When I decided to do a blog on Repulse Monkey (aka Repulse the Monkey or Reverse Reeling Forearm), I anticipated that it would not be an easy task. There are so many variations and opinions to be “discovered. Plus, describing an active move is usually difficult. Some consider Repulse Monkey relatively easy to learn, others do not. I think we can all agree that it does, however, require a “certain degree of fluidity and grace”.

This, somewhat uncommon posture (except for Tai Chi Chuan), Repulse the Monkey/Reverse Reeling Forearm is known in Chinese as “左右倒卷肱 Zuoyou Dào juǎn gōng”. In Chinese, it roughly translates to “falling back rolling upper arm”. In the Yang family style, it is called Dao Nian Hou. In the Chen family style (Dao Juan Hong), it roughly translates to “reverse rolling wave”. It has been said that Yang Luchan wasn’t very literate, and “may not have known the actual Chinese characters for the name of the moves”. Therefore, Dao Juan Hong does sound somewhat like Dao Nian Hou. Who knows?

Makes you wonder where the “monkey” came in. There are many different beliefs when it comes to the origin of this move’s name. One explanation is that we “repulse” (calm) our chattering monkey mind. We’ve talked about our monkey mind in a few previous blogs. Below is a totally different explanation (or legend) that will make you think (and maybe smile).

Repulse Monkey is commonly known as a “combat move” in that it involves striking your opponent while you pull with your own hand. The palms change as the forward palm (which is at shoulder height) lowers to the waist. The backward palm, which was initially around forehead height, now replaces the position as the forward palm. It can become more dynamic/powerful when you simultaneously pull at the same time that you strike. Much easier to do this maneuver than to explain in words!

Repulse Monkey is also known as a defensive posture. When you are pulled to one side by your opponent, you pull back on the side and strike either your opponent’s chest, neck, head, etc. with the other side.

As I stated previously, there are many variations of Repulse Monkey. We need to realize that individual body types, preferences, and teaching styles might influence the specific foot positioning and pivoting during Repulse Monkey, as well as when performing other Tai Chi movements. Some practitioners pivot on the ball of the front foot, while others pivot on the heel with the push. Different practitioners and/or teachers use slightly different foot placements, which is usually based on their interpretation, lineage, or tradition. Different does NOT mean wrong!

According to Erle Montaigue, the “Backward Break Tai Chi Step: A Move Backward” step is only used in what he refers to as 'Step back & repulse Monkey'. According to Erle, the toes settle first, then the heel settles. The waist is controlled by the front leg.

According to China State Controlled Media: “Repulse Monkey Left and Right” is a classic posture in the 24-form of simplified Tai Chi. This move involves “brushing the knees while rolling back and pushing the hands forward on the left and right”. This is a technique where the practitioner retreats, in order to advance, attack and defend.

In all styles, particularly Yang, stance and footwork are crucial. In Repulse Monkey, feet position and alignment help maintain “balance, stability, and proper body mechanics. Even though there are many variations in style, generally the feet are shoulder-width apart or even slightly wider than many forms.

In Cheng Man Ching’s (CMC) version of Repulse Monkey, the feet are about hip/shoulder width apart (side to side), one foot is in front of the other, and both feet point straight ahead. It is believed that this parallel foot position wasn’t how CMC learned it from Yang Cheng-Fu. One must keep in mind that CMC was (among many things) a Doctor of Chinese Medicine and his goal was to improve the health of the Chinese people. With the feet parallel, the Ming-Men are open and Qi flow is improved. Of note, the ‘backward swimming” arm movements are similar to those in Qigong. This also encourages the flow of Qi.

However, there are valid martial reasons not to have the feet in a parallel position. Unfortunately, I will not be addressing the advantage/benefit at this time.

Let’s look at some of the benefits of having your feet parallel or slightly apart during the Repulse Monkey step back (and other Tai Chi movements):

Stability: A wider base helps you maintain balance and stability throughout the movements, especially when shifting your weight and transitioning between different Tai Chi stances.
Alignment: Feet, knees, hips, and shoulder alignment is essential in all forms of Tai Chi to enable and promote Qi energy flow. Feet parallel or slightly apart prevents joint strain while maintaining proper alignment.
Weight distribution: Your weight is evenly distributed between both legs when your feet are parallel or slightly apart. This can cause your movements to be more effective and powerful.
Mobility: When your feet are parallel or slightly apart, your transitions between movements and stances will be smoother. Your footwork and stepping techniques, (essential for fluid and grace) will improve.

Now let’s talk about that “Monkey”!

According to legend Monkey was a “cheeky” Chinese demi-god who always was up to mischief. His most famous adventure is called “Monkey picks fruit.” As the legend goes, the garden of Xiwangmu (Queen Mother of the West) grew the Peaches of Immortality. Monkey not only entered the garden, he also gorged himself on the fruit to become Immortal. However, because he took a “short cut” (by cheating), he was imprisoned under the Five Elements Mountain for 500 years by Buddha Shakyamuni. This famous episode appears widely in painting and sculpture in Chinese art.

So what does that have to do with the Repulse Monkey move? It takes a bit of imagination but visualize a juicy peach in the palm of your hand. As Monkey attempts to grab it, you withdraw your hand and then as you turn, your back hand comes forward and pushes him away with a palm strike!

Evidently, this isn’t the only amusing way to describe a Tai Chi movement. For example, Fist Under Elbow, is visualized as reaching out, grabbing an apple, and slicing it in half! Hmmm!

Here are some general guidelines, no matter how you perform Repulse Monkey:

Your arms should be rounded and loose. Try to keep tension out of them. Relax!
Tai Chi has no sharp angles, so drop your elbow and do not pull back your arms.
Your central column, which runs straight down the center of your body, will help you rotate.
Your weight transfer between front and back foot should be smooth.
A few examples of Repulse Monkey below. I do not judge the quality of the performance.
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=Master+Yang+Jun+Repulse+Monkey#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:deef55db,vid:LYO8cIYiuNM,st:0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4fKct8_4jo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M-tIQ7uzVE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa4wB-F_1Uo

Subscribe to receive my weekly blogs in your email