1. Philosophical Foundation of Taiji
“太极者，无极而生，阴阳之母也。” (“Taiji arises from Wuji (the limitless) and is the mother of Yin and Yang.”)
Taiji originates from Wuji (the formless void) and serves as the source of Yin and Yang. The Taiji diagram symbolizes the mutual transformation and balance of these two opposing forces. The name “Taijiquan” (Supreme Ultimate Fist) reflects its circular, flowing movements and the harmonious interplay of softness and hardness.
“动之则分，静之则合。” (“In motion, it divides; in stillness, it unites.”)
Taiji is a dynamic unity—when in motion, Yin and Yang separate; when at rest, they merge. This embodies Taijiquan’s principle of dynamic equilibrium and adaptability.
2. Principles of Practice
“无过不及，随曲就伸。” (“Neither excess nor deficiency, yield and extend in response.”)
Movements should be precise, avoiding extremes. Practitioners must adapt flexibly to an opponent’s actions, yielding to force and extending when opportunities arise.
“虚领顶劲，气沉丹田。” (“Suspend the headtop as if lifted by a thread; sink the qi (vital energy) to the dantian (lower abdomen).”)
Maintain an upright posture with the head gently lifted, while grounding energy in the lower abdomen. This stabilizes the body and centers the mind.
“不偏不倚，忽隐忽现。” (“Neither leaning nor tilting; appearing and disappearing unpredictably.”)
The body remains balanced and upright, while movements shift seamlessly between emptiness and solidity, confounding opponents.
3. Combat Principles
“人刚我柔谓之走，我顺人背谓之粘。” (“When the opponent is hard, I become soft—this is ‘yielding’; when I harmonize, the opponent is destabilized—this is ‘adhering.’”)
Use softness to neutralize hardness, redirecting an opponent’s force to unbalance them. This is the core of Taijiquan’s “four ounces deflecting a thousand pounds.”
“动急则急应，动缓则缓随。” (“Respond swiftly to swift actions; follow leisurely to leisurely ones.”)
Adapt rhythmically to an opponent’s speed, embodying Taijiquan’s fluid responsiveness.
“一羽不能加，蝇虫不能落。” (“Not even a feather can be added, nor a fly can alight.”)
At advanced levels, sensitivity and control are so refined that even the slightest force is detected and neutralized.
4. Practical Guidance
“由著熟而渐悟懂劲，由懂劲而阶及神明。” (“From mastering form, one gradually comprehends jin (internal force); from comprehending jin, one ascends to spiritual clarity.”)
Progress occurs in three stages: refining external movements, understanding internal energy, and achieving effortless mastery through mind-body unity.
“立如平准，活似车轮。” (“Stand like a balanced scale; move like a turning wheel.”)
Maintain equilibrium while flowing dynamically, akin to a wheel’s seamless rotation.
“偏沉则随，双重则滞。” (“Partial sinking allows yielding; double-weightedness creates stagnation.”)
Avoid “double heaviness” (resisting force with force). Instead, harmonize Yin and Yang—yielding and adhering are inseparable.
Summary
The General Theory of Taijiquan integrates philosophy, practice, and combat strategy. It guides practitioners from mechanical skill to intuitive mastery, emphasizing balance, adaptability, and the unity of opposites. By internalizing these principles, one cultivates not only martial prowess but also a harmonious alignment of body, mind, and spirit.
(Note: Quoted texts are preserved in Chinese to retain their original cultural and philosophical nuance.)