Four Primary Techniques 四正手 and Four Corner Techniques 四隅手

Four Primary Techniques 四正手 and Four Corner Techniques 四隅手

In Taiji (Tai Chi), the techniques 掤 (Peng), 捋 (Lu), 擠 (Ji), and 按 (An) are collectively known as the "Four Primary Techniques" (四正手, Si Zheng Shou) or simply "Four Hands" (四手, Si Shou). These techniques are considered the foundation of Taiji's defensive and offensive movements. On the other hand, 採 (Cai), 列 (Lie), 肘 (Zhou), and 靠 (Kao) are referred to as the "Four Corner Techniques" (四隅手, Si Yu Shou). These techniques complement the Four Primary Techniques and are often used in more advanced or specific situations.

 Below is an explanation of these concepts, including their meanings and applications:

1. 四正手 (Si Zheng Shou, Four Primary Techniques)

The Four Primary Techniques are the core movements of Taiji and are often practiced in the Lansewei (攬雀尾, Grasp the Sparrow's Tail) sequence. They represent the four cardinal directions (正, Zheng) and are considered the "orthodox" or fundamental techniques.

The Four Primary Techniques:

1. 掤 (Peng, Ward Off):

    A defensive technique where the arms expand outward to deflect or redirect an opponent's force.  It represents the energy of expansion and is associated with the element of Wood (木).

2. 捋 (Lu, Roll Back):

    A yielding technique where the practitioner redirects the opponent's force by guiding it to the side or backward.   It represents the energy of yielding and is associated with the element of Water (水).

3. 擠 (Ji, Press):

    A forwardpressing technique where the practitioner uses the body's structure to apply pressure on the opponent.     It represents the energy of compression and is associated with the element of Fire (火).

4. 按 (An, Push):

    A downwardpressing technique where the practitioner uses the palms to push the opponent's energy downward or away.    It represents the energy of sinking and is associated with the element of Earth (土).

 

Why Called "Four Primary Techniques" (四正手, Si Zheng Shou):

 These techniques are considered the "orthodox" (正, Zheng) or foundational movements in Taiji. They correspond to the four cardinal directions (正, Zheng), representing the primary energies of expansion, yielding, compression, and sinking.

 They are often practiced in the Lansewei (攬雀尾, Grasp the Sparrow's Tail) sequence, which is a key component of many Taiji forms.

2. 四隅手 (Si Yu Shou, Four Corner Techniques)

The Four Corner Techniques are supplementary movements that complement the Four Primary Techniques. They are associated with the four diagonal directions (隅, Yu) and are used in more specific or advanced situations.

The Four Corner Techniques:

1. 採 (Cai, Pluck):

    A technique where the practitioner uses a pulling or plucking motion to unbalance the opponent.     It is often used to disrupt the opponent's root and create an opening for attack.

2. 列 (Lie, Split):

    A technique where the practitioner uses a splitting motion to separate the opponent's force or structure.     It is often used to break the opponent's posture or redirect their energy.

3. 肘 (Zhou, Elbow Strike):

    A closerange technique where the practitioner uses the elbow to strike or apply pressure.

    It is used when the opponent is too close for hand techniques.

4. 靠 (Kao, Shoulder Strike):

    A technique where the practitioner uses the shoulder or body to strike or push the opponent.     It is used in very closerange situations where the elbow or hand cannot be used effectively.

 

Why Called "Four Corner Techniques" (四隅手, Si Yu Shou):

These techniques are associated with the four diagonal directions (隅, Yu), representing the secondary or supplementary energies in Taiji.  They are used in more advanced or specific situations, complementing the foundational techniques of the Four Primary Techniques (四正手, Si Zheng Shou).

  

The classification of the first four techniques—掤 (Peng, Ward Off), 捋 (Lu, Roll Back), 擠 (Ji, Press), and 按 (An, Push)—as 正手 (Zheng Shou, Primary Techniques) is based on their foundational role in Taiji (Tai Chi) and their alignment with the four cardinal directions (正, Zheng). While Ward Off (掤, Peng) and Push (按, An) are performed in a straight line (forward or backward), Roll Back (捋, Lu) and Press (擠, Ji) involve diagonal or angular movements. This might seem contradictory at first, but the classification is rooted in the principles of energy (勁, Jin) and structural alignment rather than just the physical direction of movement.

Here’s an explanation of why these four techniques are considered 正手 (Zheng Shou) and how they relate to the cardinal directions:

1. 正手 (Zheng Shou, Primary Techniques) and Cardinal Directions

The term 正 (Zheng) refers to the cardinal directions (north, south, east, west), which are considered the primary or "orthodox" directions. In Taiji, the Four Primary Techniques are associated with these directions because they represent the fundamental energies and principles of Taiji, rather than just the physical direction of movement.

 

 掤 (Peng, Ward Off): Associated with forward energy (正前, Zheng Qian), expanding outward in a straight line.

 捋 (Lu, Roll Back): Associated with backward energy (正後, Zheng Hou), yielding and redirecting force diagonally.

 擠 (Ji, Press): Associated with forward energy (正前, Zheng Qian), compressing and pressing forward in a straight line.

 按 (An, Push): Associated with downward energy (正下, Zheng Xia), sinking and pushing downward in a straight line.

 

Even though Roll Back (捋, Lu) and Press (擠, Ji) involve diagonal or angular movements, they are still considered 正手 (Zheng Shou) because they align with the primary energies of Taiji: expansion (掤, Peng), yielding (捋, Lu), compression (擠, Ji), and sinking (按, An).

2. Why Roll Back (捋, Lu) and Press (擠, Ji) Are Still 正手 (Zheng Shou)

 Roll Back (捋, Lu):

 Although Roll Back (捋, Lu) involves a diagonal or angular movement, its energy (勁, Jin) is still aligned with the cardinal direction of yielding (正後, Zheng Hou).

 The diagonal movement is a practical application of yielding energy, allowing the practitioner to redirect the opponent's force to the side while maintaining structural integrity.

 The primary energy of Roll Back (捋, Lu) is backward and yielding, which is why it is classified as a 正手 (Zheng Shou) technique.

 

 Press (擠, Ji):

 Press (擠, Ji) involves a forward and slightly diagonal movement, but its energy (勁, Jin) is aligned with the cardinal direction of compression (正前, Zheng Qian).

 The diagonal movement allows the practitioner to apply pressure efficiently while maintaining balance and stability.

 The primary energy of Press (擠, Ji) is forward and compressing, which is why it is classified as a 正手 (Zheng Shou) technique.

 3. The Role of 攬雀尾 (Lansewei, Grasp the Sparrow's Tail)

The Lansewei (攬雀尾, Grasp the Sparrow's Tail) sequence is a key component of many Taiji forms and includes the Four Primary Techniques (四正手, Si Zheng Shou). This sequence demonstrates how the primary energies of Taiji are applied in a continuous and flowing manner.

 

 Ward Off (掤, Peng): Expands outward in a straight line, representing forward energy.

 Roll Back (捋, Lu): Yields and redirects force diagonally, representing backward energy.

 Press (擠, Ji): Compresses and presses forward, representing forward energy.

 Push (按, An): Sinks and pushes downward, representing downward energy.

 

The Lansewei (攬雀尾) sequence shows how the Four Primary Techniques work together harmoniously, even though some movements involve diagonal or angular actions. The focus is on the energy (勁, Jin) and principles rather than the physical direction of movement.

 4. Why Diagonal Movements Are Still 正手 (Zheng Shou)

The classification of Roll Back (捋, Lu) and Press (擠, Ji) as 正手 (Zheng Shou) is based on their energetic alignment with the cardinal directions and their foundational role in Taiji. Here’s why:

 Energetic Alignment: The primary energy of these techniques aligns with the cardinal directions (forward, backward, upward, downward), even if the physical movement involves a diagonal or angular action.

 Structural Integrity: The diagonal movements in Roll Back (捋, Lu) and Press (擠, Ji) are necessary for maintaining balance, stability, and efficiency in applying energy.

 Foundational Role: These techniques are considered primary because they represent the core principles of Taiji: expansion, yielding, compression, and sinking.

 5. Contrast with 四隅手 (Si Yu Shou, Four Corner Techniques)

The Four Corner Techniques (四隅手, Si Yu Shou)—採 (Cai, Pluck), 列 (Lie, Split), 肘 (Zhou, Elbow Strike), and 靠 (Kao, Shoulder Strike)—are associated with the four diagonal directions (隅, Yu). These techniques are considered supplementary and are used in more specific or advanced situations. Unlike the Four Primary Techniques (四正手, Si Zheng Shou), which focus on primary energies, the Four Corner Techniques focus on secondary energies and applications.

 

Conclusion

The 四正手 (Si Zheng Shou, Four Primary Techniques) and 四隅手 (Si Yu Shou, Four Corner Techniques) represent the core and supplementary movements of Taiji, respectively. The Four Primary Techniques are foundational and correspond to the four cardinal directions, while the Four Corner Techniques are advanced and correspond to the four diagonal directions. Together, they form a complete system of defense and offense, allowing the practitioner to adapt to various situations with balance and efficiency. The Lansewei (攬雀尾, Grasp the Sparrow's Tail) sequence is a key example of how the Four Primary Techniques are integrated into Taiji practice.

The classification of 掤 (Peng), 捋 (Lu), 擠 (Ji), and 按 (An) as 正手 (Zheng Shou, Primary Techniques) is based on their alignment with the cardinal directions and their representation of the primary energies of Taiji. While Roll Back (捋, Lu) and Press (擠, Ji) involve diagonal or angular movements, their energetic principles are still aligned with the cardinal directions, making them 正手 (Zheng Shou). The Lansewei (攬雀尾, Grasp the Sparrow's Tail) sequence demonstrates how these techniques work together harmoniously, emphasizing the importance of energy (勁, Jin) and principles over the physical direction of movement.