The hand form I am working on this year is MLK. My goal is to learn the entire sequence with good technique. In addition one of my personal goals is to utilize one on ones regularly throughout the year which will help me in learning MLK, so the two work together nicely.
For this weeks one on one I wanted to address a specific section I’d been having trouble with. Trying to figure out if the problem was in understanding the intent, the timing or transitions or all of the above wasn't getting me closer to a solution. After a discussion with Sifu, it became apparent it was more of an issue of circular motion. It was a bit of a light bulb moment where I quickly realized I was pausing and breaking the circle between the 2 techniques and loosing flow as a result. The first technique needed to connect and flow into the next to facilitate proper timing and power.
What appears to be a pause is more of a transition within the circular movement consisting of variable speed and direction, requiring control, and all happening in a very short time frame. As soon as I put this into practice I was able to feel the difference it made. With additional practice I know there will be continued improvement.
It is interesting how something I am already familiar with can resurface, and continue to teach me valuable lessons while also expanding my knowledge and skill. The seeds had already been planted with the knowing and understanding in place. I just needed a nudge at the right time to connect a few more dots, and build awareness in order to make adjustments and improve.
Here is what I’m re-establishing, learning and feeling:
Circular motion includes different planes - Forward to backward, side to side and upward to downward, all of which can occur together. Tai Chi is great for this!
Contraction (minimize, consolidate, draw in chi ) and expansion (release, expand the internal & external, explode) are integrated into circular movement.
Speed of circular motion and size can and often needs to change with awareness and control.
The obvious outward/external circular movement is more efficient with internal activation and circular movement
Now I just need to put everything into practice!
Totals
Push ups & Sit ups: 2660
Hand form: 49
Weapon form: 54
KM: 205
Sparring: 19
Blogs: 5
Tai Chi: 45
Mindful App - 11
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