Author: Chen Zhonghua Length: 42.14 minutes Language: English Location: Edmonton Difficult level: 2 out of 5 Content: In this video Master Chen Zhonghua teaches the physical requirements and perimeters for the kua, knee, foot and ankle. In addition, the relationships of these body parts are also explained.
Kua, Knee and Foot Online Video Trailer
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
This video targets certain areas of the body (knee, foot, kua) and how they are used and positioned correctly for Taiji. All parameters are set for us to see and use. As usual, this is a valuable addition to the information that Master Chen is providing us with. He will be targeting the whole body in related segments until we have the complete information for the use of the entire body. This is basic, but very high level information. Without following these precepts we will not be doing Taiji!
Good detail. Really helped explain a lot of keys concepts for me, especially about how the kua is supposed to move and function, and the role of the ankle. I now understand as well the reason for settling the wrist and expressing with the fingers. The basic taiji concepts are now making sense. There is a clear explanation of why things are done the way they are.
The old Taiji treatise used to say that waist is dominant part of the body where energy switches and transmits. How the switching and transmission are achieved, however, is seldom talked about, and the students of Taiji are left in the dark, wondering if tossing or turning round loosely will do the magic. This video for the first time (as far as I know) explained clearly it is the opening of the Kua that makes the energy switching and transmission possible. The Kua is important because it connects the up and lower body and close to the center (Dantian). The power generated in Dantian has to go through the Kua to reach the foot and the power generated at the foot has to go through the Kua to reach the other body part. If the Kua is not open, the route of the energy (the line as master would call it) is crooked and the energy will be stuck at waist/hip area and cannot move from foot to foot, or foot to hand, or to any other body part.
Likewise, but maybe of lesser importance in term of the power transmitted, the shoulder joint must also be open to let the power getting through. To open it means it must be pulled down towards the lice of the energy.
While I enjoyed watching the video, I am somewhat frustrated. It is SO difficult to open the Kua. That is why martial art is called Gong Fu, which in Chinese means the time you have been committed to the trade. Without certain hours of practice, you just can’t do it, no matter how well you understand it.
Nevertheless, I thank master for making this video and revealing this big secrete. I feel privileged to be among the few that have had access to this secrete, though I know master would say you think you understand but actually you don’t and unless and until you can do it you don’t really understand it. And I would think he is right.
But watching the video will hopefully put me in the right track in training.
I recommend it to anyone who wants to master the art of Taiji.
Like the “hand, elbow and shoulder” section, this video adds much detail to the goals of my practice.
It continues the ‘hard to do’ but essential practice of taking way unnecessary movement and leaving only that which is useful.
Thank you.
Excellent presentation! Clear explanation of of tai chi principles with plenty of analogies and very well articulated.. Thank you!!
Fernando Bernall
You can certainly see your enthusiasm in the article you write.
The arena hopes for even more passionate writers like you
who are not afraid to say how they believe. At all times go
after your heart.