Secrets of the Five Character Classic
Exposure means to attack from the opponent's side.
Evading and turning aside must not be completely empty.
Neutralize the opponent's incoming force with outstretched arms.
Use tentative give and take to test the opponent's skill.
Reserve your power and concentrate it for the right moment.
Sticking and adhering are our guiding principles.
Move as if following, whether advancing or retreating.
Never forget the possibility of capturing the opponent's hand.
Use strangle holds to block the opponent's circulation.
If the opponent seeks to twist or lock our hands, follow his incoming force and block him.
The meaning of softness is that we do not use stiff force.
In Ward-off the arms should be rounded and look as if propped up.
Pull and attack with circular and lively power. We must blunt our opponent's sharp thrusts, Protect ourselves from his fierce penetration, And use the finger to stab his vital points.
We must use sinking to escape from pulling or twisting of our wrist.
Continue to follow without allowing gaps. When we use Press our opponent's
full and empty will appear; Apply repelling force and victory
is quickly ours.
Trans. Douglas Wile
Quoted from “Nine Secret Transmissions on Taijiquan” by Wu Mengxia
Photo: Wang Yen-nien (right) employing Twist the Joint
