Using Inverse Within Compliance, and Compliance Within Inverse 顺中用逆, 逆中行顺

 

Using Inverse Within Compliance, and Compliance Within Inverse 顺中用逆, 逆中行顺

In Tai Chi, the phrase "顺中用逆, 逆中行顺" is a key principle that encapsulates the essence of the martial art. It translates roughly to "Using inverse within compliance, and compliance within inverse."

Breaking Down the Terms

• 顺中用逆 (Shùn zhōng yòng nì): Literally means "using inverse within compliance." It implies that while seemingly following an opponent's force, one can subtly reverse it to their advantage.
• 逆中行顺 (Nì zhōng xíng shùn): Literally means "compliance within inverse." It suggests that even when seemingly going against an opponent's force, one can harmonize their movements to incorporate and neutralize it.

Theoretical Basis

• Yielding to Overpower (以柔克刚): Tai Chi's core principle of using softness to overcome hardness.
• Interplay of Yin and Yang: The concept of duality and balance, where opposites complement and transform each other.
• Borrowing and Directing Force: Tai Chi emphasizes using an opponent's force to one's advantage rather than directly opposing it.

Practical Application

• 顺中用逆 (Shùn zhōng yòng nì):
  • Pushing Hands Practice: When an opponent pushes forward, initially yield and retreat, then subtly reverse the force by turning the waist and sinking the hips.
  • Combat Application: Against an attacker, initially comply with their force, then counterattack when they are off-balance.
• 逆中行顺 (Nì zhōng xíng shùn):
  • Pushing Hands Practice: When an opponent pushes forward, initially resist their force, then smoothly incorporate it into your own movement, turning it to your advantage.
  • Combat Application: Against an attacker, initially resist their force, then channel it into your own attack, neutralizing their momentum.

Key Points for Practice

• Relaxation of Waist and Hips: Essential for flexibility and coordination.
• Mind-Body Unity: A focused mind is crucial for controlling the body and executing techniques effectively.
• Gradual Progress: Mastering these principles takes time and practice.

Conclusion

"顺中用逆, 逆中行顺" (Shùn zhōng yòng nì, nì zhōng xíng shùn) is a fundamental concept in Tai Chi that emphasizes yielding, borrowing force, and harmonizing movements. By understanding and practicing this principle, practitioners can develop the skill of neutralizing opponents' force and turning it to their advantage.

When you are pushed, your body moves back, but your hands move forward, your left shoulder move back, but your right shoulder moves forward?  They are also examples of "順中求逆" (Shùn zhōng qiú nì).

In this scenario, you're initially moving backward (顺) in response to being pushed, but then you execute a counter-movement (逆) by moving your hands forward and shifting your shoulders in the opposite direction. This demonstrates the principle of "顺中求逆," which means "seeking inverse within compliance."

Here's a breakdown of the specific movements:

• Initial compliance: Your body moves backward, initially yielding to the force of the push.
• Counter-movement: Your hands move forward, applying a counter-force against the initial push. Simultaneously, your left shoulder moves backward while your right shoulder moves forward, creating a twisting motion that helps to neutralize the opponent's force.

This technique is often used in Tai Chi to deflect and redirect an opponent's force, turning it to your advantage. It's a classic example of how to use compliance (顺) as a setup for a counter-movement (逆).