Page 34 - Simplifying T'ai Chi Rev3 2017

Chapter 9 How To Achieve Posture & Movement 69

Simple Weight Shift

The following descriptions refer to the picture above:

Basic Rooted Stance (picture inset 1)
This is a T'ai Chi stance where the weight is distributed evenly on both feet.
Examples include the basic standing stance described on page 65, and the start
stance for most forms and Qi Gong, commonly referred to as the Horse Stance.
In most styles of T'ai Chi and Qi Gong the feet point at an outward angle with legs
slightly apart when in the basic stance. The knees soften and point over the toes.
The upper body aligns downward as if suspended by a piece of string with the
pelvis slightly forward as if you are partially sitting on a fence or high stool.
In the Yang Horse Stance the knees soften more and the feet are further apart - as
if you are riding a horse. It is essential however, that the knees remain over the feet
so that the wider that the legs are apart, the lower the body will get. (Imagine a
large box between your feet and knees keeping both of the lower legs vertical.)
In Sun style the feet are placed closer together with heels almost touching making
the overall stance higher. You must still remember to keep the feet at an angle
though (toes pointing outwards slightly), to allow the legs to soften as you shift
weight, whilst still retaining correct knee/toe alignment.

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