Vol 3, Issue 1/2001

The five Levels of Development in Taijiquan.
By Chen Xiaowang

Chen Xiaowang is the official lineage holder of the Chen Style Taijiquan. He describes five levels of development which are traditionally distinguished in this art. They mark the development over the years and decades of continuous practice, but only few people will be able to achieve all of them. Nevertheless it is inspiring to get an idea of the inherent potentials of Taijiquan. On the first level the forms are being learned and the correct movements are being practiced, in order to understand the inner and outer forces of the body. The outer movements will eventually lead the flow of the inner energy. On the second level, a stronger coordination of the energy flow and the movements, as well as an inside and outside union, will be achieved. An even and gentle flow of qi is developing within the body.
The following three levels will be described in the next issue.

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