Tai Chi, Helping Your Opponent Become Empty
Tai chi is not about force so it’s important to stay loose when practicing. If you resist an opponent they will fight back, better to guide them. Although occasionally pushing or pulling an opponent may allow you to set up an alternate defense, usually this is not considered a good primary strategy. I think Wang Zhongue said it perfectly:
What is the meaning of rollback energy?
Entice the opponent toward you by allowing him to advance,
lightly and nimbly follow his incoming force
without disconnecting and without resisting.
When his force reaches its farthest extent,
it will naturally become empty.
The opponent can then be let go or countered at will.
Maintain your central equilibrium
and your opponent cannot gain an advantage.
Tan Meng-hsien (Wang Zhongue)
Your thoughts?
John
P.S. I found this quote here: http://www.northeastkungfu.co.uk//Tai%20Chi%20Quotes.htm
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4 People have left comments on this post
Nov 4, 2009 - 04:11:31It had been demonstrated to me with the opponent throwing a wild crazy hard punch when i first began martial arts. You can simply step aside pull the punch or opponents arm through to its full extension or where it has no force and is empty. With very little effort and the use of only one hand you can negate that force and throw them sprawling to the ground or use other counter moves to simply end the attack.
Wang Zhonque did say it perfectly.
I still remember my amazement watching the demonstration and trying it my self. I believe it was explained as stealing or taking that energy or force and turning it back on the opponent.
Meeting soft with hard concept in martial arts i think.
Grant,
I like the image of stealing your opponent’s energy. Good comment.
Thanks,
John
I read a book that described the process as redirecting the energy and leading it where you want to go.
David
David,
Not sure on this one. I think we may be talking about two separate things here although they are both achieved in pretty much the same way. Could you elaborate some?
Thanks,
John