How To Lu 捋

A simple question, actually. But not easy to answer. The key point always lies in not using brute force, in not resisting the opponent's force. One hand at the wrist, the other near the elbow. The key is how to coordinate both hands so that they complement each other. The hand at the wrist must lead the opponent's wrist downwards. The hand at the elbow must lift up the opponent's elbow. Then, the hand at the elbow must turn, and start to lead the opponent's elbow downwards. What you want to achieve is to lead the opponent's arm downwards, away from yourself.

You lead your opponent not with the strength of your hands, but by shifting the weight to the back leg and turning the waist. Your hands are but an extension of the movement generated by you shifting your weight to the back leg, which then turns the waist, and ultimately reveals itself in the movements of your hands in leading the opponent's arm downwards.

A common problem is to try to lift your opponent's elbow up with force. That goes against the basic principle of taijiquan. Another is to try to hook your opponent's elbow towards you. The key is not to hook his elbow, it is to bring it up, then lead it down. And the hand at the opponent's elbow must coordinate its movement with the other hand at the wrist, so as to lead the opponent's arm downwards as a whole.