The Way of Least Resistance

Introduction The sequence in taijiquan known as "needle at the bottom of the sea" occurs quite a few times in the long form and in a variety of circumstances. I've always understood it to be a classic qin-na technique - the "small wrap" known as " xiao chan " (nikkyo in aikido/jujutsu).  I thought this would make an excellent subject for analysis in this series. I'm going to go through two different variations seen in the form: the one I call the "straight dive down" and  the one I call the "roll over".   The "roll over" version I'll use is followed by the kick and "double wind blows on ears" from the second section, but a second such technique is also found at the end of the second section using a low kick. The "straight dive down" occurs in both the second and third sections and is followed by "fan through back".  Let's go through that one first. Needle variation ...

Following on from my recent post concerning "separating the right leg" and its use as an " anti-clinch " technique, using your legs to counter, I thought I'd go to one of the last movements in the Chen Pan Ling taijiquan form - the related (rather mysterious) sequence known as "step back to ride tiger". Here is a description of the technique: Starting from the previous position (not shown), step/pivot clockwise to the right to face an opponent. As you do so, you extend your left hand out (this has an important function - I'll explain why later) and load the right hand near your ear. This is followed by a step forward with your left leg.  Again, this has a vital function which I'll explain in due course. At precisely the same time, you extend your right hand forwards, leading with the knife edge of your palm which allows you to wedge your forearm in towards your opponent at an angle (facing downwards). Your left hand scoops dow...