Posted by bruce ching on January 01, 1999 at 10:17:53:
In Reply to: Re: Wu principles posted by rob on January 01, 1999 at 00:17:38:
: 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?
But of course double weighting doesn't mean having weight on both feet. Otherwise, the taijiquan practitioner would be almost continuously doubleweighted. Doubleweighting refers to using force against force, and can occur in any distribution of weight between the feet, including having all the weight on one foot.
: One no-no when leaning forward is not to stick the butt out, btw.
People who do the forward lean say this is the deficiency that's avoided by the classics' reference to the lowest vertebrae being vertical, right?
- bruce ching