Where Exactly Is The “Sweet Spot” In Tai Chi?
I was just reading an article in LiveScience.com titled Car-Sized Creature Whacked with Tail’s Sweet Spot. It’s referring to a prehistoric creature with a club-like tail that likely used it’s tail as a form of self-defense for the smaller sized beasts in this family, or for clumsy ritualized encounters with same-species adversaries for the larger, compact car sized creatures of the species.
The “sweet spot” the article refers to is that perfect point of impact when swinging a tennis racket, a baseball bat, or even a hammer. In tai chi the goal is to maintain your body’s natural structure while releasing energy at the perfect point of impact with your opponent. The perfect point of impact will depend on what you want, or need to do with your opponent. It’s been said that to be thrown by Yang Chengfu was a very comfortable feeling, but I imagine if someone had really been attacking him the throw was likely a bit painful or even debilitating. Now don’t misunderstand me, I’m no master and my sweat spot is still a bit sour perhaps, but that’s the goal. 
When training you’ll find it helpful to pay close attention to way your body feels at any given time. In the beginning that’s pretty hard for most students. Once you can feel the energy move in your body however, then you’re on your way. You’ll reach a point where you can feel any time the energy is cut off or hindered. At that point, if you don’t have immediate access to your teacher, try altering the movement just a bit until you feel the energy moving freely. Chances are that will be the sweet spot.
One other note, pay close attention to the posture, arm, and hand positions you’re taught. You are probably being taught very specific position and structures. Chi (qi) does not flow well trough joints that are too bent. Be sure to work with what you’re taught before trying modifications. If you have a good teacher, you shouldn’t need anything more than slight modifications to tailor the movement to your particular body, if any modification is needed at all.
Your thoughts?
John
P.S. If you’d like to read the story from LiveScience.com click here: http://www.livescience.com/animals/091115-giant-glyptodonts.html
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Nov 17, 2009 - 12:11:23My teacher can find my “sweat spot” anytime. You’re right, it’s the most comfortable feeling, but sometimes, it feels terrifying as well. There is a sudden surge of energy and there’s no place to run. And i’m not even talking about fa jin yet…
Shang Lee,
Interesting. I know when my master works with me on something I have no choice but to go along with the movements he’s showing me. There’s just no opportunity to get away or really even to counter. His control is incredible.
Thanks,
John
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