How to find opponent source and use it against the opponent
Presenter: Chen Zhonghua Length: 16 min. In: English Year: 2015 Difficulty:1/5 At:New York
“Finding the Source” Online Video Trailer
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Amazing video on understanding the opponents structure. We often think of power based on what/where we feel it, but don’t realize the source of the power. Master Chen explains many critical facets of finding and manipulating the opponent by understanding the source of power, and points out many common scenarios, while pushing with various students of all sizes.
My favorite part is where he corrects a student on staying true to the pure method to bear out and attain the principle , vs. finding a shortcut ( a cheat ) that achieves results more quickly, but fails to fulfill the real training goals.
‘ It has to be that you train until the source is at the bottom of your foot, he knows, there is no deception, but he can’t go underneath, if he goes underneath, he already lost… ‘
A wonderful video I saw many moves that although I totally do not understand were crystal clear and explained very well if that makes sense.
I enjoyed the questions and answers during the session and the candid remarks made to each participent. This video warrants multiple views by me to understand.
Email from David Greene: I was watching Master Chen’s new video “Finding the Source” and he made the remark that several students lacked strength in the crotch during push hands. What was he referring to and how do we train to develop crotch strength? Thank You.
Ping Wei’s attempt to answer: Like “peng jin”, it’s the indication of overall ability. What our daily practice in Tai Chi is training for “peng jin”. But no single training method can be prescribed to “peng jin” development.
When we talked about “peng” in arms, it’s easy to see or understand. “Peng” exists in every part of body. “Peng” in crotch is difficult to develop, though. There are two lines crossing, simultaneously. One line is the vertical central line, head constantly pushes up, tail bone (hui yin) constantly pushes downward. The other line is a horizontal line, both knees need to push outward, yet, without moving. The third element is two spiral energy lines (silk reeling) in legs, one coming up from foot to “kua” in one leg, the other going down from “kua” to foot in the other leg, depending on the stance and the rotation of “kua”. When you move, it’s easy to get the “peng” in crotch lost. In Yilu or push hand, when you move from one pose to another, or when you switch stance, either step in or back, most likely you cannot keep “HE (合）“ (close, lock) in crotch area. Or, you have never paid attention to “peng” in crotch area.
Everything is in foundations and yilu. But you need to do it correctly.
(Please share your input on the above question.)
Thanks Pingwei, the ‘ dang ‘ ( crotch ) to me is one of the least understood areas of the body. Thank you for the explanation.