" It is important to maintain the uprightness of the central axis of the body in order to maintain central equilibrium" Master Huang's Thirteen Questions and Answers

FINDING THE VERTICAL AXIS OF THE BODY

Gravity is the main force acting upon us constantly while we move, so align the whole body with this force to attain perfect balance or Central Equilibrium (Zhong Ding).

Find a line from the top of the head (Ba Hui Point) through the Tan Tien and perinium to the centre of the foot and rotate, making sure the muscles and joints loosen to facilitate movement around the line without distorting it.

Turn the hips like a well oiled wheel, waist relaxed and centre directing the movement.

The body should be completely free moving (not double weighted). Any leaning will cause lines of tightening to radiate through the body, inhibiting movement. Therefore being thoroughly relaxed is only possible if perfectly balanced.

The axis can be divided into three main parts: in the legs the knees don't sway, i.e. the hips joints open and close; the lower back is relaxed and hangs straight down; and the upper back and neck are relaxed and straightened by suspending the head top and tucking the chin slightly.

Defects in the vertical axis come about from incorrect posture, incorrect movement patterns and long term internal tension.

Three common faults with the vertical axis are: leaning; not keeping the axis centred; or tilting the hips.

Three important connections from the central axis are:
1. The arms (centrifugal and centripetal force and the translation of movement from the hips)
2. Spirals from the hip through the legs to step, kick or draw the foot in and;
3. The connection down to the ground of the central axis, due to the muscles relaxing along the lines of alignment, that pinpoints exactly where the centre of gravity is in relation to the ground.

The pinpointed central axis should only move in a straight line from foot to foot. Other than that, it only rotates like a revolving door along this track.

There should be no movement in the body (to catch your balance) when stepping ie. be perfectly balanced over one foot, the other leg completely relaxed.

The hips should feel supported by the legs like a boat on water, completely free to move with the top of the head as the boat's mast.

The central axis should be refined to become 'as fine as a needle'.

The main principles of Tai Chi practice are:

* Releasing *
* Vertical balance *
* Moving from the centre *
* Listening *