In Tai Chi we often talk about the 3 bows, the arms legs and spine (some separate them and call them the 5 bows), it’s good terminology as bows store and release energy. The more you study you realise that there are actually hundreds of bows throughout the body, every joint acts as a bow from fingers, toes, palms, arches, shoulders, hips chest and so on.

As we connect and coordinate all these bows, we need to develop the ability to release all excessive tension so they can function effectively. We then stimulate the energy using the mind and emotions, store and release it, allowing it travel from the spine, gaining power from each joint as it flows until we can skilfully discharge it through a variety of techniques into the opponent.

We can improve the component parts of this process all through our training life and a good coach and training programme will layer in the skills and drills through neigong, qigong, form, push hands and application.