Re: Wu principles

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Comments:
: : : Hi rob, : : No extended defense of Wu is asked for. You've been on the boards for : : a long time. Simply state the reasons for the leaning. : : The old photos are not a good guide, YCF had too many taken. : : I realize the YZD is going aroung saying that the perpendicular people : : have misunderstood his father, that leaning is Ok. YZD leans as part of his : : extended, large frame form. : : He is not a good representative of Yang style. Sorry! : : Anyone who has done Tai Chi for a long time paying attention to the perpendiular : : and experiencing all the power of that posture will understand how all that : : is totally crippled by leaning. : : Especially when it comes to applications, leaving aside Push Hands and its : : relevance to applications. : : YCF's combat form is a High frame, small circle form. No leaning in High Frame : : postures, obviously. : : This issue has come up a number of times over the years and I have not : : read a reasonable defense of the change from perpedicular spine to 'straight : : spine from heel to head leaning forward. : : The 'imperial robe' story for Wu style saves a lot of face. : : But it is very naive about Chinese family politics and family loyalty. : : Anyway, give us your nutshell account for departing from the "Classics" : : as well as departing from all of YCF's 'song' instructions about posture. : : S. : S, : The lean helps in single weighting (simply all the weight on one foot) when in the forward postion. This in turn can enhance agility, balance and leg strength. : Kicking is obviously easier with an empty leg, as opposed to coming out of a "double weighted" stance. : Leaning while doing a punch, push,etc., is also desirable for a simple reason- extended reach. : If you say that YCF's photos are not indicative of YCF's style I'd have to say, what is?. I've seen photos of his older brother doing the form and leaning also. : I'm no Chinese scholar, but don't the classics warn about double weighting, also? Isn't the key the proper response at the proper time? : One no-no when leaning forward is not to stick the butt out, btw. i feel about that the same way you fell about the forward lean. : i've taken Yang style(CMC variant) and later Wu style. I found that both gave me the same feeling inside when done properly. : When fighting in Wu style(sparring or wrestling or both), one generally tries to keep a balanced stance and adjust to circumstances-as anyone would. If i have to choose between sticking my rear end out to avoid a kick in the groin , cocking my head back (and ruining my alignment) to keep my jaw in one piece, or following the classics at all costs, guess which one i'm doing.? : To sum up, Leaning in Wu style is valuable as a training technique , and sometimes as a base for an application itself. It is not meant to be used consistently in a self defense situation- though that is up to the individual. : regards, : rob

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