The Yin and Yang of the Three Nails
It is very important to become familiar with the Yin and Yang elements of your Taijiquan form in your practice so that the energy associated with a movement can be summoned confidently.
The Third Nail
Activating the brain-nail is yet another way of “raising the spirit,” a key concept in Taijiquan. There are many ways to raise your spirit, but they are done to create a similar effect
Three Nails and the Centerline
I was introduced to the “Three Nails” by Great Grandmaster William C. C. Chen about 30 years ago, and it has become a foundational element in my practice.
Three Nails Revisited
William Chen uses the image of three nails projecting down from the foot to energetically anchor it. Imagining these three nails as anchors is a way of using the powerful structure of support along the medial line.
Setting the Knee (Part One)
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...
