Characteristics of Tai Ji: 1. Softness, Gentleness, and Slowness As a martial art, Tai Ji emphasizes cultivating internal energies. It avoids use of external strength, especially awkward strength. It is soft and gentle. All movements should be carried on in a smooth, slow, and steady way. There is no allowance for any violent or jumping actions and sudden changes of rising and falling. At the conclusion of a performance, you may be dripping with sweat, but there will be no shortness or breath; you will not feel tired, but rather will feel relaxed and comfortable. Because of this, Tai Ji is considered to be an ideal keep-fit exercise suitable for anyone, regardless of age, sex or constitution, particularly for those in delicate health or with chronic diseases. However, it must be pointed out that Tai Ji looks soft, but there is hardness concealed inside the softness. It is often likened to "steel wrapped in cotton." 2. Continuity and Evenness Another cardinal characteristic of Tai Ji is its continuity and evenness. In spite of its complicated movements and changeful postures, Tai Ji demands practitioners perform it from the "Starting Posture" to the "Concluding Posture" in a continued and uninterrupted way, and at an even and unhurried speed, like floating clouds and flowing water, without any breaks or junctions between two movements or postures. 3. Circularity The third characteristic of Tai Ji is its circularity. Tai Ji distinguishes itself from other martial arts by its unique movements. It demands all movements of the upper limbs to go in circles, which may be plane or vertical, big or small, in an ellipse or a semicircle. So it is called a form of "round exercises." The reason why every movement contains a circle is that circular movements are conducive to healthy developments of the body's various parts, since they conform to the natural motion of the body's joints. Besides, it is said that, by adopting circular movements, one may neutralize or divert the force of a coming attack, and make the opponent lose the center of gravity. Therefore, when you are practicing, your arms, no matter in what direction they move, should always go in a round or arc-like way. They should never move along a straight line. The arms themselves are also required to bend a little, to be kept in an arc-shape. 4. Wholeness and Harmony The fourth characteristic is its wholeness and harmony. Once you begin practicing Tai Ji, your whole body, including all parts and internal organs, will immediately enter a moving state, and your torso and four limbs, as well as your mind and breath, are required to act in close coordination. At no time will your upper limbs be in action while the lower ones remain still, or vice versa. During the whole process of practice, your waist always plays a dominating role. The actions of your body pivot on your waist (strictly speaking, on the lumbar vertebra), that is the say, it is your waist that brings your arms, legs, and all other parts together into action. As your body changes direction and position, it will move without division, slowly and unceasingly until your performance comes to an end. --> back to start!