TAI CHI DRILL: Root, Up
video
CMC 37 Postures Tai Chi Form, 5-lb weights in each hand, Root/Up drill, front view - 4/15/15 (Spring)
Throughout this drill, whether I hold 5 pound weights in each hand, or not
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFFvBXWf74Q
I repeat only these two words while doing the entire Cheng Man-ch’ing 37 Postures Tai Chi Form:
- ROOT
- UP
When I think ROOT my eyes look down approximately 15 feet in front of me. At this moment, I am dropping my weight through one supporting foot, establishing a firm base. My abdomen expands downward, pressing the sole of my weighted foot deeper into the earth. The 5-lb weights move closer toward my center.
In another video, I use the words “Look Down, Look Straight Ahead”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nskiVXYurng
In this drill, I equate the “Down” beat with the moment of ROOTING - - when my weighted foot establishes a firm base, so all of my body weight can be...