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The mind should be highly concentrated. No distractions should affect the thoughts. The mental process ought to be reduced. It’s not easy to make the central nervous system to focus. So how can we make the mind highly concentrated? The simplest way is to focus all the attention in how to do the correct form. On the other hand, it is also very useful to simply seek calmness during movement. In this way, it becomes more effortless to realize results.

Two Person Wu style sword, Wu Ying Hua and Ma Yueh Liang

NOTE: This concept is called Flexibility in the Fast Set (Wu\\'s Original form) OR Slowness in the Slow Set (or, Long Form):

One of the most important ideas in Taijiquan is flexibility. Flexibility refers more to the spirit. The spirit is the control button of the body. When the practitioner is filled with the spirit, then the actions will be truly flexible. There are four things that will develop flexibility.

1. First, combine stillness and motion.
2. Second, combine softness and hardness.
3. Third, combine quickness and slowness.
4. Fourth, combine starting and finishing.

Stillness refers to pausing. Motion means change. During the practice of the Fast Set, maintaining the central equilibrium refers to stillness, jumping represents motion. Hardness means strong explosive force. Softness applies to fluidity of movement, and more specifically fluidity after the application of explosive force. When transitioning from one movement to another be immediate, and during the fast moments don’t hesitate to change. Extend slowness to create immediacy and change. The form ought to be practiced fully and large during the entire set. In the beginning stages, the movements ought to gradually open widely and progress forward, whereas, in the closing form, steadily reduce and be calm. This is how to combine the beginning and the end. Do not practice lackadaisically during any component. In other words, the Wu Style Taijiquan Fast Set is flexible by being continuous without stopping.

Slowness: Slowness refers not only to the length of time the Slow Set is practiced, which is usually 25-40 minutes, but practicing in a slow, efficient manner in order to promote the flow of chi and utilize patience in your practice. At times a fast response is required, even in Taiji Push Hands, let alone in unpredictable situations involving self-defense. However, acting too fast and hastily can be costly. Slowness allows the blood and chi to flow completely throughout the organism. Sudden or gross movements are not a good use of practice time.

Practice slowly and evenly from beginning to end, and follow the mind’s desire to be tempered by moving sequentially with the hands, eyes, body, and feet. Avoid moving the body without a strong sense of direction and specificity. To avoid sudden or disjointed movements, be patient. Let the chi and the movements come to you more. Wait on them to develop and move as if your organism and movements are joined together like a string of zigzagged pearls, moving to and fro without pause or stopping. Yet, stand erect (but not up), and use restraint. Move as if not moving, and combine stillness with motion and motion with stillness. Relax to move, and move to relax. The main point in Slowness is Patience.

 

Perseverance has two meanings as follows: Establishing a daily routine and increasing repetitions. First of all, Taijiquan needs to be practiced consistently. No matter what occurs, you cannot stop. The amount of time to dedicate to practice is determined according to each individual’s physical condition and schedule, and in this way it can be concluded how many repetitions are beneficial. Both the time set aside, and the amount of time that is spent, are increased over time with patience. A prominent quote attributed to Teacher Ma goes like this: "There's no mystique to T'ai Chi Ch'uan. What's difficult is the perseverance. It took me ten years to discover my chi, but 30 years to learn how to use it."

Ma Yueh Liang - "Strum the Lute" posture