Opening and closing are not the same as expanding and contracting. Opening and closing describe physical movements that we can see, such as opening the arms or bringing them closer together. Expansion, on the other hand, involves internal changes within the body. In some movements we OPEN our arms, as in Slant Flying, White Crane Spreads Its Wings, or Repulse Monkey. In others, we CLOSE by bringing the arms closer together, as in Ward Off, Hands Strums the Lute, Lift Hands, or Brush Knee....

Most tai chi students eventually ask the question: “If I am supposed to relax and not use muscular force, then where does power come from?” The answer is neither simple nor straightforward because many factors contribute to internal power. However, one of the most important is the sinking of the elbows. Most students sink their elbows but not deeply enough to establish a strong connection to the legs, and as a result they unconsciously resort to muscular force. In this article we will explore...

The concept of "give and take" is familiar to everyone. However, most may not realize how vital this relationship is to the process of continued survival. Giving and receiving is a universal law expressing the physical manifestation of the principle of yin and yang. Receiving embodies yin, giving expresses yang. If there is not a mutual relationship between giving and receiving, things cannot exist. Absolutely everything as we know it embodies this law. When giving and receiving are...