Tai Chi Unveiled: Tai Chi’s Core Elements and How Tai Chi Differs from Western Exercise

With Alan Bandes, Stephan Berwick, and Jon Miller

After teaching Tai Chi for over 47 years, one truth remains constant: the art reveals deeper layers of understanding with each passing year. Recently, during our “Tai Chi Unveiled” workshop series, we shared key insights that we believe are essential for both beginners and advanced practitioners.

The most fundamental misconception we encounter is viewing Tai Chi solely through its flowing movements. While beautiful, this external flow emerges only after mastering precise structural principles. Everything begins from the lower body – the dan tian – while maintaining upper body relaxation. As Stephan emphasizes, “Tai Chi is not about the flow. It is a mastery of a variety of still postures and your ability to move in and out of them with complete stability.”

Our approach at Chi Force focuses first on proper body mechanics. Your shoulders must align with your hips, your elbows with your knees. This precise structural alignment isn’t just for form – it enables qi to flow properly through the meridians, enhancing both health and martial applications.

The health benefits we’ve witnessed are remarkable. Alan tells his doctors when they ask about falls at his age: “I don’t fall.” This stability comes from decades of practicing proper body coordination. But beyond physical benefits, Tai Chi engages what Western medicine calls the parasympathetic nervous system – promoting relaxation while maintaining active awareness.

For beginners, we emphasize “being a selfish learner.” Don’t just mirror movements – internalize them. Feel how energy moves from your center. Through patient practice, you’ll discover what we mean when we say “trust your root.”

We continue learning and teaching because Tai Chi offers endless depth. As Jon notes, even after 20 years he primarily practices fundamentals taught in his first lesson. This humble dedication to basics while maintaining openness to deeper understanding – that’s the true heart of Tai Chi.

Through Chi Force and our workshop series, we strive to illuminate these principles that have transformed our lives and the lives of countless students. Whether you’re 20 or 80, the journey of Tai Chi offers continuous growth, improved health, and deeper self-awareness.