If you've not yet read first two posts in the series, you'll find them at the links listed above.
Learning Essentials - Stage 5
Only when the fourth stage is mastered does one move on to the fifth stage—"Examining the Frame" (pan jiazi). In this stage, by way of careful observation and study, the student more thoroughly apprehends and implements the finest details of every aspect of a routine.
(Examples: making certain A. each movement, transition, and body position is correctly counterbalanced in all directions, B. the entire body performs in unison, C. the lower body stays strong while the upper body stays light, etc.)
Learning Essentials - Stage 6
The sixth stage is known as cia jiazi or “Dismantling the Frame”. This is the point at which the student begins to learn the martial arts applications of the moves he/she has mastered. One movement at a time, the various defensive uses within the already familiar Tai Chi form are revealed and practiced. In this stage, though there is no actual opponent, one practices as if an opponent is present.
Summing It Up
The intention of The 6 Stages of Learning is to deliver consistent yet progressively more detailed messages to the brain, body, and nervous system; these messages result in muscle memory and the ability to control the flow of internal energy. Movements become smooth, strong, flexible, comfortable and, importantly, instinctive.
The beauty and skill of Tai Chi become a natural part of who you are!
The Six Stages of Learning Chen Tai Chi series consists of
Part 1, Part 2, and Part 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
From its beginning, Chen Tai Chi has been divided into 6 Essential Stages of Learning.
Each stage lays the necessary groundwork for the stages to come.
Learning Essentials - Stage 1
The Tai Chi student's first stage of learning is called "Learning the Frame" (xue jiazi). "Frame" is the term used for the compliation of movements that make up a Tai Chi routine. In stage one, teaching and learning focus on the shape and the sequence of movements. How to correctly perform fundamental elements of Tai Chi is also practiced, such as relaxed posture, grounded stances, fluid transitioning, and smoothly walking forward, backward, and side-to-side.
Learning Essentials - Stage 2
After having "Learned the Frame" for some time, the second stage takes place. Stage two is known as "Practicing the Frame" (lien jiazi). While incorporating all of the fundamentals of the first stage, the form and sequence of movements are practiced until the student feels extremely familiar with them.
Stages 3 and 4...? 5 and 6...?
The Six Stages of Learning Chen Tai Chi series consists of
Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3
This post is the third in a 3-part series that also covers 
