The Right Way
Learning the seven stars step exercise is only the first step. It only teaches coordination and fluid balanced movement and the ability to change direction rapidly. However by itself it is insufficient to be able to be able fight. Correct judgement is required ot be able to make the right stepping move dependent upon the situation.
To be able to make the correct step you must be able to assess the complete situation including the terrain , the ability and fighting style of the opponent or opponents and have an appropriate strategy which guides you to the correct determination of the correct step.
In Taijiquan our strategy is predicated on the idea that we wish to make it as diificult for an attacker to strike us.
To take a concrete example of this :
1. An attacker step forward and thows a punch with his left hand.
You have several options
a) Stay where you are and block. He can then easily follow up with right hand punch.
b) Step back to avoid the punch. He can easily follow as his momentum is going forward and continue punching with rights and lefts.
c) You can sidestep to the left. This avoids the left punch but runs stright into the follow up right.
d) You can sidestep to the right. This not only avoid the punch but also gets out of the range of the follow up right forcing the attacker to turn and lose momentum to be able follow up the attack.
Any of these methods is a valid approach as long as it fits withing the defensive style of the fighting art being adopted and the strategy of the person using it. If however it isjust a panic move then only one of these tactics will have the desired effect.
The other coinsideration is the external environment. If for example you were standing at the edge of a platform the correct way to step would be informed by where it would be safe to step to avoid falling as well.
A similar consideration occurs when under attack by multiple attackers whereby it is undesirable to avoid an attack by one person just to run into the attacks of another. In this case the stepping would be informed by the concept of using one of the attackers as a blocker for the others so that you only have to defend against one attacker at a time.
Stepping the Right Way | |
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Not only is it important to select the appropriate technique it is also essential to step to the correct place. To be able to do this while under constant attack requires a lot of practise to develop the detachedness to see the entire picture and not just the immediate attack. |
February 28, 2010 at 10:59 pm | Training | No comment
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