Butterfly Pa Kua Chang in Three Easy Steps!
Posted: Wednesday, November 11, 2009
by Al Case
http://www.alcasebooks.com/
The first thing you are going to have to learn is that it doesn't take a lifetime to learn an art such as Tai Chi Chuan or Pa Kua Chang or Aikido. Look, the army makes soldiers in under six months, and that includes some pretty high tech stuff! And, when you add up the actual hours spent studying on that college course, it doesn't take that long to learn how to use a computer or become a teacher. The idea that it takes long stretches of time is something that has been taught to us by people who want to make money. After all, the longer somebody is engaged in a course of study, the longer money goes into that cultural dojo box. So get over the idea that it takes a lifetime, and get used to learning fast! Now, to learn pa kua chang you need to draw a circle about six feet in diameter, and which takes exactly eight steps to go around. You need to situate the circle so it is squarely in the room, which means that if you stopped walking and straightened up every two steps you would face a wall. Now you need to isolate a weekend to master this thing. The first rule in walking the circle is to keep the hips low and let them move at a slow and even rate. The second rule is to harmonize your breathing and the movements of your hands and feet so they move at the same slow rate of speed, starting and finishing techniques at the same time. The third rule is to be willing to separate yourself from the the universe of common people, let your attention slide off the the trees and fences, the tables and chairs, as you walk in an endless circle. Now, you need to have basics that actually function. Examine an art such as karate for basic blocks, and curve those limbs so they will fit the circularity of Pa Kua Chang. Things can get complex pretty quickly, so you might consider taking the four basic blocks, hi, low, in and out, and spending a lot of time with each one. Now take a step on the circle and do a block, making the largest circles you can make with a basic block. Though you have only taken one step, let your body turn to the maximum, and don't let the block finish until you have reached the endpoint. When you reach the end of the turn, reverse your turn and start a long and slow second block. Take a step with that second turn and block, and, again, let your body turn to the maximum. Keeping the hips tucked under will help you keep your spine from being injured, place the feet flat and seek total contact with the ground, and search for graceful movements. Be a contortionist in slow motion, slowly spinning and whirling, exploring the limits of motion. Put all self-doubts out of your mind, and let a few hours reveal the truth of Pa Kua Chang to you. The last thing is to search for function, because if it doesn't work, you shouldn't be doing it. So have a friend strike slowly at you, and walk a small circle around him, letting your block encircle his limb, and you will find all sorts of stuff. Now, I know this all sounds simple, but let me make a point...this is exactly how such arts as Tai Chi, Pa Kua and Aikido were discovered in the first place!
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