Author: Chen Zhonghua Length: 15:07 minutes Language: English Year: 2010
The concave circle is an important special characteristic of the Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method system of Grandmaster Hong Junsheng. Together with several other prominent features, it distinguishes Hong from others. The concave circle DEFLECTS oncoming force instead of fighting against it. Without it, the practitioner will FEEL strong but without ability. With it, the practitioner does not FEEL anything special but the opponent will FEEL a great force exerted on him. This is a basic foundational step in achieving “Four ounces overcoming a thousand pounds”.
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This mini lesson demonstrates a basic distinguishing element of Chen Style Practical Method Taijiquan from all other Taij – the concave circle. This structurally works as stated to deflect incoming forces with great strength (not muscle). This is a must have clip to improve your understanding of correct Taiji practice.
Good video. Helped to explain why the use of the positive circle. A good supplement would be to show in more detail how this is used in an application scenario.
Please see here for supplement to the video:
http://practicalmethod.com/2010/11/concave-circle-2-online-video-trailer
Thank you very much for the feedback, Greadore! We certainly will try to find time to provide such a supplement to this lesson.
This is a great review for those who have learned the concave circle concept in Master Chen’s work shops. I noticed that the convex circle seems to be a single gear approach, not very dynamic. The trunk is the axis and the arm is the diameter of a circle. When Master Chen demonstrates the concave circle I can observe (with my limited knowledge) several gears rotating at the same time, just like a machine.
This excellent video provides a detailed explanation of the theory and benefits of the Concave Circle. It explains why the Concave Circle is a very special component of the Practical Method and one of the most important aspects of Chen Style Taiji. Demonstrations of body mechanics and two person applications are shown to clarify the Concave Circle’s use in transmitting power and issuing force!
Gene Hess
Excellent tutorial…very clear in pesentation..absolutely vital to any serious student….I’m always amazed by Master Chen’s skills and his ability to pass on the information..
Wow, I have been an online student for about a year. I won almost every major video, and am working through my Yilu. This video is so useful that it completely, in one viewing made me understand the method of Practical Method at a whole new level. It’s like the light bulb was finally turned on for me! We all learn differently, for me, I am a slow learner. But this video has changed the way I will practice PM from here on out. Parts 1 and 2 are equally as valuable. Thanks Shifu Chen for the sharing of the knowledge, your an incredible teacher!