Qi is nurtured straight

This phrase from Tai Chi Chuan philosophy, “氣以直養而無害，勁以曲蓄則有餘”, can be translated as:

• "Qi is nurtured straight and remains unharmed, while Jin is stored in a curved manner to have surplus power."

In Push Hands (推手) and Forms (套路), this principle is applied in the following ways:

Application in Push Hands:

1. "Qi is nurtured straight and remains unharmed" (氣以直養而無害)

   • This means maintaining a natural and unobstructed flow of energy through proper body alignment and relaxation.
   • In push hands, practitioners should avoid tension, excessive force, or stiffness. Instead, they should keep the body upright (中正) and let the qi flow smoothly.
   • Breathing should be deep and natural, supporting internal energy circulation without resistance.

2. "Jin is stored in a curved manner to have surplus power" (勁以曲蓄則有餘)

   • Power (Jin 勁) is not expressed in a straight, rigid way but is stored through curves and spirals.
   • When encountering force, rather than resisting directly, one should yield (曲) and absorb the incoming energy like a coiling spring.
   • This curved storage allows for a strong rebound effect (有餘), meaning that stored energy can be released explosively at the right moment.
   • This is evident in techniques like Lu (捋, rollback) and Hua Jin (化勁, neutralizing force), where the practitioner absorbs the opponent's strength and redirects it.

Application in Forms Practice:

1. Postural Alignment (養氣, Nurturing Qi)

   • The body remains upright, with relaxed shoulders and an open chest to allow for smooth qi circulation.
   • Movements should be fluid and connected, ensuring that energy flows through the body without interruption.

2. Curved Movements for Storing Power (曲蓄勁, Storing Power Through Curves)

   • Many Tai Chi techniques utilize circular movements, such as in Cloud Hands (雲手) or Brush Knee and Push (搂膝拗步), to store and redirect force efficiently.
   • The coiling and spiraling of the arms and torso allow for energy to accumulate before being released.

Conclusion:

This principle emphasizes softness, relaxation, and yielding, ensuring that qi flows naturally while power is built up through curved and spiral motions. By applying this in both push hands and form practice, one can achieve effortless power and enhanced control over energy flow.

Great! Let's dive deeper into how “氣以直養而無害，勁以曲蓄則有餘” is applied in Push Hands (推手) and Forms (套路) by breaking it down into biomechanics, energy management, and practical techniques.

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Part 1: Understanding the Principle

• 氣以直養而無害 (Qi is nurtured straight and remains unharmed)

  • "Qi flows straight" does not mean stiff or rigid; rather, it means that the body's alignment is natural, upright, and unobstructed so that Qi flows smoothly without hindrance.
  • "Remains unharmed" refers to not disrupting Qi flow by using excess force or tension. If Qi is blocked, stiffness occurs, making movements inefficient.

• 勁以曲蓄則有餘 (Jin is stored in a curved manner to have surplus power)

  • Power is not expressed directly but is stored and issued through spirals and curves, allowing for greater flexibility and adaptability.
  • "Surplus power" means that by storing force in a coiled manner, you always have reserve energy to issue when needed, like a spring.

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Part 2: Application in Push Hands (推手)

In push hands, this principle is vital for neutralization (化勁), control (拿勁), and issuing power (發勁). Let’s break it down step by step:

1. Qi is nurtured straight (氣以直養) → Proper Structure and Relaxation

• Maintain a central equilibrium (中正): Keep your spine upright, head lifted, and tailbone slightly tucked.
• Avoid collapsing the chest (含胸) or sticking it out—this ensures Qi flows smoothly.
• Use song (鬆, relaxation) rather than brute force to maintain a balanced stance.

2. Jin is stored in a curved manner (勁以曲蓄) → Absorbing & Redirecting Force

• Yielding through curves:
  • When an opponent pushes, don’t resist head-on. Instead, slightly turn or spiral to absorb the force.
  • Example: If your opponent pushes your chest, rather than resisting, rotate your waist (纏絲勁, silk reeling energy) to redirect the force into the ground or to the side.
• Rollback (捋, Lu Jin):
  • When an opponent pushes forward, instead of pushing back, lead their force into a circular arc, storing power while making them overextend.

3. Surplus Power Through Coiling (則有餘)

• Every yielding movement (曲, bending) should store force like a compressed spring so that you have power to release later.
• Example: Peng-Lu-Ji-An (掤捋擠按)
  • Lu (捋, rollback) is curved and absorbs power.
  • Ji (擠, press) follows with a compressed, stored force that issues forward in a straight line.

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Part 3: Application in Tai Chi Forms (套路)

Forms training follows the same principle, emphasizing alignment, smooth energy flow, and curved storage of power.

1. Qi is nurtured straight (氣以直養) → Posture and Energy Flow

• Stand upright but relaxed, maintaining natural body alignment.
• When executing movements like Single Whip (單鞭) or Grasping the Bird’s Tail (攬雀尾), keep a connected structure so that Qi flows through without interruption.

2. Jin is stored in a curved manner (勁以曲蓄) → Coiling & Storing Power

• Silk Reeling (纏絲勁, Chan Si Jin) is the foundation of curved Jin storage.
• Example: Cloud Hands (雲手)
  • The arms move in a circular manner, following yin-yang spirals, continuously storing and issuing power.
• Example: Brush Knee & Push (摟膝拗步)
  • The front hand stores power in a circular motion, like winding a spring, before pushing out in a controlled, relaxed but powerful manner.

3. Surplus Power Through Coiling (則有餘)

• Fa Jin (發勁, explosive power) relies on stored energy.
• Example: Parting the Wild Horse’s Mane (野馬分鬃)
  • The backward sinking motion stores Jin in a curve, and the forward movement issues power smoothly.

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Part 4: Advanced Internal Mechanics

1. Dan Tian Rotation (丹田轉動)

• The center of power must move in spirals, not in a straight, forceful push.
• Example: When executing a push, don’t just use the arms—rotate the waist and Dan Tian, using curved force for extra power.

2. Yin-Yang Pairing (陰陽配合)

• Every movement should have a balance of yin (yielding, absorbing) and yang (storing, issuing).
• Example: In Push Hands, when an opponent presses, you absorb into a curve (yin), then store and redirect in a straight yet relaxed manner (yang).

3. Spiral Force (螺旋勁, Luo Xuan Jin)

• Every movement in Tai Chi is not just circular but spiral, maximizing storage and release of energy.
• Example: A punch in Tai Chi is not just linear—it follows a twisting spiral motion, which adds power and efficiency.

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Conclusion

This principle—"Qi is nurtured straight and remains unharmed, while Jin is stored in a curved manner to have surplus power"—guides every aspect of Tai Chi, from stance to movement, from yielding to issuing power.

By applying it:
✅ In Push Hands: You maintain central equilibrium, absorb attacks through curves, and issue stored power efficiently.
✅ In Forms: You ensure Qi flows smoothly, store energy in spirals, and issue power with a natural, effortless force.

Let's break down some key Tai Chi movements and Push Hands techniques to show how the principle "氣以直養而無害，勁以曲蓄則有餘" is applied step by step.

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Part 1: Tai Chi Form Applications

1. Grasp the Bird’s Tail (攬雀尾) – Peng (掤), Lu (捋), Ji (擠), An (按)

This sequence demonstrates how Qi is nurtured straight, while Jin is stored in curves.

Step-by-Step Application:

• Peng (掤, Ward Off) – Qi is nurtured straight

  • Keep the spine upright (中正) to maintain natural Qi flow.
  • The front arm rises in a gentle curve, supported by the whole-body structure (not just the arm).
  • The opponent's force is not blocked but redirected upward and outward through relaxed structure.

• Lu (捋, Rollback) – Jin is stored in a curve

  • Instead of resisting an opponent’s push, yield by rotating the waist and leading their force into a circular motion.
  • The power is now stored like a coiled spring, ready for counteraction.

• Ji (擠, Press) – Power released from the stored curve

  • After absorbing the opponent’s force, you compress energy in a spiral and issue it forward.
  • Your hands press forward in a coordinated full-body movement, not just using arm strength.

• An (按, Push Down) – Qi flows smoothly while Jin is released

  • Sink your energy (沉氣) into the ground, using curved movement to store and release force.
  • The downward push is not a brute force press—it’s a wave-like motion, where the stored energy is smoothly transferred through the palms.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Peng (掤) maintains structure, keeping Qi straight and unharmed.
✅ Lu (捋) uses a curved motion to store Jin.
✅ Ji (擠) and An (按) release stored power in a controlled, natural way.

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2. Brush Knee and Push (摟膝拗步)

This movement is a perfect example of storing power in a curve before issuing it straight.

Step-by-Step Application:

1. Preparation (Storing the Jin in a curve)

   • As you step forward, the rear hand moves in a circular path downwards.
   • Your waist turns slightly, gathering force through a spiral (纏絲勁, Silk Reeling Energy).
   • This rotation stores the energy in the Dan Tian and kua (hips).

2. Issuing Power (Pushing forward with stored energy)

   • The rear foot pushes off the ground, the waist rotates slightly forward, and the front hand pushes forward along the energy path stored in the previous step.
   • Because of the initial circular storage, the push feels effortless but powerful.

Key Takeaways:

✅ The downward arm movement and waist rotation store Jin in a curve.
✅ The forward push releases the stored force without breaking Qi flow.

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3. Parting the Wild Horse’s Mane (野馬分鬃)

This movement highlights how yielding, coiling, and issuing power follow the principle of Qi and Jin.

Step-by-Step Application:

1. Curving to Store Power (曲蓄勁)

   • The rear hand moves under in a spiral, like scooping water.
   • The body slightly sinks, collecting energy like a spring.

2. Extending to Issue Power (直發勁)

   • The front hand moves forward in an expansive, straight path, but the underlying energy was gathered from the previous spiral motion.
   • The push feels light but powerful due to the curved storage beforehand.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Jin is first stored in a curved manner, then issued in a smooth, natural release.
✅ The movement maintains relaxed Qi flow, avoiding stiffness or interruption.

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Part 2: Push Hands Applications

1. Lu (捋, Rollback) – Absorbing and Storing Power in a Curve

In push hands, when an opponent presses forward, applying direct resistance would disrupt Qi flow. Instead, you:

1. Yield by rotating the waist (not leaning back) – This keeps Qi flow intact while storing the opponent’s force.
2. Guide their force into a circular motion – Their energy is redirected and absorbed without confrontation.
3. Prepare for counteraction – The stored force can now be used for a counter move, such as Ji (擠, Press).

Key Takeaways:

✅ Instead of resisting, redirect in a curve to store power.
✅ Qi remains straight and uninterrupted, avoiding forceful blockages.

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2. Peng (掤, Ward Off) – Using Structure to Keep Qi Straight

When an opponent applies downward pressure on your arm:

1. Do not collapse or resist stiffly.
2. Maintain upright structure and expand outward, like an inflated ball.
3. Their force is naturally redirected because your structure remains whole, allowing Qi to flow smoothly.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Peng is a prime example of Qi nurturing straight, keeping your structure intact.
✅ It allows effortless redirection rather than brute force resistance.

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3. Fa Jin (發勁, Issuing Power) – Storing in a Curve, Releasing in a Line

Fa Jin (explosive power) follows the same principle:

1. Absorb and coil the energy first.
   • When receiving force, don’t immediately issue power. Sink, rotate, and spiral first.
2. Release it naturally in a straight but soft manner.
   • The power should come from the waist and ground, not just the arms.

Example: Push Hands Fa Jin

• When an opponent leans into you, rather than pushing back, first coil and absorb the force.
• As they become unstable, issue Fa Jin using the ground, waist, and arms in a single, coordinated release.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Power is always stored in curves before release.
✅ Straight-line issuing of force comes from prior coiling.

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Final Summary

✅ Forms apply this principle by using curved movements to store power before issuing it in a natural, relaxed manner.
✅ Push Hands follows the same logic—absorb and neutralize force through curves, then issue energy efficiently.
✅ Qi must always flow naturally (直養), while Jin should be coiled and stored (曲蓄) before release.

3. Example from real application:

When deflecting an opponent’s attack, a circular movement helps absorb and neutralize their force.

But when striking, pushing, or throwing, a direct, straight force can be issued after the circular movement has gathered enough power.

4. Analogy: Archery

Drawing the bowstring (pulling back in a curved motion) stores energy.

Releasing the arrow (a straight movement) effectively transfers the stored energy to the target.

Similarly, Tai Chi’s circular motion stores and channels force, while straight movement delivers it efficiently.

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Conclusion

Circular and elliptical movements help in energy retention, smooth redirection, and maintaining control.

Straight movements are useful for direct issuing of force once energy is properly stored and directed.

In real combat, a balance of both is essential—use circular movements to neutralize and set up, and straight movements to strike or finish.

This principle applies not only in Push Hands (推手) but also in striking, grappling, and throwing applications.

Thus, practicing circular energy flow in push hands is not just for training but also builds ess

ential skills for effective combat.

Yes, the idea that Ward Off (掤), Roll Back (履), Pull (採), and Push (按) should follow a circular or elliptical path in practice is correct. This principle applies both in training and in real application (fighting). The reasoning behind this is based on energy continuity, efficiency, and control. Let’s break it down:

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Why Use Circular or Elliptical Motion?

1. Energy Retention and Return (氣不洩掉, Chi Won’t Leak Out)

   • In a circular motion, energy is continuously recycled, meaning it doesn’t dissipate outward. Instead of force being absorbed or escaping, it returns to you, allowing you to store, redirect, or issue it.
   • If movements are too linear, force can be more easily disrupted, intercepted, or lost.

2. Smooth Redirection and Control

   • A circular motion allows you to redirect incoming force smoothly rather than opposing it directly.
   • It also enables constant contact with the opponent, maintaining control and sensitivity.

3. Maximizing Spiral and Torque (螺旋勁, Spiral Energy)

   • The human body naturally moves in spirals (e.g., the rotation of joints, the way muscles generate force).
   • An elliptical motion allows you to build torque, which enhances power generation and stability.

4. Adapting to External Forces

   • Real-world interactions aren’t rigid or predictable. Circular movements allow for adaptive defense and counterattacks.
   • A purely straight movement can be easily disrupted if the opponent changes angles.

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Is This Just for Training or Also for Fighting?

It applies to both training and fighting, but with slight differences in emphasis:

• Training (Push Hands, Sensitivity Drills)

  • The focus is on maintaining energy, learning how to recycle force, and feeling the opponent’s intent.
  • The elliptical path helps develop Peng Jin, smooth energy flow, and the ability to remain stable under pressure.

• Fighting (Application in Combat)

  • In application, both circular and straight movements are necessary, depending on the situation.
  • A circular or elliptical approach helps in deflecting, absorbing, and redirecting force, but the actual attack or finishing move might be direct and penetrating (e.g., a straight punch or direct fajin).
  • The beginning of an interaction is often circular (to control and neutralize), while the final execution can be more direct.

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Does This Contradict Straight Qi Movement (直勁)?

Not really. They complement each other rather than contradict.

1. Circular motion helps store and redirect energy, while straight motion releases it efficiently.
2. The **body’s internal energy flow (氣

, the idea that Ward Off (掤), Roll Back (履), Pull (採), and Push (按) should follow a circular or elliptical path in practice is correct. This principle applies both in training and in real application (fighting). The reasoning behind this is based on energy continuity, efficiency, and control. Let’s break it down:

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Why Use Circular or Elliptical Motion?

1. Energy Retention and Return (氣不洩掉, Chi Won’t Leak Out)

In a circular motion, energy is continuously recycled, meaning it doesn’t dissipate outward. Instead of force being absorbed or escaping, it returns to you, allowing you to store, redirect, or issue it.

If movements are too linear, force can be more easily disrupted, intercepted, or lost.

2. Smooth Redirection and Control

A circular motion allows you to redirect incoming force smoothly rather than opposing it directly.

It also enables constant contact with the opponent, maintaining control and sensitivity.

3. Maximizing Spiral and Torque (螺旋勁, Spiral Energy)

The human body naturally moves in spirals (e.g., the rotation of joints, the way muscles generate force).

An elliptical motion allows you to build torque, which enhances power generation and stability.

4. Adapting to External Forces

Real-world interactions aren’t rigid or predictable. Circular movements allow for adaptive defense and counterattacks.

A purely straight movement can be easily disrupted if the opponent changes angles.

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Is This Just for Training or Also for Fighting?

It applies to both training and fighting, but with slight differences in emphasis:

Training (Push Hands, Sensitivity Drills)

The focus is on maintaining energy, learning how to recycle force, and feeling the opponent’s intent.

The elliptical path helps develop Peng Jin, smooth energy flow, and the ability to remain stable under pressure.

Fighting (Application in Combat)

In application, both circular and straight movements are necessary, depending on the situation.

A circular or elliptical approach helps in deflecting, absorbing, and redirecting force, but the actual attack or finishing move might be direct and penetrating (e.g., a straight punch or direct fajin).

The beginning of an interaction is often circular (to control and neutralize), while the final execution can be more direct.

The body’s internal energy flow (氣的運行) often follows circular or spiral paths due to the structure of joints and muscles. However, when issuing power (發勁), the force can be directed in a straight line, utilizing the stored energy from the circular movement.

Example from real application:

When deflecting an opponent’s attack, a circular movement helps absorb and neutralize their force.

But when striking, pushing, or throwing, a direct, straight force can be issued after the circular movement has gathered enough power.

4. Analogy: Archery

Drawing the bowstring (pulling back in a curved motion) stores energy.

Releasing the arrow (a straight movement) effectively transfers the stored energy to the target.

Similarly, Tai Chi’s circular motion stores and channels force, while straight movement delivers it efficiently.

Conclusion

Circular and elliptical movements help in energy retention, smooth redirection, and maintaining control.

Straight movements are useful for direct issuing of force once energy is properly stored and directed.

In real combat, a balance of both is essential—use circular movements to neutralize and set up, and straight movements to strike or finish.

This principle applies not only in Push Hands (推手) but also in striking, grappling, and throwing applications.

Thus, practicing circular energy flow in push hands is not just for training but also builds ess

7⁷ential skills for effective combat.

2. The body’s internal energy flow (氣的運行) often follows circular or spiral paths due to the structure of joints and muscles. However, when issuing power (發勁), the force can be directed in a straight line, utilizing the stored energy from the circular movement.

Does This Contradict Straight Qi Movement (直勁)?

Not really. They complement each other rather than contradict.

1. Circular motion helps store and redirect energy, while

 straight motion releases it efficiently.

2. The **body’s internal