The Five Hammers of Yang Taijiquan, Part 2: The Straight Hammer

1.
正捶
Zhèng Chuí
Straight Hammer

The Straight Hammer thrusts forward in a straight line.


Examples of movements with Straight Hammer in them:

Step Up, Deflect, Parry, and Punch


Examples of applications:

Face push:

Pushing the head backward destabilizes the spine.









Arm drag:

Pulling the elbow behind the spine destabilizes the upper body. The punching mechanics help to break the opponent’s structure.








Hip push:

Pushing on the hip folds the body.









The next installment will outline the Horizontal Hammer