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How to Do the In and Out Stroke for Tai Chi

Contributor
By Dana George
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

The “In and Out” Stroke in Tai Chi is a basic hand movement that is used as a defensive, or block, movement within combat. This exercise will establish the fundamental hand motion you will use to perform this blocking technique. As you practice this technique, keep your movements fluid and calm as this is just an exercise.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Comfortable, light weight clothing
  1. Step 1

    Bring up your left arm, bending the elbow to about 45 degrees and keeping it level at about mid-chest. Your wrist should be somewhat slack with your fingers pointing loosely in front of you, palm facing right.

  2. Step 2

    Sweep your hand out to the left, as if running your fingers along a row of chimes, until it comes just outside your left shoulder.

  3. Step 3

    Now sweep your hand gently to the right, as if running your finger back along the row of chimes, until it comes in line with your chin.

  4. Step 4

    Continue this in and out stroke for about five counts before switching to your right hand. As your hand moves to the left, consider this movement for an outside block. As your hand moves to the right, consider this movement for an inside block.

  5. Step 5

    Now bring up your right arm, again bending the elbow to about 45 degrees and keeping it level at about mid-chest. Your wrist should be somewhat slack with your fingers pointing loosely in front of you, palm facing left.

  6. Step 6

    Sweep your hand out to the right, as if running your fingers along a row of chimes, until it comes just outside your right shoulder.

  7. Step 7

    Now sweep your hand to the left, retracing your prior movement, until it comes in line with about your chin.

  8. Step 8

    Continue this in and out stroke for about five counts. As your hand moves to the right, consider this movement for an outside block. As your hand moves to the left, consider this movement for an inside block.

Tips & Warnings
  • Keep the in and out movements gentle and smooth. This should help you maintain a more centered state when in combat.
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