Tai Chi Search Center Principles: Circle
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Tai Chi Search Center Way Circle begins with the globe shape of the body discussed previously under proportion, but goes even further. arms and legs are never locked at the joints, but remain open, slightly bent, or curved, even when “fully” extended. All movements are circular. The example of a straight punch, versus a round punch shows how and why. A straight punch begins with 100% of power moving straight forward. At full length of the arm, the power is lost. a round punch maintains its full power through the circle. The circle takes on additional meaning in a three dimensional plane. Energy moves in a circular path, but also takes on a spiral nature. In the posture Ward Off, the arm forms a circular defense against the opponent. As he presses in, I allow his incoming energy to be absorbed into my torso and opposite leg, it travels the spiral path harmlessly into the ground. Master Wang says the nine joints (spine, hips, knees ankles, toes, shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers) must move in a coordinated fashion…”like a snake”. I suspect that he is alluding to the idea of movement “like a strand of pearls” from Zhang San Feng’s T’ai Chi classic. I also think this is what Master Jhou professed with his ChanSiiChin theory.
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