Comments for Earlythunder's Weblog

Comment on The Kung Fu Way by cindy d

cindy d — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 02:42:42 +0000

Stopping in the middle of creating art to read some words while the wax melts. Then, reading truths that resonate deeply. And, again, this applies to Kung Fu, and of course to all of life, This one will be printed, contemplated, and applied.

-C

Comment on Right on the edge of happiness by cindy d

cindy d — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 05:36:52 +0000

Speaking of Kung-Fu practice you are also speaking about life. How does one live in the fluidity of the unbroken line when navigating the market place or the traffic jam? Holding one’s center in both sides of life strengthens maintaining that center wherever the line leads.

Comment on Right on the edge of happiness by Lisa B

Lisa B — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 03:16:29 +0000

Thankyou for writing this.

Comment on DRILL, RISE, FALL,OVERTURN by earlythunder

earlythunder — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:41:07 +0000

This is true. In the language of most styles of traditional Wu Shu the term block is not used. There are many terms for responding to different kinds of force. To block means to stop and this breaks the continuation of any line of force. The styles that use blocking as a principle technique are considered point fighting methods. Once the spiraling energy is applied in a practice the distinction between the moment of contact and the generation of force is unbroken.

Comment on DRILL, RISE, FALL,OVERTURN by lightbulb

lightbulb — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:59:10 +0000

With these principles put to proper usage, a block is a strike, a strike is also a block. One could overcome any attack from any direction.

Comment on A good punch by Lisa B

Lisa B — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:25:00 +0000

Scott,
I stand in front of my computer in horse stance and get a bit of distance learning as I try to work through these movements-Still very much at a beginning level,(100 punches still rough considering all the details) but working through ideas for developing a deeper understanding of all the connections…taking the little by little approach. Thank you very much for these detailed descriptions and diagrams and know your efforts reach as far as Wisconsin. Lisa B

Comment on THE AVENUES OF FORCE AND DIRECTION by harry james

harry james — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:13:00 +0000

Earlythunder,
What is the practical difference between Yin and Yang energies in physical movements?

Quote-”ZHANG (GROW, EXPAND)-This is a soft and extended energy. It is considered completely Yang.”

Is there a part of KAI/HE/ZHANG/CHEN that could be considered completely or even predominantly Yin?
I understand silk reeling and the tai chi diagram on at least a basic level, but would like to connect the ideas further. Could you give examples of other movements that contain predominantly either Yin or Yang energy?
Best, hj

Comment on A good punch by earlythunder

earlythunder — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 01:08:49 +0000

A certain degree of movement is acceptable in relation to the generating force of the rear leg. In other words,if you are punching with the left,the left leg drives the momentum through the heel into the ground from the hips. The key is to maintain a central uprightness in the spine. Another step in the progression is to shift from side to side while punching to the front. This does not mean to double weight form side to side, but rather to move with rooted mobility.

Comment on A good punch by harry james

harry james — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:34:34 +0000

Thanks for the great article! The illustrations are very helpful. When I practice this kind of punching, will there be a noticeable shift in my central position when I empty one side and seat the hip (yi xu and zou qua) while shifting from horse stance to bow and arrow stance ? For instance, if I am practicing this in a mirror, how much movement from side to side is acceptable? Some, or none? And how much does it matter?
Best, hj