Internet-based Lessons
Chen Family style Tai Chi Chuan - beginners
 
Note these are NOT my personal feet. They are, in fact, a woman's feet. And yes, the callus
on the outside of the right foot (left edge of the photo) is a concern.
In standing, even more so than in sitting, one focus is the midpoint of the line between the two
Kidney 1 points. What you want to do once you are standing up is (without moving your shoes
very much, if at all) is slightly (like maybe a quarter of an inch) rotate both feet outward so there
is just a little tension. At the same time, rotate both heels inward about a quarter inch as well. 
Somewhat like screwing your feet into the ground (right foot clockwise; left foot counterclockwise).
You can visualize this as there being a string between the two Kidney 1 points and you have
tightened it a little. No tension should pass the ankles: we don't want to distort the knees or thighs.
Up to the mouth: do not clench the teeth and relax the cheek muscles. Touch the tip of the tongue
lightly to the edge of the palate. In Western medicine known as the incisive foramen or anterior
palatine foramen. About a half inch behind the two top incisor teeth right where the slope changes
Next up: the alignment of the three points
Prior lesson
Next lesson

To return to the Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan Beginners Internet Lessons page click here
To return to the Internet Lessons page click here
To return to the home page click here