In class this past Sunday, Shifu was teaching us that for beginners one of the most important things to develop is an awareness of one's center. That is one of the principles to be learned with the first opening posture and movement of Lao Jia. To illustrate the importance of understanding our center, Shifu showed us how relatively easy it is to lower one's hips while standing, and then merely turn or twist slightly and how that could off-set an opponent trying to grab or to push us, while we are able to retain our positioning and stability.
Obviously, in later movements of the form, sustaining our center is a bit more challenging as we move either sideways or shift from one direction to another; however, it is a starting point fundamental that cannot be lost.
In addition to learning our center dynamically, by practicing different stances and basics of stances, we are able to cultivate strength and stability in some of the more challenging positions of the form.
J
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