Tai Chi Shoulder Release | Song, Scapula Movement, and Effortless Power

One of the most difficult areas to release in Tai Chi is the shoulder. Tension here disrupts Song, breaks structural continuity, and limits effortless power. In this lesson, Susan Thompson demonstrates how to keep the shoulder loose while issuing force by moving through the scapula instead of the shoulder joint.

Thank you for watching. Susan’s mission is to share Tai Chi openly and fully—helping others learn in a way that is joyful, meaningful, and effective, with nothing held back from the learner.

Learn more from Susan through these in-depth resources:
???? Structure and Song Course: https://taichisusan.thinkific.com/products/courses/Structure-Song
???? Fascia Connection Course: https://taichisusan.thinkific.com/products/courses/copy-of-beyond-form-master-class-i-structural-foundations-and-song
???? Joining with the Force Course: https://taichisusan.thinkific.com/products/courses/Joining-Force
???? Book: Beyond Form: Learning Tai Chi from the Inside Out (Available on Amazon in Paperback, Kindle, and Audible) https://a.co/d/axdukhQ (affiliate link

Through practical partner work, Susan Thompson shows how releasing shoulder tension allows Song to activate fully, making power immediate, light, and undeniable. By contrast, when the shoulder holds tension—even if the rest of the body feels relaxed—the result is stiffness, fatigue, and failed application.

???? Why the Shoulder MattersThe shoulder is a common site of hidden tension. When it is loose, force flows through the scapula into the spine and down through the fascia network. When it is tight, movement collapses into muscular effort.

???? Song and Scapula MovementSong in the shoulder is not limpness. It is an expansive release that lets the scapula slide and connect to the spine, so intention and force travel without obstruction.

???? Definitions Within the Practice
Song — Release of tension with openness in joints and fascia, allowing power to disperse and connect.

Yi (Intention) — The mental direction that guides movement and outcome.
Scapula Movement — Directing force through the back’s structural plate instead of isolating the shoulder joint.

Joining with the Force (He Jin) — Entering into the partner’s energy pathway so there is no opposition, only continuity.

???? Shoulder Release as Key to PowerDeveloping true Tai Chi power means removing subtle blocks. The shoulder must be released so fascia and intention can work as one. Once this happens, issuing force feels light, responsive, and almost effortless.

Timestamps
00:00 Moving through scapula while keeping shoulder loose
00:17 Tension blocks power
00:47 Releasing the shoulder for Song
01:21 First successes with looseness
02:05 Partner tests and effortless effect
02:50 Using Song instead of effort
03:36 Joining with the spine through the elbow
04:21 Shoulder release and redirecting incoming force

???? Want to go deeper?
Susan Thompson is the author of Beyond Form: Learning Tai Chi from the Inside Out, and teaches livestream courses on structure, fascia connection, and internal movement mechanics.

????️ Courses and Classes: https://www.taichisusan.com
???? Structure and Song Course: https://taichisusan.thinkific.com/products/courses/Structure-Song
???? Fascia Connection Course: https://taichisusan.thinkific.com/products/courses/copy-of-beyond-form-master-class-i-structural-foundations-and-song
???? Joining with the Force Course: https://taichisusan.thinkific.com/products/courses/Joining-Force
???? Book — Beyond Form: Learning Tai Chi from the Inside Out: Available on Amazon in Paperback, Kindle, and Audible https://a.co/d/axdukhQ???? Weekly livestream classes on Internal Tai Chi
???? Subscribe: @internaltaichi
???? Website: https://www.taichisusan.com
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