The Magic of Song in Tai Chi |Stand like a Mountain, Move like a Tiger

The Magic of Song in Tai Chi | Stand like a Mountain, Move like a Tiger

Song is an essential internal quality in traditional Tai Chi practice. It refers to a state of tension release that connects the body by opening the fascia and creating internal spaciousness—allowing force to redistribute without collapse or resistance.  This power arises without tension. Song is how internal power is built, how true Tai Chi root is developed, and how effortless power becomes real.

Susan Thompson demonstrates how Song creates two powerful internal qualities: becoming immovable without stiffness, and feeling heavy to an opponent while remaining mobile and light. The Tai Chi classics say: "Stand like a Mountain, Move like a Tiger." Susan Thompson teaches how this is achieved through internal alignment, the state of Song, and postural coherence—not muscular effort or the common misinterpretation of rooting.

📌 Immobile Within MobileTrue Tai Chi structure redistributes incoming pressure. Song creates a whole-body connection that receives force and spreads it across the fascial system. Immobility in this sense means there is no isolated point to exploit. Susan Thompson demonstrates this by allowing her partner to try and lift her elbow. When she uses effort, she is moved easily. When Song is active, she becomes heavy and immobile to her opponent—even though she can lithely steps and move.

🨲 Heavy Within LightInternal heaviness in Tai Chi is not created through weight or pushing downward. Instead, it is achieved through fascia tension and expansive internal space. Song distributes pressure through the body like an inflated balloon—not rigid, but full. This gives the appearance of heaviness to the partner while maintaining light, springy movement.

🧠 Definitions Within the Practice
Immobile — Unmovable by external force while remaining internally released and continuousMobile — Capable of repositioning, walking, or shifting without breaking internal connectionHeavy — A grounded, dense feeling created by fascia tension and connected postureLight — An agile, suspended quality that allows responsiveness without collapse

🎯 Song Is Structural ReadinessSong is the foundation of Tai Chi internal power and movement. It eliminates isolated tension and builds a body that is both adaptable and stable. The qualities of Tai Chi root, effortless power, and internal martial art function all depend on Song being active.  Watch.  Learn. Do.  And don't forget to have fun!

📚 Want to go deeper?Susan Thompson is the author of Beyond Form: Learning Tai Chi from the Inside Out, and teaches livestream courses on structure, fascia connection, and internal movement mechanics.
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