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A Fixed Optimal Angle of Pushing

 A Fixed Optimal Angle of Pushing

Is there a fixed optimal angle between
• forearm and upper arm
• upper arm and torso
in Tai Chi?
Or does it only matter whether the structure aligns with the kua (胯) and center?

Short answer:

Both views contain truth — but they apply to different levels of understanding.

Let’s unpack it carefully.

1️⃣ The “There Is a Best Degree” View (Biomechanical Level)

From a structural mechanics perspective, certain angles are more efficient.

In most classical Yang-style postures:

A. Forearm ↔ Upper Arm

Usually around 100°–120°

Why?

  • At 90° the joint is strong but stiff

  • At 120° the arm has elastic potential

  • Too open (>150°) loses spring

  • Too closed (<80°) becomes muscular

This creates what we call:

“Elastic bend, not locked bend.”

B. Upper Arm ↔ Torso

Often around 30°–45° away from the ribs

Why?

  • If glued to ribs → collapses structure

  • If too wide (>60°) → shoulder floats and disconnects from dantian

  • 30–45° allows:

    • shoulder sinking

    • elbow dropping

    • scapula wrapping

    • connection to kua through fascia lines

This angle optimizes:

  • peng elasticity

  • spiral torque transmission

  • fascial continuity

So from a teaching standpoint — especially for beginners — giving a “degree range” is useful.

2️⃣ The “Degrees Don’t Matter, Only Align with Kua” View (Internal Level)

Advanced masters say:

“只要與胯對準，角度自然對。”
If aligned with the kua, the angles will self-correct.

Why do they say this?

Because in high-level Tai Chi:

  • Arms do not hold shape independently

  • They float as extensions of dantian rotation

  • Kua controls shoulder

  • Shoulder controls elbow

  • Elbow controls wrist

If the kua rotates properly, the arm angle constantly adjusts.

In push hands:

  • Sometimes 80° is correct

  • Sometimes 135° is correct

  • Sometimes almost straight is correct

The arm angle is dynamic, not static.

The real principle is:

Structure follows center.

Not:

Center follows arm angle.

3️⃣ Which One Is Correct?

They apply to different stages.

Beginner Stage

Use approximate angles to:

  • Avoid collapse

  • Prevent overextension

  • Learn peng structure

Here, degree ranges are helpful guardrails.

Intermediate Stage

You begin to:

  • Connect elbow to kua

  • Let dantian regulate arm opening

  • Maintain spherical expansion

Angle becomes variable within a safe elastic range.

Advanced Stage

Angle becomes irrelevant.

What matters:

  • Is force entering ground?

  • Is dantian controlling vector?

  • Is shoulder released?

  • Is kua open?

  • Is there continuous spiral?

At this level:

The arm becomes a floating lever, not a geometric requirement.

4️⃣ Why Masters Often Reject Fixed Angles

Because fixation on angle causes:

  • Deltoid tension

  • Artificial posing

  • Disconnection from kua

  • Upper body domination

And that blocks:

  • Silk reeling

  • Elastic peng

  • Whole-body rebound

Tai Chi is not geometry.
It is dynamic spherical pressure regulation.

5️⃣ The Real Governing Rule (This Is Key)

Instead of asking:

“What is the best degree?”

Ask:

“If someone presses here, does the force pass through elbow → shoulder → kua → foot without break?”

If yes → angle is correct.
If not → angle is wrong.

Structure is validated by force transmission, not appearance.

6️⃣ Practical Rule You Can Use

For form training:

• Forearm–upper arm: around 100–120°
• Upper arm–torso: around 30–45°
• Elbow slightly sunk, never lifted
• Shoulder relaxed and wrapped

But:

Never freeze the angle.

Let it breathe with the kua.

7️⃣ Final Answer (Refined Conclusion)

Those who insist on fixed degrees are protecting beginners from collapse.

Those who say degrees don’t matter are protecting advanced students from rigidity.

The highest principle is:

Alignment to kua and dantian determines correct angle,
not the other way around.

If the kua is correct, the arm angle becomes alive.

If the angle is correct but kua is wrong, structure is dead.


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Push Hands

  Push Hands

Fixed-Pattern Pushing Hands（套路推手）

The Four Levels of Contact in Receiving Energy

八法推手(Eight Methods of Push Hands)

捋勁Roll Back

Supple Tai Chi FB

Push Hands-- Respecting the Opponent

以客為尊的推手藝術

易簡推手Yi Jian Push Hands

Moving Opponent with the Heart

太極拳推手攻守招法（中英文簡版）Tai Chi Push Hands Attack and Defense Techniques (Chinese-English Concise edition)

易簡太極拳推手攻守招法Yi Jian Tai Chi Push Hands Attack and Defense Techniques


沾粘貼控 Stick, adhere, press and control

對拉拔長與推手Opposing Stretches

Deep Breathing and Ward-off, Roll-back, Pluck, and Push Techniques


 Push Hands (Tui Shou) in Depth


Push Hands (Tui Shou) is a fundamental practice in Tai Chi Chuan, serving as a bridge between solo form practice and free sparring. It is a partner exercise designed to develop sensitivity, balance, and the practical application of Tai Chi principles in a dynamic context. This section delves deeper into the methods, principles, and benefits of Push Hands practice.


1. Principles of Push Hands


Listening Energy (Ting Jin):

Sensitivity: Developing the ability to sense the opponent's movements and intentions through touch. This involves being aware of subtle shifts in pressure and direction.

Connection: Maintaining continuous contact with the partner, allowing for the transmission and reception of energy and information.


Adherence and Following (Nian and Sui):

Adherence: Sticking to the opponent without losing contact, allowing for better control and response.

Following: Moving with the opponent's energy rather than resisting, using their force to your advantage.


Neutralization (Hua Jin):

Redirection: Using circular movements to neutralize and redirect the opponent's force. This prevents direct confrontation and turns the opponent’s strength against them.

Yielding: Absorbing the opponent’s energy and leading it into emptiness, creating opportunities for counter-attacks.


Issuing Energy (Fa Jin):

Explosive Power: Generating and releasing internal power in a sudden, controlled burst. This technique can be used to unbalance or push the opponent away.

Whole-Body Integration: Utilizing coordinated movement of the entire body, driven by the Dantian, to generate power.


2. Methods of Push Hands


Fixed-Step Push Hands:

Focus on Upper Body: Partners remain rooted in place, emphasizing upper body movements and the principles of listening, adhering, and neutralizing.

Stability and Structure: Develops strong rooting, balance, and the ability to maintain structure under pressure.


Moving-Step Push Hands:

Incorporating Footwork: Partners move their feet, integrating stepping and directional changes.

Dynamic Balance: Enhances the ability to maintain balance and structure while moving, preparing for more realistic applications.


Single-Hand Push Hands:

Simplified Practice: One hand is used, allowing practitioners to focus on specific principles without the complexity of both hands.

Foundation Building: Useful for beginners to build foundational skills in sensitivity and neutralization.


Double-Hand Push Hands:

Increased Complexity: Both hands are engaged, providing a more comprehensive practice of Tai Chi principles.

Advanced Techniques: Allows for the exploration of more complex techniques and applications.


 3. Common Drills and Exercises


Four Corners Drill:

Directionality: Practicing movements in four directions to develop spatial awareness and adaptability.

Control and Redirection: Emphasizes the ability to control and redirect force from multiple angles.


Circling Hands:

Circular Movements: Partners practice continuous circular movements, promoting smooth energy flow and neutralization.

Energy Cultivation: Enhances the cultivation and circulation of Qi through coordinated movement.


Push and Pull:

Push and Yield: One partner pushes while the other yields and redirects the force. This drill develops the ability to switch between offensive and defensive roles.

Dynamic Response: Encourages quick adaptation and response to changing forces.


4. Benefits of Push Hands Practice


Enhanced Sensitivity:

Increased Awareness: Heightened ability to sense and respond to subtle changes in pressure and movement.

Refined Techniques: Improved precision and effectiveness in applying Tai Chi techniques.


Improved Balance and Stability:

Rooting: Stronger connection to the ground, enhancing stability.

Dynamic Balance: Ability to maintain balance while moving and responding to external forces.


Practical Application:

Real-Time Practice: Opportunity to apply Tai Chi principles in a dynamic and interactive setting.

Combat Skills: Development of practical skills for self-defense and martial applications.


Qi Development:

Energy Flow: Enhanced circulation and flow of Qi through continuous movement and interaction.

- **Internal Power:** Strengthening of internal power (Jin) through coordinated, whole-body movements.


Conclusion


Push Hands (Tui Shou) is an essential practice for any serious Tai Chi Chuan practitioner. It provides a practical context for applying Tai Chi principles and techniques, enhancing sensitivity, balance, and martial skills. Regular practice of Push Hands drills and exercises deepens the understanding of Tai Chi and prepares practitioners for more advanced applications, including free sparring and real-world self-defense scenarios. Through dedicated and mindful practice, the benefits of Push Hands extend beyond martial skills, contributing to overall physical and mental well-being.

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The "Closing" or "Salutation" Posture

The "Closing" or "Salutation" Posture

The "Closing" or "Salutation" posture (often called Bào Quán Lǐ 抱拳禮) used at the beginning and end of Tai Chi and Kung Fu practice.

To get the geometry right, you are aligning the "heel" of your open hand with the "knuckles" of your closed hand. Here is exactly how and where:

1. The "How" (Hand Formation)

  • The Left Palm: Keep the left hand open, fingers together, and the thumb tucked slightly (to represent humility). The "base line" refers to the bottom edge/heel of the palm (near the wrist).

  • The Right Fist: Make a standard clenched fist with the right hand. The "ridge" refers to the flat row of knuckles (the proximal interphalangeal joints) of the four fingers.

2. The "Where" (The Point of Contact)

The contact happens directly in front of your chest, about 6–10 inches away from your sternum at "Heart Center" height.

  • Vertical Alignment: The right fist is held upright.

  • The Connection: You press the flat base of the left palm firmly against the knuckles (ridge) of the right fist.

  • The Shape: Your arms should form a rounded circle (maintaining Peng energy). Your elbows should not be "spiked" upward or drooping down; they should be heavy and relaxed.

3. The Symbolic Meaning

In the context of the "Body Method" we discussed earlier, this alignment isn't just for show. It represents the union of two opposing forces:

  • The Fist (Right): Represents Yang, martial prowess, or "the tiger."

  • The Palm (Left): Represents Yin, wisdom, or "the dragon."

By placing the palm over the ridge of the fist, you are symbolically showing that wisdom/restraint (the palm) covers and controls martial force (the fist).

4. Integration with your Letter

If you are writing that letter regarding 按 (Push), you might find that this salutation is the perfect "frame" for your practice. The Push energy starts from the same centered place where this salutation is held.

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Lie (挒) Plucking/cutting Arm Not Limp or Rigid

Lie (挒) Plucking/cutting Arm Not Limp or Rigid

In the judging table, under Lie (挒) it says:

“Plucking/cutting arm limp or rigid”

Let’s clarify precisely what that means.

1️⃣ What “Plucking/Cutting Arm” Refers To

It refers to the arm that performs the splitting or cutting vector in Lie (挒).

Lie is not just “pulling apart.”

It is:

A spiraling, opposing torque created by two coordinated forces.

So in Lie:

  • One arm draws (often related to Cai-like action).

  • The other arm “cuts” or “splits” across the opponent’s structure.

That cutting/splitting arm is what the phrase describes.

2️⃣ Why the Word “Cutting”?

The Chinese character 挒 (Lie) implies:

  • Splitting

  • Tearing apart

  • Rotational division

It is not a literal chop like in Karate.

It is:

A rotational shearing force.

So “cutting arm” means:

The arm applying the outward, rotational splitting vector.

3️⃣ Why Judges Check This

The rule says the arm must not be:

  • Limp (癱軟)

  • Rigid (僵硬)

Because Lie must be:

✔ Elastic
✔ Spiral
✔ Structurally connected
✔ Driven by waist

If the cutting arm is limp:

  • No torque reaches opponent.

  • It becomes decorative.

If the cutting arm is rigid:

  • It becomes muscular force.

  • Spiral continuity is broken.

  • Looks stiff in competition.

4️⃣ Better English Translation (More Precise)

“Plucking/cutting arm” is understandable but slightly awkward.

More accurate terms could be:

  • Splitting arm

  • Dividing arm

  • Torque-applying arm

  • Lie action arm

  • The arm executing the splitting vector

For an official manual, I would recommend:

“The splitting arm (Lie action arm) is limp or rigid.”

That is clearer and more professional.

5️⃣ Structurally What Should That Arm Feel Like?

In correct Lie:

  • Shoulder relaxed

  • Elbow sunk

  • Wrist alive

  • Spiral from dantian

  • Opposite arm coordinated

It should feel like:

Twisting a wet towel — not chopping wood.

6️⃣ Why This Is Often Confused

Many athletes:

  • Overuse arm strength

  • Raise the elbow

  • Lock the shoulder

  • Perform Lie as a horizontal pull

That is why this error category exists.

7️⃣ In Summary

“Plucking/cutting arm” means:

The arm that performs the splitting/rotational force in Lie.

The judging standard checks whether that arm:

✔ Maintains elastic structure
✔ Remains connected to the waist
✔ Is neither collapsed nor stiff


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How Cai (採) transforms into Lie (挒)

 How Cai (採) transforms into Lie (挒) —

and why wrist structure becomes even more critical in this transition.

This is where many athletes lose structural integrity.

1️⃣ First Clarify the Essence

🔻 Cai (採)

Downward plucking spiral.
Primary action: vertical sinking + inward spiral.

🔺 Lie (挒)

Splitting / tearing spiral.
Primary action: opposing rotational vectors.

Cai compresses.
Lie divides.

2️⃣ Vector Mechanics

In Cai

Force direction:

  • Diagonal downward

  • Guided by kua folding

  • Opponent’s center drawn slightly forward and down

Body action:

  • Weight sinks

  • Dantian rotates

  • Elbow drops

  • Wrist transmits

You are borrowing opponent’s forward force.

Transition Moment (Critical)

Cai stores rotational tension in the torso.

If structure is correct:

  • The fascia sling is loaded

  • Opponent’s structure is partially compromised

  • Their elbow is controlled

Now Lie is not a new action —
it is the release of stored torsion.

In Lie

Force direction:

  • One hand draws back

  • One hand expands forward or outward

  • Spiral torque increases

It becomes:

  • Horizontal or diagonal split

  • Opponent’s axis rotated and broken

3️⃣ Fascia Chain During Transition

In Cai:

Adductor + oblique sling engaged.

In Lie:

Opposite oblique sling activates.

This creates cross-body torque.

If wrist remains aligned:

✔ Fascia tension flows uninterrupted
✔ Elbow remains heavy
✔ Torque reaches opponent’s center

If wrist collapses:

❌ Spiral energy dissipates
❌ Lie becomes arm pulling
❌ Structure disconnects

4️⃣ The Role of the Wrist in Cai → Lie

The wrist must:

  • Remain alive

  • Slightly extended

  • Connected to elbow drop

  • Not over-flexed

Why?

Because Lie requires two-direction expansion.

If the wrist is sitting or locked:

  • It blocks the outward splitting vector

  • You get arm-based rotation instead of whole-body torque

5️⃣ Common Technical Errors in Competition

❌ Athletes over-pull in Cai
→ then switch to muscular outward yank for Lie

❌ Elbows rise during transition
→ Lose downward root

❌ Wrist flexes to grip
→ Judges see tension

❌ No clear directional change
→ Cai and Lie look identical

6️⃣ Biomechanical Truth

Cai loads torsion.
Lie releases torsion.

Think of twisting a towel:

Cai = twist downward.
Lie = wring apart.

The wrist should be:

Like the end of a whip — flexible yet connected.

Not rigid.
Not collapsed.

7️⃣ Why Some Practitioners Use 坐腕 Here

Because in very short-range application:

They create a brief compression at wrist
→ then explode outward

But that is:

  • Combat micro-power

  • Not structural ideal

  • Not sustainable for competition aesthetics

For long jin transmission:

The spiral must remain continuous.

8️⃣ Internal Principle from Classics

Although not worded directly about Cai-Lie transition, the classical idea:

節節貫串
Joint by joint continuity

Applies precisely here.

If wrist breaks continuity:

Lie becomes separate from Cai.

But in advanced Taiji:

Cai already contains Lie.

9️⃣ Final Technical Conclusion

For optimal energy transmission:

✔ Wrist extended, rounded
✔ Elbow sunk
✔ Kua folding in Cai
✔ Dantian spiral continues into Lie
✔ No muscular gripping

The power comes from:

Ground reaction → pelvic torque → spinal spiral → scapular glide → elbow drop → wrist expression

The wrist is an endpoint, not an engine.


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