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Principles

Open the Kua开胯

Releasing the hip crease for free movement.

Also known as: 开胯, kua

The Kua is the hip crease where the torso meets the legs. Opening the Kua means releasing this joint to allow free, connected movement — a foundational skill in Tai Chi practice.

Videos: 3Glossary: 1Articles: 11

Videos (3)

Tai Chi for Beginners: White Crane Spreads Wings - Chen Style

Tai Chi for Beginners: White Crane Spreads Wings - Chen Style

Open Kua Tai Chi — Unlock Hip Flexibility

Open Kua Tai Chi — Unlock Hip Flexibility

Tai Chi Mechanics: How to Song Kua (Sink Hips) and Turn the Waist Correctly

Tai Chi Mechanics: How to Song Kua (Sink Hips) and Turn the Waist Correctly

Glossary

Kua
The Kua (胯) is the hip-inguinal region connecting the legs to the torso, acting as the structural gateway through which rooted force travels upward and whole-body coordination is achieved in tai chi.

Articles (11)

Chen Style Silk Reeling Explained: The Spiral Power of Tai Chi (Chan Si Jin)
Chen Style Yi Lu vs Er Lu: Why 2 Years of First Form Matters
The 3 Golden Signs of Effective Tai Chi Stance (Zhan Zhuang)
How to Relax in Tai Chi: Unlock the Power of "Song" (Without Going Limp)
Lao Jia vs. Xin Jia (Old Frame vs. New Frame) – What Your Body Actually Feels
Large Frame vs Small Frame Tai Chi: 25 Yrs Expert’s Guide
Open Kua in Tai Chi: The Key to Unlocking Power and Preventing Knee Pain
Master Tai Chi Fajin: A Push Hands Guide to Release Power
Tai Chi Walking: How It Works, Fat Burn, Benefits & Beginner Guide
Is Tai Chi Walking Safe for Knees? Evidence-Based Guide (+ Self-Assessment)
Tai Chi Walking for Seasonal Transitions: A Gentle 7-Day Routine

Knowledge Connections

Sinking Qi to Dantian (气沉丹田)
Principles
Applies In
Rooting (扎根)
Principles
Applies In
Yaoxi (腰隙)
Energetics
Applies In

Learn more about Open the Kua in the Tai Chi glossary.

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