Based on the Teachings of Grandmaster Zhu Tian Cai (天才拳论)
In the profound and poetic teachings of Grandmaster Zhu Tian Cai , known affectionately as 天才 (Tiān Cái), or “Genius,” we find a deep and elegant distillation of Tai Chi’s core principles. His writings on the four foundational energies — Peng (掤), Lu (捋), An (按), and Ji (挤) — offer both philosophical insight and martial clarity.
Let’s explore each verse and its meaning through the lens of traditional Chen-style Tai Chi.
🌀 Peng – The Root of All Movement
太极是掤拳，无掤不是拳，
掤劲全靠气，凭气来运转，
丹田气鼓荡，看玄也不玄，
功夫练到位，掤劲最为先。
Tai Chi is the art of Peng ;
Without Peng, there is no martial power.
The劲 (jin, internal force) of Peng relies entirely on Qi (energy),
And moves through the body by means of breath.
The dantian bubbles and stirs —
Mysterious? Not really profound.
When the skill is fully realized,
Peng Jin stands above all else 6.
What is Peng?
Peng Jin (掤劲) is often described as an expansive, upward-forward energy — like a balloon pushing upward from within. It protects space around the body and maintains structural integrity during movement. As one saying goes, “Tai Chi is Peng Jin, and the movements are spiral” 6. Peng is not just physical structure but an energetic presence that allows sensitivity, connection, and control in both form and push-hands practice.
🌊 Lu – The Art of Yielding
有掤产生捋，捋法在圈里，
顺逆缠为捋，掤捋是根基，
棚捋全靠气，技击全在里，
练好掤和捋，产生按和挤。
Peng gives rise to Lu ;
The method of Lu lies within the circle.
Following and reverse wrapping form Lu.
Peng and Lu are the foundation.
Both rely on Qi.
Martial techniques lie entirely within.
Master Peng and Lu well,
And An and Ji will naturally arise 2.
What is Lu?
Lu Jin (捋劲) is the energy of yielding , redirecting an opponent’s force with minimal resistance. It involves circular motion and spiral wrapping — both inward (Ni Chan) and outward (Shun Chan). Lu Jin requires the practitioner to release all internal tension and guide the opponent’s energy along a curved path, breaking their root and balance 2. This softness is deceptive — it is where real martial intelligence begins.
🖐️ An – The Hidden Power of the Palm
太极拳中按，全凭掌与腕，
腕活掌有力，弹抖如绳鞭，
常道无影掌，功到能实现，
用掌不见掌，防也难提防。
In Tai Chi, “An”
Relies entirely on the palm and wrist.
A flexible wrist makes the palm powerful,
Its sudden release like a whip snapping.
Often spoken of as the “Invisible Palm”,
It becomes real through dedicated practice.
When striking, the palm is unseen,
Even hard to guard against 1.
What is An?
An (按) is often translated as pressing downward or crushing force . But in reality, it’s more about controlling space and pressure through the palm. With a relaxed yet focused hand, the palm becomes a conduit for whole-body energy. When practiced deeply, it can manifest as an “invisible palm” — a technique so subtle and fast that it bypasses defense altogether. An is closely related to Peng and Lu, and together they form the basis of many advanced applications 1.
💥 Ji – The Close-Range Precision
挤法不用手，手背逼身走，
自身要中正，挤进用肩肘，
再挤贴身用，机关在腰中，
挤为近身术，逼人失平衡。
The method of Ji does not rely on the hands alone,
But rather the back of the hand compels the body to move.
Maintain central stability and uprightness within,
And employ the shoulders and elbows to press forward.
For closer range, apply the technique by sticking to the opponent’s body,
With the key mechanism rooted in the waist.
Ji is a close-range technique,
Used to disrupt the opponent’s balance and structure 5.
What is Ji?
Ji (挤) translates as squeeze or crowd in . It is a close-range technique where the body — particularly the forearm and shoulder — applies compressive force directly into the opponent’s structure. Unlike An, which uses the palm, Ji utilizes the entire arm and torso to crowd in and destabilize. It is often used after Lu or An, and when done correctly, it forces the opponent off-balance without them even realizing what hit them 5.
🔁 Integration of the Four Energies
As Grandmaster Zhu teaches:
四正练熟悉，才可用四寓。
(Only after thoroughly practicing the Four Cardinal Directions should one proceed to apply the Four Diagonal Energies.)
These four energies — Peng, Lu, An, Ji — are the Four Cardinal Methods (四正手) in Tai Chi. They are not isolated techniques but interdependent tools that support each other. One flows into the next, and mastery of these forms the foundation for deeper applications like Cai (plucking), Lie (tearing), Zhou (elbow), and Kao (shoulder strike) — the Four Corner Methods (四隅手) 8.
🧘♂️ Final Thoughts
The teachings of Grandmaster Zhu Tian Cai remind us that Tai Chi is more than just graceful movement — it is a living system of energy, structure, and intent. Each character in his verses holds layers of meaning, waiting to be unlocked through dedicated practice.
To truly understand Peng, Lu, An, and Ji , one must go beyond theory and step onto the mat. Only then can the invisible become visible, the soft become strong, and the passive become powerful.