Why Chen's

Peace

Nine Cages

Sifu Chen Taiji rejected an assumption that shapes the martial arts world: that a committed opponent would rather win than lose. He did so by teaching the "Nine Cages." In the American context, this idea of nine cages is equivalent to" backing someone into a corner," reducing their options until they have only one way to go.

Each aggressive movement is neutralized, leaving the opponent with fewer options and a choice. The choice is simple: "Do I want to continue?" He taught from the perspective of allowing surrender. His Chinese notion incorporated the American idea and added the strategic twist of backing them into the corner, which also allowed them to surrender to superior talent.

How far the opponent progressed into the cages was up to them; it depended on how committed they were to winning. The choice of being trapped and injured or surrendering is theirs. This is compassion on a monumental scale in the martial arts world. Aside from bestowing compassion, there is another reason he taught the practice of Nine Cages.

In Old World societies, direct action between individuals wasn't allowed as it is today. These societies were hierarchical; people knew their place and were careful not to overstep the bounds of their status. It was very important not to offend or slight others. In such societies, the Nine Cages practice was extremely useful.

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