Rotation with just enough pushing force. A good example of this type of energy or action is when screwing. The turning and the pushing that makes the screw go in is “grinding”. Otherwise there would be only turning, or pushing. This type of energy is highly stressed in the Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method system.
In Chinese pinyin: Nian.
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I find this anology very helpful, it is easy to relate to it. Most of us have used a screw driver. Now if we could just put that action into our bodies and use it.
Would grinding not also include the concept of “engagement” as involved with a mechanical clutch?
Furthermore, the grinding DIRECTION is 45 degrees angle?
Very important point, James. The pushing action in grinding is only for the purpose of creating this engagement similar to clutching. This action is called “Zhuo” in Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method. So to speak this is the “magic”. Without this zhuo, your movements and actions are very much unrelated to your opponent. Zhuo gives your actions and effort the result.
There was a question regarding grinding. The student was wondering whether the grinding action is “Ding”, a head-on crash. It is not. Grinding involves rotation and engagement. It does not have the cannotation of forcing your way through. It does mean to work your way through.