The Martial Spirit — Taiji Applied Force Classification

太极 tài jí Applied Force Classification

The difference between a bruteforce strength and a Taiji coordinate strength is in the method of 运气 (yùn qì, channeling of energy). Instead of merely undisciplined use of bruteforce, the muscles are coordinated to work in tandem with the enablement of channeling resources to the physiological components for efficient metabolism. Therein, efficient 气 (qì) becomes 劲力 (jìn lì) expressed as a form of 力气 (lì qì) management.

The different applications can be classified as the follow applied forces:

1.掤 (péng) is a force application to ward off. It is applied in an upward direction such as when our opponent thrusts forward and diagonally upward and we respond by tracing the direction of his attack, and using our hands in a smooth and circular movement to divert it even further upward and forward, causing him to lose his balance. Akin pressing a ball into the water, and the force requites a rebound. This appears in the 1st part of Grasp Peacock’s in Tail. It is primary force application energy. Péng has an expanding, opening quality, likened to filling a balloon, or how wood or ball remains its buoyancy when pressed into the water. The force is used to create a buffer zone for force control.