Spiraling or opposing forces applied to two points on an opponent. Elbow Strike (Zhou): Using the elbow for close-range power.
Yielding to and pulling an opponent's force past you. Press (Ji): Short-range, forward-squeezing power. Tai Chi Chuan Martial Applications
Instead of meeting force with force, a practitioner yields to incoming energy, "swallowing" or neutralizing it to maintain their own balance while compromising the attacker's. Spiraling or opposing forces applied to two points
These are the fundamental ways power is used in applications: Ward Off (Peng): Expansive, buoyant power to create space. Press (Ji): Short-range, forward-squeezing power
The effectiveness of Tai Chi in combat relies on several foundational concepts that differentiate it from "harder" martial styles:
Downward or forward energy to off-balance an opponent.
Every movement in a Tai Chi form contains specific combative intents, ranging from strikes to joint locks (Chin Na) and takedowns.