|
|
| Q: Ving Tsun requires the shoulder to be relaxed and the elbow to be sunk, in order to facilitate generation of a whole bodily force. But does that mean that a whole bodily force does not include forces from the shoulder? |
| This is a fine and very technical question. Those who are able to ask this question must be dedicated, diligent practitioners. They must have already had a reasonable length of practical experience and must be now at a crossroad when asking the question. Rest assured; this is not a difficult problem. |
| To answer the question, we could start with using some of the explanations given in the previous article entitled "What is meant by "the ground is where forces originate from"? In the last paragraph there, it says "…because the force thus generated by the bodily actions, can indeed be quite large. It is known in the parlor of martial arts as the "main part" of the 'Whole Bodily Force'." True, it is particularly important that, in order to avoid reducing the magnitude of that main part of a whole bodily force, to keep the shoulder in a relaxed state at the moment of exertion. The purpose is not a stylistic display of a shape or posture. Rather, it is a way to markedly increase the chance of succeeding in delivering a whole bodily force. It is a practical conclusion which has stood the test of time. A discerning reader will at this point see that this is the key I have identified for successful generation of a whole bodily force. |
| Apart from the main part that comes from the torso, the rest of a whole bodily force is from the shoulder, the elbow and the wrist. For these parts to be coordinated, timing is critical. They should generate forces after the main part. This way, they reinforce the main part, and the main part reinforces them. Therefore, when the shoulder is said to be relaxed or the elbow sunk, it is only relative to the bigger system of force generation. One can do well to avoid being bound by the meaning of words and overlooking the correct frame of mind in which versatility and preemption are paramount. Relaxing the shoulder means keeping it lax and flexible, as opposed to tense and inflexible, a common problem apparent in the untrained when they want to apply a force. They also have a tendency to pull back the arm before thrusting it forward. Sinking the elbow emphasizes a state of readiness, much like the storage of an elastic force in a compressed spring. It awaits the right moment to be released in concert with the main part of a whole bodily force. The elbow therefore must not be rigid like a piece of wood. To summarize, a high quality whole bodily force is a force which is generated by the use of the torso and the limbs which are well coordinated between their lax and tense states and brought ultimately to unity. |
Author: Cliff Au-Yeung Kim Man
Date: June 4, 2008
|
|