The Eight Methods (八法, bā fǎ)—Peng (掤), Lu (捋), Ji (擠), An (按), Cai (採), Lie (挒), Zhou (肘), and Kao (靠)
In Tai Chi, the eight methods (八法, bā fǎ)—Peng (掤), Lu (捋), Ji (擠), An (按), Cai (採), Lie (挒), Zhou (肘), and Kao (靠)—are the eight fundamental energies used in Tai Chi movements. These are part of the 十三势 (Shísān Shì), or Thirteen Postures, which also include the five directions or footwork (五步, wǔ bù).
In this classification, the eight methods are further divided into two groups based on their directional application:
- Four "正方" (zhèng fāng): These are the four "primary" or cardinal methods, often translated as "direct energies".
- Four "斜方" (xié fāng): These are the four "diagonal" or corner methods, also referred to as "indirect energies".
Four Primary (正方) Methods:
These are considered the central, foundational techniques of Tai Chi. They are more commonly used in frontal and direct interactions in both offense and defense. The four primary methods are:
Peng (掤):
- Ward-off energy. It is an expansive, outward force that is used to neutralize or deflect an opponent’s attack while maintaining structural integrity.
- Theory: Peng is the most fundamental energy in Tai Chi and represents buoyancy or lift. It is soft but strong, like water that supports a floating object.
Lu (捋):
- Roll-back energy. Lu involves absorbing and redirecting the opponent’s force by pulling or leading them into an empty space.
- Theory: Lu relies on yielding and neutralizing. It’s often considered Yin in contrast to Peng’s Yang. You don’t meet force with force but rather redirect it, using your opponent’s momentum against them.
Ji (擠):
- Press energy. Ji is a forward, squeezing force, often applied with both hands, pressing toward the opponent to break their structure.
- Theory: Ji combines Peng and Lu. It involves pressing in on an opponent’s weak point while maintaining balance and structure. It’s a more concentrated, directed form of force.
An (按):
- Push energy. An involves a downward or forward pressing or pushing motion.
- Theory: An is about issuing energy outward with the entire body in a smooth, controlled manner. It is soft yet firm, often used after Peng or Lu to push the opponent away.
Four Diagonal (斜方) Methods:
The diagonal methods are more specialized and used for more advanced applications. These techniques are often applied when dealing with more complex angles or situations where direct engagement is less optimal. The four diagonal methods are:
Cai (採):
- Pluck or Pull-down energy. Cai involves a downward, grabbing motion that pulls the opponent off balance.
- Theory: Cai is a quick, jerking motion that disrupts the opponent’s balance by plucking or seizing their limbs. It often combines with other energies like Lu and Lie for joint control or throwing.
Lie (挒):
- Split energy. Lie involves using a separating force, splitting the opponent’s energy or limbs in two different directions.
- Theory: Lie is a powerful energy that creates a "tearing" effect. You use force in opposite directions (e.g., one arm pulls, while the other pushes) to disrupt the opponent’s balance and structure.
Zhou (肘):
- Elbow energy. Zhou is the use of the elbow in close-range attacks, employing short but powerful strikes.
- Theory: Zhou is often applied in situations where the distance between you and your opponent is too close for longer techniques. It represents concentrated, explosive force using the elbow as a weapon.
Kao (靠):
- Bump or Shoulder energy. Kao is the use of the body (often the shoulder, back, or hip) to strike or bump the opponent.
- Theory: Kao involves using the body's mass and structure to issue powerful, close-range force. It is effective in tight quarters, using your body’s natural weight and momentum to overwhelm the opponent.
Theories Behind the Division:
The division of the eight methods into four primary (正方) and four diagonal (斜方) reflects the different types of energy directions and applications in Tai Chi. Here’s how the two categories differ:
正方 (Primary or Direct Energies):
- These energies are applied in a frontal or direct line—typically when you are facing your opponent squarely.
- They emphasize maintaining structure and using energy that is more easily controlled and directed.
- These techniques are foundational and often the first energies a practitioner learns because they focus on the core principles of Tai Chi: balance, connection, and alignment.
斜方 (Diagonal or Indirect Energies):
- These energies are applied at angles or diagonals, often requiring more nuanced timing, angles, and changes in direction.
- They are typically more advanced techniques, requiring greater skill in redirecting or deflecting energy in ways that are less direct but often more disruptive to the opponent.
- Diagonal methods are useful when your opponent is attacking from unconventional angles or when you need to neutralize force with subtler movements.
Incorporating Into Push Hands:
In push hands practice, understanding the difference between the four direct energies and the four diagonal energies allows practitioners to adjust their responses based on the opponent’s energy and position.
Direct energies like Peng, Lu, Ji, and An are useful in maintaining structure and balance in more straightforward engagements, where the goal is to remain centered and either absorb or issue force along a predictable path.
Diagonal energies like Cai, Lie, Zhou, and Kao are useful in more dynamic and complex situations, such as when the opponent changes direction or force unexpectedly. These methods help you adapt to off-angle attacks, break their balance, or counter with short-range, explosive power.
By practicing and integrating both categories, a Tai Chi practitioner develops versatility, able to handle a wide range of combat situations with either direct or more subtle, angular responses.
在太極拳中，“掤”（Peng）捋，擠和“按”，採，挒，肘，靠是基本的技術，它們通常用於太極拳的應用和實戰中。
掤（Peng）：掤是一種向上的技術，用於抵抗對手向你施加的壓力。掤的動作是向上和外移的，通常用於解開對手的攻勢並保持自己的平衡。
百度百科：
掤勁
太極拳的專用術語，是太極拳的母勁，即基本勁，是太極拳功夫的一種表現，可隱可顯，隨變而變。“掤勁”實際上是一種圓潤勁、膨脹勁、剛柔相濟的彈性勁，即中定勁，無力點，無力源的混元勁，在楊氏老譜中稱“橫豎勁”，再説得透徹一點，“掤勁”就是一種高度自律協調的自然撐合力。所以，拳論中有“用意不用力”之説，更有“似松非松”之論，即做到了自然態的鬆緊融合，即不鬆不緊，有松有緊的自然協調態，才能任意鬆緊，隨意鬆緊，並顯現出太極拳所要求的“掤勁”。
捋（Lu）：捋是一種向外撥的技術，用於將對手的力量引導到一旁，同時保持自己的平衡和穩定。
擠（Ji）：擠是一種向前的技術，用於推擠對手，打亂對手的節奏並創造出攻擊的機會。
按（An）：按是一種向內的技術，用於抵抗對手的下壓力，同時保持自己的平衡和穩定。
採（Cai）：採是一種向下的技術，用於搶奪對手的位置或控制對手的手部。
挒（Lie）：挒是一種向外推的技術，用於將對手的力量推向一旁。
肘（Zhou）：肘是一種利用肘部的技術，用於攻擊對手或擋開對手的攻勢。
靠（Kao）：靠是一種向前的技術，用於利用身體的重量和力量向對手施加壓力。
這些基本的技術在太極拳的實戰應用中非常重要，它們的運用需要經過反覆的練習和對太極拳原理的深入理解。通過學習和掌握這些技術，你可以更好地應對不同的情況並提高自己的太極拳水平。
In Tai Chi Chuan, "Peng" (Ward Off), "Lu" (Rollback), "Ji" (Press), "An" (Push), "Cai" (Pull Down), "Lie" (Split), "Zhou" (Elbow), and "Kao" (Shoulder) are basic techniques used in applications and combat.
Peng (Ward Off): Peng is an upward technique used to resist pressure from an opponent. The movement is upward and outward, often used to neutralize an opponent's attack and maintain balance.
According to Baidu: "Peng Jin" is a specialized term in Tai Chi Chuan, which is the mother force of Tai Chi Chuan, i.e., the basic force. It is a manifestation of the skill of Tai Chi Chuan, which can be hidden or revealed, and changes according to the situation. "Peng Jin" is actually a kind of round and smooth force, an expansive force, a combination of hardness and softness, an elastic force with a balanced structure, and no fixed points or sources of force. In the old Yang family manuscripts, it is called "horizontal and vertical force." To put it more clearly, "Peng Jin" is a highly self-regulated and coordinated natural supporting force. Therefore, there is a saying in boxing theory, "Use intention, not force," and even the argument of "seemingly loose but not loose," which means achieving a natural state of relaxation and tension integration, neither loose nor tight, but a natural and coordinated state of relaxation and tension, in order to achieve the arbitrary relaxation and tension required by Tai Chi Chuan and to demonstrate the "Peng Jin" force.
Lu (Rollback): Lu is an outward redirecting technique used to guide an opponent's force to the side while maintaining balance and stability.
Ji (Press): Ji is a forward pressing technique used to disrupt the opponent's rhythm and create opportunities for attack.
An (Push): An is an inward technique used to resist downward pressure from the opponent while maintaining balance and stability.
Cai (Pull Down): Cai is a downward technique used to seize the opponent's position or control their arms.
Lie (Split): Lie is an outward pushing technique used to divert the opponent's force to the side.
Zhou (Elbow): Zhou is a technique that utilizes the elbow for attacking or blocking the opponent's attacks.
Kao (Shoulder): Kao is a forward technique that uses the body's weight and strength to apply pressure to the opponent.
These basic techniques are crucial in the practical application of Tai Chi Chuan. Their mastery requires repeated practice and a deep understanding of Tai Chi principles. By learning and mastering these techniques, practitioners can better handle different situations and improve their Tai Chi Chuan skills.
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