Unstable state of equilibrium

The difference between “练” practice taijiquan or “修” study tajiquan ?

“修” encompasses “练” practicing the form, and “悟” researching and authenticating and understanding the form. Therefore, “修”is a more complete curriculum. So what is there to research and authenticate on taijiquan ? ..Physics!!! Philosophy!!!

Taijiquan (physical aspect) should be viewed as the art of importing physics into your physical body through practicing the form.

The taichi classic says：“四两拨千斤”, throwing a 100 kg (hypothetically) opponent with just 250 grams (hypothetically) of strength. So how is that possible? Now we come to the philosophical aspect of it. “引进落空” is the phrase that is often neglected.

“引进落空，四两拨千斤” means inviting or luring your opponent to a state of unstable equilibrium (emptiness), then u are able to move a 100kg opponent with merely 250 grams of strength. So what is a “state of unstable equilibrium? “ It is like standing a can of coke slanted, standing yet not stable, blowing onto the can will topple the can of coke. Besides this, I would like to add that you have to repel with rotational force in order to achieve such a ratio. In any case, all taijiquan classics are written to either create awareness or depicting the presence of physics.

How do we achieve inviting or luring one’s opponent into a state of unstable equilibrium?
Minimal resistance! Meeting an incoming force with a strong resistance will only result in the weaker force being thrown off its ground regardless of which of the force is the initiating force. This merely becomes a competition of strength, which completely defy the principles of taijiquan.

Defining minimal strength: Upon contact, the amount of resistances should only be an accompanying force and not a direct opposing force. Such kind of force adheres to the direction of the incoming force, it is subtle and yet constantly providing small resistance to the opponent in order to encourage a continual flow of force from the opponent to a point where the opponent’s balance (center of gravity) is lead to the state of unstable equilibrium. At this juncture, the opponent will be at its weakest, repelling him with a slight rotational force will produce a tremendous force that will send him off the ground.

Of course, such skills will only be attained through numerous rounds of practice and relentless effort to look for all the rotations within the form.
This is base on my shallow understanding of taijiquan , we hope to see more guidance from masters out there.. Thank you.

-- TaichiBug