One Circle, Two Points, Six Coiling Silk Movements

The “One Circle, Two Points, Six Coiling Silk Movements” (一圆两点六缠丝) is Grandmaster Zhu Tian Cai’s highly distilled formula designed to systematise, standardise and simplify the complex mechanics of Chen-style Silk Reeling (Chan Si Gong). ^{[1, 2, 3]}

It provides practitioners with a precise geometrical framework for understanding and developing the spiralling movement that is fundamental to authentic Chen-style Taijiquan. ^{[1, 3]}

1. One Circle (一圆 – Yī Yuán)

The “One Circle” represents the fundamental path traced by a single hand while performing both forward (inward) and backward (outward) coiling movements. ^{[1, 5]}

The Concept: Chen Taijiquan movements are fundamentally circular and continuous. Rather than moving through isolated straight lines and sudden stops, the movements connect into flowing arcs and spirals.
The Mechanism: The hand traces a complete and continuous spatial loop, coordinated with the rotation of the Dantian and the opening, closing and rotation of the Kua (hip joints). ^{[1, 3, 6, 7]}

2. Two Points (两点 – Liǎng Diǎn)

The “Two Points” provide spatial reference points that help define the scale, distance and height of the hand’s circular path. They also have an important structural and defensive purpose. ^[1]

Upper Point – Head Guard: This establishes the upper boundary of the movement. The hand generally does not rise excessively above the eyebrow or head-guarding level, helping maintain protection and structural integrity.
Lower Point – Groin Guard: This establishes the lower boundary of the movement. The hand generally does not descend beyond the groin-guarding level, helping protect the lower body while maintaining the body’s structure.
The Purpose: These two reference points help keep the circle proportionate and balanced. They prevent the practitioner from overextending outward or collapsing inward and losing the appropriate defensive space. ^{[1, 6, 8]}

3. Six Coiling Silk Movements (六缠丝 – Liù Chán Sī)

The “Six Coiling Silk Movements” form a progressive training system designed to develop whole-body coordination. The exercises progress from relatively simple movement patterns towards increasingly complex coordination of the hands, arms, body and footwork. ^[1]

1. Single-Hand Coiling

Practising the circle with one arm at a time allows the practitioner to concentrate on the coordinated spiralling of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand while learning how the movement is connected to the body.

2. Double-Hand Coiling

Both hands are coordinated simultaneously, developing the ability for the arms to complement, follow and balance one another while remaining connected to the movement of the body.

3. Double-Arm Coiling

This develops a deeper connection between the hands, arms, shoulders, upper back and torso, helping the practitioner understand that Silk Reeling is a whole-body movement rather than an isolated movement of the arms.

4. Opening and Closing Coiling

This exercise develops the coordinated opening and closing of the body and joints while maintaining continuous spiralling movement. It also helps practitioners understand expansion and contraction within the Taijiquan body method.

5. Advancing and Retreating Coiling

Footwork (Bu Fa) is added so that the Silk Reeling movement remains continuous while transferring weight, stepping forward and retreating backward.

6. Standing Circle Coiling

This develops a more three-dimensional circular movement while maintaining connection between the upper body, Dantian, Kua, legs and ground. ^{[1, 8, 9, 10, 11]}

Why “One Circle, Two Points, Six Coiling Silk Movements” Is Important

One of the great strengths of Grandmaster Zhu Tian Cai’s system is that it breaks down the complex body mechanics of Chen-style Taijiquan into a structured training method that beginners can understand and practise progressively.

Rather than simply copying the external movement of the arms, students learn:

where the hands should travel;
the appropriate boundaries of the movement;
how the hands and arms coordinate with the body;
how the Dantian and Kua contribute to circular movement;
how opening and closing are integrated into Silk Reeling;
how weight transfer and stepping are incorporated; and
how Silk Reeling develops from stationary practice into whole-body Taijiquan movement.

Through this systematic approach, students can gradually progress from learning a simple circle to understanding the coordinated spiralling movement that underlies Chen-style Taijiquan. ^{[1, 3, 12]}