“Why does Taijiquan move slowly?”
I sometimes get this questions.
Looking at the web, I can’t find any examples that are explained from a martial arts point of view.
I wonder why.
Taijiquan – Bow Stance Arch
The source of human power is the legs and hips. No one would argue with this.
The legs and hips are connected by two joints.
Only those who control the movement of the hip joints can steps forward on the way to be a master.
The Dynamic Principle of Taijiquan: Jin is not Qi
There are many books that describe the theory of Taijiquan, but most of them are quite difficult to understand because the words used are vague.
I would like to explain scientifically through my experience.
Taijiquan uses the energy of “Qi”.
I must say that “Qi” itself has no power to fall the person down.
The mind of “Yi” is important factor in Taijiquan.
However, when I say, “Use Yi, don’t use strength.” it makes no sense to the general public.
“Qi” and “Yi” concepts are in an intangible world. If you try to talk about these things, you will get struggled to explain how in proper way.
Then what should I do? Taijiquan uses “Jin”.
This “Jin” is a force that acts directly on the opponent, and can be accurately described and talked in physics.
This time I would like to talk about Taijiquan from the point of “Jin” aspect because it is the science.
Taijiquan Punch
What is Taijiquan Punch?
Taijiquan is north-style martial arts, and is based on the technique of shooting through.
Silk Reeling Force
One of the characteristics of Tai Chi is that it is Silk Reeling Force.
Silk Reeling Force stays tense and connects the whole body.
Neutralizing Force (化勁) and Exploding Force (發勁) of Tai Chi could not be explained without the Silk Reeling Force.
I would like to discuss the essence of Silk Reeling Force based on Chen Tai Chi, the origin of Tai Chi.
Peng Jin (掤勁)
What is the “Peng (掤)” of Tai Chi Chuan?
In Tai Chi, it is often said that the opponent’s attack is neutralized by “Hua Jin (化勁)”.
However, it is not easy to deal with quick punches and kicks with “Huajin”.
To make it possible, a skill supported by tradition is necessary.
Now, let’s explain the “Peng (掤)” of “Peng Lu Ji An(掤 捋 擠 按)”.
Bow Stance
Tai Chi is the northern style of Chinese martial arts, and bow stance is fundamentally used for strikes and punches.
Most parts of the Tai Chi forms (套路) are repetitions of this bow stance.
If you did not master the bow stance, you could not defeat people with Tai Chi’s palm strike.
Let’s explain.
Stroking the Wild Horses Mane
In Northern Chinese martial arts, “Stroking the wild horses mane (野馬分鬃)” is taught as a side strike with the backhand fist from the cross hands.
However, Tai Chi does not use a backhand fist, it is a strike with the backhand open palm.
Let’s explain.
Top Force with The Neck Empty
Top Force with The Neck Empty
（虚領頂勁 虚霊頂勁 虛領頂勁 虛靈頂勁 虚领顶劲 虚灵顶劲）
In the sports world, there is the word of “entering the zone”.
What does it mean? If you enter the zone, you can drive your best performance. In this state, relaxing and tense are living together, and your concentration is peak. You are in mysterious state.
Traditional theory in Taijiquan tells us an importance of “Top force with the neck empty (虛領頂勁)”.
Today, I would like to explain the relation between “Top force with the neck empty” and “entering the zone”.
Heel Kick
Heel Kick (蹬脚)
Generally speaking, people who are doing Taijiquan seem to be not good at kicking. I often see the kick that the direction of power is not focused when kicking with a toe or with a heel.