A Fixed Optimal Angle of Pushing

 A Fixed Optimal Angle of Pushing

Is there a fixed optimal angle between

• forearm and upper arm

• upper arm and torso

in Tai Chi?

Or does it only matter whether the structure aligns with the kua (胯) and center?

Short answer:

Both views contain truth — but they apply to different levels of understanding.

Let’s unpack it carefully.

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1️⃣ The “There Is a Best Degree” View (Biomechanical Level)

From a structural mechanics perspective, certain angles are more efficient.

In most classical Yang-style postures:

A. Forearm ↔ Upper Arm

Usually around 100°–120°

Why?

• At 90° the joint is strong but stiff

• At 120° the arm has elastic potential

• Too open (>150°) loses spring

• Too closed (<80°) becomes muscular

This creates what we call:

“Elastic bend, not locked bend.”

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B. Upper Arm ↔ Torso

Often around 30°–45° away from the ribs

Why?

• If glued to ribs → collapses structure

• If too wide (>60°) → shoulder floats and disconnects from dantian

• 30–45° allows:

  • shoulder sinking

  • elbow dropping

  • scapula wrapping

  • connection to kua through fascia lines

This angle optimizes:

• peng elasticity

• spiral torque transmission

• fascial continuity

So from a teaching standpoint — especially for beginners — giving a “degree range” is useful.

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2️⃣ The “Degrees Don’t Matter, Only Align with Kua” View (Internal Level)

Advanced masters say:

“只要與胯對準，角度自然對。”

If aligned with the kua, the angles will self-correct.

Why do they say this?

Because in high-level Tai Chi:

• Arms do not hold shape independently

• They float as extensions of dantian rotation

• Kua controls shoulder

• Shoulder controls elbow

• Elbow controls wrist

If the kua rotates properly, the arm angle constantly adjusts.

In push hands:

• Sometimes 80° is correct

• Sometimes 135° is correct

• Sometimes almost straight is correct

The arm angle is dynamic, not static.

The real principle is:

Structure follows center.

Not:

Center follows arm angle.

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3️⃣ Which One Is Correct?

They apply to different stages.

Beginner Stage

Use approximate angles to:

• Avoid collapse

• Prevent overextension

• Learn peng structure

Here, degree ranges are helpful guardrails.

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Intermediate Stage

You begin to:

• Connect elbow to kua

• Let dantian regulate arm opening

• Maintain spherical expansion

Angle becomes variable within a safe elastic range.

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Advanced Stage

Angle becomes irrelevant.

What matters:

• Is force entering ground?

• Is dantian controlling vector?

• Is shoulder released?

• Is kua open?

• Is there continuous spiral?

At this level:

The arm becomes a floating lever, not a geometric requirement.

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4️⃣ Why Masters Often Reject Fixed Angles

Because fixation on angle causes:

• Deltoid tension

• Artificial posing

• Disconnection from kua

• Upper body domination

And that blocks:

• Silk reeling

• Elastic peng

• Whole-body rebound

Tai Chi is not geometry.

It is dynamic spherical pressure regulation.

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5️⃣ The Real Governing Rule (This Is Key)

Instead of asking:

“What is the best degree?”

Ask:

“If someone presses here, does the force pass through elbow → shoulder → kua → foot without break?”

If yes → angle is correct.

If not → angle is wrong.

Structure is validated by force transmission, not appearance.

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6️⃣ Practical Rule You Can Use

For form training:

• Forearm–upper arm: around 100–120°

• Upper arm–torso: around 30–45°

• Elbow slightly sunk, never lifted

• Shoulder relaxed and wrapped

But:

Never freeze the angle.

Let it breathe with the kua.

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7️⃣ Final Answer (Refined Conclusion)

Those who insist on fixed degrees are protecting beginners from collapse.

Those who say degrees don’t matter are protecting advanced students from rigidity.

The highest principle is:

Alignment to kua and dantian determines correct angle,

not the other way around.

If the kua is correct, the arm angle becomes alive.

If the angle is correct but kua is wrong, structure is dead.