By Stuart Alve Olson wrote:Seizing Energy
Na Jin“Seizing Energy is comparable to the two energies of Enticing
and Neutralizing, but is more difficult in practice. It is a very
important energy within T’ai Chi Ch’uan. If you are unable to
Seize, then you will be incapable of Issuing. Yet, if you can
Seize, then and only then can you Issue. If not, Issuing will be
of no use. The inability to Issue stems from incorrect Seizing—
the vanguard of Issuing is Seizing. . . .”
“Seize an opponent without grasping with the hands. If the
hands grasp it will be inefficient and easy to Neutralize. The pivotal
axis for Seizing lies entirely in the waist and legs. You must
Seize the opponent without forceful grabbing. To just foolishly
Seize with force makes it very easy for the opponent to get rid of
you. It is entirely the mind-intent and qi that sets the Seize into
motion. The stepping methods, body methods, and direction of
the Issue are of equal importance. If this was not mentioned
here, the teaching would never be handed down to others. . . .”
Exercises for Developing Seizing EnergyA and B stand opposite of one another. B stands ready to
punch A with his left fist, his right foot forward and the
weight in his rear left leg. A stands in a relaxed stance, with
feet shoulder width apart and arms hanging down along
the sides of his body.
First MovementB exhales and punches toward A’s head. A exhaling, performs
a change step, so the right leg is moved forward and
places his weight in his left leg. Simultaneously A brings his
left hand palm, palm facing upward, and attaches it to the
outside of B’s wrist.
Second MovementA then turns his waist completely to left side, and turning
in his right foot, while attaching his right hand palm to the
back of B’s left wrist, with palm up (there is no grabbing of
B’s wrist here) and simultaneously brings his right arm
elbow up to B’s left elbow and applies a slight pressure. B’s
punching energy will then be extended and his body will
lean forward into a defective position.
Note: The idea behind this exercise is for A to learn
how to Seize an incoming force without applying force.
When learning this technique it will be easier to learn how
to Issue energy the instant you feel the opponent has been
Seized.