I've noticed, in reading effortless combat throws and watching the trailer to tim's sun taiji dvds and other videos, that he uses slightly different posture to the ones traditionally seen in IMA. Unless i am mistaken, this posture seems to keep the spine in it's natural S shape and has some other differences.

Could tim or someone else knowledgable about the subject share why he decded to change the mechanics? Or if my judgement is just off.

Thanks

Hi Miles,

We just discussed this topic again recently (look for "Tailbone Tuck in Taiji, Bagua, Taiwan, Mainland?" under the "Taijiquan" topic).

I didn't change any mechanics, different teachers of mine had somewhat different ideas on what they viewed as "correct" alignment, I pressure tested everything I learned then chose what worked best. Not surprisingly, using the body in harmony with it's natural design worked best.

Body mechanics is something that internal martial artists obssess over. I like the school of thought that says figure it out for yourself. Trying to fit one mold wont work for everyone.

The internal guys I used to train with advocated pushing out the Ming men which straightened the lumbar curve. The problem is they never sparred and just circle walked. So they never pressure tested their body alignment.

Thanks, the replies are much appreciated. I'll read that thread.