Commence Form Ward Off 起式掤

Commence Form Ward Off 起式掤

There are two common methods for warding off (Peng) an incoming force in Tai Chi. Each has a different approach but both rely on maintaining body alignment, structure, and flow of energy without directly resisting the force.

1. Intention Going Forward (Not Upward) to Ward Off:

In Tai Chi, when you ward off an opponent's force, the intention of your arm should move forward rather than upward. This principle is based on Tai Chi's idea of yielding without resisting, where the goal is to neutralize or redirect the force rather than meeting it head-on.

If your arm moves upward, you're likely to engage in "resistance" (抗), which is contrary to Tai Chi's core philosophy of using softness and redirection to handle incoming energy. Instead of blocking the force upward (which could stiffen the body or lead to direct confrontation), moving the arm forward allows for smoother redirection, and it uses the body’s structure to absorb and deflect the force naturally.

Theories Behind This:

• Peng Jin (ward-off energy) is outward, not upward. The force comes from the whole body, not just the arms, and it is directed slightly forward, similar to inflating a balloon—providing a smooth, outward, and expansive energy to neutralize the opponent's force.
• Forward energy ensures that your structure remains intact, and you stay connected to the ground through your legs and hips. Moving upward could cause you to lose your grounding or break your structure.
• Continuity of force: In Tai Chi, movements are continuous and uninterrupted. Moving forward allows for smoother transitions into subsequent movements like Lu (rollback) or Ji (press).

2. Using the Kua (Hip Area) to Turn and Redirect Force:

The other method involves using your Kua (hips) to turn and redirect the incoming force to the side while maintaining Peng Jin. This is especially useful for larger or more direct attacks, where turning the hips allows you to "empty" the incoming force and neutralize it by leading it off your centerline.

Theories Behind This:

• Use of the Kua: The Kua is a critical part of Tai Chi movement, where the hips act as a turning point or axis. By turning your Kua, you engage the lower body and waist to help rotate or shift the incoming force off to the side rather than confronting it directly with your arms.
• Redirection of force: Instead of facing the incoming force head-on, turning with the hips allows you to maintain balance and structure while leading the opponent’s energy away from your center. This follows the Tai Chi principle of "leading away a thousand pounds with four ounces"—redirecting large forces with minimal effort.
• Whole-body movement: By using your hips and waist to rotate, the entire body moves as a single unit. This makes the movement more powerful and efficient compared to relying only on the arms. The force is absorbed through the legs, hips, and torso and then expressed outward through the arms.

Comparing the Two Approaches:

• Direct forward ward-off: Your arm’s energy moves forward, with the intention of projecting the incoming force outward. This is useful when the opponent’s force isn’t too overwhelming or when you want to maintain contact and immediately counter or neutralize.
• Turning with the Kua: This method is more about deflection and redirection. If the opponent’s force is strong or you want to unbalance them, turning with the Kua allows you to lead the opponent’s energy off-course, making them over-extend while keeping yourself in a stable, strong position.

Both methods align with Tai Chi’s core principles of yielding and redirection, but they apply different mechanics depending on the situation:

• Forward ward-off emphasizes maintaining a strong structure and sending the energy back out from your body.
• Turning with the Kua emphasizes redirection, using the waist and hips to avoid meeting force with force.

Conclusion:

Yes, it’s true that when warding off (Peng), the intention should go forward rather than upward to avoid resisting the force directly. Alternatively, using the Kua to turn the force aside and neutralize it is another method, particularly for stronger or more direct attacks. Both methods are effective in Tai Chi depending on the type and intensity of the incoming force, and they follow the principles of using structure, whole-body movement, and redirection rather than brute resistance.