Most Taiji players when asked what the “Three Centres” refer to will point to the three dan tains and some players might speak of the three centres of alignment. Both of these concepts are correct but I want to add a third concept to round out the trilogy.

Three Centres to contemplate are as follows:

1 – Maintaining the Centre - Always keep your Mind (Yi) centred in the lower dan tian.
2 – Keeping the Centre - Occupy the opponent’s centre
3 – Remaining in the Centre - Become the hub around which all energy circulates

Maintaining the centre is as easy as dropping your mind to the lower dan tian. What I mean by this is, intentionally focus a part of your attention on the lower dan tian at all times. This is like driving a spike deep into the ground in order to anchor the leash for your dog (mind). The mind will continue to run around and do what it wants or needs to, but it will always be anchored to one central point.

Keeping the centre is easily understood when applied to push hands. One needs to search for and find the opponents centre in order to exercise control over them. Notice I used the word control. One can push another off balance with strength or by capitalizing on a weakness but to exercise control you’ll need to occupy their centre. The centre that you need to find is the mingmen, not their dan tian.

Remaining in the centre refers to being the spider in the centre of the web. No matter what is happening anywhere on the web, the energy is being channelled back to you in order for you to create the next experience. This is in direct opposition to thinking that you are a victim of the outside world or a leaf being tossed around by a chaotic wind.

Three fundamental concepts for you to chew on while walking your path.

Peace
Rod