Knowledge : Workshop and Class Notes

In this morning’s practice with Kelvin, he provided constructive feedback and we engaged in meaningful Taiji discussions. Two major themes emerged:

Using Joint Rotation to Create a Solid Structure

Exploring how rotation and counter-rotation of the joints create stretch, connection, and stability throughout the body.

Kelvin initially pointed out that I was losing my structure whenever I moved because I did not have an adequate “wall” behind me. To create the line I required, I needed to rotate my kua to “put it in the heel.” This revealed the principle that rotating the joints creates a stretch that connects one joint to the next.

The combination of joint rotation and stretch builds a solid structure. When two joints rotate in opposite directions, they generate a twist that cinches up the connective tissue and ligaments between them. These paired rotations exist throughout the body and across the entire form.

One clear example is the opening of the elbow: the forearm and bicep rotate in opposite directions, which not only opens the elbow but also creates a stretch and the capacity to function in two dimensions. This principle is especially visible in the posture of “lifting and blocking” within Cannon Fist, where the rotation, stretch, and connection produce a stable yet dynamic structure.

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	Master Hong emphasizes that the upper torso’s core requirement is an upright, suspended head—encapsulated in the classical axiom “虚领顶劲” (“suspend the collar to lift the energy”). In his book, “Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method V1: Theory” ,  he reinforces this idea by quoting the Thirteen Postures Song (《十三势行功总歌》): “the whole body is light, and the head is suspended” (“满身轻利，顶头悬” ). Although “push” and “suspend” differ in wording, Hong clarifies that both demand a lifted crown, as if the body were hung by a rope from the baihui point, echoing Chen Xin’s metaphor – ‘ A subtle chin tuck then allows the head to self-balance atop a straight spine, naturally aligning the neck ‘ (如同用绳子从头顶百会穴将全身向上悬起似的). This principle, praised 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 principle truly mean in practice? Master Chen brings clarity by demonstrating it through mechanical models, stripping away abstract interpretations. As he puts it, ‘Ignore… the so-called Taiji concept, do this…’ and, drawing from Master Hong’s teachings, ‘Once you follow this rigid mechanical model… you get it.’ His approach translates traditional wisdom into tangible, repeatable technique.
(This is an edited transcript of the Suspended Head filmed in Winter, 2010, Edmonton, Canada.)

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Master Chen’s insights, illuminated through analogies like the bicycle and the door hinge, alongside the wisdom of his mentor Hong Junsheng and Taoist principles, underscore that genuine mastery in Taiji and beyond is a journey demanding dedicated time, disciplined focus, and a willingness to learn through consistent repetition and unbiased observation. This path requires taming the restless mind, adhering to fundamental principles without deviation, and cultivating a deep presence that allows for profound understanding to emerge organically, ultimately leading to a transformative personal experience that transcends superficial knowledge.

This lecture has been edited and enhanced for clarity first presented by Master Chen in Oakland, CA, USA, 2013.

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