Whether one studies solely for the art’s anti-aging benefits, to master one’s internal energy, or to learn the nearly lost art of subtle skill to defeat an adversary, only if certain principles are followed will one to be able to comprehend and ultimately master the art.

Without attention to those essential principles or “rules,” one could spend 20 or more years of study without penetrating the essence.

In the below video, as part of his “Senior Student” test, the candidate covers T’ai-chi’s essential qualities.