training body mechanics

[Buddy]

I thought the "you didn't think" comment was not called for. So it will come as no surprise when I agree with Bai He. While this standing on the bricks thing might have value as balance exercise, it is a waigong skill. For developing a useful root, standing on the ground is better. I need my root for functional useage not balance. Trying any sort of application on a skilled internal martial artist from such a position would be folly.

[TaiChiBob]

Greetings..

Like use "whole body tension" to stay balanced on bricks. I will say that later in Zhan Zhuang practice, it matters little what you stand on.

Hmmm.. What one stands on must matter some, else this remark falls empty.. i don't advocate "whole body tension" while standing on bricks.. what i am suggesting is that balance and awareness gained on the bricks transfers to enhanced and solid rooting on the ground.. an esoteric discussion on projecting energies downward (into the ground), and how, additional training for that purpose enhanced by the brick work might be beneficial, could be appropriate, but.. i'll leave that up to those interested..

Trying any sort of application on a skilled internal martial artist from such a position would be folly.

I couldn't agree more, but.. from the skills honed by such training, standard (on the ground) applications could have enhanced qualities with proper intent during the training regimen..

I've been able to walk on gravel with little discomfort for years. Any good former Karateka should be able to do the same as well.

Walking on gravel is a good start, i suggest a more disciplined approach to that technique.. but i won't bother you with the details..

I need my root for functional useage not balance.

it is possible there could be a link between the two?.. i'm just shootin' in the dark, here, but.. "my" experience suggests a functional link between balance and root..

I thought the "you didn't think" comment was not called for.

Agreed.. and apologies offered.. i responded defensively, after so many recent "attacks" on internal Arts, i simply assumed the worst.. a personal issue i intend to fix..

Please Bob, your passive aggressive style is rather tiresome.

Unfortunately (or, fortunately, as the case may be), i don't concern myself with that level of psycho-analysis.. i state my opinions, my experiences, my beliefs, and, occasionally, my emotions.. and, i usually give what i get.. that's just me, if i'm "tiresome" it's unintended.. the intention was to share some training methods that i have found beneficial.. and to answer some questions posed about what i had offered.. critique of "name-dropping" had no place in this discussion, i only intended to give credit to those that have mentored me and many others, and not to suggest that "i" was the originator ( i wish i were that insightful)..

Be well..

[beaudacious]

shoveling dirt, sawing wood, splitting logs with an axe, carrying buckets of water with out spilling a drop. Many of the old timers were farmers and laborers for a long time before they learned martial arts. the martial arts refiened something they already had

[SPJ]

In general;

There are 3 parts of practices.

1. Qi Gong. There are meditation and moving Qi Gong. If your Qi flow is not smooth, all your moves are not effective. The meditation part is difficult to describe. Mapping your body parts, sensing and feeling etc.

Moving Qi Gong is easier to explain. You inhale and exhale with movements. You start with natural breathing and then practice abdominal breathing. You may use any moves from 8 brocade to Yi Jing Jing or any Tai Chi moves or Ba Gua walks. Buddy would know more about Ba Gua Qi Gong.

2. Jing Gong. Depends on the Jing issuing, there are specific drills. Each takes 45 min to practice 2 times a day. In Tai Chi, there are silk reeling, Tang Do or sudden jerking, etc. Push hands are for sensing and listening etc. To practice Qin Na, as TCB pointed out that one may toss and grab a 5# flour bag or lead ball etc. One may also grab a bundle of chopsticks and turn the opposite way with both hands, so as to practice grabbing and twisting power or Jing. As you may see, there are both soft and hard ways or practice.

3. Pai Da Gong. To strike and receive strikes. We may practice elbow Zhou and shoulder, chest, back, hip strikes or Kao with punching bags. To Kao, one has to contact first than isssue the Jing. This is Da Gong. You strike over and over. Just have to do it right everytime. Do not hit too hard. Because you may injure yourself easily.

Pai is more tricky. You are practicing how to neutralize, avoid and somehow absorb some Jing. This part has to be under guidance of a good teacher. I felt sorry that some students practice Ki to receive blows without knowing what they are doing and suffered injuries.

Pai is not only to toughen your body parts but to train your body and moves to avoid or deal with strikes and lead the force away from you and lessen the threats to you.

This is usually done with swinging bags or a partner using a staff. One may wear protective gear and then eventually without it.

And all the methods or Gong Fa take times. There are no overnite magic.

As said in the old saying, " If you do not practice Gong, everything will be in vain."

Lian Quan Bu Lian Gong; Da Lao Yi Chang Kong.

练拳不练功到老一场空.