The 'Four Do's': ‘Stick,’ ‘Adhere,’ ‘Connect,’ ‘Follow’

Zhan, Nian, Lian, Sui 粘黏連隨

with Master Sam Masich

The ‘Four Do’s’
Four of the most important words in taijiquan are: ‘stick,’ ‘adhere,’ ‘connect,’ and ‘follow’ (zhan, nian, lian, sui 粘黏連隨).
They are about establishing and maintaining connection with a practice partner (or opponent/enemy) so as to cultivate and employ ‘perceptual movement,' an ability that leads to martial advantage and furthers self-cultivation. Traditionally, this four-word concept is at the heart of taijiquan solo and partner practice.

In this is workshop we will explore the 'zhan-nian-lian-sui' concept from several hands-on perspectives including it's relationship to another traditional taijiquan four-word formula called 'spread,' 'cover,' 'match,' and 'swallow' (fu, gai, dui, tun 敷盖对吞). While we will be exploring several advanced concepts the practical work is accessible to taijiquan players of all levels.

This class can be attended by beginning and advanced students alike!

Times: 10am to 5pm daily (1-3pm break)

Cost: $225 CDN (or $125 per single day) eTransfer to Sam at sammasicharts@gmail.com

Location: South End of Trout Lake in John Hendry Park (Outdoors)

Contact: Michael Blackburn +1 (778) 228-3500 email

Foundations of Traditional Taijiquan