Tai Chi Stances for meditation.

Opening Stances of Tai Chi – Kai Tai Chi

These stances are so simple that the untrained may not even recognize them as Tai Chi. Many practitioners overlook them because they have minimal arm usage, yet it is because of this simplicity that one may meditate in the body without the distraction.

Another reason these postures are overlooked is that they require a substantial “investment in loss” that is time spend training that doesn’t make you physically stronger per se, at least not in the way that you would be spending the same amount of time in a low stance or pushing hands. Fang Song is the main requirement of these postures, and the body does not let got of deep seated tensions without a focused practice.

The good news is these postures are easy to learn and train if you put the time in. They are found in the Kai Tai Chi / 開太極 / Kāi Tài Jí / Opening Tai Chi – sequence of most styles. Consistent, relaxed practice of these postures is the most important foundations for genuine progress in Tai Chi.

These stances are not meant to be mastered, they improve your tai chi but are also improved by your tai chi, if that makes sense. So a good approach is to hold each posture for only five minutes. The gradual approach helps instill letting go and correct alignment while avoiding the reinforcement of tension and misalignment. As your practice deepens, gradually extend the holds—working toward 15 to 20 minutes to complete the Kai Tai Chi sequence. After this becomes regular you will naturally extend the sessions as much as needed.