Drills for Feeding Energy (Wei Jin), Receiving Energy (Jie Jin), and Kua Rotation

 

Drills for Feeding Energy (Wei Jin),

 Receiving Energy (Jie Jin), and 

Kua Rotation

These drills focus on developing your skills in Tai Chi related to Wei Jin (feeding energy), Jie Jin (receiving energy), and Kua (hip) rotation.

Key Points:

• Focus on Feeling: Both partners should prioritize feeling the flow of energy rather than muscular force.
• Coordination: Practice coordinating your breath with the movement. Inhale as you initiate a movement and exhale as you complete it.
• Relaxation: Maintain a relaxed posture throughout the drills. Tension can hinder your ability to feel the subtle energy shifts.
• Communication: Before starting, agree on a comfortable level of force for "feeding energy."

Drill 1: Basic Energy Exchange (Hun Yuan Shi Li):

• Set-up: Stand facing your partner with feet shoulder-width apart. Cross your arms so that your left arm is inside your partner's right arm and your right arm is outside your partner's left arm. Both partners place their hands on each other's shoulders.
• Movement: Partner A initiates by gently warding off (Wei Jin - feeding energy, starting from 10% of your energy and then increasing little by little), sending a slight wave of energy through their body and arms. Partner B focuses on feeling this energy shift and allows themself to sink slightly back (Jie Jin - receiving energy) while maintaining their posture. Imagine the energy flowing from your partner, through your arms and core, and rooting down to your feet.
• Feeling: Partner A should feel a connection through their arms and be aware of Partner B's response. Partner B should focus on feeling the incoming energy and respond by adapting their hand bend, while maintaining proper alignment and avoiding resistance.
• Progression: Once comfortable, Partner A can experiment with varying the direction of their lean (forward, backward, slightly sideways) while maintaining a consistent level of force. Partner B continues to practice receiving and redirecting the energy.

Drill 2: Kua Weight Shift Response (Kua Yi Diaowei):

• Set-up: Same as Drill 1.
• Movement: Partner A maintains a straight posture but begins to shift their weight from one leg to the other by rotating their kua (hips). Partner B focuses on feeling this shift through their arms and responds by adjusting their own posture slightly to accommodate the change in weight distribution, without resisting.
• Feeling: Partner A should feel their kua rotation affecting Partner B's balance. Partner B should focus on feeling the subtle shift in weight and adapting their posture to maintain connection.
• Progression: Partner A can gradually increase the speed and intensity of their kua rotation while maintaining control. Partner B should continue to practice responsive adjustments without getting pulled off balance.

Drill 3: Kua Turn and Topple (Kua Fa Jin Tui Buli):

• Set-up: Same as Drill 1.
• Movement: Partner A initiates a strong kua rotation, explosively turning their hips with the intention of toppling Partner B. However, Partner B should use their Tai Chi principles to remain rooted and connected. By feeling the impending turn through their arms and Partner A's body tension, Partner B can use skillful footwork and slight body adjustments to maintain their balance and avoid being toppled.
• Feeling: Partner A should feel the resistance from Partner B as they attempt the turn. Partner B should feel the shift in energy and react by rooting down and redirecting the force through their legs.
• Progression: Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of Partner A's kua turn as Partner B develops their skill in receiving and redirecting the force.

Important Notes:

• Safety: Partner A should always be in control of their movements and avoid using excessive force.
• Communication: Discuss and agree on the level of intensity for Partner A's kua turn to ensure a safe and beneficial practice session.
• Take Turns: Switch roles after a few repetitions so both partners can experience feeding and receiving energy, as well as kua rotation and response.

By practicing these drills, you can develop a deeper understanding of energy flow, kua movement, and responsive action in Tai Chi. Remember, focus on feeling and adapting, rather than using muscular force or trying to overpower your partner.