Structure "Base" of WC
"Human architecture is based on a series of circles and triangles. These have the strength to carry considerable weight, yet keep your body flexible. You can think of the entire body as a pyramid, with a solid base and a much smaller apex. The three circles represent your head, torso, and lower body. The tiny circles represent your neck and waist, supporting the structure while giving the flexibility around which the larger spheres turn and roll.
Within the principal pyramid structure, your body takes the shape of three smaller pyramids stacked one above the other. As they descend, they are progressively heavier. The mechanical principle of the neck and head can be clearly seen in this structural model: a spherical pivot, like a ball bearing, bears the weight of the larger spheres and the convergence of the pyramids."
"This model shows not only your physical structure, but also the principle lines of your energetic geometry. It includes the physical connections between the shoulders, elbows, hips and knees, as well as the relations between your three major Tan Tien(center of gravity) centers. The dotted lines at the top and bottom of the model indicate the opposing polarities of the energetic pulls experienced when you practice. A long loop from the shoulders goes down around the lower Tan Tien(center of gravity). This indicates the energetic stability of the whole structure."
"If you look carefully at the point where the pillars of a bridge bear the structure's enormous weight, you will often find a small cylinder. This astonishing feature is known as a "bridge bearing." The purpose of the bearing is to take the weight while giving the entire structure flexibility.
Bridge bearings transfer loads and movements from the deck of the bridge down to the substructure and foundations. They make it possible for the structure to withstand the vibrations of traffic and the expansion and contraction caused by temperature vibrations. It is also thanks to these bearings that bridges are able to withstand severe winds, tremors, and earthquakes.
The bearings are designed to redirect the forces that move over, through and around the structure. Engineers study the "downward forces" that pass through the center of the bearing, the "transverse forces" that move horizontally through the bridge or alongside it, the "uplift forces" that enter the structure from the earth and "rotational forces" that can twist in any direction.
Our feet have a natural bridge-like structure, arching between the ball and heels. They, too, have the capacity to absorb and redirect forces moving in all directions.
As your practice deepens, you will feel a second, inverted triangle extending downwards and holding you to the earth."
"You can then use this deep strength to take the incoming force of an attack into your body and direct it down into the ground. A deep connection with the earth is essential for your martial arts power."
- From "The Way of Power" by Lam Kam Chuen
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Originally Posted by trubblman
