Shoulder Joints

In the course of fundamental training, the shoulder joints of a taiji practitioner should be loosened.

Reason for loosening of the shoulder joints: To obtain greater flexibility and power in dissolving and /or emitting force.

In dissolving a force: The loosened shoulder joint works with the coordination of the back power to divert those forces which come through the arm to a different direction. This can be done by making just a small turn in the shoulder joint. Such economy of action enables a practitioner to maintain his optimum position, whilst diverting / dissolving the force, so that he can counter attack immediately within a close range without the need to step back and forth or to make various body adjustments to maintain his optimum position.

In emitting coherent bodily force: a practitioner, the loosened shoulder joint(s), can send out the force arrow by making a small circular turn of the shoulder joint - there is no need to hold the arm back and strike again.

In the process of Yin Yang Conversion, dissolving and emitting are accomplished within one circular movement of the joint.

Loosening of the shoulder joints and other principal joints have to be done by the teacher - DIY is not possible. Don't believe that you can loosen the joints by practising the Taijiquan Form alone. The Form can, however, be used to regulate and optimize the coordination of the body, making use of the loosened joints.

It is easier for the teacher to get the job done if the student learns the art at around 10 or even earlier. It takes a few years' regular training to complete the process. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to loosen the joints if the student has already reached full age.