Taijiquan – 楊氏太极拳
“Yin Yang Boxing as a form of Cultivation”
The Taijiquan (Tai Chi) of Lotus Nei Gong
Yang Taijiquan in Okinawa, Japan in 2025
If we were to pick two key qualities that traditional Taijiquan really excels at teaching, they would be release (Yin) and conscious absorption (Yang). When these two qualities are applied correctly, something quite special happens: the mobilisation of inner force (Jin). This is where Taijiquan really shines—using a mix of body development, mental focus, and internal mechanics to teach us how Yin and Yang work together in the body. This interplay, of course, is central to Daoist philosophy.
Taijiquan revolves around the study of 37 core postures, or Shi. Each one has its own way of mobilising the body’s Qi, and these postures are the foundation of everything else. Originally, they came from a blend of Nei Gong, Gong Fu principles, and alchemical practices, but over time they were connected into the flowing sequence most people recognise today as the Taiji form. The postures themselves teach us the balance of Yin and Yang, while the transitions between them are based on the theory of the Wu Xing (the Five Phases). It’s this philosophical underpinning that ties Taijiquan so strongly to the Daoist tradition, even though its exact origins are still wrapped in myth and legend.
The real key to Taijiquan is learning how to transform your body and how it functions, guided by Taiji’s principles. It’s not about using the usual contractive muscles to move your body, but rather retraining yourself to rely on the inner engine—that deep, internal power that makes Taijiquan so unique. This shift changes everything, and it’s what separates effective training from just going through the motions.
This transformation is achieved by understanding how to establish the correct combination of ‘releases and pulls’ within the body and then sinking the Qi until a certain degree of ‘fullness’ arises. Rather than being an art focused solely on technique, Taijiquan trains fundamental inner qualities known as ‘Song’ (release) and ‘Ting’ (listening energy). These qualities are the key to mobilising Qi and Jin, and they form the heart of what makes Taijiquan unique. Unfortunately, despite its global popularity, much of this depth has been lost over time as the art has been watered down, often to the point of losing much of its immense potential.
Damo Mitchell & taiji
Damo Mitchell’s love affair with Taijiquan (Tai Chi) started at the age of 14, and it’s been one of his greatest passions ever since. His journey began with the Zheng Manqing (Chen Man Ching) lineage, learning initially from his father, Paul Mitchell when he was young, and his uncle, Phil James. Phil was a student of the Zheng Manqing system and had trained closely with Shen Hongxun, a master of Taiji and internal force. From the very beginning, Taijiquan captured Damo’s imagination, and he quickly focused his efforts on exploring the internal arts.
For several years, Damo trained with his family and under the guidance of Shen Hongxun and his daughter, Shen Jin. But eventually, his curiosity and passion for the art led him to look further afield. What started as a six-month trip to China turned into more than a decade of traveling across China, Southeast Asia, and other parts of the Far East, all in search of authentic teachers who could help him unlock the deeper secrets of Taijiquan.
Along the way, Damo delved deeper into the Zheng Manqing system while also studying Huang Xingxian’s method with various teachers in Southeast Asia. He expanded his knowledge of the Yang family systems in China, training with Master Hao Nanren and other instructors who helped shape his understanding of the art.
Taijiquan in Portugal, 2017
At one point, Damo traveled to Chenjiagou in Henan province, the birthplace of Chen family Taijiquan, to dig into its roots. While he decided that the Chen family system wasn’t the right fit for his personal journey, he had the good fortune of meeting Master Ni Yuanhai, who introduced him to the Hunyuan Taiji system of Feng Zhiqiang. This system became a big part of his practice for several years. Damo studied with Master Ni, trained briefly with Feng himself, and learned from other teachers of the system like Qi Zhaoling and Chen Xiu. One of the real gems of this tradition was the Hunyuan Qi Gong, a powerful and effective set that became a mainstay of Damo’s training for a long time.
Damo’s Taijiquan journey also took him high into the mountains of China, where he explored the San Feng and Xuan Wu traditions in the Wudang Mountain ranges. While the mountain setting was stunning and the teachings were fascinating, Damo eventually moved on to study the Long Men Pai Taiji system with Master Guan, an accomplished Taiji practitioner, Chinese medicine expert, and calligrapher and then, further than this, he returned to the Yang style of Taijiquan as this was the system which, in Damo’s opinion, best aligned with his view of internal martial arts as a path of personal cultivation.
Today, at his Lotus Nei Gong School, Damo focuses on teaching the Yang system of Taijiquan through the Huang Xingxian method to new students. As students advance, they can move into the Zhaolin methods, and for those who are especially dedicated, the Hunyuan system is available—but only for close students, as it takes a lot of time and effort to teach and learn. The other Taijiquan systems Damo studied have naturally faded from his practice over time, though they’ve left their mark on the internal mechanics he teaches. These days, his main focus is on using the Yang system to help students with health preservation and self-cultivation, keeping the art alive as a path of personal transformation.
TaiJi as Moving Meditation
Taijiquan (Tai Chi) is renowned as a form of moving meditation, blending mindfulness, physical movement, and inner transformation. While this concept may seem unfamiliar to some, those who engage deeply with the practice come to appreciate its profound benefits. Rooted in Daoist alchemical principles and Chan Buddhist absorption techniques, Taijiquan offers a holistic path to mental clarity and physical well-being.
Unlike traditional seated meditation, Taijiquan integrates awareness into motion, allowing practitioners to cultivate mindfulness while flowing through harmonious movements. This dynamic form of meditation encourages stabilization of awareness within the body, conscious release of tension, and a deep connection between mind and body.
The philosophical foundation of Taijiquan reflects its Daoist and Buddhist influences. Daoism emphasizes transformation, balance, and harmony, qualities mirrored in the continuous, fluid movements of Taijiquan. Meanwhile, Chan Buddhism brings a focus on present-moment awareness and detachment from mental distractions, fostering a grounded and focused state of mind.
The practice of Taijiquan supports physical health by improving balance, flexibility, posture, and circulation while reducing tension and strengthening the body’s internal systems. However, its mental benefits are perhaps even more profound. By cultivating emotional resilience, mental clarity, and the ability to release stress and negative thought patterns, Taijiquan transforms mental states, promoting inner peace and holistic well-being.
In traditional Chinese culture, the mind-body connection is central to understanding health. Taijiquan reflects this perspective by addressing the root causes of internal imbalances through the evolution of mental states. While the physical movements are beneficial on their own, the most significant changes occur when the mind and body are harmonized through consistent practice.
For those seeking stress relief, improved health, or a deeper understanding of themselves, Taijiquan provides a timeless and accessible practice. By uniting movement, mindfulness, and meditation, it offers a powerful means of cultivating inner stillness and vitality while nurturing overall well-being.
Modern Taijiquan
Taijiquan in Bali, Indonesia, 2023
At Lotus Nei Gong, traditional partner work and basic martial arts skills are still taught as a way to preserve the roots of Taijiquan and give practitioners a sense of its original purpose. Partner work provides a platform to develop sensitivity and awareness, refine physical coordination, and deepen the understanding of Taijiquan’s principles of yielding, balance, and flow. However, the primary focus is not on preparing for combat but on using these practices as tools for self-discovery and personal growth.
The overarching goal of Taijiquan practice at Lotus Nei Gong is to improve the nature of the body and mind, fostering well-being and happiness. By learning to release tension, move mindfully, and cultivate inner awareness, practitioners can transform their daily lives. Combat skills, while valuable for historical context and physical discipline, are secondary to the broader purpose of living a healthy and harmonious life.
The Taijiquan offered in Lotus Nei Gong Internal Arts is a result of Damo’s 30+ years of Taiji study in both the East and the West and it matches the philosophy from this page. We look forward to helping you on this path.
Historically, Taijiquan (Tai Chi) was developed as a powerful martial art, with its practitioners renowned for their combative skills. Families like the Yangs became famous for their mastery of hand-to-hand combat and the practical application of Taijiquan in real-world confrontations. However, in modern times, the need for physical combat skills has greatly diminished. Many of us will never face a life-threatening physical confrontation, and the focus of Taijiquan has shifted to align with the needs of contemporary life.
In today’s world, Taijiquan has evolved into a discipline focused on self-development, health, and healing. Its martial origins remain a part of its heritage, but for most practitioners, the combative aspects take a backseat to its broader benefits. Modern practice emphasizes enhancing physical health, cultivating mental clarity, and harmonizing the body and mind for a more fulfilling life.
Tui Shou in Bali, Indonesia, 2024
Discover Damo Mitchell’s Taiji: A Path to Balance and Mastery
Damo Mitchell’s Taiji offers a profound approach to cultivating physical balance, inner peace, and mastery of traditional Taijiquan techniques.
As a renowned teacher and author, Damo combines ancient wisdom with modern insights, guiding students to deepen their understanding of movement, energy, and mindfulness.
Whether you’re seeking improved health, spiritual growth, or martial skill, his teachings provide a holistic journey into the art of Taiji.
Unlock the benefits of this timeless practice and experience transformation for body and mind.
Please view the video on there right for an example of what we do.
You can find Taiji classes on the BRANCHES page of this site.