Principle 2 Flashcards
State Principle 2
Contract the chest and expand the back ribs, while drawing up the spine in the area between the scapulae. This action is commonly known as, “hollowing the chest to raise the back.”
What is the key to developing internal power? Principle Two.
Activating the spine is the Holy Grail of the Taichi principles, and perhaps the most misunderstood. The spine is the true core of the body.
(P2) What is, “ Stringing the Bow?”
Flexing the thoracic spine, combined with loosening the lumbar spine, draws strength upward through the legs, ilio-psoas muscles and deep intrinsic muscles of the back (erector spinae) and along the vertebral column to the occipital bone of the skull.
(P2) How do you, “String the Bow?”
Contract the chest and expand the back. The bow must be strongly flexed. This creates the potential force to shoot the arrow.
(P2) What did Master Ip refer to as, “ Making the Kung Fu?” (From 2nd Disciple, Boyd)
Stringing the Bow charges the body’s energy system by stimulating 4 major energy points:
(1) the K1 point in the foot;
(2) the dantien;
(3) the thoracic Spine; and
(4) the kung fu points of the hands, 3 inches above and below the wrist joints.
(P2) How Not to Hollow the Chest?
Do not ‘Cave In’ the chest and roll the shoulders forward. It will injure your back and shoulders. Do not Spread the Scapulae. Remember Principle 1.
(P2) What are Master Ip’s 3 true meanings of Principle 2?
(1) Contracting the chest to raise the back initiates ALL Taichi movement. This includes fast form and weapons.
(2) Contracting the chest to raise the back brings Chi from the foot through the spine to the hands.
(3) Contracting the chest to raise the back is used to move the opponent. This breaks the opponent’s balance.
(P2) How To Understand “Contract the Chest and Hollow the Back?”
Full understanding needs personal coaching. Dedicated stretching will help. The more supple, the better. Thought: 8 Brocades Hold the Feet and Twist and Lift the Back are suggested.
