SEVEN MOUNTAINS TAI CHI Wu-Tang Arts of Centre County

THE WUDANG WIKI

8 Forces of Tai Chi

Taijiquan (Tai Chi), a deeply philosophical and martial art, is built on principles of softness, balance, and internal energy (Qi). One of the foundational aspects of the art is understanding and practicing the Eight Forces (or 8 Energies), which are crucial for both combat effectiveness and internal cultivation. These forces are often organized into pairs, each of which represents a particular application of energy in Taiji movement. The pairs consist of: Push & Press, Wedge & Triangulate, Rollback & Drag, and Elbow & Shoulder. Understanding these forces is key to achieving the balance between soft yielding and controlled, powerful action that defines Taijiquan’s fluid movements.

Push & Press

The first pair of the Eight Forces in Taijiquan is Push (Tui) and Press (An). Both forces are commonly applied in the context of direct interaction with an opponent's energy.

• Push (Tui): Push is a forceful, linear application of energy, often used in Taiji as a means of pushing an opponent off-balance. The practitioner utilizes the whole body (rooted through the legs, aligned with the torso, and extended through the arms) to project force. The push is not merely a simple thrust but an extension of the body's relaxed power, flowing through the limbs to create momentum.
• Press (An): Press differs slightly in that it is a more controlled, compressed force, focused on applying pressure directly on the opponent’s body to force them into a specific direction. It often involves creating a feeling of heaviness, guiding the opponent’s energy towards the ground or another vulnerable area.

These two forces complement each other, with Push often used to displace an opponent’s energy, while Press can help control and neutralize the opponent’s force by keeping them within a constricting zone of control.

Wedge & Triangulate

The second pair, Wedge (Ji) and Triangulate (Xie), concerns creating openings or creating pressure against an opponent’s structure.

• Wedge (Ji): This force involves applying force in a way that creates a “wedge” between an opponent’s limbs or energy. It is typically used in situations where the opponent's attack or structure is close to you. By utilizing the body's relaxed power and precise angle, the wedge can be applied to separate or deflect the opponent’s movements, allowing you to control or redirect them.
• Triangulate (Xie): This force involves creating angles and structure in the body to attack or apply pressure from multiple directions. When triangulating, the practitioner uses geometry—specifically triangular formations between themselves, the opponent, and the space around them—to create a situation where the opponent is forced to deal with multiple forces at once. The triangle not only provides defensive protection but also maximizes offensive potential.

Together, Wedge and Triangulate help to break through an opponent’s defense, either by creating an opening (via wedge) or applying pressure from multiple directions (via triangulation).

Rollback & Drag

The third pair, Rollback (Lu) and Drag (Zhua), focuses on redirecting or reeling in an opponent’s force to either neutralize or lead them into an unfavorable position.

• Rollback (Lu): Rollback is a fundamental technique in Taiji that involves yielding to an opponent’s force and then using that force to your advantage. The core of this move is softness; you yield to the incoming pressure, absorb it, and then redirect it. The goal is to lead your opponent’s force away from your center and cause them to lose their balance. The rollback must be executed in a smooth, flowing manner that avoids stiffness, using the opponent’s energy rather than fighting against it.
• Drag (Zhua): Drag is an application of continuous movement, where you apply a gentle but persistent force to pull or drag your opponent off balance. It involves using the hands, arms, or body to gradually lead the opponent in a direction where they cannot maintain their stance. It’s not a sudden pull but rather a continuous, subtle force, drawing them in the direction you want them to move.

Together, Rollback and Drag are effective in neutralizing force and controlling the opponent through continuous, soft movements, without relying on direct confrontation or excessive power.

Elbow & Shoulder

The final pair, Elbow (Zhou) and Shoulder (Jian), involves applying force through the body’s larger joints—the elbow and shoulder—to control, strike, or displace the opponent.

• Elbow (Zhou): The elbow is used in Taiji to generate force through compact, powerful strikes. Unlike the extended reach of the hands, the elbow allows for a more direct and short-range attack, concentrating force into a small area. The power of the elbow strike comes from the body’s rotation and alignment rather than external strength, and it often targets specific areas such as the opponent's ribs or neck.
• Shoulder (Jian): The shoulder in Taiji is more about absorbing force than delivering it. It plays a critical role in maintaining balance, while also providing structure and stability during certain movements. A skilled practitioner uses the shoulder to lead the force through the body, helping to maintain root and body alignment. The shoulder also plays a role in subtle redirections, using its circular motion to guide or deflect an opponent’s energy.

Together, Elbow and Shoulder offer a unique combination of close-range striking ability and structural integrity, essential for maintaining control over the body while simultaneously defending or attacking.

Conclusion: Integration of the Eight Forces

The Eight Forces of Taijiquan are not just individual techniques; they represent a way of thinking about the interaction between energy and force in martial practice. These forces—Push and Press, Wedge and Triangulate, Rollback and Drag, and Elbow and Shoulder—can be applied separately or in combination, depending on the situation and the needs of the practitioner. Each force is deeply connected to the fundamental Taiji concepts of balance, yielding, and softness, creating a martial art that is fluid, adaptable, and incredibly efficient.

The practice of these forces is not about relying on physical strength but on cultivating sensitivity, timing, and internal power. By understanding how these forces interact and complement one another, practitioners can deepen their understanding of Taijiquan, enhancing both their martial skills and their ability to align with the natural rhythms of the world.