tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84987814686640086362024-02-08T20:05:34.076+00:00Bristol : Natural Way T'ai ChiDiscussion of the Content of Classes and questions that may arise from them. Or, questions generally about t'ai chi.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-33118506375439202352012-02-19T15:25:00.000+00:002012-02-19T21:43:08.871+00:00Advice at the Beginning : Surrender to relaxationTo get the most benefit from practice we should apply relaxation. But, how do we relax? If we try to relax the very act of trying will get in the way! A good way to get around this problem is to imagine that we are relaxed already. This is an ancient method. The 'result' becomes the 'method.' When we imagine we are relaxed we stop trying... the feeling of relaxation comes and then we let that feeling take over. At this stage the effects of relaxation can become powerful when you surrender to the experience of relaxing. There is nothing that is not included. There is no sense of the self which is observing in a detached way. Become the experience of relaxing! In a similar way we can 'let go' into the experience of 'just being.'Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-44293935776186482482010-09-04T18:51:00.005+01:002010-09-22T11:18:25.098+01:00Dear Students and GuestsFollowing <a href="http://alanpeck.blogspot.com/">Alan's sudden and unexpected death</a>, we joyfully look forward to creating an inclusive community committed to the true beauty of this precious lineage.<br /><br />You can join us <a href="http://naturalwaytaichi.blogspot.com/">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-24796616006621983442010-02-10T16:57:00.004+00:002010-02-10T19:42:46.703+00:00Punch and Withdraw and PushRemember when withdrawing before push, it is the body that turns which moves the arm. Our habit is so strong to move the arm first. Use the feet to transmit the movement to the torso. The front foot pushes the left hip back and the back foot pushes the right hip forward. In this way the t'ai chi force is not blocked.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxfCtglmdIIVdELd6FN2NXRSkO8k0oaRskx29umFDrGaJ-0xQZPE29f03WeiwEzZp3hBzRToyAbNAACQljAfQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-63517866726637256992010-02-04T14:11:00.002+00:002010-02-04T14:25:26.820+00:00The FistThe punch in t'ai chi is performed with a soft fist. It is worth spending time to understand the correct way to form the fist.<br /><br />When the hand is open and stretched out the ch'i is able to extend out beyond the finger tips. When the hand is curled this flow is then fed back into the arm. The arm itself then forms a block of chi. In this way heat is also prevented from leaving the body on a cold day. From a tai chi point of view the arm is sealed and the fist itself is able to function as an abrupt ending to the arm. The hand is soft and the accumulation of substantial force makes the hand similar to a peice of clay.<br /><br />It is important that the thumb is not inside the fingers against the palm. The thumb is on the outside of the fingers. The softest method is with the thumb on top of the hand, resting on the index finger. There is more tension in the hand when the thumb bends accross the first and second fingers.<br /><br />When the thumb is touching the base of the ring finger and the fingers closed over, it prevents loss of ch'i but it is never used in the martial context. You will see a very young child naturally use this fist when they defecate. It is advised by some chi kung masters to avoid loss of ch'i even as an adult!<br /><br />Finally remember that the t'ai chi force must leave the fist and therefore when using the mind intent it is not directed into the fist but beyond it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-7480120546368867772010-02-04T14:07:00.003+00:002010-02-04T14:11:12.843+00:00NewsThere has been a problem with the videos recently, however I have managed to restore them back onto the blog.<br /><br />The wednesday beginners course can now look at the postures up to Step forward, deflect downward, intercept and punch.<br /><br />The beginners class due to start on Wednesday 10th. February is now full. The next class will start after the Easter break.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-36299319498269955612009-10-20T13:58:00.004+01:002009-10-20T14:17:57.399+01:00Whirlwind Left, Small Star of the Big Dipper, Waiting for Fish, Looking for the Snake in the Grass, The Bird Flies into the Forest to Rest<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxzbYrxxeG3I5kuJdQvliM92wxEqPIcjf8cuy9wJ0JAz7b0zdC18oZS3TrMxc--5NXztwfAyjsOTJY8LT02CQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-77794444924013490442009-10-20T13:44:00.004+01:002009-10-20T13:57:31.403+01:00The Bee Flies into the HiveThe Bee Flies into the hive and Phoenix Spreads Wings.<br /><br />Remember to control the tip of the sword during the turn into Bee Flies into the Hive. The steps in this posture follow a circular path after turning the left foot anti clockwise.<br /><br />Remember to bring the posture to the upright position. Turning the waist to the right the left forearm rotates at the elbow bringing the left hand above the right. Keep the sword arm straight. Use the leverage from the left foot to extend the force through the body during the step and sweep of the sword.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxgnugQ_S1xOF42oHD-m7b4RTNbuMjwlH2qIETLgKsoNVD3urkmga6rYWh2w98IG1KjXzbOwrc59IbMNPZMjQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-88679055340855891272009-10-19T15:46:00.003+01:002009-10-19T15:55:47.100+01:00Thinking and Feeling.When we study t'ai chi it is unfortunate that we have to spend some of the time thinking! Why is this considered to be 'unfortunate?'<br /><br />Thinking takes us away from the actual experience. Yes, we have thoughts about experience, but the thoughts are not the experience. So it is best to keep thoughts to a minimum. They can be like sign posts which direct our attention to a particular feeling or they can help us discover new areas of experience .. or in other words, creative thoughts about our practice. Learning t'ai chi is a process of discovery. Ultimately the mind is directing the feeling and there is little thinking going on at all.<br /><br />What do we feel? All the tactile sensations are acknowledged as part of the practice. In order to move in t'ai chi, for example, you will need to feel that the foot is pushing the body to create the weight shift and that the other leg is empty of body weight before taking a step, and so on.<br /><br />The qualities of t'ai chi, such as softness and openness are experienced on a feeling level but we can use our thoughts to direct the experience. Once we have created a feeling then it will become more powerful if you let go into the feeling experience and let go of thoughts completely.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-48260848106780761982009-10-19T15:25:00.005+01:002009-10-19T15:45:35.705+01:00Advice at the Beginning : Surrender to relaxationTo get the most benefit from practice we should apply relaxation. But, how do we relax? If we try to relax the very act of trying will get in the way! A good way to get around this problem is to imagine that we are relaxed already. This is an ancient method. The 'result' becomes the 'method.' When we imagine we are relaxed we stop trying... the feeling of relaxation comes and then we let that feeling take over. At this stage there is no sense of a detached self we feel totally overcome by the feeling of relaxation. Then just let it be.<br /><br />We become more relaxed when we feel that we can let go of control. 'Trust' is an important part of that process of letting go. If we don't want things to be a certain way, we can let in a feeling of freedom and acceptance. This does not have to be passive state, it is also the starting place for movement and change.<br /><br />Relaxation and connecting deeply with the experience of being alive is at the heart of the t'ai chi journey.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-81217954324367860492009-07-22T14:22:00.003+01:002009-07-28T12:50:49.352+01:00Question : How to open the inner joints of the spine?As the body becomes more relaxed and the substantial ch'i sinks to the lower tan tien and the feet so the body is able to move from the feet and the mind is able to lead the force through the body. All of this opens all the major joints of the body.<br /><br />To open the spine in particular it is good to suspend the head as if by a thread. There is an upward feeling at the acupuncture point 'Meeting of a Hundred Yangs' (Du 20) which is created by the mind intent. The ch'i here feels as if it is lifting. The body ch'i feels as if it sinks from this point in a downward direction. This should be applied to every t'ai chi position.<br /><br />However, sometimes our body is so blocked that we cannot open the spine with these methods. Then it is good to use muscles to stretch in an upward direction and use exercises involving twisting the spine and so on.<br /><br />White Crane Spreads Wings is a posture which brings the force very strongly through the spine and this can open each space between the vertebrae as the force rises. The force is brought through the right arm and issued from the wrist. Remember the body is rising in this posture and extending vertically at the same time the heavy relaxed downward force is sinking. It is the only posture in the form where this occurs. Golden rooster stands on one leg is also very upright but here the force is brought to the rising hand and the knee. There is also a potential kick from this posture.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-11874103719481179822009-07-22T12:08:00.002+01:002009-07-22T12:29:24.343+01:00Question :<span style="font-weight: bold;">Question :</span> Is there a link between the full leg/foot and the opposing empty arm/hand? It seems to me that the hands and feet are linked together in some way which follows the yin yang principles, so in moves like push which hand controls the energy?<br /><br />All parts of the body are linked with all other parts. Then in relation to the movement of dynamic forces through the body or t'ai chi force there a variety of ways that the forces can be moved through the body or enabled naturally through the feet and through the body.<br /><br />These techniques are not easy to express through text alone. However, I will try to outline my understanding which I know to be incomplete.<br /><br />In a posture such as brush left knee push. The right foot directs the force of the whole body coordination to the right hand. This is sometimes referred to as 'jin.' Simultaneously there is a rising force which is conducted through the hand with the mind intent and both feet are involved but especially the front foot. In addition there can be spiral forces enhanced by the lowering of the elbow during the act of pushing which rotates the right elbow. Rotation of the elbow is a common feature in the t'ai chi forms to enable the issuing of spiral force.<br /><br />In a posture such as single whip the back foot is pushing the right hip forward directing a spiral force through the body, enhanced by the rotation of the left elbow and issued from the left hand. So this force is conducted diagonally through the body.<br /><br />The wonderful principle which is expressed throughout t'ai chi and even in chinese medicine is that opposites create each other. So if I am receiving a force on my left which involves the process of emptying; I am also expressing a force on my right which is becoming more full. It important to understand the these are all active and dynamic movements. So many people use t'ai chi for relaxation and do not balance this yin aspect with the active yang aspect. For example the force of an opponent is received into the body on one side and is channelled through to the other side in many applications. The two sides seem to be different in the way that our mind labels them but the way that we feel and experience them is really as one circle which also includes the force of the other person which is returned to them. They are part of the circle.<br /><br />It is worth contemplating the movement of these forces throughout the form.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-43480803080783108842009-07-22T11:59:00.005+01:002009-07-22T13:02:08.386+01:00The Swallow Flies into the Nest and The Clever Cat Catches the MouseTurn with the idea of efficiency... get the force going to the diagnonal without excess or deficiency. Practise the rhythm of the movement to keep a connection with the force.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw7vgEf54xft7IAJiXrwVv-Gv3p29rHbEvORx3OAaKCkdSnwdEKcccewXMIxoN9SXQWCPFyDleH6rIGs5huwg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-12784773745001096052009-07-20T14:03:00.002+01:002009-07-20T14:12:25.527+01:00Quick responses in Pushing HandsMany people know the basic techniques of pushing hands and do everything correctly and yet when someone goes to push them they cannot apply their responses quickly enough.. why is this?<br /><br />When receiving the force of another there is no time to prepare. All preparation must have been completed before your opponent begins the attack.<br /><br />If you have not sunk your substantial feeling to the feet then it is too late.<br />If you have not connected to the feet to advance or retreat then it is too late.<br />If you have not brought the 'sensing ch'i' to the surface of your body and extended towards your opponent then it is too late.<br />If you have not separated full and empty then it is too late.<br />If you do not meet your opponent before they touch you then it is too late.<br />If you did not balance your opponent's action before touch then it is too late.<br /><br />It is a state of readiness, alertness and responsiveness. It is also 'light spirit.'Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-87812992221070011002009-07-20T13:38:00.002+01:002009-07-20T14:01:15.822+01:00Question :"If the body is balanced and full in the right foot and I am ready to step, I have noticed a sticking sensation in the left foot and visa versa.. is this normal, it sometimes feel very difficult to raise the empty foot."<br /><br />It is possible that this is the ch'i of the foot which is linking in with the ch'i of the ground. But my guess is that any difficulty of emptying one leg completely is due to not sinking enough and not bringing lightness to the upper body and practising 'light spirit.'<br /><br />There are many techniques which relate to stepping. First, the body should be centrally aligned over the fixed foot. Then, when relaxing downwards the sinking force increases. Gradually the other leg will empty and then can be moved with the waist. At this time the sinking is constantly increasing during the act of stepping. The body then can function as a whole without breaks. The body actually behaves like a balance. When the substantial goes down on one side there is a corresponding upward force on the other. This is created in the beginning with the mind although it is, in fact, natural. It is not at first an easy matter to get the body light, responsive and behaving as a unified whole. It is the ch'i and mind together that connects all the parts of the body and then using the principles of t'ai chi movement the unity of feeling can be maintained whilst stepping.<br /><br />It can help to apply the principle that the body is suspended from the crown as if by a thread.<br />Bristol 28.07.09Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-74653791120210774282009-07-18T21:26:00.004+01:002009-07-18T22:21:19.403+01:00The action serves the function : Sword formTo apply the posture 'The swallow flies into the nest' it important to be efficient with the sword. The tip of the sword moves directly towards the line of the attack without any wavering or loss of direction. To achieve this turn without losing force the arm movement, coordinated with the body movement pushes through to the tip with quite a large arc. The sword does not withdraw during the turn but moves towards the corner.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyTUw8SO2_Bxew-eCphWnREss2Rv6pRBxQ6hyhjdtcgssvMt2QKR_TeQ-aY58S7RctCua2u8O6aIdo_vHOFqQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-3773930551335320652009-07-08T15:36:00.004+01:002009-07-08T15:50:35.537+01:00Coordination of the Sword<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='313' height='241' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwp2IPhGbsG1ZNHUtuse8pf1O0t91xbUSjtWBUOh72GnDgOIORufw6tfR2mbDli-8Bl917lESyJxZyf7Rf0XA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />When we wish to bring the t'ai chi force to the sword, at the beginning stage, we must be careful to coordinate the body movement with the sword.<br /><br />When we bring the edge down we sink the substantial within the body and shift the central balance of the body over the foot. When we turn the sword, preparing for the cut, we place the empty foot in the correct position and step. When we bring the force through the cutting edge we shift the weight to the empty foot.<br /><br />Each action of the sword is complemented with the action of the body. There is no break.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-35195400762131167292009-07-03T15:46:00.003+01:002009-07-03T16:16:47.764+01:00First postures of the sword formFirst Postures of the Sword Form<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyrAA_ZnPR_UU20dNUwaLIAF6IgGksnj02H97IXmLnX83xVuyKa9W8YNmKhagGOr9pcK0Myrukwi8NUNJ2mzQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-89064544710373325872009-06-18T09:27:00.006+01:002009-06-18T10:47:03.774+01:00To 'get' the ch'i you must separate the bones and flesh.There are two aspects of the body which we need to separate : the bones, and the muscles, or flesh.<br /><br />The bones are the support structure of the body and, the spaces between the bones, or joints, are drawn out away from each other. This is achieved with an expansion out in every direction using the mind intent. It is important not to use the muscles directly with some kind of physical effort but to open into the feeling of expansion. It is a mistake to allow the body to collapse into itself closing the spaces between the bones.<br /><br />The bones are aligned from the feet and create a connection through the body so that you can feel a mechanical connection to the hand or wherever you wish to exert force.<br /><br />The muscles are relaxed and loose as far as possible. The ch'i passes between the muscle layers and unifies the feeling of the body as a whole. With a coordinated and unified feeling in the body it is possible to generate various different forces. The simplest and easiest force to generate is like a wave ripple that begins at the foot and passes through the body to the hand. It is created with the mind intent. In the early stages of development and refinement there can be some movement of the bone structure but without losing the alignment and coordinated function.<br /><br />The separation of bone and flesh is important for health because the pathways of ch'i are opened and activated more strongly when applying this principle.<br /><br />The muscles structure gradually changes and the body looks increasingly like that of a child as the muscles appear to puff outwards with a rounded contour. The muscles are relaxed and fill out with ch'i.<br /><br />Bristol 18.06.09Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-15434873576156361132009-06-10T11:54:00.002+01:002009-06-10T12:06:33.661+01:00The Unique Features of the Sword FormThe movements of the sword form are generally bigger with larger circles. There are movements which open the body much more than say the short form. This is especially true of the spine itself. During the preparation exercises the body twists and articulates all of the vertebrae.<br /><br />When arousing the ch'i there is also a greater intention since the force must pass to the tip of the sword and beyond. There is a corresponding opening of the body to bring the t'ai chi force through the body. So we should do what is necessary to create greater movement of force in both body and mind intent.<br /><br />The body serves the purpose of the sword in the sense that all the movements of the body are what is necessary to get the force to move through the sword in the appropriate way. The sword moves smoothly and with continuity. This is achieved with the whole of the body coordinated from the feet and not just produced at the level of the wrist. The sword is not moved using the muscles of the wrist acting independently. When the sword is moving the whole arm is moving.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-67513895829865880752009-06-10T11:36:00.002+01:002009-06-10T11:53:18.741+01:00SimplicityWhen we practise internally the mind needs to be clear and uncomplicated and then when intention arises the ch'i will follow. If there are any extra, unnecessary movements or mental distractions the ch'i will not follow.<br /><br />There are many ways in which the force will be weakened by an unfocused mind or disharmonious body action, or even by an incorrect understanding of application.<br /><br />At the beginning the important techniques to create as habits are as follows :<br /><ul><li>first get the ch'i</li><li>the movements of the body must be harmonious and continuous without hesitation<br /></li><li>the mind moves first, directing the ch'i, the body follows.</li></ul>Adjust the body/mind :<br /><ul><li>Relax deeply</li><li>open the joints</li><li>sink the substantial feeling of ch'i</li><li>Raise the shen</li></ul>Perhaps the most obscure instruction is to 'raise the shen.' It is difficult to explain without any ambiguity. To point at the meaning it is easier to refer to examples of heightened shen such as the 'feeling of being inspired,' or the 'sense of awe,' or 'great compassion,' and so on. You can say that there is an alertness but it is on a more subtle, fundamental level of consciousness and not the kind of alertness which we may experience when we know we need to respond quickly... like playing 'snap.'Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-62073352240476116222009-05-24T14:05:00.004+01:002009-05-24T14:27:32.816+01:00<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzXw1xzkmaQNFxrDadSh1gNuOV_Hkf8lZOlSXR4eezwEFi30qG9R1H0_WJqToh4CS1ZvgbnzY9P0YjtNqgUrg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-4133211428427948912009-05-18T14:19:00.003+01:002009-05-18T15:09:26.505+01:00San Sau Part 2The second part of the two-person form.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxpcQvixgFR3EoqkS9wu5BJ5hRzRwV9MoroBff20FPzrRuxGmE2n5y5hYZm9yigaH2UBkGgqm32Hz96KaSHqQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-40049671506143717982009-05-16T21:54:00.003+01:002009-05-16T22:31:09.732+01:00San Sau Part 1A reminder of the form<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzmchjYYlZU5wGIDMdEb4A1qe406Gsozq0iSPq5Lj7HAmuIh9e1jr7YeD1MLAPUZQTfElrYU1Aw33j_iUKmEw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-53718192867305219982009-05-07T10:06:00.003+01:002009-05-07T10:19:59.908+01:00Adjusting the qualities of Body and MindWhen we experience the body in the ordinary way it feels relatively dense and heavy. It does not feel naturally agile and easy to move. The mind is generally full of content - thoughts, perceptions and impressions.<br /><br />One of the principles of t'ai chi is to coordinate the mind and chi and in this way move the body. Yet the body is very different from the chi and mind. The mind and chi are subtle and spacious in their natural state. So we cultivate a softer, lighter state in the body. We make the body feel more like the chi. This can be achieved in different ways. We can align the body carefully, sink the dense feeling by relaxing deeply and then suspend the crown of the head. Also we can make the body feel light and sensitive such that if a fly landed on the body, or a feather, then the whole of the body would respond to that weight! In this way the body is atuned to the feeling of the chi.<br /><br />The mind can be encouraged to settle and be still and peaceful and spacious with no thought. From this state the intention can be clear and uncomplicated and lead the chi.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498781468664008636.post-51012275284889159332009-05-01T09:13:00.002+01:002009-05-01T09:21:41.089+01:00Releasing an arm lockIf our elbow joint is attacked and we feel force from an opponent we must relax so that the force does not meet with resistance. During the act of relaxing the opponent's force moves to try to maintain the force. When the movement occurs you must introduce a rotation of the arm to move the elbow joint away from the force.<br /><br />It is important to note that when you relax the arm you actually relax the whole of the body and especially the upper body. It is not sufficient to just relax the arm muscles. If you do this you will not be able to release your opponent's force.<br /><br />It is also necessary to match your opponent's speed.<br /><br />Finally if an opponent is able to apply a force towards your joint it is a little too late and so improving your sensitivity, whole body coordination and lightness will avoid such problems.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0