Tai Chi and I-Quan: Reflections on Different Approaches to Relaxed Force
It may be, in some respects, almost pointless to compare different systems of producing relaxed force. Not because such comparison lacks value entirely, but because real understanding of these subtleties can only emerge through long-term cultivation and practice. Without experience in a particular system — in this case, I-Quan — any commentary remains necessarily limited. Still, for the sake of reflection and to record the question for the future, it may be useful to explore this topic with care.
Among those who practice I-Quan, a common criticism of the style of Tai Chi that I both practice and teach is that our method of releasing force is "too slow." The argument, from their perspective, is quite logical. They suggest that in Tai Chi, the method of sinking force to the ground and then rebounding upwards — issuing power through both feet — is inherently slower than their approach. In I-Quan, as I understand it, release comes from the low dantian. Since this area is closer to the centre of the body, and presumably requires less travel distance for force to emerge, they believe it offers a quicker path to issuing energy.
On the surface, this appears reasonable. However, what seems to be misunderstood by many outside of our particular tradition is the nature of the training methods themselves. In the 37 Step Form we practice, the use of rebound — sinking into the feet and issuing upwards — is precisely that: a training tool. It is not, in itself, the final expression of the art.
The purpose of this method is to create and refine the pathways needed to link the feet, legs, torso, and arms in a continuous chain of release. Sinking and rebounding trains synchronisation. It develops the habit of relaxing into the ground and allowing the response to rise naturally through the body. Without this step, it is easy for force to become trapped in the upper body or disconnected through tension.
However — and this is essential — when Tai Chi is expressed practically, especially in martial applications, the release of power is not delayed or mechanical. In Tai Chi, the concept of Peng is central. Peng is often misunderstood as simply an expansive or ward-off quality. In truth, it describes a dynamic relationship: something rises as something sinks.
When properly expressed, Peng makes release instant. As soon as the body sinks, the rising energy is already present. There is no waiting, no rebound in the literal sense. The release happens simultaneously. This is why, in practical terms, Tai Chi release is not slow at all. It only appears that way when observed in form practice, where the emphasis is on training and refinement rather than speed or application.
For this reason, the critique that Tai Chi is "too slow" misses the point. The rebounding method is merely a phase of learning. In real usage, Tai Chi expresses relaxed force through Peng — where release, rise and expression happen in a unified and immediate way. In this, Tai Chi and I-Quan may have more in common than they first appear to.
