On the Coiling Energy in Tai Chi Chuan

by langrentoh1 on 2012-03-07 14:28:35

On the Kua Jing in Tai Chi:

Kua Jing is based on the inertial principle of Lu (ward-off) and He (combined force). On the basis of Lu and Cai (grasp), the force route changes from smooth force to lateral force, thus forming a different kind of strength. Kua Jing has the implication of reverse joint. For instance, during Shunbu (following step), Dalu (great ward-off), or Luce (ward-off and grasp), the opponent's body naturally tilts to one side and presses towards me. In this instant of tilt, the opponent instinctively reacts by flipping their elbow upwards, which aligns with the principle of "desiring down first going up." At this moment, the grasping force is exactly opposite to the opponent's elbow force, so both warding-off and grasping become ineffective and miss their target. However, it should be noted that when the opponent's arm flips upwards, there is an opportunity to strike downward with a front-planting elbow. In this critical moment, I should shift my center of gravity backward following the opponent's pressing force, slightly turn my body sideways for fitness in Tai Chi, and rapidly change the force route during the side turn, using the forearm to strike forward with Kua Jing. As one elbow strikes forward with Kua Jing, in Chen-style Tai Chi, the other hand rotates inward. These two forces cross in opposite directions, achieving Kua with precision.

Kua Jing includes inner Kua, outer Kua, leading Kua, and grasping Kua, etc. Using Kua Jing requires coordination throughout the body, unification of internal and external, and is more suitable for short rather than long force application. However, the force should not be too strong either; otherwise, beginners may find it difficult to control and might unintentionally injure others. When practicing Kua Jing initially, one can stop at just touching. Only through repeated practice of techniques in actual situations, and accurately mastering the nuances of various moves during the practice of the four corner hands, can one achieve mental awareness and appropriate energy flow while performing movements either as grappling or Kua, capturing or releasing. At this point, during practice, one can achieve the purpose of martial application without causing harm to the opponent.