Newton Class 3rd May '22
Oh what a tangled web we weave
Well done all, it looks like you've got Fist Under Elbow (Zhou Di Kan Chui) sorted. This posture teaches you how to shift weight back and forth between the legs – a necessary skill for push hands and fighting as it allows you to quickly change your body position while remaining in a position from which you can launch an attack.
Held as a static chi kung posture (both sides five minutes each) it is used to treat people who are under weight. The sinawali weaving pattern you explored today (Heaven Six) is technically extrapolated from Tai Chi weapons rolling within double sabre/sword work. It teaches rhythm, timing, layering and focus via programmed motor skills. It also develops reflexes, weak side skills, sensitivity, fluidity and hand/eye coordination. Physically it strengthens muscles due to its use of resistance training and increases hand/wrist flexibility. This foundational exercise is a base for so much more, so just take your time and have fun bedding it in.
Blessings
Mathew
Billinge Class 4th May '22
Monkeying Around
Well done everyone! Step Back Repulse Monkey (Dao Nian Hou) is a tricky one to get your head and body around, but well worth it. You literally learn to advance whilst retreating using your most powerful hand weapon (palm heel). Master this one and you're never truly ‘on the ropes’ so to speak. Remember it's the back foot that initiates the strike, yield then root!
Used as a Chi Kung continuous walking step it's a remedy for Yin conditions affecting the liver and gallbladder which tend to make people dull and listless, it's also great for lower back pain.
Today's focus on the star pattern (1-8) was to explore correct wrist orientation and hence edge alignment, which is why I broke out the training knives as the sticks can be a little ambiguous for this.
For a fun challenge we took this further and explored the reverse (uncanny) thrusting lines which show that within every slash there is a thrust just waiting to happen. Until you're used to them they can be quite a brain breaker especially as you have to leave and re enter the star sequence upon each angle. This is all great cognitive work for the brain helping with focus and coordination.
Again, well done to you all!
Simian Blessings
Mathew
Ashton Class 5th May '22
Flower Power
To see a world in a grain of sand And Heaven in a wild flower, Hold infinity in the palm of your hand And eternity in an hour.
Auguries of Innocence
William Blake
Brilliant job everyone! That was a great training session with loads of ground covered today. Monkeys were definitely repulsed and I really enjoyed taking you through the Eternal Springtime Set – one of the best linked Chi Kung exercises for longevity and my personal favourite.
Learning to draw the flower (petal) pattern using sticks is not initially easy but well worth the time and effort. You are essentially creating a multi – directional shield to deal with multiple opponents. With practice you will be able to move around without breaking its flow – until you want to with any combination of spontaneous attacks, throw in some feints and it makes you highly unpredictable.
For now, take it slow and work on the fluid flow of the pattern, after all it's the foundation for everything else. Loosen up, swivel those heels and make it beautiful .
Floral Blessings
Mathew
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