Small Movements

As Sifu Kuo, Lien-Ying used to say, "Big movement is not as good as small movement and small movement is not as good as no movement." A Yi Chuan ideal no doubt, though sometimes very small movements can help you investigate the structure and frame work in a way that "no movement" simply can't do. Even standing in Wu Chi posture and working from joint to joint from the toes up can be very instructive. By taking time while doing these finite movements one will see the vast effects that a simple thing as curling or lifting the toes [very slightly] has on the entire structure. Indeed one of the ideas of the "string of pearls" metaphor. When one feels these connections throughout the structure on this level it gives a whole new perspective while doing the form or standing post. It also feeds directly into the development of Ting Jing (listening energy) that is so crucial for good push hands skill. So, though I do agree completely with the Yi Chuan ideal, finding the value in the small movement is crucial.

Fine Tuning

When we start working in Kung Fu the adjustments are large. It could be breathing, fist position,spinal alignment, transitional movement, or many other things but all are large. As students improve in skill the adjustments are finer and finer. The difficulty in the beginning is that humans don't have the self awareness that we think we do. It is like Donald Rumsfeld said, "there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don't know we don't know. " Terrific double speak that exactly describes the situation that many students and teachers alike are in. Once we start realizing the large changes we need to make and make them we move onto the fine tuning. Living mindfully is a huge part in this. If you want to be able to make the finite adjustments that make the difference between good kung fu and great kung fu, you have to be able to keep yourself present. The adjustment necessary in your shoulders might only be an inch or less. This slight adjustment is easily missed if your mind wanders away from the objective. Stay present, focused, and keep fine tuning.

Please note that though these adjustments are "fine", in effect physically and physiologically they are "vast". These again are the things that will truly change you in ways that are much more dynamic than original large adjustments.

End Babble