First move body to move chi;
Then move chi to move body;
Finally move body and chi together
What is the meaning of this saying? At first the student likely will not be aware of the chi sensation, but with some practice their sensitivity will increase to the point where they can feel it when they are moving, and for a period they will need to move their body in order to stimulate the chi sensation. This is the meaning of “First move body to move chi”. With some more practice however the student will become sensitive enough to feel the chi sensation even when not moving, and to direct it with the mind to move the body. This is the meaning of “Then move chi to move body”. Once the student can readily do this then they will be able to move the chi and the body simultaneously with a unified intention. This is the meaning of “Finally move body and chi together”.