Jou, Tsung Hwa “THE TAO OF TAI-CHI CHUAN”
Ch. 3.8 THE THIRTEEN TORSO METHODS
pp.170 -173 The Chen and Yang schools of Tai-Chi Chuan base their methods of practice on the principles of Tai-Chi’s classical theories. The Wu school, however, also emphasizes the torso method. This method provides a concrete step-by-step approach to understanding the applications of the classical theories, which alone are too refined and abstract for the beginning student. The torso method gives the student a series of techniques which are easy to apply, allowing for gradual and obtainable achievement. Wu Yu-Hsing, the founder of the Wu school, developed eight of the torso methods; Li Yi-Yu, Wu’s nephew and student, described the other five….
3: “Binding the crotch region” or Kuo-Tang
The knees are always at least slightly bent; that is, they are never rigidly locked. Moreover, in order to protect the crotch region, they are kept in relaxed proximity to one another rather than separated. In this method one is aware of the connection between the two legs through the coccyx…..
- “Rounding the groin” or Tiao-Tang
The lower the area of the body controlling the movement, the more relaxed the upper parts of the body, thereby preserving maximum stability. Thus for shifting the body weight, one focuses on the calves. Furthermore, one uses the imagination to keep the space between the legs round, the pelvis in (so that the buttocks do not protrude outward), and the lower abdomen a little bit forward and upward.
Dear would-be Journeyman,
Please remember that sifu’s approach to attaining above attitudes is different from the how described above?
sifu
caveat emptor!
2nd Jan.’22