How to Perform Two Handed Silk Reeling in Tai Chi

Most people know Tai Chi as the slow movements people perform in parks and yards. These are actually the training forms of Tai Chi Chuan, a very old form of Chinese martial art whose founder is unknown. The fighting style meant to be used in actual combat is much faster, though it is comprised of the training-form moves. It is so popular because many people believe that practicing the training forms promotes good health and longevity. It's also effective as a form of mental focusing or meditation. Silk Reeling is a part of Tai Chi Chuan that comes from the Chin province and dates to a period long before China was unified. It is called silk reeling because it was adapted from the discrete movements required to pull strands of silk from silkworm cocoons during the early stages of the silk-making process.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Begin in the silk reeling stance. Bend deeply at the knees with your back upright. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and point your toes at an outward angle.

2. Starting with your hands at your sides, make open claws of them and bring your right hand in an inward half circle above your head. Continue to smoothly pull the hand outward to your right in a line level with the ground, shifting your weight to your right foot as you do so. As your right hand reaches full extension, bring your left hand across your waistline to end somewhere in the vicinity of your right hip.

3. Move your right arm to your right side in a downward-sweeping arc, while simultaneously pulling your left hand up in line with, and above the level of, your right shoulder.

4. Turn at the waist to your left as you draw your left hand in a horizontal line past your left shoulder, while bringing your right hand down low across your waist to end somewhere over your left hip.

5. Lower your left hand to waist level and raise your right hand above your shoulders. From here, simply repeat the steps in order to continue two-handed silk reeling for as long as you like, as it lacks a classic finishing pose.

Tips & Warnings

• Practicing in front of a mirror can help perfect your form.
• Keep in mind that many forms of Tai Chi exist, and may use the same names for different moves.

Resources

• Video Guide Demonstrating Two-Handed Silk Reeling

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