The Benefits of Opening and Closing the Kua in Tai Chi

Tai chi, the ancient Chinese martial art known for its flowing movements and meditative qualities, is more than just physical exercise. It is a system designed to cultivate internal energy (qi), balance, and harmony within the body. A fundamental principle in tai chi is the dynamic action of opening and closing the kua – the inguinal crease or hip fold. Learning to engage this area properly can transform your tai chi practice and unlock a wide range of physical and energetic benefits.

What Is the Kua and How Do You Open and Close It?

The kua is located where the thighs meet the pelvis, including the hip joints and groin. Functionally, it acts as the body’s central hinge, connecting the upper and lower halves and playing a critical role in stability, power, and movement.

In Tai Chi:

• Opening the kua generally means allowing the hips to rotate outward or expand. This can happen horizontally, like spreading the legs while seated, or vertically, like rising from a chair.
• Closing the kua involves drawing the hips inward or folding, such as bringing the legs together or sitting back down.

This subtle opening and closing is more than anatomical. It is an energetic process that influences how power and relaxation flow through the body.

Why It Matters – The Role of the Kua in Tai Chi

Engaging the kua dynamically, opening and closing it in harmony with the rest of the body, supports nearly every aspect of tai chi practice. Here is how:

1. Freedom and Fluidity of Motion: Greater mobility in the hips and pelvis supports the folding and unfolding that define tai chi’s continuous circular movements. This cultivates grace and responsiveness without tension.
2. Rooted Balance and Structural Integrity: Proper kua engagement aligns the body and stabilizes transitions. It also protects the joints by distributing force evenly through the frame.
3. Power and Energy Flow: As a central link in the kinetic chain, the kua connects the upper and lower body. When its motion is coordinated with the rest of the form, strength flows naturally from a unified structure rather than from isolated muscular effort. In tai chi, the smooth flow of qi is paramount. As described in The Essence of T’ai Chi Ch’uan: The Literary Tradition, the classic T’ai Chi Ch’uan Ching attributed to Chang San-feng states: “The motion should be rooted in the feet, released through the legs, controlled by the waist, and manifested through the fingers.” Opening and closing the kua plays a crucial role in transferring power along this chain, ensuring that energy moves efficiently and cohesively through the body.
4. Release of Tension and Postural Awareness: Opening and closing the kua softens the hips and lower back, releasing habitual tension and sharpening body awareness. This allows movement to arise from internal calm.
5. Grounded Focus and Inner Connection: Mindful attention to the kua draws awareness to the body’s center. This strengthens the connection between intention and action, forming the foundation for meditative stillness.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the principle of opening and closing the kua not only improves technique but also deepens your experience of tai chi itself. With every movement, the kua helps integrate strength and softness, structure and fluidity, effort and ease. As you become more attuned to this subtle yet powerful mechanism, your practice becomes more effective and more alive – filled with energy, balance, and harmony.

***

Explore Tai Chi with the Tai Chi Foundation

The Tai Chi Foundation (TCF) is a not-for-profit educational organization that promotes, funds, and teaches programs that enable people to learn tai chi and qigong and embody its principles.

TCF’s live online courses allow you to engage in guided sessions in the comfort of your home. These virtual classes offer unique opportunities to connect with experienced instructors, ensuring that you receive personalized guidance and feedback. Additionally, TCF offers Teachable on-demand classes, providing a flexible and accessible way to learn at your own pace. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, these online resources present a wealth of knowledge to enhance your tai chi journey.

For those seeking a more hands-on experience, check out the regular course offerings of TCF’s affiliated local schools. There are more than 300 TCF-affiliated instructors teaching tai chi classes in 30 cities around the world.

Stay updated on all our classes, special events, workshops, and retreats by signing up for our newsletter. 

Be sure to check out our new TCF 50th Anniversary Shop, where you can find stylish tai chi t-shirts and other great branded merchandise!

By Oliver Herzfeld

Tai Chi Foundation © 2025