Gilman Studio
On-Line Lessons
Yang Style Long
Form
Tai Chi Chuan
[Home] [Return to
Lesson Index]
Lesson 23:
This Lesson Contains:
Movement # 22 – Fist Under Elbow
This is one of the most
complex and interesting movements in the form. I have broken it down into
several little pieces so you can see some of the possibilities for application.
Keep in mind that this, and all Tai Chi movements, is performed in a slow and
continuous fashion.
My opponent attacks from my left side with
her left arm. I join and neutralize this strike to the left, step behind her,
and throw her over my leg. This movement has the feeling of spinning to the
left. It clearly illustrates the principle of going with the energy of the
opponent. I follow her striking energy to the left, add a bit of a pull which
makes her want to retreat, and use her retreating energy to throw her over my
leg.
|
|
This is the transition from Push into Fist Under Elbow. There are possible applications for this transition, but for now, just think of it as coming into center position from Push. Shift
the weight straight back into left foot sit stance. As you do this, the hands
relax until they are parallel to the ground. Keep the elbows drooped. Do not
lean back. Use the Kua. When the
weight is all on the left foot, turn the torso to the left until the body
faces slightly to the right of north. The right toe has turned in to face the
same direction. Keep all the weight on the left foot. Do not let the left
foot roll to the outside. The right leg should be straight, without
stiffness. Arms follow the body as it turns. Focus on
the bringing the energy to the center. |
|
|
I have now arrived at center position and am waiting to see what my opponent is going to do. Shift the weight onto the right foot. There is no foot movement at this stage in the form. The left foot is not weighted and can pivot on the toe so the leg faces more towards the opponent. As the weight shifts, bring the left arm down to the front of the crotch and let the right arm fold until the right palm faces the opponent (your left). Keep the focus of energy in the center. |
|
|
The
opponent strikes with her left hand and I join with it, starting to lead it
to the left, closing her up. I am starting to step behind her. This
foot movement is a bit tricky. Keeping the weight on the right foot, lift up
the left foot and replace it to the front and left side of the right foot. The
toe faces to the west. Do not place any weight on the foot yet. Keep the
weight down. You could kick with the left foot at this time. As you
replace the left foot, the right hand presses or floats straight down the
right side of the body, while the left arm gently arcs upward to end up
facing the left side of the chest. The hands are similar to Ward Off Left
position. Focus on
the back of the left wrist for joining and the right palm for balance. |
|
|
I continue to lead Anna to the left, and at the same time step behind her and grab her shirt (the fist part of Fist Under Elbow). Shift
the weight onto the left foot; roll up the right heel onto the toe for
stability and mobility. Step forward with the right foot, touching down the
heel. The right foot heel is on a line with the left foot toe and faces half
way between north and west. Shift the weight onto the left foot until the
knee just covers the toe. As you
step, the left arm continues moving to the left at upper chest level with the
palm turning to face down (grabbing to pull). The right arm has circled up to
end up in front of the right shoulder. When it has reached shoulder level,
make a fist. Focus on
the left palm for pulling and the right fist for grabbing. |
|
|
The opponent is thrown backward over my left leg. The
weight stays on the right foot and the left leg is stepped forward into Ding
Bow On Heel. Be careful to keep the right knee over the toe and not let the
knee collapse inward. The body and left foot face west. The
right fist is brought inward to end up facing down and inward in front of the
center. The left arm circles down by the left side with the palm facing
inward and the fingers facing forward. It then pokes forward to end up on the
left side of the center of the chest. The feeling was as if you were drawing
a pistol on the left side of your waist and shooting forward. Focus on
the right fist to pull down, and the left arm/hand to push or strike. Also,
you must be careful where you place your left leg. |
