Yi
Definition:
A mental process in Taijiquan expressed in two complementary ways:
- As a state—a condition of poised readiness that holds a body part—or the whole body—in a state receptive to movement in any direction.
- As a directive—a structured set of mental instructions （or commands） that guide muscles to Relax or engage, resulting in smooth, sequential movement.
Usage:
- As a state: “Maintaining Yi of Up and Sit can extend the upper body fully throughout movement.”
- As a directive: “One must apply Yi, rather than tighten muscles instinctively, to initiate and drive movement.”
Additional Notes:
The five foundational Yi—Up, Sit, Lead, Sink, and Hang—maintain specific areas of the body in a state of poised readiness. They may be applied individually or in combination to coordinate the body’s response to subtle changes in External Forces.
Taijiquan Framework 