Shift the weight back into the right foot. This causes the arms to open to the sides and circles down to the hips. As the weight shifts forward into the left foot the hands continue to circles forward and cross at the waist. As the hands begin to lift up the front of the body raise the right knee with them.
Sink and deeply root the weight into the left foot as the right knee rises.
Turn the hips to the right. Use the hips movement to extend the right leg into the kick and open the arms. The right arm and leg are in line with each other extended to your right corner. The left hand opens to your left corner. Both palms face in at shoulder height. The arms are eighty percent extended.
Sit a little lower with the tailbone to help root the weight and stabilize the left leg. The toe of the kicking leg points up.
The kick can be done anywhere from 6 inches off the ground to the height of your own head. The mechanics are the same. Only go as high as you can while maintaining smooth rooted movement.
Previous Yang Style tai chi movement: High Pat the Horse
Next Yang Style tai chi movement: Strike Ears with Both Fistsc
Yang Style Tai Chi Philosophy:
Kick with Right Heel – Meditate on the qualities of balance, foundation and focus.
Martial Application:
Yield to a front kick to your torso by shifting back out of range. Shift forward while trapping and lifting the opponent’s leg with your crossed wrists. Lift your knee as you raise their leg and then kick out their support knee.
Every Tai Chi movement is said to have between three and thirty applications. The application listed is one example of how to effectively apply the movement.
Alternate Translations:
- Kick with Right Heel (You Deng Jiao)
- Right Heel Kick (You Dengjiao) [Liang & Wu]
- Kick with Right Heel [Zhang Fuxing, Zhao]
- Right Heel Kick (You Deng Jiao) [Foen Tjoeng Lie; Metzger & Zhou]
This information is meant for reference and to give an idea of the details involved in all Yang Style tai chi movements. In order to receive the benefits of an internal arts practice it is vital that you seek qualified instruction.
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