🌿 1. When You

Are Pushed: Don’t Let the Hips Drift

If you lean back or sideways, it usually means the hips (胯 kua) have lost their centered control.
The correct principle is:

「腰為樞紐，身隨腰轉；胯為根本，力由胯發。」

“The waist is the pivot; the body follows the waist. The hips are the root; power issues from the hips.”

When you are pushed:

• Do not let the pelvis or kua move away from the root (feet).
• Keep the kua soft, open, and sinking downward.
• The hips should rotate or fold, not tilt backward.

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⚙️ 2. The Biomechanics: Convert Lean into Rotation or Folding

When the opponent’s force arrives:

• Backward push:
  Do not lean back. Instead, fold at the kua — the pelvis slightly rotates backward while the lumbar stays lengthened.
  The tailbone (wei lu, 尾閭) should sink and align toward the heel of the weighted leg.
  This keeps the Dantian facing the opponent while energy spirals downward to the foot.

• Side push:
  Do not bend sideways. Instead, one kua closes, the other opens.
  The hip on the receiving side folds inward (合胯), while the other expands (開胯).
  This lets the center shift smoothly while keeping the spine vertical and the crown suspended.

So instead of the trunk bending, you use hip rotation (胯轉) and weight shifting (虛實變化).

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🧘‍♂️ 3. Internal Cue: “Hips like water, root like mountain”

Imagine:

• The hips as floating in water, always adjusting but never stiff.
• The feet as mountains, stable and unmoving.

When pushed, the kua acts like a swivel to redirect force through the legs into the ground.

If the hips freeze or tilt, the line of transmission breaks, and the upper body leans.

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🌀 4. Training Drills

You can improve this by:

1. Kua folding (合胯) exercise — practice absorbing a partner’s push by folding and turning the kua without the torso leaning.
2. Silk-reeling (纏絲勁) practice — emphasize waist-hip coordination and continuous Dantian-led spiraling.
3. Wall alignment drill — stand with back near a wall and receive pushes, keeping the spine vertical but rotating and sinking through the hips When you're pushed sideways in Tai Chi push hands, you definitely need to pay attention to keeping your hips (or kua) stable and level.

The general principle is that the kua should remain as level as possible, even as you shift weight. Instead of letting one side of your pelvis hike up or tilt, you want to keep that horizontal alignment. This helps you redirect the force into the ground and maintain your root.

Excellent question — yes, there are several ancient Chinese sayings and classical Tai Chi (and broader martial arts / Daoist) writings that describe the role of the hips (胯 kua, or 腰 yao) as the pivot and root of movement, even if they don’t always use modern anatomical terms.

Let’s go through the most important classical sources that express this principle clearly.

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🏮 1. 「腰為一身之主宰」

Source: 《太極拳論》 Taiji Quan Lun (Treatise on Tai Chi Chuan)

> 原文 (Classical Chinese):

腰為一身之主宰，動靜之機在於腰間。

Modern meaning:

“The waist governs the whole body; the mechanism of stillness and motion lies in the waist.”

Explanation:

In traditional language, 腰 (yao) often includes the hip–waist complex, not just the narrow lumbar area.

This saying means that the movement of the entire body originates in the waist–hip region.

If the waist (and kua) are not properly aligned or loose, the rest of the body cannot follow harmoniously.

So when you are pushed and your hips adjust, this principle applies directly — if the waist-hip pivot is stable, everything can turn without breaking structure.

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🌿 2. 「命意源頭在腰隙」

Source: 楊班侯傳 《太極拳打手歌》 Song of Push-Hands (Yang Banhou tradition)

> 原文：

命意源頭在腰隙，變動須由心意運。

Meaning:

“The source of intention and life energy lies in the hollow of the waist; all change originates there through mindful movement.”

Explanation:

The “waist hollow” (腰隙) refers to the space around the kua, where energy is gathered and released.

This aligns with modern biomechanics: the kua acts like a universal joint, allowing transformation of force without losing balance.

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⚙️ 3. 「氣由脊發，動於腰間」

Source: Daoist internal cultivation texts & later martial classics

> Meaning:

“Qi issues from the spine and moves through the waist.”

Explanation:

The hips (kua) are part of the waist mechanism — they allow qi and force from the spine to connect to the legs.

If the kua collapses or locks, the qi cannot descend, and you lose your root.

In Tai Chi’s internal logic, the kua is the gateway (關 guan) for qi to reach the feet.

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🌊 4. 「鬆胯沉氣，氣沉丹田」

Source: Common in internal boxing maxims (內家拳訣)

> Meaning:

“Relax the hips and sink the qi; the qi settles in the Dantian.”

Explanation:

When the hips release downward and open, the qi naturally drops.

This matches the idea of don’t lean — sink.

The kua acts like a basin holding water; if tilted, the water (energy) spills.

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🩶 5. 「腰如車軸，胯如車輪」

Traditional metaphor (not from one single classic but used in Chen and Yang oral teachings)

> Meaning:

“The waist is like the axle; the hips are like the wheels.”

Explanation:

This poetic saying describes the coordination: the waist turns as an axis, and the hips roll to follow, maintaining balance.

When pushed sideways, your kua turns like a wheel — opening one side, closing the other — so your center remains upright.

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💡 Summary Table

Classical Saying Translation Meaning for Push Hands

腰為一身之主宰 The waist governs the body Keep kua stable; movement comes from waist

命意源頭在腰隙 The source of intent lies in the waist hollow The kua is the control point for transformation

氣由脊發，動於腰間 Qi issues from the spine, moves through the waist The waist–hip transmits all internal force

鬆胯沉氣 Relax hips, sink qi Don’t lean; let energy drop through kua

腰如車軸，胯如車輪 Waist as axle, hips as wheels Rotate, don’t bend — root through hip turn

In short, think of your hips as a stable platform. If you keep them level, you can shift your weight to one leg or the other smoothly and stay balanced.🩺 In summary

When pushed:

Common Error	Correction with Hips
Leaning back	Fold at kua, sink tailbone, turn waist
Leaning sideways	Open one kua, close the other, keep spine erect
Stiff pelvis	Relax and let hips rotate freely
Disconnected root	Keep energy flowing from Dantian → kua → foot

力は四つあります

力は四つあります (ちからはよっつあります, chikara wa yottsu arimasu).

Then, “One is gravity” would be:
一つは重力です (ひとつはじゅうりょくです, hitotsu wa juuryoku desu).

For “The second is the rotational force of the body,” you’d say:
二つ目は身体の回転の力です (ふたつめはからだのかいてんのちからです, futatsume wa karada no kaiten no chikara desu).

For “The third is the reaction force from the ground,” you can say:
三つ目は地面からの反作用力です (みっつめはじめんからのはんさようりょくです, mittsume wa jimen kara no hansayouryoku desu).

And for “The fourth is momentum,” you’d say:
四つ目は運動量、つまりモメンタムです (よっつめはうんどうりょう、つまりモメンタムです, yottsume wa undouryou, tsumari momentamu desu).

Guidelines and Acknowledgment for WTCCF Volunteers

Guidelines and Acknowledgment for WTCCF Volunteers

Date:2025/10/31

To All Volunteers of the World Tai Chi Chuan Federation,

Subject: Appreciation and Clarification of Volunteer Responsibilities

Dear Volunteers,

On behalf of the World Tai Chi Chuan Federation (WTCCF), I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your continued dedication and support. Each of you plays an important role in sustaining our Federation’s international network and promoting the spirit of Tai Chi around the world.

First of all, please rest assured that flexibility remains one of our core principles. We understand that everyone has personal and family commitments, and that circumstances may change unexpectedly. All of us here are volunteers who love to travel and share Tai Chi with others. Therefore, there is no obligation to remain bound to any fixed schedule—you may opt out or take a break whenever necessary.

The only period when we hope everyone can be more available is during the preparation phase for the World Cup Tai Chi Chuan Championship, which typically begins about two months before the event. The three weeks leading up to the competition are especially active, as we need more helping hands to contact international associations, respond to correspondence, prepare meeting documents, and organize the Tai Chi Festival performances.

Even during that period, however, there are no time restraints, since we are not engaged in paid positions. Our work is purely voluntary, which is also why I personally chose to give away the so-called salary.

Outside of the World Cup preparation period, our activities are entirely task-based and self-directed. There are no fixed working hours, quotas, or mandatory office attendance, except when receiving visiting guests. Occasionally, there may be friendly exchange events between Taiwanese and international Tai Chi practitioners, though these are infrequent.

Throughout the year, we focus mainly on maintaining relationships with overseas associations—sending greetings, keeping in contact, and encouraging participation in future World Cups. Other ongoing duties include preparing certificates, maintaining the Federation’s website, and publishing at least one Federation periodical annually.

For reference, I personally go to the Federation office every Thursday morning from 9:00 to 12:00, though attendance is not required of any volunteer. I also travel often; for example, beginning November 10, I will embark on a one-month visit to the Balkan countries. Even while abroad, I remain available by email for correspondence and coordination.

At present, there is no budget allocation for transportation or volunteer expenses. These matters will be further discussed with the new chairman, to be elected in March next year, after which the new team will formally assume office. The final decisions on all financial matters will rest with the chairman.

As many of you know, two organizations share the same office space:

• The World Tai Chi Chuan Federation, which operates without regular income and receives limited government subsidies only when hosting international events; and

• The National Tai Chi Association, which conducts domestic activities and collects fees to sustain its operations.

Despite these differences, both organizations share limited resources and rely heavily on volunteer participation. Our small administrative team includes only three paid staff members, with Ms. Xiaowei serving as the sole administrative clerk for both organizations—a demanding responsibility that underscores the importance of our shared effort.

The Federation’s mission is rooted in volunteerism and friendship. Everyone contributes according to their ability, availability, and interest. No one is compelled to take on more than they can manage. What we gain from our work is not material benefit, but the friendship, experience, and cross-cultural understanding that come from our collaboration with Tai Chi practitioners worldwide.

Looking ahead, the next chairman—an entrepreneur—has expressed an intention to increase financial support for the Federation. Should that commitment be realized, our working conditions will certainly improve. If not, I may also consider stepping down; however, I sincerely hope that you will continue to support the Federation and work with the next Secretary-General, just as I once continued after my predecessor’s departure.

Once again, I thank all of you for your willingness to serve. Your contribution—no matter how large or small—helps keep the Federation alive and connected to the global Tai Chi community. I truly believe that your participation will bring both personal fulfillment and lasting friendships.

With deepest appreciation and warm regards,

Peter Tsai

Secretary-General

World Tai Chi Chuan Federation

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The Sole腳底

The Sole腳底 

When you sink your weight to the Yongquan point (湧泉穴, K1)—the bubbling well at the sole of each foot—you allow both your body weight and internal qi to settle naturally into the ground.

It is said that:

“The qi sinks to the dantian, and the weight sinks to the Yongquan.”

“Rooted in the feet, issued through the legs, directed by the waist, and expressed in the hands.”

As you relax and sink, the Yongquan points open, and the energy (qi) spreads downward and outward, like tree roots growing deep into the earth. This rooting gives you stability, balance, and an unshakable base—so even when someone pushes you, your structure remains connected to the ground.

The more your root grows deep, the more your upper body feels light, alive, and free to move. This balance between sinking below and lifting above is a key Tai Chi principle called “上虛下實” (empty above, solid below).

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太極拳中常說：

「氣沉丹田，重心落湧泉。」

「根於腳，發於腿，主宰於腰，形於手。」

當你將身心鬆開、氣沉下去，意念導引至腳底的湧泉穴，氣與力會像樹根一樣向地面四散伸展。

這時腳掌與地面緊密相吸，身體的重量均勻分布，內氣循經脈下行，形成「氣沉丹田、根生湧泉」的穩定結構。

越能「沉得下」，上身就越「輕靈」，動作自然柔中帶剛，不浮不飄，立如山而動如水。

捋勁Roll Back

捋勁Roll Back

捋勁義何解，引導使之前， 順其來勢力，輕靈不丟頂， 引之使延長，力盡自然空， 重心自維持，莫被他人乘。

1. 捋勁義何解

古語解釋：捋者，引也，順勢引導，虛其力而失其中。

現代理論：In biomechanics, this is redirection of incoming force using a lateral or spiral path. Instead of meeting force head-on, the practitioner deflects and guides it into a longer pathway, lowering its effective impact.

2. 引導使之前

古語解釋：如《太極拳經》云：「引之使進，落空自無有。」

現代理論：This is leading the opponent forward into empty space. In kinetic terms, you exploit the opponent’s momentum vector by extending it beyond their center of balance.

3. 順其來勢力

古語解釋：太極講「四兩撥千斤」，不逆其力而借之。

現代理論：Mechanically, this means force absorption and alignment. Instead of muscular resistance, the body allows load transfer through joints and fascia in the direction it already travels.

4. 輕靈不丟頂

古語解釋：所謂「不丟不頂」，《十三勢行功心解》有明文。即不丟開對方之力，不以力頂撞。

現代理論：A principle of continuous contact with elastic modulation. Biomechanically, it is maintaining proprioceptive feedback without stiffness (no excessive co-contraction) nor collapse.

5. 引之使延長

古語解釋：太極「延敵之勢，使之自失」。

現代理論：This is lengthening the opponent’s kinetic chain. You encourage their motion beyond their base of support, creating torque at their hip and spine which weakens structural stability.

6. 力盡自然空

古語解釋：「敵之力盡，自然落空」。

現代理論：Every muscular contraction has a peak and decay; when the opponent’s impulse ends, their center of mass has overshot, producing instability. This is timing the biomechanical fatigue of a movement.

7. 重心自維持

古語解釋：《太極拳論》：「彼不動，己不動；彼微動，己先動。」在於守己之中正。

現代理論：The practitioner maintains self-balance and a stable center of mass through pelvic control and ground reaction force alignment, preventing collapse while leading the other.

8. 莫被他人乘

古語解釋：若失中定，則人可乘之。

現代理論：If your postural control and base of support are compromised, the opponent can apply leverage and unbalance you. Essentially, biomechanical vulnerability arises when ground force vector no longer aligns with your center of mass.

總結

古典語言：捋者，引而不抗，順勢而長，使敵力盡，己中自定。

現代理論：Lu is the biomechanical art of force redirection, momentum extension, and balance conservation. It uses elasticity, timing, and center of mass control to neutralize incoming force without direct resistance.

在古代的武術文獻中，尤其是太極拳的經典著作裡，「捋」這個字常常用來描述一種引導對方力量的技巧。古籍中提到，「捋」通常指的是將對手的力量引向一旁，使其失衡，並為自己的反擊創造機會。在古文中，「捋」的寫法有時會用「扌履」來表示，也就是在「手」字旁加上「履」的部分，強調用手去引導或帶動對方的力量。

太極中的應用：

在太極拳的實際應用中，「捋」是非常重要的技術之一。它不僅僅是物理上的力量引導，更包含了對力量的理解與控制。在推手練習中，捋的運用能幫助練習者化解對方的攻勢，並且順勢引導對方的力量，使其失去平衡，從而為自己創造進攻的機會。

總結來說，這個字在古籍和太極拳中都承載著豐富的技術內涵，反映了太極拳對於力量流動與引導的深刻理解。