The Three Pillars of Tai Chi

Tai Chi is often seen as just slow movement, but behind each movement lies a method for training the body, mind, and energy. The three pillars describe how this is done.

1. Centralising Chi

The first pillar is about bringing chi back to the centre, the dantian. This is trained through qigong. Every class begins here.

You stand like a tree. You breathe into your belly. You sink into the ground. The mind focuses on the dantian. The body relaxes. Chi starts to settle.

With steady practice, it grounds you. It strengthens and centres both body and mind. Even with a little practice, you will feel the difference.

The benefits go beyond health. This is where internal power begins to form.

2. Circulating Chi

Once chi is settled, it needs to move. The Tai Chi form does this. The body becomes one continuous motion, relaxed and connected.

Each movement links to the next, flowing in spirals. The mind stays quiet. The body is free of tension.

Chi follows this harmony and begins to move with your intention. As it circulates, the inner state deepens. Something changes. Something grows.

This is stillness within movement and movement within stillness.

3. Applying Chi

The third pillar is applying chi through contact. This is where understanding is tested through touch.

Partner work such as push hands, posture testing, and martial application trains awareness and sensitivity. It teaches how to meet energy without resistance, how to yield without losing structure.

This is gau sau, the exchange of hands. A shared practice where both partners refine movement, alignment, and timing.

It is through touch understanding grows.

The three pillars support one practice. All practice returns to stillness. From stillness, everything moves.

Written 3rd November 2025