我想学功夫：太极拳猫形步的练法探索在家中物品上

有些习练太极拳的爱好者见书中有“迈步如猫行”一说，以为这是单纯的形容词，意思是练拳行步时好比家猫或野猫般轻灵、稳健。殊不知，传统太极拳中确有猫形步的单练，其详尽细致的介绍又少见于书籍与杂志的字里行间。

我们日常走步，是前脚去，后脚撑，后脚有了力，才移上去。但是“迈步如猫行”却不能如此。太极拳名家郝少如先生讲过：“不许后脚用力，要前脚实足站稳了，后脚提起慢慢移过去，而且后脚置前时，在重心未移过去时，还要不费力地能抽得回来。”教授我练拳多年的恩师林墨根先生曾说：“太极拳中的猫形步体现腰胯带动四肢的虚实运动，要下苦功把猫形步练到位，虽费力辛苦，却能增长腰腿的松弹沉稳之劲。”

cat's move is four legs lift one leg, there are three legs supporting. People are different, lift one leg, only the other leg to support. The other leg should be slightly bent to support the whole body weight, pay attention to balance and coordination, and "always keep it in mind at the waist", slow walking is tired of another supporting leg.

The cat form step in Tai Chi is closely related to the waist and hips. As a pursuit of Tai Chi martial arts hobbyist, if not practicing good waist and leg skills will restrict martial art level due to lack of foundation.

The cat form step can be divided into slow practice method and fast practice method. Generally first learn slowly then quickly after familiar with slow practice method.

When starting from right foot forward left foot backward right bow step at first relax perineum (when stepping forward) or depress pubic symphysis (when stepping backward), look down frontward with eyes. From right hip joint loosen up knee joint again loosen up ankle bone point Yongquan acupoint on sole of foot when heel outside rotate 45 degrees while keeping sole heel toes touching ground stable coordinated with body movement slowly turn waist toward right until left heel off ground.

Secondly before loosening left shoulder feeling more stability on right foot follow by loosening both inguinal regions lower abdomen side walkway downward then turn waist toward left simultaneously lead intention towards front head slightly upwards meanwhile push upward little bit with left hip use right hip hold up left hip all way round till Yongquan acupoint off ground for Left Foot.

Thirdly let out buttock downward inwardly slide some upward; forth as knees bend a bit so that only toe touches ground proceed slowly lightly like walking over deep water feeling; fifth imagine pulling up weight from feet back down into Dan Tian energy sea place before falling onto Left Foot make Right Foot become light let it fall onto Left Feet gradually loosen till Yongquan acupoint feel stable somewhat tuck inward point toe down while lowering pelvis drop along together release Right Leg backwards naturally settle onto sole gently without any force maintain central balance within correct posture presenting an outward appearance eight-sided support base for a position called Left Bow Step internally containing steps which resemble arching but not quite arching nor pressing but not quite pressing agility of spirit within subtle movements

Once mastered in Slow Cat Step training may proceed learning Fast Practice Method based upon simplification steps emphasizing inner Qi leading Waist Hips focus on stimulating Dan Tian energy throughout practice shorter breaths less time spent on each step than Slow Practice Method requires more finesse greater emphasis placed upon inner power compared to its counterpart Fast Practice Method feels differently relates directly Inner Qi cultivation practices practiced daily regularly consistent diligent effort applied diligently through dedicated commitment

In summary mastering Slow Cat Form Training leads directly into mastering Fast Training techniques must remember: In Tai Chi fast pace moves swiftly yet carries hidden subtleties moving fluidly effortlessly require patience understanding discipline self-discipline dedication stamina mental clarity physical strength flexibility focus control precision proper alignment posture relaxation stillness mindfulness intuition sensitivity adaptability resilience perseverance tenacity discipline courage passion enthusiasm joy appreciation fulfillment satisfaction peace harmony contentment happiness bliss enlightenment