I’m a huge believer in the Dao, and by that, I mean that I believe that certain universal principles exist. And when you understand and work with those principles, you have the best chance of success. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons that I have devoted so much of my life to the study of tai chi. Tai Chi (or taijiquan if you want to be precise) is a martial arts system that embodies the philosophical concept of the yin and yang – or tai chi. The literal translation of tai chi is the “great extremes.” So tai chi as a martial art is inextricably connected to the belief that there are forces, that by nature, are polar opposites but that work together in a synergistic dance. In tai chi everything starts with the primary energies of “peng” (ward off) and “an” (pressing.)

I have adopted a new description of these two energies that I originally picked up from my good friend, Sam Masich. Sam calls “peng” supporting energy and “an” resting energy. Supporting energy works against gravity and gives us shape. Resting energy is the complementary opposite, it works with gravity. These energies work together because if you have supporting energy and you have no resting energy then everything just expands out and eventually dissipates. And resting energy without supporting energy is collapsing because it has no structure. It’s the dynamic balance, the correct ratio between supporting and resting energy that gives your movement the shape and the relaxation that makes tai chi tai chi.