Yang Family Tai Chi Discussion Board

In Michigan it appeared that when Yang Jun performed Brush knees that as the forward arm was clearing the space before him that he was shifting weight forward with the knee beginning to bend (not just weighting the front foot). This action I had always been told not to do. That the clearing was done with the waist with no forward shift, the pushing down and push or strike was timed with the weight shift forward.

I asked a number of people and everone said they saw the same thing consistantly for the entire three and a half days. It is in my notes so I don't think i am imagining things or that we were under mass hypnosis. Anyone else see this or were we getting something that no one has seen before? Or is there something we were NOT seeing?

Michael,

You did observe correctly. There should be an advancing forward with the turning of the waist and the opening of the left arm. After you step out with the left foot and the heel has made contact with the floor, initiate your waist turn to the left and open the left arm. As the left arm opens in front of your body the left foot sets down fully and roots. There is a shifting forward as you do this and this forward momentum helps you to pluck (cai) the opponents arm out of the way. You want a continuity of motion and a smooth transition from the opening of the left arm to the pulling downward of the opponent's arm and the pushing out of your right hand.
Michael.

Hi Michael (from Michigan):

I support what Michael Coulon explained and think that part of the trouble you may be experiencing is in loose terminology that we all use.

Using other words to describe the same thing Michael did, the forward weight shift is split into two components. The first part coincides with flattening the left foot, rooting with it, and sweeping the left hand in front. The second part coincides with bending the left knee (which was naturally straight before); continuing the curve of the arm sweep leftward, down, and to the side of your hip; and squaring the shoulders to the front.

Does what Michael and I describe what you saw? This is what I saw consistently over the four days of the hand form at the Long Island Seminar, and even in Three Rings Circle the Moon in the sword form, where there is a similar move at the beginning.

Take care,
Audi

[This message has been edited by Audi (edited 08-27-2001).]

Audi and Michael,

We all know how time and distance takes it's toll on the memory---and second guessing....that is were my problem often is.

Confiramation by you and from participants there confirm what I "knew" I had seen there. Thank you both.