Suspended head is a taiji concept that refers to the state of the spine line being erect at all times. When done right, the head is always suspended like being pulled from above or having something underneath it that provides support.
Contents: 1. Introduction. 2. What is suspended head? 3. How does not work? 4. Connected. 5. Test it out. 6. Conclusion. Author: Chen ZhongHua Length: 21 min. In: English Year: 2010 Difficulty:3/5 At:Edmonton
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This really helped explain and clarify the concept of the suspended head. I always had a question about the traditional concept and explanation and what impact it really had on taichi. Master Chen’s explanation about having the “suspended head” on all parts of the body was the first description like this I have heard but makes a lot of sense. I also liked the explanation using the rubber band (stretch) and staff (squeeze) as two ways of achieving the “suspended head” where one needs to find the connection with the ground. Truly enlightening.
As always, Shifu Chen Zhonghua not only explains an important Taiji principle in a very understandable fashion, but also demonstrates how the practical martial application of such principle applies to every movement and technique found in Taijiquan. Suspended head is a principle many talk about, but few can actually show the martial usefulness of this important principle. Master Chen Zhonghua is a Taiji master that not only explains clearly, but also shows you the martial usefulness of all Taiji principles. This mini-lesson is a must have for any serious Taijiquan practitioner who wants to go beyond theory into actual usage of such principle.
I’ve studied with a number of Taiji instructors over the last 20 years and no one has ever truly explained the Suspended Head principle until now. All that was previously discussed was the idea of the head being “pulled up as if a string were pulling it up”. Here in this video, Master Chen Zhonghua clearly communicates what it is, why it’s necessary, and what you need to do to achieve it!
Thanks!
“It is very, very important in Taiji that, according to Hong’s teachings, everything is reversed. Once you follow this rigid, mechanical model, when you get it, you feel like ‘Yeah, I am loose. I am very light.’ But by [being] light and being loose, you never get it. So the method is opposite of what you achieve.” – Chen Zhonghua
Good quote! I have found that correct taijiquan movements are non intuitive, and it took a lot of hard work to start reversing the way my body move. We are lucky to have Master Chen who is open and patient in correcting our mistakes again and again.
Master Chen’s explanation of Taiji is unparalleled in the English-speaking world. There is always a gem of knowledge in each of his instruction video. With due respect though, can you please change the way your video is presented. It feels like a Hollywood knock-off and cheapen down the immense treasure contained within. With much respect, and peace.
I watched this video expecting one explanation of a Taiji principle, the suspended head, but Master Chen explains it so well that there are other questions I had, finally answered after many years of training. I recommend watching the video a few times to digest the condensed knowledge that he shares here generously. Many thanks!
An important expression in Tai Chi Chuan training is “Xū lǐng dǐng jìn” (虛領挺勁), often translated as “empty the collar, poke out the energy”. This concept is emphasized in Wang Zongyue’s “Tai Chi Theory” (王宗岳 《太极拳论》) and is ranked first among the “Ten Essentials” in Yang style Tai Chi (杨派太极拳列为“十要”之首).
What does this idea truly entail, and how can it be applied practically? Master Chen demonstrates and explains this principle using mechanical models. According to Master Chen, “Ignore… the so-called Tai Chi concept, do this…” and, “according to Hong’s teachings… Once you follow this rigid mechanical model… you get it…”.