The Basics: Vertical and Horizontal Circles

 

The Basics: Vertical and Horizontal Circles

Before we delve into the drills, let's ensure we're on the same page about the terms:

• Vertical Circle Push: A circular motion of the arm, typically starting from low to high, pushing outwards.
• Roll Back: A defensive movement where the arm is drawn back to protect the body.
• Ward Off: A defensive movement where the forearm is used to deflect an incoming attack.
• Pluck: A grabbing or seizing motion, often used to control an opponent's wrist or arm.
• Vertical Circle: A circular motion of the arm in a vertical plane.
• Horizontal Circle: A circular motion of the arm in a horizontal plane.

• Remember, it's always the hips (kua) that initiate the swinging motion.

  The hips are the powerhouse of Taijiquan. By emphasizing the hip movement, you'll develop a stronger foundation for generating and transmitting power.

Partner Drills: Vertical Circle Push, Roll Back, Ward Off, Pluck

Drill 1: Basic Combinations

• 
  

• Partners face each other.

  • Partner A: Executes a vertical circle push with the right hand targeting the upper part of Partner B's left forearm.
  • Partner B: Responds with a ward off to deflect the push, followed by a roll back where the wrist is turned to grab the upper part of Partner A's forearm. Then, performs a pluck to control Partner A's arm, and finally pushes back.
  • Partner A: Maintains close contact with Partner B's arm, adhering to it without using excessive force.
  • Partners switch roles and repeat.

  Drill 2: 

• 
  

Drill 2: Stepping and Coordination

• Partners stand at a comfortable distance.
• Partner A steps forward with a vertical circle push.
• Partner B responds with a roll back, stepping back simultaneously.
• Partner A continues with a ward off, trying to control Partner B's arm.
• Partners switch roles and vary the stepping patterns.

• Drill 3 Dynamic Flow of Moving Steps Practice

  • Partners move freely around the space.
  • One partner initiates an attack with a vertical circle push, varying the direction (left or right). The attack should emphasize jing (spirit) and intent, leading with the index finger rather than relying on brute force. This involves a subtle redirection of the arm while maintaining close contact.
  • The other partner responds dynamically by rolling back, warding off, and plucking the attacking arm. Once control is established, they push back.
  • Partners switch roles, adjusting the timing and intensity of their movements.

Partner Drills: Horizontal Circle

Drill 4: Basic Horizontal Circles

• Partners face each other.
• Both partners simultaneously execute horizontal circles in opposite directions.
• Focus on maintaining a relaxed grip and smooth circular motion.

• Horizontal plucking is a fundamental technique in Tai Chi push hands (tui shou). It's a crucial component of understanding the principles of yielding, adhering, and neutralizing force.

  Key Points to Remember

  • Relaxation: Maintain a relaxed state in your body. Tension will hinder your ability to respond effectively.
  • Grounding: Ensure your feet are firmly rooted to the ground. This provides a stable base for your movements.
  • Yielding and Adhering: Understand the interplay between yielding to the incoming force and adhering to your partner. This balance is essential for effective plucking.
  • Wrist and Forearm: The wrist and forearm play a vital role in executing the pluck. They should be supple and responsive.
  • Body Movement: While the pluck is initiated with the hands, the whole body should participate in the movement.

  Practice Tips

  • Start Slowly: Begin with gentle movements to develop sensitivity and coordination.
  • Vary the Angle: Experiment with different angles of plucking to understand the effects.
  • Change Roles: Practice both giving and receiving the pluck to gain a comprehensive understanding.
  • Focus on Intent: The intent behind the pluck is crucial. Visualize pulling your partner's energy towards you.

  By consistently practicing horizontal plucking, you will develop a deeper understanding of Tai Chi principles and improve your overall skill.

• Step Movement in Horizontal Plucking

• Whether you need to move your steps in a horizontal pluck during Tai Chi push hands depends on several factors:

  1. The Specific Technique:

     • Some horizontal plucking techniques involve minimal step movement, focusing on upper body and arm coordination.
     • Others might require stepping in or out to create leverage or maintain balance.

  2. Your Partner's Actions:

     • Your partner's movements can dictate whether you need to adjust your stance.
     • If your partner pushes strongly, you might need to step back to maintain balance.

  3. The Overall Push Hands Situation:

     • The broader context of the push hands exchange will influence your decision to step or not.
     • For instance, if you're trying to establish a strong base, you might choose to root your feet.

  In general, while step movement is not always necessary in horizontal plucking, it's a valuable tool to enhance your technique and adaptability. It allows you to respond effectively to your partner's actions, maintain balance, and generate power.core engagement is crucial in horizontal plucking and Tai Chi push hands in general.

  Here's why:

  • Stability: A strong core provides the foundation for balance and stability, essential for resisting your partner's force.
  • Power Generation: The core acts as the power center, transferring energy from the lower body to the upper limbs.
  • Sensitivity: A relaxed yet engaged core enhances your ability to feel your partner's movements and respond accordingly.
  • Coordination: Core engagement is vital for coordinating the movements of your arms, legs, and torso.

  While horizontal plucking might focus on upper body techniques, a solid core is the unseen force behind effective execution.

  Drill 5: Horizontal Circle and Push

• Partners face each other.

• One partner executes a horizontal circle.
• The other partner responds by pushing against the moving arm at different points in the circle.
• Partners switch roles and vary the timing and force of the push.

Drill 6: Horizontal Circle and Pluck

• Partners face each other.
• One partner executes a horizontal circle.
• The other partner attempts to pluck the moving arm at different points in the circle.
• Partners switch roles and vary the speed and unpredictability of the circle.

Additional Tips:

• Maintain proper posture and alignment.
• Use your body weight effectively.
• Focus on relaxation and fluidity of movement.
• Experiment with different speeds and distances.
• Communicate with your partner to adjust the intensity and pace.

• performing horizontal circles while maintaining the Tai Chi principles of dropping the shoulders and relaxing the elbows can be challenging.

  The essence of Tai Chi is rooted in softness, circularity, and relaxation. The horizontal circle, when executed correctly, can embody these principles. However, it's crucial to avoid tension in the shoulders and elbows.

  Here are some key points to remember:

  • Shoulder Relaxation: While performing the horizontal circle, imagine your shoulders as heavy balls sinking down. Avoid lifting or tensing them.
  • Elbow Dropping: Allow your elbows to hang naturally. Don't lock them or force them down.
  • Wrist Flexibility: The wrist should be relaxed and supple, allowing for a smooth circular motion.
  • Core Engagement: Engage your core to support the movement and prevent tension in the upper body.
  • Mind-Body Connection: Focus on the flow of energy through your arms and body.

  • The Role of Spine, Shoulder Blades, and Core in Jing

    Jjing (energy) is often described as originating from the spine and shoulder blades, with a strong connection to the core muscles.

    Here's a breakdown:

    • Spine: Often referred to as the "axis of the body," the spine is crucial for overall posture and energy flow. It houses the spinal cord, which is the central nervous system's communication highway.
    • Shoulder Blades: These are the foundation for arm movement. When relaxed and mobile, they allow for efficient energy expression. They are also connected to the upper back muscles, which are part of the core.
    • Core Muscles: These encompass more than just the abdomen. They include muscles in the back, pelvis, and hips. A strong core provides stability and power for all movements, including arm circles.
    • 
      

    In Tai Chi, the emphasis is on cultivating jing from the ground up. This means that the energy is rooted in the feet, rises through the legs and core, and ultimately expresses itself through the hands and arms. The spine, shoulder blades, and core act as a conduit for this energy.

    
    

  By adhering to these principles, you can perform horizontal circles in a manner consistent with Tai Chi philosophy.

• Vertical vs. Horizontal Plucking: Power and Purpose

  Determining whether a vertical or horizontal pluck is more powerful in Tai Chi push hands is somewhat subjective and depends on various factors.

  • Context: The effectiveness of each technique depends on the specific situation in push hands. For instance, a vertical pluck might be more effective in controlling an opponent's upward force, while a horizontal pluck might be better for deflecting a lateral push.
  • Individual Skill: A practitioner's skill in executing a particular technique can significantly influence its power and effectiveness.
  • Partner's Response: The opponent's reaction to the pluck will determine its overall impact.

  Rather than focusing on which pluck is inherently more powerful, it's more beneficial to understand the principles behind both techniques and how to apply them effectively in different scenarios.

  Both vertical and horizontal plucking are essential tools in a Tai Chi practitioner's arsenal. They complement each other and contribute to overall skill development.

Remember, these drills are a starting point. You can modify and create your own variations to suit your specific training goals. Always prioritize safety and listen to your body.