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Mental Training
Anxiety and nerves often plague otherwise top-notch athletes in competition, leading to tense muscles and reduced flexibility. One of tai chi’s goals, as a martial art, is to eliminate muscle tension and promote a relaxed mind devoid of emotional noise through the practice of sung (鬆) of the mind and body throughout the form. This allows the tai chi warrior to focus on technique and strategy during battle. It can help the athlete conquer the battleground of competition.
Movement Kinetics
Internal power (nei jing, 內勁) is the skill of generating power from the earth, moving it through the body and transferring it out to an opponent. The skill requires proper alignment of body structures and good timing and coordination of body parts, to ensure efficient and effective transmission of force along the kinetic chain. Learning internal power through the tai chi forms allows the athlete to explore and understand movement kinetics through both slow gentle movements and fast, explosive movements. Advanced tai chi skills can help athletes hone their movement skills for improved power and grace.
Explicit Knowledge
It is possible for athletes to achieve a high level of skill using an implicit knowledge of how to move. For many athletes, an explicit knowledge of movement technique can help correct deficiencies and develop superior movement. Even those with great implicit knowledge can benefit from explicitly understanding movement principles.