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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: 1

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.

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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