The concept of relaxation in Tai Chi Chuan is one of the most misleading, for those of us raised in the west the word relaxation generally conjures up a lack of effort, a sitting down with a cup of tea by the TV feeling, ( passive relaxation) this is totally wrong for Tai Chi practice (active relaxation).  In the term Song we have the idea of the un-drawn bowstring, the musical string tuned to its correct pitch, but not yet plucked.
This implies a certain tone but not an excessive tension, softness without floppiness. For many the difficulty lies in identifying how much tension is too much? And how much is too little, It is simple to define but harder to practice.

The position of the body in the finishing posture of each technique is defined, precise, and purposeful. It will require muscles and tendons to work to support the posture (Tone) and others to relax in order to allow the limbs and back to extend (Softness) thus we have our Yin and Yang, relaxation with purpose.

Whilst this practice is often applied to the whole form, this is perhaps a little demanding for the beginner. Instead consider beginning Ding Shi with a posture you know well, Wu Chi perhaps, or the finishing posture of Grasping birds tail. As your ability to relax and maintain the correct shape increases, you can practice for longer, gradually working up to more demanding postures, Single whip, Seven stars, or even Step back to beat the tiger..
Next post I will give a detailed description of how to begin incorporating Ding Shi in your practice.
Until then enjoy your training! Keith

Wu Dang Tai Chi Chuan is amongst the few traditional systems with a formalised teaching form. In the Wu tradition, the square forms are taught first, and then the round form is developed from there. The square forms are far more than just a teaching aide or methodology, consistent practice will bring to light the beauty of the form and in particular its effectiveness as a form of Qigong. In this practice we have the opportunity to slow down our movements whilst still driving from the waist, there is time to observe the way that weight is transferred, the angle and changes of feet, hips hands and shoulders, their coordination and more. Of course all of this is possible simply by slowing down your performance of round form, however it is in the square forms that we can best practice Ding Shi.

Ding Shi allows us to develop in particular our ability to hold a posture whilst learning to relax, to achieve the state of Song (Sung) wherein we exhibit no excessive tension, and no deficiency of tone.

In the next post I will talk about achieving the state of ‘sung’ in Ding Shi and general form practice.
                                                       
                                                                    Until next time, may your thoughts be happy
                                                                                                                    Keith