tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14387483028677192882024-03-05T06:40:17.295-08:00Ballarat Kung Fu Academywmiochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00486191022562807342noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1438748302867719288.post-91126078481274633282010-08-18T01:49:00.000-07:002010-08-18T02:50:21.724-07:00Splitting - Closing applicationMy first <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xingyiquan">Hsing I Chuan</a> post - there's a little bit of ground to cover before we get to the video.<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c5/Santishi_sunlutang.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 122px; height: 196px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c5/Santishi_sunlutang.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div>Hsing I Chuan is one of the three main internal styles of Chinese kung fu. We teach these three styles as three separate syllabus, although there is overlap in some of the exercises.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hsing I Chuan is favoured by younger students - those with the energy required for the explosive movements and long hours of repetitive practice required. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The basic strategy of Hsing I Chuan is to close the gap as quickly as possible, and continue striking until the opponent is overwhelmed - a type of blitz attack. It relies on a unique type of two-stage step to close distance quickly and without much telegraphing. (Thanks to <a href="http://www.hikarudojo.com/information.html">Colin Wee</a> for teaching me the simple but essential ideas of linear power generation. You can check out his martial arts blog here: <a href="http://traditionaltaekwondo.blogspot.com/">http://traditionaltaekwondo.blogspot.com/</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>A quick overview of the syllabus forms:</div><div><ul><li>Foundation exercises</li><li>Five Elements</li><li>Five Elements Linking Form</li><li>Twelve Animals and Suba</li><li>Hsing I Linking Form</li></ul><div>with applications and skills drills at each stage, accompanied by:</div></div><div><ul><li>Mountain Top Boxing for fitness</li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhan_zhuang">Standing Form</a> to develop power</li><li>Self Defence drills and skills</li></ul><div>Moving on to the Five Elements specifically, each of the Five Elements has two applications - a Closing application and a Close Quarters application. The Closing applications are all done exactly as per the form while the Close Quarters applications are more dynamic.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>At Level 1, Splitting and Crushing are taught. The video below shows the Closing application for splitting. This is the first partner drill a Hsing I Chuan student will learn. It help to teach distance and gets them used to working with a partner.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><object width="400" height="324"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eTZZFRBCV24?fs=1&hl=en_US&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eTZZFRBCV24?fs=1&hl=en_US&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="324"></embed></object><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Next time I'll make sure there's a few more angles. The basic idea is that the first hand sweeps the main obstacle away, allowing the splitting to come over and forward, with most of the power coming from the momentum of the whole body.</div><div><br /></div><div>As always, comments are most welcome!</div>wmiochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00486191022562807342noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1438748302867719288.post-81344706681447038372010-07-23T06:25:00.001-07:002010-07-23T06:39:23.516-07:00Primary Evasion in the Single Palm ChangeThe first partner work exercise that Bagua beginners do in our school is the Primary Evasion exercise. The video below gives an overview. The exercise teaches distance and timing and allows student to become comfortable with partner work.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><object width="400" height="324"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/u1BBnbKojYk&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/u1BBnbKojYk&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="324"></embed></object><div><br /></div><div>The evasion itself consists of three parts:</div><div><ol><li>The step back - this removes most of the body from the danger zone</li><li>Lift the trailing leg - this removes the rest of the body from the danger zone</li><li>The sweep - the arm provides a backup cover for unexpected or penetrating attacks</li></ol><div>Successful use of this step should allow you to avoid any single attack - but that's just the first step!</div></div>wmiochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00486191022562807342noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1438748302867719288.post-79156945626536305362010-07-21T22:28:00.000-07:002010-07-22T00:26:44.651-07:00Tai Chi - Beijing 24 Form - Chen Pan Ling style! Part 1<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tai_Chi_Chuan">Tai Chi Chuan</a> is will known through-out the world as an exercise for general health and well-being. It has demonstrable abilities to improve balance, reduce falls and lower stress levels. The Tai Chi Classics themselves state that Tai Chi Chuan is primarily for health first and self defence second.<div><br /></div><div>This is a version of the Beijing 24 Form, a Yang style form that was synthesised by a committee in China and then widely promoted by the Chinese government. More information <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/24-form_tai_chi_chuan">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Considering we do almost exclusively Ling Yun Pei forms that have come from Grandmaster Chen Pan Ling, why do I teach this as the first form for my Tai Chi students?</div><div><ol><li>The form (especially the first half) contains only gross movements - there are fewer subtle movements to master before the form is competent</li><li>The short length gives beginners an easier goal to target</li><li>The short length means it is easier to remember and to find practice time</li></ol><div>I have altered most of the movements to match the Chen Pan Ling 99 Form, allowing the short form to provide a stepping stone. There is no requirement for students to continue practicing the 24 Form once the 99 Form is mastered - it would be redundant.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><object width="400" height="324"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8njPB3EikQs&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8njPB3EikQs&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="324"></embed></object><br /></div><div>Above is a video of the first half of the form, as part of my on-going documentation and because many students are asking for a reference!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 20px; font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;">*Note: I am still recovering from a back problem which is causing weakness and numbness in my left leg. Mistakes are all my own!</span></div>wmiochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00486191022562807342noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1438748302867719288.post-21928423196054614012010-07-09T05:36:00.000-07:002010-07-09T06:27:18.573-07:00Bagua - Single Palm Change<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">This post is the first documenting what I'm teaching, as an aid to my students and myself.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I don't feel I can do a much better job at providing an introduction to Bagua and our Bagua in particular than my Kung Fu brother and friend </span></span><a href="http://www.dandjurdjevic.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Dan Djurdjevic</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> has already done on his blog </span></span><a href="http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The Way of Least Resistance</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">. The link to the specific article ("</span></span><a href="http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2010/02/introduction-to-swimming-dragon.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">An introduction to swimming dragon baguazhang</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">") is </span></span><a href="http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2010/02/introduction-to-swimming-dragon.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">here</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><object width="400" height="324"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/elLYU6AdUDY&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/elLYU6AdUDY&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="324"></embed></object><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Above is a short video of me performing the first palm change in the system, the Single Palm Change*. To quote Dan:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(41, 48, 59); "><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The single palm change teaches the basic principles (of) bagua evasion.</span></span></blockquote></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsL3xZ_NUIBjfG_kmakIYsIGuvp7rC50R8l7gR4TnqW6AGZKw0Plhjk_ICaHN-SZWHSJEmD7FTx-GnqNsL9AVPla0wyWnD5jngYxFe2QvUSVAqwWsfl38kkAxLAYfzneYVLiv0mxX9ZM/s320/Evasion+1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491895244747089554" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 282px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The very first movement of the change (frame from video above) is a slip or fade designed to avoid just about any attack. More detail on this in a later post.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The rest of the movements embody the principal of constant movement being constant evasion. Each motion causes constant shifting of the bodies position and visual scanning of nearly 360 degrees with each motion. More detail on this in a later post.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjhUn0f9FzDT0MNz0PL3fS3GcTkDL6eBRC-0XejGCSCVuOCTnStjZ25uFm-cTF78ZJ8KT8uYmFCUm83UqxvEi-Svo8rcKNiwh7aqvRlGMxT6_2v5nx4u66T84HXZslssV6rt8UQlhSeY/s320/Shift+1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491895663119274914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 159px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Significant shift is shown in the above image.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">This is the first post documenting what I am teaching, as a record for myself and a resource for my students. More to come! As always, all feedback welcome.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">*Note: I am still recovering from what turned out to be three bulged discs and a compressed spinal nerve root so the form is very imperfect.</span></span></div>wmiochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00486191022562807342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1438748302867719288.post-25468032407788281912009-09-16T19:06:00.000-07:002009-09-17T02:04:35.397-07:00Chi Gong and Nei Gung<div>We use these exercises in our classes, but what are they?</div><div><br /></div><div>Chi/Qi - "Energy" or "Spirit"</div><div>Kung/Gong - "Skill"</div><div>Nei - "Internal"</div><div><br /></div><div>Chi Gong is "Energy Skill" and Nei Gung is "Internal Skill."</div><div><br /></div><div>The difference is subtle and not obvious in translation.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Chi Gong</span></div><div>Chi Gong is better translated as "Health Exercises." Theses exercises are for general health and are usually suitable for anyone. Through daily practice, they increase overall health and well-being. Although the movements and shapes used in these exercises may be contrary to martial art principles, they are still valuable for keeping healthy.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Nei Gung</span></div><div>Nei Gung is translated as "Internal Skill" and is often associated with the Chinese internal martial arts, Tai Chi Chuan, Hsing I Chuan and Bagua Zhang. It is used to build the particular strength that these martial arts utilise. The postures and exercises usually follow the principles of the martial art they are aiming to complement.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Crossover</span></div><div>There is naturally some crossover between the two categories and the seperation is often mor inidividual preference and opinion.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In class...</span></div><div>We do the same set of Chi Gong exercises at the start of every class to help loosen, stretch and prepare the body. To contrast, we follow it with a specific Nei Gung set, depending on what you will be practicing for the class. This comparision help to emphasis that our Chi Gong exercises are for broad and general health and our Nei Gung exercises are specific and martial arts related.</div><div><br /></div><div>Until next time, keep training!</div><div><br /></div><div>William Mioch</div>wmiochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00486191022562807342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1438748302867719288.post-45178773529299289832008-07-28T16:01:00.000-07:002008-07-28T16:19:47.315-07:00Start of the 24 Short FormHi guys,<br /><br />Here are the postures that we have covered so far from the 24 Short Form, and their order.<br /><br />1. Opening Move (Arms up, arms circle)<br />2. Holding the Ball/Parting the Horses Mane X 3<br />3. White Crane Flashes Its Wings<br />4. Brush Knee Push Step X 3<br />5. Play the Pipa<br /><br />Also, have a look at this post for a complete list of the moves.<br /><br /><a href="http://bkfa.blogspot.com/2007/10/grasping-swallows-tail-and-single-whip.html">Grasp Swallows Tail and Single Whip (has a complete move list)</a><br /><br /><a href="http://bkfa.blogspot.com/2007/11/24-form-detailed-move-list.html">24 Form Detailed Move List (has a detailed description of the first 6 postures)</a><br /><br />See you in training,<br />Bill<br /><br />PS: Feel free to leave comments to let me know you've seen the post.wmiochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00486191022562807342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1438748302867719288.post-75329164859599818582008-05-16T23:51:00.000-07:002008-05-16T23:54:16.839-07:00New Website!BKFA finally has a website!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ballarat-kung-fu.com/">http://www.ballarat-kung-fu.com/</a>wmiochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00486191022562807342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1438748302867719288.post-68091279109460541562008-04-28T01:24:00.000-07:002008-04-28T01:37:41.347-07:00BREAKING NEWS!<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Kung Fu Classes starting in Ballarat and Brown Hill!</span><br />Starting in June the Ballarat Kung Fu Academy will be running Internal Kung Fu and Tai Chi classes in Ballarat and Brown Hill! These will complement our existing classes in Creswick.<br /><br />Please email me for more details: <a href="mailto:wmioch@hotmail.com">wmioch@hotmail.com</a><br /><br />Keep Training!<br />Bill Mioch<br /><br /></span>wmiochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00486191022562807342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1438748302867719288.post-37125032230763236182007-12-21T04:15:00.000-08:002007-12-23T20:33:25.036-08:00Standing Form - Zhan ZhuangHi everyone!<br /><br />I promised I would post some photos showing the first two sets of stand form. Before I do that, I thought I would detail a little of the history and lineage of our current Stand Form sets.<br /><br />The martial art of Yi Quan (I Chuan, <span lang="zh-Hani">意拳</span>) was founded by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wang_Xiangzhai" title="Wang Xiangzhai">Wang Xiangzhai</a> (王薌齋), a Xing Yi Chuan master. He decided in the 1920's that martial arts (Xing Yi Chuan in particular) in China were becoming too concerned with forms (see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wushu_%28sport%29" title="Wushu (sport)">Wushu (sport)</a> for a possible long-term vindication to his opinion). So he created his own martial art and called it Yi Quan.<br /><br />From Wikipedia:<br />"Yiquan is essentially formless, containing no fixed sets of fighting movements or techniques. Instead, focus is put on developing ones natural movement and fighting abilities through a system of training methods and concepts, working to improve the perception of one's body, its movement, and of force."<br /><br />One part of Yi Quan is Zhan Zhuang (站樁) or as we call them Standing Form.<br /><br />Wang Shu Jin (or Wang Shu Chin) trained with Wang Xiangzhai at some point, and took some of his Zhan Zhuang exercises and incorporated them into his own system, modifying them to suit his purposes. The Standing Form sets we study come from Wang Shu Jin, although my current teacher has studied with present day Yi Quan practioners. His experience has again modified the exercises we practice.<br /><br />My next post will be describing why we practice our stand form. If there are any questions or comments, feel free to post them!<br /><br />William Miochwmiochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00486191022562807342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1438748302867719288.post-6301400937044058772007-11-18T23:13:00.000-08:002007-11-18T23:19:39.890-08:00Special Bulletin 2Another Special Bulletin. This time I wanted to give you all a heads up. On Friday I came down with Bell's Palsy, a temporary paralysis of one side of the face.<br /><br />It's caused by an inflammation of the facial nerve, which passes through a small hole behind the ear. When it's inflammed, it gets "pinched" by the hole and stops working. Most people recover by three weeks. Here is a link to more information: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell%27s_Palsy">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell's_Palsy</a><br /><br />Just so you don't think I'm trying out my Rocky impersonation when you see me next!wmiochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00486191022562807342noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1438748302867719288.post-44051420813940225652007-11-13T16:56:00.000-08:002007-11-13T17:47:13.567-08:00Our new baby!We interrupt your regular posts to bring you this special bulletin:<br /><br />Sabrina Fae Mioch was born Saturday 10th November at 8:45 am, weighing 7 pounds 11 ounces. Mother and baby are home and doing great.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3AB7xG0XOJqBfojuZ9y5oonxJHlwrWxLNyNNleAs1qXAb71UiXMfJyMQNFVXl_ak6v2Y7k-tjBCKP1VYTu1vyi18w1Ak4CQV9ZYO8tEujOrGYP4HVYRZ81s9coj9Mnfk96tzW5QNsm_g/s1600-h/RIMG0851.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3AB7xG0XOJqBfojuZ9y5oonxJHlwrWxLNyNNleAs1qXAb71UiXMfJyMQNFVXl_ak6v2Y7k-tjBCKP1VYTu1vyi18w1Ak4CQV9ZYO8tEujOrGYP4HVYRZ81s9coj9Mnfk96tzW5QNsm_g/s400/RIMG0851.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132504966463273986" border="0" /></a>wmiochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00486191022562807342noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1438748302867719288.post-89565034332275165182007-11-01T04:19:00.000-07:002007-11-05T13:29:28.503-08:0024 Form Detailed Move List<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Creswick - Tai Chi/Kung Fu Class, Thursday 8pm, 1/11/07<br /></span></span></span>As requested, here is a more detailed breakdown of the move/postures to help you practice at home.<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><ol><li style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Opening Movement (Preparation)</span></li><ol><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Raise Arms</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Lower Arms</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Raise Arms</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Lower Arms and Twist to Left</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Circle Arms Clockwise</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Finish with Holding the Ball, Right Hand High<br /></span></li></ol><li style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Parting the Horses Mane</span></li><ol><li><span style="font-size:100%;">From Holding the Ball, Right Hand High</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Part the Horses Mane, Left Hand Leading</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Holding the Ball, Left Hand High</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Part the Horses Mane, Right Hand Leading</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Holding the Ball, Right Hand High</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Part the Horses Mane, Left Hand Leading<br /></span></li></ol><li style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">White Crane Spreads (or Flashes) its Wings</span></li><ol><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Bring the back foot up and shift weight backwards (Empty Step)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Raise Right Hand, Lower Left Hand</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Twist Hips from Right to Left</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Raise Left Hand, Lower Right Hand</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Twist Hips from Left to Right<br /></span></li></ol><li style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Brush Knee-Push Step</span></li><ol><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Raise Right Hand, Lower Left Hand</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Step Left, Brush Left, Push Right</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Raise Left Hand, Lower Right Hand</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Step Right, Brush Right, Push Left</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Raise Right Hand, Lower Left Hand</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Step Left, Brush Left, Push Right</span></li></ol><li style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Play the Pipa(/Lute/Guitar/Zitar)</span></li><ol><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Bring the back foot up and shift weight backwards (Empty Step)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">As weight shifts backwards, hands brush hips and circles out and up</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Hands finish in a guard position, left hand forward<br /></span></li></ol><li style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Repulse Monkey</span></li><ol><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Together</span></li><ol><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Back Hand (Right) goes back and up</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Front Foot (Left) goes back</span></li></ol><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Together</span></li><ol><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Weight transfers onto back foot</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Back hand pushes past ear and into guard position</span></li></ol><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Repeat 3 more times<br /></span></li></ol></ol>And that's all I had time for this week! I'll finish off the list in the coming weeks.<br /><br />Have a great day,<br />Billwmiochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00486191022562807342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1438748302867719288.post-5169539713087347112007-10-24T02:19:00.001-07:002007-10-24T02:19:25.918-07:00The Heel Kick<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Creswick - Tai Chi/Kung Fu Class, Tuesday 8pm, 23/10/07</span><br /><br />Tai Chi<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />The Heel Kick we went through in class contains a lot of small pieces. Let's review them here.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lift Heavens</span><br />From the Single Whip at the end of Cloud Hands, the right hand goes back and the back leg straightens, making your hands appear to lift up.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">High Pat the Horse</span><br />Your right hand comes forward past your ear and brushes forward along your arm.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Draw the Bow</span><br />Your right hand circles down and past the inside of your left elbow, then forward and out, towards the direction we will kick.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Heel Kick (Right)</span><br />The hands come down, cross over and then circle up. The right hand and foot go out together.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Box Tigers Ears</span><br />The foot comes straight down, the hands brush the hips and come forward to Box Tigers Ears. The thumbs are downward your fists are a heads-width apart.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Heel Kick (Left)</span><br />We then executed a left heel kick in the opposite diagonal direction.<br /><br />We'll review the move on Thursday and see hwo we go from there.<br /><br />Until then, keep practicing!<br /><br /></span></span>wmiochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00486191022562807342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1438748302867719288.post-55098349468063079342007-10-18T04:51:00.000-07:002007-10-19T04:23:01.060-07:00Cloud Hands and Xing Yi Chuan<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Creswick - Tai Chi/Kung Fu Class, Thursday 8pm, 18/10/07<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Tai Chi</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Tonight we introduced Cloud Hands. Cloud Hands (or Waving Hands Like Clouds) is one of those "all together moves."<br /><br />Cloud Hands requires that your hands, arms, hips, legs (your whole body) all move together. Contrast this with some other moves: White Crane focuses on hip movement, Parting the Horse's Mane focuses on Ward Off, etc. You need to be thinking about a lot of principles at the same time to get the hang of Cloud Hands. But once you do, you'll forget all about them and just do it!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Kung Fu - Hsing I Chuan</span><br />In our Kung Fu component, we did some more Hsing I Chuan (or Xing Yi Quan, depending on romanisation). Hsing I means form/intention, and Chuan in this context refers to boxing/style. Hsing I Chuan is a much more aggressive internal style than Tai Chi Chuan.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Animal Forms</span><br />We reviewed Tiger and Tai. We introduced Snake in this class. Snake is about using unexpected angles for attack and defence.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Five Elements</span><br />We reviewed Drilling and introduced Splitting. Splitting has more components than the forms we have done so far. It might take a while to remember them all!<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span>wmiochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00486191022562807342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1438748302867719288.post-62510258220391746162007-10-16T03:07:00.000-07:002007-10-19T04:38:53.666-07:00Grasping Swallow's Tail and Single Whip<span style="font-size:100%;">Welcome to the first post on our class oriented blog! Here I'll be posting relevant supporting material after each class.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Creswick - Tai Chi/Kung Fu Class, Tuesday 4:30pm, 16/10/07</span><br />At tonight's class we introduced two new moves for our 24 Form. The sequence for the 24 Form is listed below. Where there is a common alternative name, I have included that in brackets.<br /></span><ol><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Opening Movement (Preparation)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Parting the Horses Mane</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">White Crane Spreads (or Flashes) its Wings</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Brush Knee-Push Step</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Play the Pipa(/Lute/Guitar/Zitar)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Repulse Monkey</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Grasping the Swallow's(or Bird's) Tail Left<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Grasping the Swallow's(or Bird's) Tail Right</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Single Whip</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Cloud Hands (Wave Hands Like Clouds)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Single Whip</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">High Pat the Horse (Stroke the Horse's Back)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Heel Kick Right</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Box Tiger's Ears</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Heel Kick Left</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Snake Creeps Down Right</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Golden Cock on One Leg Left</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Snake Creeps Down Left</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Golden Cock on One Leg Right</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Jade(or Fair) Lady works the Shuttle</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Needle at Sea Bottom</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Fan through Back</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Parry and Punch</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Finish (Apparent Close-up)</span></li></ol><span style="font-size:100%;">Phew! As you can see, 24 is neither the number of moves, nor the number of unique postures.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Grasping Swallow's Tail</span><br />I said today that Grasping Swallow's Tail is one of the moves that is fundamental to Tai Chi Chuan. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, it demonstrates (in all styles that I have seen) at least 4 of the 8 energies. The sequence we did in class today was:<br /></span><ol><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Ward Off - Upward and Outward<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Roll/Pull Back - Backward/Absorbing<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Press - Straight and Forceful</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Split - Opposite Directions from an Original Point</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Push - Straight and Driving</span></li></ol><span style="font-size:100%;">Secondly, every move in this sequence can be used "as is" in your push hands. There's nothing mystical or hidden about them. They are basic and effective moves.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Single Whip</span><br />Single Whip is one of the more well-known Tai Chi postures. It is common to most forms, although it varies slightly. I demonstrated today how it can be used against a wrist grab.<br /><br />The basic concept of Single Whip is using one arm to create an opening (the "hook" hand) and using the other arm to attack.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Push Hands Sensitivity</span><br />Lastly, we did a series of push hands sensitivity exercises. In Tai Chi Chuan, it is said that the Forms are for conditioning and Push Hands are for self defence.<br /><br />We practiced feeling two things, a forceful push and a deliberate withdrawal. Once you have contact with someone, they can either attack or disengage (and then attack or run). Feeling for that push coming or that hand pulling away is these two situations at their most basic.<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />The only way to develop touch-sensitivity is to practice your push hands, so we'll try and do a little bit each class.<br /></span>wmiochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00486191022562807342noreply@blogger.com3