Yang Style Lotus Leaf Palm 杨式太极荷叶掌

Written by Dr. Mei Ying Sheng, Si Chuan Province, China
Translated by Ted W. Knecht, Shenzhen, China

In the traditional 108 Yang Style Taijiquan routine, there are only four double fist techniques (Punch to Ears, Strike the Tiger, Shoot Tiger with Bow, and Advance to Seven Stars), all other hand postures utilize a palm technique. There are the famous Five Fists of Taiji (Step Up Deflect Parry Punch, Punch to Groin, Downward Fist, Fist Under Elbow, and Step Forward and Strike With Fist) which the right hand forms a fist but the left remains as a palm. There are also two hand techniques which utilize a hook hand (Single Whip and Snake Creeps Down), but again, the left hand forms a palm. As can be seen, the palm in Yang Style Taijiquan holds a very important rank in the style. In actuality, Taijiquan (fist) should be called Taiji Zhang (palm) for all the palm techniques employed within the style.

The hand formation which best represents the Yang style is the Lotus-leaf Palm. The name, Lotus-leaf Palm, was standardized by Li Chun Nian and Fu Zhongwen, two top disciples of the Late Yang Cheng Fu. The standardization of the palm was considered necessary for the unification of traditional Yang Style Taijiquan. The basic requirements of the palm conform to the principles of medical science and martial arts.

The Lotus-leaf Palm is formed by naturally spreading the five fingers apart. The fingers are slightly bent, the Tiger's mouth is round, and the center of the palm is slightly cupped. The correct formation of the palm should always resemble a lotus leaf floating on water during the practice of Taiji.

Paying strict attention to the proper formation of the Lotus-leaf Palm during practice will lead to the following benefits:

1) Opening of the Meridans and Regulation of Qi and Blood.

Among the 12 meridians within the body, there are six which reside in the hands. Therefore, when performing Taiji, the circulation of qi and blood is best expressed and felt in the two hands. The sensation of qi in the hands can be felt as being numb, hot, swollen, or as a number of other phenomena.

Qi will circulate through the body mainly along the meridians of the body, but can also function in association with the circulatory (blood) system. Several important results of qi circulation through the hands would include the opening of the meridians within the body and the regulation of the blood and qi. Consequently, the opening of the meridians and circulation of qi in the hands should be closely payed attention to by Taiji practitioners.

The Lotus-leaf Palm is no doubt the most ideal palm for obtaining qi sensations in the shortest amount of time. The palm conforms to the way of nature and the body. During practice of Taiji, should the hands not follow the strict guidelines of forming the Lotus-leaf Palm, obtaining qi sensations in the hands and arms may be lost.

The practice of circulating internal qi can be divided into two catagories. The first catagory consists of the Outer shape leading the internal Qi; and the second catagory consists of the Internal Qi driving the outer shape. In the first catagory, the proper outer shape will lead to the circulation of the internal qi bringing about many beneficial changes in the body. The outer shape, within this text, is considered the hands, eyes, body, and legs.

There are those who have practiced Taiji for many years who never or seldom experience the sensation of qi. Even on the warmest of days, the hands do not become warm or flushed red. This may suggest that the health benefits of practice are not as ideal as they should be. The main reason for this problem is usually the improper outer shape which restricts the internal flow of qi. When the first catagory can not be acheived, then advancing to the second catagory is very difficult. Therefore, particular attention to one's outer shape is essential to obtaining ideal health benefits of Taiji.

2) Improving Martial Skills

The value of Taijiquan in regards to self-defense and health has been relatively popular throughout the history of Taijiquan. Since the advent of modern weapons, the original fighting aspect of Taijihas moved more towards the health benefits of the style. However, just as Taiji is practiced for its health benefits, it should also be practiced as a martial art to maintain its true tradition.

The eight methods of power (Jin) in the Yang style are Ward-off, Roll-back, Press, Push, Pull-down, Split, Elbow, and Shoulder. Among the eight methods, the first six utilize a palm. Only the last two utilize an elbow or a shoulder to issue power. A martial art proverb states that the Palm is More Powerful than Ten Fist Combined Together. Consequently, the palm holds high status in the martial art aspect of Taiji.

The Lotus-leaf Palm allows the bones, muscles, and tendons of the hands and arms to develop a relaxed natural posture. This will aid in the balance between the forearm and hand to produce a mutual resistance which is required to issue the short explosive power and whipping action of Tai Ji. An example of this is the Single Whip posture. After completion of the right hook hand, the left palm strikes out towards the opponent. The route in which the power is conducted is from the heel of the right foot through the right leg, up the waist and back into the left arm and then out though the hand. The overall motion is very similar to the wave-like action of a leather whip. Should any muscle of the left arm be tense, this whipping action will be destroyed; thereby not allowing the proper power to be generated. The Taiji Classics state that the Form is in the Hands. This means that one important condition for generating power is to have proper posture. If this is not performed correctly, this will be revealed through the hands.

3) Expressing the Artistic Beauty of Tai Ji

Yang style Taijiquan has a relatively high artistic appearance. The third generation inheretor of the Yang style, Master Yang Cheng Fu, left hundreds of photographs of Yang style postures. These photographs are considered a treasure to Yang style practitioners. From these photographs, one can see the beauty of classical Large-frame Yang style Taijiquan. The palm postures are not one without the Lotus-leaf Palm. These photographs should, consequently, be used as a standard model for this and future generations in the proper postures of the Large- frame Yang style.

When the body conforms to yin and yang, this will be expressed through the hands. For example, in the posture, Separate Foot, the arms move in a downward arc and cross. This action should be expressed as if one were an eagle flapping its wings. However, should the arms be tensed, the true essence of the posture will not be properly expressed.

The Lotus-leaf Palm is a major component of Yang style Taijiquan and it is the hope of the author to transmit this treasure to Yang style practitioners throughout the world. Only by performing correct postures will the true benefits of Taiji be obtained.