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Internal Arts of China; Defining Our Terms - Decoding the Eight Energies of Tai Chi Chuan -Part IV

Nov 7 / Fernando Bernall
Ward-off (Péng), Rollback (Lǚ), Press (Jǐ), and Push (Àn) correspond to the four cardinal directions and the trigrams Qian, Kun, Kan, and Li. Pluck (Cǎi), Split (Liè), Elbow (Zhǒu), and Lean (Kào) correspond to the four corners and the trigrams Xun, Zhen, Dui, and Gen.
Taijiquan Treatise (太极拳论) attributed to Wang Zongyue
In Tai Chi Chuan, everything we do is governed by the Bā Fǎ (八法), or the Eight Gates/Energies. 

Many beginners mistake Tai Chi for a collection of hand techniques or choreography. In reality, the physical movements are merely containers. 

The real art lies in the underlying kinetic vectors—the hidden internal directions of force.
My goal is to teach you to look past the external shapes and learn to utilize the engine underneath. The Eight Energies are divided into two distinct groups: the Four Cardinals (the primary defensive and offensive vectors) and the Four Corners (the close-range, tactical structural keys).

I will attempt here, to shed some light, based on my understanding of these concepts, on the structural geometry and strategic application of Tai Chi's core forces collectively called "Grasp Sparrow's Tail—攬雀尾 lǎn què wěi. 

I will also share with both my local students and online students several methods, or drills that will with practice, lead you to a better understanding and performance of Tai Chi's most fundamental set of postures. 

The Four Cardinal Energies (四正 - Sì Zhèng)

These four foundational kinetic vectors handle direct, linear, and expanding forces. They form the core framework of Tai Chi’s defensive and offensive shield. We will spend a substantial time practicing these four shapes during our training both in the studio and online here at Virtual Tai chi.
Chinese Characters
Pinyin
Term
Imagery & Biomechanical Application
控 / 掐
Péng
Ward-Off
An outward-expanding, buoyant, and elastic structural force—like an over-inflated basketball. It keeps an opponent's force from collapsing your center.
履 / 捋
Lǚ
Roll-Back
A yielding, diverting force. You lead an opponent's incoming vector slightly past its intended target, using their own forward momentum to pull them off-balance.
挤 / 擠
Jǐ
Press / Squeeze
A two-handed compression force. By using one hand to reinforce the opposite forearm, you create a wedge-like, forward-thrusting vector to penetrate a defense.
按
Àn
Push / Downward Suppress
A grounding, wave-like force delivered through the palms. It involves a subtle downward neutralization followed instantly by a heavy forward projection from the legs.

The Four Corner Energies (四隅 - Sì Yú)

When a combat situation becomes complex, volatile, or transitions to close range, we look to the corner energies to disrupt an opponent's levers.
Chinese Characters
Pinyin
Term
Imagery & Biomechanical Application
采 / 採
Cǎi
Pluck / Pull Down
A sudden, sharp, down-and-back snapping force applied to a joint. It works like plucking fruit cleanly from a tree, using your core weight to snap balance.
挒
Liè
Split / Rend
A dual, opposing force akin to a pair of scissors. One hand moves in one direction while your core shifts the opposite way, creating a tearing effect on their structure.
肘
Zhǒu
Elbow Strike
The kinetic use of the elbow joint for short-range striking or neutralizing. It relies entirely on the rotational torque of the waist, never a disconnected arm swing.
靠
Kào
Shoulder / Body Strike
Using the shoulder, upper back, or hip to strike or uproot at ultra-close, grappling range when the arms are trapped or bypassed.

The Virtual Training Key: Finding the Vector

When practicing your forms, pay close attention to your lines of force. For example, when executing Péng—Ward Off, do not just lift your arm; feel a 360-degree expansion pushing outward from your Lower Dantian (center of gravity)'

When executing Lǚ—Roll Back, ensure you don't pull with your hands—instead, turn your waist and let your center drag the opponent's arm into empty space. 

What’s Coming Next: Intro to Footwork & the Six Harmonies.

Now that you have explored the flowing, multi-directional energies of Tai Chi Chuan, it is time to look at the foundation that supports them all: how we step, root, and connect the entire body from the ground up.

Someone may ask: "Why should we spend so much time on footwork and alignment? Isn't Tai Chi mostly about the hand movements, relaxation, and breathing?"

It is easy to focus on the hands, especially when learning on screen. However, in all of my classes—both at my studio and learning Tai Chi online here at Virtual Tai—we always come back to the ground. Why? Because your upper body can only feel light, relaxed, and fluid when your lower body is stable and connected.

In our next and final article of this Tai Chi terminology series, Rooted & Connected: Stepping Methods and the Six Harmonies, we bring everything together. You will discover the foundational stepping methods that protect your knees and build effortless balance, along with the Six Harmonies—the master alignment checklist that unites your posture, breath, and focus into one seamless whole.

Ready to bring your Tai Chi practice full circle? Check out the final article in this series to see how footwork and whole-body harmony tie every movement together.

Fernando Bernall
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