Principle 11

Question 1

State Principle 11

Answer 1

Raising the Back and activating the Dantien draws energy from the ground to the thoracic spine, where it is stored, creating a potential force that can be expressed in the hands through focused martial intention. This is, “ Action, Intention and Idea in Harmony.”

Question 2

(P11) Regarding the hands, what is the aim of the Taichi martial artist?

Answer 2

Powerful hands that have Superior reflexive speed. This is achieved through a penetrative grip, rather than a strong grip. You must use the Yang family principles. It requires soft biceps and forearms so that Qi can move easily to the fingertips.

Question 3

(P11) To get a penetrating grip, what must I do and not do?

Answer 3

Do: Bring attention to the hands by opening the thumb, press out the heel and lightly stretch out the fingertips as if trying to make them grow.
Don’t: Let your hands go limp. Don’t use tension either but imagine that they are filled with helium gas.