Jie Gu

The Mechanical Principle of Taijiquan Jie Gu

Taijiquan is a martial art of spring boxing. Taiji spring is adept to detect the motion of the opponent, is supple and stable in defense, and is hurling effective in offense. Taiji spring boxing materializes the ethic of Taijiquan. The spring introduces a cushion between the two opponents in a collision, therefore reducing the possibility of local deformation and prevents anyone from getting hurt. To achieve the art of spring boxing is to cultivate relaxation and nimbleness. In turn the relaxation and nimbleness help to open the meridian, therefore allowing the Qi and blood to move freely. It is an effective self-cultivation method. The strategies of Taijiquan are connecting, linking, sticking , and following. The fighting techniques of Taijiquan are bouncing, diverting, squeezing, pressing, grabbing, lateraling, elbowing, and crushing. While the footworks of Taijiquan are forward, backward, leftward, rightward, and balancing. All strategies, techniques, and motions follow the basic mechanical principles. Taiji motions maintain equilibrium at every moment, and are complementary between the virtual and actual. Taijiquan uses explosive or sequential strength to throw the opponent off balance.