How to Perform Ji Ang Silk Reeling in Chin Style Tai Chi

Silk reeling is a Chin-style element of Tai Chi Chuan, in that it dates to the Chin province and an era long before China was unified. The move is called "silk reeling" because it was adapted from the distinct movements once required to pull strands of silk from silkworm cocoons during the silk-making process.In this technique, Ji, or "push", is the first offensive strike utilized as the third move in a series of four: Pon, Liu, Ji and Ang. The latter, meaning "drive," is meant to be a devastating finishing move against an attacker.However, Chin-style Tai Chi is much more stylized and slower than an actual combat technique; it is an exhibition style, meant to be performed as a dance rather than in actual combat.Here is a guide to performing Ji Ang silk reeling in Chin-style Tai Chi Chuan.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Begin by standing in a typical staggered stance, your left foot slightly ahead of your right. Rock back on your heels and bring your right hand up to form a horizontal bar about a foot in front of your body across your lower chest. Keep your left hand slightly below and directly behind your right hand. Your right hand should form a flat blade, with the back of your palm facing directly away from you.

2. Rock your body back forward, carrying your hands forward with your body’s momentum. Position the palm of your left hand directly against the inside of your right wrist and snap both hands forward sharply. Allow your right hand to flop back behind your wrist. In the actual combat form of this attack, your right wrist would be the point of impact, not the hand. This is the Ji part of the technique.

3. Take your hands apart; raise them in front of your chest, palms forward and fingers loosely pointing upward. Rock back on your heels and pull your hands back, side by side, in an arc. The arc should reach its apex at a level slightly above your head and fall all the way down to your breadbasket, keeping your hands open and side by side. Crouch slightly as your hands momentarily rest where they are.

4. Drive forward on your feet, coming out of your crouch and rocking forward with all your body weight. Just before your body comes all the way forward, shoot your arms out in a double-handed, open-palmed punch at about chest level. In the real attack form of this technique, you would want to make impact with the heels of your hands in order to drive your opponent back as far as possible. This is the Ang part of the technique.

5. Pull your hands back to your chest, then lower them slowly to your sides as you return to a normal standing position. You’ve finished Ji Ang silk-reeling Tai Chi.

Tips & Warnings

• Practicing in front of a mirror can help you perfect your form.
• These instructions are for a right-handed martial artist; if you are left-handed, switch the placement of left and right.

Resources

• Video Guide Demonstrating Pon Lu Ji Ang Tai Chi

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