Lie (挒) Plucking/cutting Arm Not Limp or Rigid

Lie (挒) Plucking/cutting Arm Not Limp or Rigid

In the judging table, under Lie (挒) it says:

“Plucking/cutting arm limp or rigid”

Let’s clarify precisely what that means.

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1️⃣ What “Plucking/Cutting Arm” Refers To

It refers to the arm that performs the splitting or cutting vector in Lie (挒).

Lie is not just “pulling apart.”

It is:

A spiraling, opposing torque created by two coordinated forces.

So in Lie:

• One arm draws (often related to Cai-like action).

• The other arm “cuts” or “splits” across the opponent’s structure.

That cutting/splitting arm is what the phrase describes.

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2️⃣ Why the Word “Cutting”?

The Chinese character 挒 (Lie) implies:

• Splitting

• Tearing apart

• Rotational division

It is not a literal chop like in Karate.

It is:

A rotational shearing force.

So “cutting arm” means:

The arm applying the outward, rotational splitting vector.

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3️⃣ Why Judges Check This

The rule says the arm must not be:

• Limp (癱軟)

• Rigid (僵硬)

Because Lie must be:

✔ Elastic

✔ Spiral

✔ Structurally connected

✔ Driven by waist

If the cutting arm is limp:

• No torque reaches opponent.

• It becomes decorative.

If the cutting arm is rigid:

• It becomes muscular force.

• Spiral continuity is broken.

• Looks stiff in competition.

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4️⃣ Better English Translation (More Precise)

“Plucking/cutting arm” is understandable but slightly awkward.

More accurate terms could be:

• Splitting arm

• Dividing arm

• Torque-applying arm

• Lie action arm

• The arm executing the splitting vector

For an official manual, I would recommend:

“The splitting arm (Lie action arm) is limp or rigid.”

That is clearer and more professional.

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5️⃣ Structurally What Should That Arm Feel Like?

In correct Lie:

• Shoulder relaxed

• Elbow sunk

• Wrist alive

• Spiral from dantian

• Opposite arm coordinated

It should feel like:

Twisting a wet towel — not chopping wood.

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6️⃣ Why This Is Often Confused

Many athletes:

• Overuse arm strength

• Raise the elbow

• Lock the shoulder

• Perform Lie as a horizontal pull

That is why this error category exists.

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7️⃣ In Summary

“Plucking/cutting arm” means:

The arm that performs the splitting/rotational force in Lie.

The judging standard checks whether that arm:

✔ Maintains elastic structure

✔ Remains connected to the waist

✔ Is neither collapsed nor stiff