How to Assume the Silk Reeling Stance in Tai Chi

The Tai Chi that we know today is actually a short form for the phrase Tai Chi Chuan. It is a very old form of a Chinese martial art whose founder is unknown. Because of its age, multiple schools of Tai Chi have inherited separate styles of the same martial art. It is what is called an internal martial art in that its movements are fluid and circular, seeming to flow rather than move. This is opposite from external martial arts which use direct and abrupt movements. Most people know Tai Chi as the slow movements people perform in parks and yards. These are actually the training forms of Tai Chi Chuan; the fighting style meant to be used in actual combat is much faster, though it is comprised of the training form moves. It is so prevalent because many people believe that practicing the training forms is effective in promoting good health and longevity. It's also effective as a form of mental focus or meditation. Here is a guide on how to assume the Silk Reeling Stance in Tai Chi

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Practice Space

1. Begin by widening your stance so that your heels are directly in line with the shoulders.
2. Turn your feet slightly outward so that your toes are pointing at a 45 degree angle from your body’s midline.
3. Place all portions of your foot on the ground; plant them. It may help to first attempt this barefoot as you can visually verify that the ball and heel of your foot ,as well as all of your toes, are pressed firmly into the ground.
4. Bend the knees slightly and lower your rump a few inches as if you were about to sit on an imaginary chair. Keep your back completely vertical and put the knuckles of your lightly balled fists on the sides of your hips. This is the Silk Reeling Stance and from here you go through all the forms of Silk Reeling Tai Chi in sequence.

Tips & Warnings

• Practicing in front of the mirror can help perfect your form. Keep in mind that many forms of Tai Chi exist and may use the same names for different moves. Silk Reeling is a Chin style part of Tai Chi Chuan in that it comes from the Chin province long before China was unified. It is called silk reeling in that it was adapted from the distinct movements required to pull strands of silk from silk worm cocoons during the early part of the silk-making process.