The 6 Stages of Learning Chen Tai Chi - Part 2 of 3

From the beginning, Chen Tai Chi has been divided into 6 Essential Stages of Learning. This post is a follow-up to Learning Stages 1 and 2. If you've not yet read about the first two stages, you may want to do so before continuing to read here.

Learning Essentials - Stage 3

The third stage of learning Chen Tai Chi is known as nie jiazi —"Molding the Frame". At this point, one is very familiar with the routine's sequences and fundamental Tai Chi principles. He/she is feeling comfortable with the motions and movements. Now is the time the instructor emphasizes the nuances and details of every movement and posture. For example, maybe the shoulders aren't completely relaxed, or the weight distribution on the feet isn't quite right. Perhaps the elbows are too high, or the back is arched. Together, the student and teacher fine-tune all movements by placing various parts of the body into their correct positions, thus "molding the frame".

Learning Essentials - Stage 4

The fourth stage (shun jiazi) is "Smoothing Out the Frame". It can also be thought of as "Making the Form Fluid". With body postures and positions more accurate, now the emphasis shifts to whole body refinement. Training focuses on making sure the entire body is in sync and smooth. This means, whether moving slowly or quickly, postures and transitions are performed with the same fluid quality throughout an entire Tai Chi routine.

On To Stages 5 & 6

Continue on to Part 3 if you'd like to know about the final Tai Chi learning stages,
Stages 5 and 6. Also, here are:
Part 1 and Part 2