Tai Chi Chuan is a flexible skill. To practice Tai Chi Chuan, one must understand the methods and techniques to learn true Tai Chi skills. If you want to excel in techniques and pushing hands, you must first learn how to generate force (internal power).
The explosive power of being relaxed, flexible, and bouncing is the essence of Chen-style Tai Chi Quan, and it is one of the main differences between Chen-style Tai Chi Quan and other Tai Chi Quan styles. Many Tai Chi enthusiasts admire the ability to emit force, but after years of diligent practice, only a few can fully grasp and freely control it with their intention, Qi, and power in perfect harmony. The reason behind this scarcity is the lack of proper guidance and understanding. However, if one truly comprehends the principles of emitting force in Chen-style Tai Chi Quan, mastering it becomes an achievable task.
Chinese martial arts are rich and diverse, each with its own distinctive style and system. However, the concept of "offense and defense" is shared by all. The defensive side often employs softness, while the offensive side relies more on hardness. What is meant by hardness? When issuing force, the internal and external should unite as one, with a vigorous spirit, delivering one's own power to the point of attack. This is the highest standard of hardness. Chen-style Tai Chi Quan also has its unique aspects when it comes to issuing force. It not only utilizes the fists, elbows, shoulders, feet, knees, and major joints to issue force but also requires that every part of the body is capable of issuing force. The boxing manual states, "Only when the five yin and five yang merge without bias can one possess…
Only by applying skillful techniques to seize the opponent and prevent their escape and evasion can striking be executed effortlessly and yield favorable results. When applying seizing techniques, one must be light, agile, and clever in their movements, so that the opponent is captured without even realizing it, embodying the essence of "the utmost of skill" as mentioned in Sun Tzu's "The Art of War." Being light, agile, and clever means that when attempting to seize, one should not exert excessive force with their hands. The engagement and entanglement with the opponent's hand should be light and responsive. By the time the enemy becomes aware, the lightness has transformed into heaviness, making it difficult for them to escape. Seizing techniques should be applied in a flexible and alternating manner, adapting and responding to the opponent's changes. Only through agile…