3 Power Basic
Opening, Closing and Weight.
Power training begins with Long Power or Large Circle. This uses the momentum (of the body) through the point of emmision (usually a fist). It is characterized by shape. For instance Hit the Tiger. When training an individual move there are three aspects. First is the weight. Where is the force being released?
Hit the Tiger
Next, Closing, paying attention to center and pulling in of navel region as the spine flexes. Every part of the body is involved, but if opening and closing has been learned then work from the core. When releasing power the body will close. When this closing has good alignment and timing there will be power.
Hit the Tiger
Next we start to work with opening. This means that we are flexing the spine, the joints expand. Initially opening happens before closing and makes the body light and able to move with a step. So we trace the path of the movement in order to find the opening coordination with the footwork.
Hit the Tiger
We start in a medium horse. Then we add stepping. Then we reverse and go from Closed to Open in a Medium Horse and then step. The next level is to work on Small Circle or Short Power which is whip like and is less dependent on shape. This also trains Cai, or shocking power.
