Exploring the Saying “Walk Like a Cat, Move Like Drawing Silk” in Taiji Quan

In Taiji Quan, also written Tai Chi Chuan and Taijiquan, the saying Mai Bu Ru Mao Xing, Yun Dong Ru Chou Si (邁步如貓行,運動如抽絲), which means Walk Like a Cat, Move Like Drawing Silk, is often used to describe the flow of Taiji Quan movements.

Walk Like a Cat refers to the whole process of stepping in Taiji Quan: from lifting and drawing the rear foot towards the supporting leg, to the proper placement of the foot on the floor, to the weight transfer to the stepping foot. Since a cat is a quadruped (walks on four legs), it is important to observe the way a cat moves its front legs when it steps, and how it places the entire footpad softly on the floor.

In Taiji Quan the heel of the stepping foot is placed on the floor first and then, as the weight transfers forward, the sole of the foot comes to rest on the floor. This is already different from the manner of a cat, which places its entire paw flat as it steps. Also, in Taiji Quan, the rear foot is drawn next to the supporting foot and slightly circles outward as it steps through. This is especially evident in Wu Style Taiji Quan. Since these actions certainly do not resemble or mimic the way a cat walks, my interpretation of Mai Bu Ru Mao Xing is to step softly like a cat.

Move Like Drawing Silk refers to the actual movements of Taiji Quan, especially as it pertains to the actions of the arms and hands. Before explaining this concept further, you must understand that it does not apply to all Taiji Quan styles or forms. For example, it does not apply to Chen Style Taiji, nor to the Yang Style Fast Form, and it does not apply to the Wu Style Taiji Round Form (also known as the Fast Form). The concept of Yun Dong Ru Chou Si applies to the type of Taiji Quan routines that use a slow, even, and continuous rhythm.

How can Taiji Quan movements be compared to drawing silk? Drawing silk from a cocoon is a complex and delicate process; you can learn more about it on the Internet. I will focus on the actual process of drawing the silk. Once the cocoon is soaked in hot water, the silk strand is found and the process of drawing the silk begins. This process must be gentle, even, and continuous so as not to break the strand. It is this process that we want to emulate when practicing the Yang Style or Wu Style Taiji Quan.