Moves 3 & 4: Single Hand and Double Hand Peng

 

Following the movement "Play the Lute," we move into the single and double hand peng. This is a crucial move for developing rootedness and understanding the subtle mechanics of Tai Chi. The word peng is a type of expansive energy.

The Breakdown of the Movement

The move begins with a precise rotation of your body. As your wrists come together in front of you, your left foot rotates inward into your weighted right leg. Make sure to keep your hands on center, as your hips rotates you in space.

Next, you shift all of your weight from your right leg into your left leg. As you do so, you bring your right wrist up to touch your left fingers. The weight shift powers the movement of your hands.

You then turn your body 90 degrees to the right, stepping with your right foot to take your "right pulse." As you step, your arms follow, continuing the expansive energy of the movement.