Exploring Internal Energy and Structure: From Shoulder Stroke to Cloud Hands

In our recent Tai Chi class, we divided our time carefully between two essential sections of the form. The first part of the class focused on Section Two — specifically up to and including Shoulder Stroke, a powerful movement that demands clear internal connection and integration. The second part of the session was dedicated to working through the form up to and including Cloud Hands, where the body must remain open and fluid as the energy spirals and shifts direction.

By splitting the class this way, we were able to give more time and focus to each area, and more importantly, to the underlying principles that unify them. While the movements themselves may differ outwardly, what binds them internally is the continuous relationship of rising and sinking, expanding and condensing — what might be described simply as the up-and-down movement.

We spent a significant portion of the class exploring this energy dynamic. Although the up-and-down movement appears subtle, it plays a critical role in Tai Chi. When approached correctly, it provides the energetic link that connects the base to the torso, and the torso to the arms. It also prevents movement from becoming mechanical or disconnected.

Through gentle and attentive practice, students began to feel how this internal wave — the sinking and rising — is always present, even when the external form appears calm and smooth. When translated into the form, this movement gives life to the postures. For example, in Shoulder Stroke, it helps generate the feeling of the whole body supporting the issuing of force. In Cloud Hands, it allows the hands and arms to float and spiral without tension, guided from below rather than being controlled from above.

One of the challenges that emerged, however, is that recognising and embodying this up-and-down energy is not easy in the early stages. In the quiet of personal practice, many students have expressed uncertainty about whether they are moving correctly or accessing the correct internal pathways. To support this ongoing learning, I suggested the introduction of audio commentary recordings.

The idea behind these recordings is simple but practical. While practising at home, students will be able to listen to guided prompts that help direct attention to key aspects of the practice. These might include reminders to soften the shoulders, sink gently, release the hips, and connect through the feet — all of which reinforce the core teachings from our class. Having this kind of real-time guidance can provide a valuable reference point and prevent the common drift into habitual, unconscious movement.

Finally, I also confirmed that we will be offering Introductory Zoom sessions for those wishing to explore our Tai Chi classes. These will offer new or prospective students an accessible way to ask questions, understand the principles we work with, and get a feel for our approach before stepping into class. For many, this will be an ideal way to ease into the practice and begin their own journey into Tai Chi.

By focusing deeply on these sections of the form, and by supporting students both in and out of class with resources and personal connection, we continue to make this art more accessible and alive.