11/04/2026
This is a good graphics for any practitioner of Asian arts... https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18vD1twvZ8/
9 Joints Principle of Nei Jia, a core structural concept in the Internal Chinese Martial Arts ☯️
The 9 Joints (九節-Jiu Jie) form the structural and mechanical framework of the body.
Rather than relying on brute muscular force, practitioners train to connect, open, and articulate these nine physical gateways so that internal power (Jiu Ji Li or 9-joint power) can ripple seamlessly through the skeleton.
What are the 9 Joints?
The nine major physical hinges of the body are traditionally grouped into three sections (upper, middle, and lower):
✅ 1. Upper Body / Limbs (Upper Section):
- Wrist (手腕- Shou Wàn)
- Elbow (手肘- Shou Zhou)
- Shoulder (肩膀- Jian Băng) @
✅ 2. Spine and Core (Middle Section):
- Cervical Spine / Neck (頸椎-Jĩng Zhui)
- Thoracic Spine / Upper Back (胸椎- Xiōng Zhui)
- Lumbar Spine / Waist (腰椎- Yão Zhui) (often emphasized alongside Han Xiong Ba Bei/hollowing the chest and rounding the back)
✅ 3. Lower Body / Limbs (Lower Section):
- Hip/Kwa (髖關節 - Kua)
- Knee (膝蓋-Xi)
- Ankle / Foot (足踝-Zu)
♻️ Core Principles of the 9 Joints
Dual Function (Static and Mobile):
✅ Static/Bony aspect: The joints act as structural arches or receiving/channeling stations to absorb and ground incoming force.
✅ Mobile / Tendinous aspect: The joints act as springs or whips using the tendons (tensile strength) to store, deliver, and return power (Fa Jing).
🔁Simultaneous Movement:
✅ A foundational axiom is that "the joints of the body must act in concert.
✅ They must start together and stop together". When one joint moves, all nine respond in an integrated, fluid wave rather than isolated segments.
💚 Connection to the "Five Hearts"(五將/五心):
The 9 joints provide the internal infrastructure that allows energy and intent to express through the extremities-specifically coordinated with the crown of the head, the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet.
