The 4 Main Energies Of T'ai-Chi~Gene Burnett

Here I am talking about and demonstrating the 4 main "energies" of T'ai-Chi: Ward-off, Roll Back, Press and Push, at least as I see them.
Created on December 16, 2011 using FlipShare.
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[@RedSunAcademy]

I really like this clip. We sometimes do tai chi in the water to demonstrate these principles, looking where the ripples go. I like how you define the press. Reminds me of a magnifying glass collecting sun's rays and re-focusing it to its target.

[@GeneBurnett]

Thanks Jody. I've seen other people's takes on these energies that I like too. I think if we can be less dogmatic about nailing down exactly what things are and instead have a more inclusive and open mind about them, we will all benefit. What we "know" for sure is kind of dead, what's a work in progress is a living thing. Thanks for watching and commenting. That water idea sounds great! GB

[@dayman161172]

maybe it would be nice if u show how u train peng( warding off). I almost at the gist of what it is but its hard to apply it in sparring or dynamic exercise with a partner for me. I can stay in that ward off state but sometimes i get too stif.

[@GeneBurnett]

The way I look at it, ward-off is a quality that can be firm or soft...I see as a spectrum. At it's firmest, yes it can be on the stiff side...like the bark of a tree...at its softest it can feel very slippery and soft...like a jellyfish. I like to default towards the middle of the "dimmer switch" and dial in more or less firmness as needed. Thanks for the idea. I'll try and make a ward-off video soon and show a little of how I train it. And of course, thanks for watching and commenting. GB