Chen Style Taijiquan and Hunyuan Taiji email: practicalmethod@qq.com

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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