Counter-Movement
Definition:
A mechanism of movement in which one part of the body moves in one direction while another part moves in the opposite direction. Beneath the physical Counter-Movement lies both a mental and muscular counterpart: when one intention directs forward movement, another is simultaneously triggered in the opposite direction. The same applies to the muscles—when certain parts of the body tense, others relax in coordination.
Usage:
- As a noun: “Taijiquan develops our Counter-Movement from a weak instinct and transforms it into an amplified and stabilized response within our actions.”
Instead, it involves adjusting movement in one part of the body in response to movement or force in another, allowing overall coordination to be preserved.
Additional Notes:
Counter-Movement occurs naturally in many everyday activities. For example, when walking, the right leg moves forward and most of the body follows, yet the right arm instinctively moves backward to maintain balance.
However, in Taijiquan, Counter-Movement is not merely a tool for balance. It is consciously cultivated to generate the movement of one part of the body by engaging others. It operates through three sequential layers: intention, muscular activity, and external movement.
Taijiquan Framework 