Often, Tai Chi forms are described as 'Cucumber Pole,' discussing how to learn to root oneself firmly.

When we study Tai Chi for a while, we combine our action learning to meet the requirements of boxing theory, thus experiencing and cultivating various body abilities.

Tai Chi emphasizes 'stepping like a cat walking', 'rooting into the earth'. Some students have seen the master's practice of lightness and stability, but more people are still at the level of concept. It is difficult for them to find a way to learn, or even feel stuck, or encounter various understandings and practical problems. Some students' boxing is even evaluated by the teacher as 'cucumber pole'. What is 'cucumber pole'? It refers to instability, cannot be touched, once touched, it will fall down, the feet have no roots.

We don't need to understand 'rooting into the earth' by simply observing trees and mountains. We should look at the deep roots of big trees and the legs of towering mountains. Seeing the roots of big trees and the legs of mountains teaches us the principle of 'deep and thorough rooting'.

Compared with mountains, mountains are more stable, able to support the attachment of the forest. While mountains are not only rooted deeply, but also the fully integrated energy and structure of the mountain body are more fully integrated with the earth.

Mr. Ma is a loyal enthusiast of Tai Chi. From his boxing stances, the feeling of grounding is still lacking. The fullness and downward movement of the overall stance are rare skills. This is a matter of thickness.

From a long-term perspective, when we have a certain foundation, pursuing further pursuits can easily lead to rushing for results and neglecting the basics. All the examples mentioned above remind us to gradually learn the methods and abilities of 'observing and consolidating'—like the roots of a tree and the integration of a mountain.

Let's talk about 'rooting into the earth' in Tai Chi learning.

One, consolidate and choose the right moment, adapt with degree

Just like the legs of a 'rooster', they are tight when standing, relaxed when turning, tight when stepping, and relaxed when falling initially. I firmly oppose using the word 'grasping the ground' to describe the feeling underfoot, as it can easily mislead beginners and cultivate an overly tense habit. 'Five fingers slightly converge' is more appropriate because it is not about how hard the ground is, but how elastic and close it is. The function of the feet is to transfer the sinking and convergence power of the body into the earth.

Two, clear emptiness and reality, grasp the core axis

Any step and any stance requires only one core axis. When our feet are unclear of emptiness and reality, yin and yang is not clear, it will cause the axis to distort or unstable. When the problem occurs, the foot is the breakthrough point to look for the problem.

Three, the body parts and the shape under the foot

Whether it is action or combat, the shape underfoot must be more time to maintain looseness and flexibility. It should be like 'grabbing but not grabbing', 'lying down but not lying down' – we hope you can carefully experience. Another key is emptiness and reality, yin and yang, and the combination of both. The coordination between feet, legs, steps, and the body is particularly important. The shape of the feet is generally two feet converged, empty foot inward, round crotch embrace, and the whole body rounded convergence.

Four, activate the roots, don't practice dead roots

Boxing is about transformation, it is about change, it is about life and vitality. Empty and full, forward and backward, at your own discretion. When the root is formed in an instant, the emptiness is alive in a moment. 'Enemy doesn't know me, I don't know the enemy'—this is our understanding of the root. Just like many old boxing masters oppose standing dead, martial arts should practice lively skills.

'Rooting into the earth' is not only about learning the roots of trees and the integration of mountains, but also learning agility and lightness. 'Motion and stillness combined, practice and utilize' – that's it.

All kung fu is about finding practical use in real combat. The root is sought in life.

Generally, just talking about the method of shaking but not immovable, it's seen as useless. It's not about relying on 'stability' - the 'root' is sought in life.

This chapter is purely a personal opinion, and different opinions are exchanged in the comment area.

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