When studying form, what are we searching for? Why do we put so much effort into a relatively simple series of stances and strikes? This is our opportunity to focus on the details of our art. I’ll go further to say that we do not always focus on the same details each time we do form, even the same form done multiple times. All of the fine points and focus areas are critical, but let’s think first about what we are studying as a guide for those details. Hidden between these simple stances and strikes is the core of the art. It is the time between that we must master.
To master this time, we must master balance. Our balance is based on our feet, but it is more than walking a tight rope. We are walking a tightrope during a fight. This is possible if we take that “tight rope”, our balance, with us wherever we step. Balance is not a fixed point on the ground. You’ve heard me say over and over that you must move your feet, take “cheater steps”, and bring your back foot with you. You MUST move with your balance. And remember that you must NOT leave your balance to deliver a block or strike. Don’t ever stretch for a strike or block or kick. If you are stretching, then you are not moving enough. But, you can not move enough by moving your feet alone.
Your arms are another critical piece of balance. I’ve also spoken several times about timing your blocks to begin soon enough to help you start moving, sizing them right to guide your step, and using them to sink your stance as you transition to strike. Apply the unbendable arm to your blocks. This reduces your arm range of motion, so you must compensate by moving your shoulders. Do not move like a robot or you lose the fluid power you were born with. Your whole body will move and twist in time with you step. In this way, your upper body (your whole upper body) can guide your stance toward the strike.
The most difficult piece is to bring it all together with timing that can only be learned and mastered by repetition. We will talk about that in the future. In the meantime, here are some things to think about …
- Being and end each move from strength: a strong stance.- Use unbendable arms for your blocks and start your blocks with your cheater step (sometimes before) to get you moving.
- Keep your arms and shoulders moving in a smooth motion to guide your step.
- Make a complete block and not leave one side of your body unprotected.
- Transition your block to strike as your step lands and bring your back foot with you as you strike.
- Timing of the strike should be: Sink, Strike. One, Two in close succession.
- Remember to block your entire body and don’t cut the block short. Blocks are circles or ovals, but not “D”s.
- Use your block to lift and sink. When you’re block goes up, your body is lighter for the step. When your block goes down, your stance sinks for the strike.
I’ll see you on the training floor. Until next time, walk the path.
Sincerely,
Jason
