Page 29 - Beyond Basics_Neat

BEYOND BASICS

are both inefficient and add to the amount of effort used. Forms
training gave great insight into the philosophy of “Economy of
Motion”. The study of martial arts forms was vital to my
understanding. If you think about it, Economy of Motion is simply
being non-telegraphic.

Tai Chi principles… are key to lessening
or eliminating unnecessary movement

The phrase, “One step forward, two steps back” is a great analogy
to how we’re taught and continue to practice. Why move backward
to move forward? For example, consider the downward block. We
draw the hand back in preparation for the block. Drawing the hand
back is a movement backward in preparation for a movement
forward. The effort to draw the hand back must be stopped before
it can go forward. It’s like putting a car in reverse before putting it
in drive. You have to stop the backward movement first in order
to go forward. The same happens when you draw back the hand
before the block. Your backward movement has to be stopped
first!
The Tai Chi principles of always keeping the hands in front of the
body and carried with the body
are key to lessening or eliminating
unnecessary movement. Carrying
the hands with the body is a very
robotic looking movement. Three
states are used in relation to body
movement.

●Hands move with the body
●Hands can remain stationary
●Hands can move up and down
Tai Chi

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