The Role of the Kua - Pt 2

 Continuing from the last post about the “kua”....

In discussions of Taijiquan, there is much confusion and misunderstanding about the Chinese word “kua”, which is not adequately represented by the English translation to “the hip". It is helpful therefore for practitioners of Taijiquan to be clear what the kua refers to.

In Taijiquan the common Chinese term "kua" refers to several different areas around the hip joints:

1. At the top of the thighs on either sides of the huiyin point. The common Chinese saying in Taijiquan is "one kua is kua, two kua is dang" (taken singly it refers solely to the kua ; when both sides are utilised the dang ie the crotch is formed). The instruction for “kua drawn and gathered inwards” or the common mistake of “protruding dang” refer to this part. Only with adduction in this area can the body's natural load sink to the soles of the feet, which is very important in Taijiquan practice. It makes it possible for the dang to be kept level.

2. The connecting point of the inguinal crease, thigh and lower abdomen. Actions of the kua include: "tucking", "pulling", "closing", "wrapping", "biting", "twisting" etc. The twisting and wrapping of the kua are important actions in the transition between substantial and insubstantial and during stepping. When the stance is low, the kua enables the lower abdomen to drop firmly to the top of the thighs. The waist mentioned in the phrase "the crux of the action is in the recess under the waist" refers to the soft tissue under the ribs, and the "recess" refers to the kua; the two are closely connected. When the kua is wrapped, the waist and recess becomes a whole that also facilitates the sinking of the shoulders.

3. Above the inguinal crease, just above the thigh, the part that joins the femur to the pelvis. 

Instructions such as to “loosen kua”, “sink kua”, “ settle kua”, “lower kua”, “deliver kua”, “fold kua” etc all refer to this area, playing crucial roles in Taijiquan practice. Changes in the direction of the chest is enabled by the pliancy of this part.

4. The hip bones on the left and right sides of the buttocks. ·This is the area affected when the kua is pushed forward or sideways due to stiffness and rigidity. If the hip joints are pushed forward and stick out, the buttocks will not sit in between the legs, and the dantian and body’s core will be misplaced. Stretch and extend the muscles and ligaments around the kua to enable more movements and flexibility in the area.