Practice your self defence applications with your arms relaxed besides your body (not just from an on-guard position).
Archives for September 2011
Monkey Kung Fu?
I’ve heard of monkey Kung Fu, but I think this monkey is making a monkey of monkey kung fu 🙂
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWiWFC9lVv0[/youtube]
270 Degree Left Leg
So far so good. My knees are holding up since I’ve got back into training the 360 degree spins on one leg.
My right leg can now do a 360 spin but I’ve only managed to do a 270 degree spin on my left leg. It’s still a bit wonky but with a bit more practice I’ll get a 360 spin in.
The 360 degree spin on one leg is part of my Tai Chi form and in the past I have practiced it in two parts to avoid further straining my knee. A 180 turn, pause and another 180 turn to complete the 360.
What I do now is practice in my socks indoors and do eight repetitions daily on either leg and pay particular attention to each part of the spin – relaxation, balance, kwa, rotation.
I’m determined to build up to 360 degrees without wrecking my left knee.
Only 90 degrees to go!
One Foot Planted
I was working on a Tai Chi self defence application in front of a mirror the other day which involved a low kick, parry and strike at virtually the same time.
As I did this I noticed and felt off balance performing this Tai Chi application.
Why?
Well, I was too focused on the strikes and paid little attention to balance just like most beginners would do.
To correct this mistake I focused on sending the Chi down the supporting leg and deep into the ground rather than in the direction of the striking hands and kicking leg.
As soon as a I did this I felt anchored to the ground and the following repetitions felt smooth and natural.
It just goes to show that no matter how many times you practice a skill you still need to be observant and be able tap into the feel of a techinque so you don’t drift into errors.
Chinese Proverb
Learning is a treasure which follows its owner everywhere