareness to include multiple principles
  • Eventually, all seven principles operate simultaneously under conscious observation

Principle #4: Circle

The Shape of Natural Power

Circles possess immense power because they have no beginning or end, no sharp angles to interrupt the flow of qi. In taiji, circular movement creates the internal spiral that conducts energy from earth to fingertips.

Development Stages

External Circles: Learning the obvious circular paths of hands and arms 

Internal Spirals: Developing the spiraling sensation throughout the torso 

Compressed Power: Advanced practitioners develop tight, efficient spirals that contain greater power

Principle #5: Proportion 

The Art of Harmonious Relationships

The body should resemble a globe or sphere, with proper relationships maintained between all parts. This principle governs the spatial and temporal relationships that create whole-body unity.

Initial Body Correspondences – The “Six Harmonies”

  • Right hand relates to left foot
  • Right elbow relates to left knee
  • Right shoulder relates to left hip

Internal Awareness of External Position (Proprioception) 

Proportion develops the ability to sense the position and movement of body parts in space (proprioception) in harmony with awareness of internal sensations and energetic states (interoception). In Taiji, these two kinds of awareness are not separate—they merge into a unified sense of the whole body moving as one. This sensitivity allows for the optimum flow of qi and maximum expression of internal power.

Principle #6: Balance

Physical and Mental Equilibrium

Balance operates on multiple levels: physical stability, mental composure, and energetic equilibrium. True balance in taiji means maintaining the central axis while remaining responsive to change.

Levels of Balance

Physical: Remaining upright without leaning away from center 

Mental: Maintaining calm awareness during movement 

Energetic: Harmonious integration of yin and yang qualities

Advanced Understanding

Balance is not static—it’s dynamic responsiveness. Like water that remains level while adapting to its container, taiji balance maintains equilibrium through constant micro-adjustments.

Principle #7: Coordination

Whole Body Unification

Coordination is typically the last principle to mature because it depends on the integration of all other principles. When truly achieved, the practitioner experiences the transition from complexity to simplicity.

Signs of Developing Coordination

  • Movement feels effortless despite being precise
  • The whole body moves as one unit
  • Internal and external movements are synchronized
  • Form practice becomes a moving meditation

The Ultimate Goal

“Your qi, your form, your body, and your mind become integrated.” This integration creates what Master Wang calls “whole body unification”—the hallmark of mature taiji practice.

The Path of Development

Three Stages of Understanding

  • Form Level: Learning external movements and basic principles 
  • Internal Level: Developing sensitivity to qi flow and energetic relationships
  • Unity Level: Effortless integration where principles operate automatically

Practice Guidance

  • “No shape” approach: Focus on principles rather than perfect form
  • Daily cultivation: Consistent practice develops the subtle sensitivities required
  • Patience with the process: True coordination takes years of dedicated practice

Beyond Technique

As your practice matures, you discover that taiji is not about becoming powerful—it’s about becoming natural. The principles guide you toward a state where bone and muscle become soft, yet when power is needed, all qi energy transfers to the point of application and becomes strength.

Integration in Daily Life

The Seven Principles extend beyond form practice into daily living. As Master Wang teaches, the goal is not martial prowess but health, longevity, and harmony in all relationships. When the principles become second nature, they create a foundation for authentic spiritual development and vibrant health that can support a life of 120 years.

“Challenge yourself, not other people. Use sensation, not strength.” – Master Wang

Conclusion

These seven principles offer a complete system for internal development. They are not merely technical guidelines but doorways to understanding the Dao through embodied practice. Each principle supports and reinforces the others, creating a web of awareness that transforms both body and mind.

Through patient, consistent practice guided by these principles, the ancient promise of taiji reveals itself: a unified being capable of moving with the effortless power of nature itself.