T‘ai Chi and rowing? The essense of these two activities centers around flowing rhythms and controlled application of energy and strength. Continual flow of energy in T’ai Chi is similar to the flow of blood in the body. T’ai Chi releases energy that has been blocked or constrained. It takes enormous control to channel that energy in the most effective and elegant way.

Rowing is also about continual movement and efficiency, alternating relaxation and releasing power. Some coaches believe there is no stopping anywhere in the stroke cycle though it may not appear that way to a novice rower. Some coaches talk about a kind of micro-stop to load the oars with water in the catch and when the hands are just about to go into the recovery motion. The same differences in analysis apply to different styles of T’ai Chi.

Motion patterns and connections such as these are fascinating to contemplate and inspiring to engage in.