The first thing we think of when we hear open/close is probably a door, a cupboard or some other object. Unless, of course, you are a Tai Chi (or Chinese martial arts) practitioner.
Perhaps that’s why so many new, or newer, students perform open/close by just opening and closing their arms (or legs). In SUN, for example, they open their arms and close their arms. There, that’s done! Did they consider a “hinge”? Doors have hinges! Unfortunately, they start off on the wrong foot (figuratively) and miss the entire point or nuance of this powerful posture. Hopefully, their observant and understanding instructor, corrects the posture and helps them to experience and appreciate what open/close is all about.
We looked at Open/Close in a blog about 6 months ago but it bears repeating. It is a very important concept/principle that shouldn’t be glossed over. Interestingly, most (if not all) Chinese martial arts have some type of open/close movement. Some of these other Chinese arts contain movements that open and close with the purpose of producing focused power. Others use open/close postures to produce power from waist or shoulder turning actions. This where Tai Chi (Chuan) differs.
Tai Chi is unique in that it has repeating patterns of opening and closing the body. This is fundamental in all Tai Chi forms. We are constantly opening and closing in a cycle similar to Yin and Yang in harmony. This is one of the aspects that makes Tai Chi, Tai Chi. Yin and Yang interplay during the sequence of postures and movements of hands and feet.
The question is: As a practitioner are you aware of the constant opening and closing? Close is stillness, open is motion. It is very beneficial to stop and take the time to focus on opening and closing as you go about practicing form. You will be surprised how different it, and you, will feel!
You must, however, be relaxed and focused on what you’re doing and what it feels like inside your body. Don’t let your mind wander. If that happens, be sure to bring your attention and focus back.
Most important principle: Yang opens/Yin Closes
How Open/Close is done varies depending on the posture, your instructor, family form being taught, lineage of that form, and more. However, it’s always a contracting and expanding movement.
When your body opens, your Qi closes and vice versa! When your body opens, you exhale. When it closes, you inhale. Your “extending/expanding and contracting” causes you to build abundant energy. Isn’t that why you are practicing Tai Chi ? Well, perhaps you have other reasons as well. But this should be at least one of the reasons.
So why are we moving our arms out in Sun Style Open/Close?
The “point of origin” in your body is at your lower Dantian - otherwise known as your center! You move in and out from the center. Movements don’t use muscles or any tension. Hands and arms should not be loose and floppy and nor extend well beyond the shoulders.
Let’s consider Open/Close in the Sun family form: Here’s what most students find the confusing part (that you may think of as counterintuitive): you inhale and open your arms but you are closing your body. When you exhale you bring your hands/arms closer you are opening your body. That means you are opening your shoulder blade and pelvic joints away from your body. At the same time, your “elbow pit” becomes larger (opening) and smaller (closing) alternately.
When you exhale and open the body, the Qi condenses and sinks in. When you inhale and close the body, your Qi disperses in the movement. This is true for most, if not all Tai Chi forms.
How to have a strong open/close movement.
Be sure you are rooted and your stance is strong. Your shoulder becomes a pivot point (like a hinge) for your arm to move/swing out. And, it goes without saying, your mind’s intent is what influences the motions.
Open/Close in Sun Style Tai Chi - here is one of many available on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LRD-2aYE9s
What about Yang Style Open/Close?
Open/Close in Yang is usually called “preparation - begin Tai Chi” or something similar. Although much different looking from SUN’s Open/Close, this movement (and the rest of the movement in the forms), still consist of expanding and contracting. We still move in and out from the center (Dantian).
Here’s a good interpretation of opening and closing at the beginning of Yang.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyAN4MC0XBY
Bottom line: Expanding and contracting is the essence of Tai Chi (Chuan). I encourage you to focus on opening and closing (expanding and contracting) with every posture and see what happens!
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