How to Perform Pen Lu Silk Reeling in Tai Chi

Tai Chi that we know today is actually a short form for the phrase Tai Chi Chuan. It is a very old form of Chinese martial art, the founder of which is unknown. 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. 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 prevalent because many people believe that practicing the training forms is effective in promoting good health and longevity. It's also effective as a form of mental focus or meditation. Silk Reeling is a Chin style part of Tai Chi Chuan that came from the Chin province long before China was unified. It is called silk reeling because it was adapted from the distinct movements required to pull strands of silk from silk worm cocoons during the early part of the silk-making process. Pen and Lu are two of the four primary energies symbolized by directional movement in Tai Chi. Lu is the process of moving backward, giving ground before and opponent and flowing around his attacks. Pon is the process of meeting an opponent’s attack as the body rocks forward and pushes upward. Since these are moves one would use in combat, they are less fluid and more straightforward than much of the rest of Chin-style Tai Chi and look more like martial arts practice than any form of dance.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Begin by taking a half-step forward with your left foot. Put your weight on your forward foot. Your hands should be at your sides to start with.

2. Draw your right hand straight up to shoulder height as you step. At the same time, begin to pull your left hand up and forward. Your left hand should be horizontal at all times, making a flat bar with your lower arm. Tai Chi movements of the hands and arms appear to begin with the wrist as if it were pulling the rest of the arm along. This creates a flowing look that is the hallmark of Tai Chi.

3. Bring your left arm up horizontally as if to block an imaginary punch and, at the same time, pull your right hand down so that your palms brush each other before taking their finishing positions. From the onlooker’s point of view, it will appear as if your arms create a square or box.

4. Rock backward as if an opponent was about to throw a follow-up punch to your midsection.

5. Bring your right arm down as if the flat palm of your right palm were to deflect that incoming punch. Push your hand down and out to your side.

6. Form your left hand into a blade, palm down to the ground. Drive your left hand forward at head height. With this done, slowly relax your stance and lower your hands back to your sides. The move is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Practicing in front of the 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.

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