by Rick Barrett | Jan 19, 2021 | Elbow, Knee, Three Pillars
I was recently asked to clarify what I mean when I emphasize “setting” the knee to allow the kua to release, or setting the elbow to free up the shoulder joint, or setting the ball of the foot to establish energetic connection with the earth. Setting simply...
by Rick Barrett | May 2, 2018 | Knee, Taiji
I hate to be a pest, but… I want to be really really clear about what I mean by the “ball of the foot.” So, even if you are certain that you know what I mean, please read this carefully. At the very least, it may help you explain it to someone else....
by Rick Barrett | Feb 15, 2018 | Knee, Taiji
I just shot this video after class last night to further illustrate the importance of “setting the knee.” Even students that have been with me for decades found this enormously helpful. Don’t worry if you don’t get this right away. Oftentimes,...
by Rick Barrett | Feb 13, 2018 | Knee, Taiji
“Correct Knee Position” is not a topic that exactly quickens the pulse. For most of us it sounds like a real snoozer. We don’t really care. That is, until there is PAIN. For the first fifty years of my life I had little regard for this ingenious and...
by Rick Barrett | Feb 6, 2018 | Knee, Taiji
I have long advised taijiquan practitioners to consciously “Set the Knee” before loading the substantial leg. Meaning, you make sure that your structure is in place before you put weight on it. The knee should be in the optimal load-bearing position before...
