In Taijiquan movements, each joint functions as a pivot, and these pivots move sequentially, enabling the efficient transmission of force. By maintaining awareness of the external triple coordination, the upper and lower body work in harmony, allowing the whole body to generate unified force as an integrated system.
This blog is best understood when read in conjunction with “The Dynamic Principle of Taijiquan: Jin is not Qi,” published in August 2020.
Now, let’s get explore the secret behind how Taijiquan generates an iron-like force through soft and fluid movements.
In Taijiquan, the force originates from the lower Dantian (the body’s energy center) and is amplified by the spine. This amplified force, combined with the movement of the trunk, is then used to guide and control the actions of limbs.
The transmission of force from the trunk to the hand follows a kinetic chain involving the shoulder, elbow, and wrist (often referred to as the “small star point”). These three points function as pivotal fulcrums for generating and directing swinging movements.
Similarly, there is a kinetic chain of the legs. The hip joint, knee, and ankle serve as fulcrums for transmitting force from the trunk to the foot, ensuring efficient movement and power distribution.
Cooperation between the upper and lower body is essential for efficiently generating and outputting power as a unified whole. The timing of force transmission, specifically, the moment when each joint acts as a fulcrum, must be synchronized between the upper and lower parts of the body.
The theory of External Triple Coordination governs the direction of force transmission, including rotational movements, as kinetic energy flows through the three paired joints, the shoulder and hip joint, the elbow and knee, and the wrist (referred to as the “small star point”) and ankle. These joints must work in harmony to ensure smooth and effective energy transfer.
In this way, the role of the fulcrum is critical, as it directly influences the overall mechanical balance and stability of the body.
Since it may be challenging to visualize the concept from theory alone, I will illustrate it using the reverse cloud hand movement of Taijiquan in the horse stance. In Taijiquan, there is a saying about distinguishing between the substantial and the insubstantial, emphasizing the clear separation between these two states.
In the photos, the right hand and right foot represent the substantial state, while the left hand and left foot represent the insubstantial state. The principle of External Triple Coordination involves aligning the three paired joints on the substantial side for optimal force transmission and balance.
I will now explain the timing and alignment with accompanying pictures.
External Triple Coordination → Paired Swinging Fulcrums 1: Shoulder and Hip joint
External Triple Coordination → Paired Swinging Fulcrums 2: Elbow and Knee
External Triple Coordination → Paired Swinging Fulcrums 3: Wrist and Ankle
In this way, the paired swinging fulcrums move up and down simultaneously, creating harmony throughout the entire system. This harmonious coordination of force enables the application of power to the opponent without any resistance or repulsion upon contact.
If you keep your lower body fixed and attempt to push your opponent using only the strength of your upper body, you will fail to generate penetrating power.
Penetrating power is achieved only when the flow of force through your arms and legs is harmonized, creating a seamless transfer of energy that prevents your opponent from repelling you.
The theory of External Triple Coordination provides guidance on how to properly synchronize the kinetic chain throughout your entire body to achieve this balance.
In my beginner’s class, I teach the fundamentals of the Cloud Hand movement, focusing on linking the upper and lower body while softly linked while softly stomping the feet. Even when you stomp your feet, the position of the lower “Dantian” should remain stable, without moving up or down.