Page 35 - Beyond Basics_Neat

BEYOND BASICS

or retreating. The side position allows for flexibility for both
offensive and defensive movement.

Movement either way begins with a weight shift simultaneously
with the pivot into the Optimal Position.

I read about Tai Chi when I was around 19 and wondered why move
so slowly! I began practicing my forms at various slow speeds to
try and gain some knowledge of this concept. One of the main
points I gleaned about moving slowly was balance. With no more
knowledge than that, I started practicing using those two concepts
to understand the “why”! Practicing form very slowly was an
education that showed how to move by shifting weight instead of
by momentum or sheer power. Moving by weight shifting also help
maintain balance! It was an AHA! moment.
The ability to always be on-balance became clear when in a
tournament I was matched against a big guy who was known for
"cutting people in half" with his side kick! I made the mistake of
trying to launch an attack from too far out. Needless to say, I ran
smack dab into that side kick! What happened next solidified the

Keeping an opponent Off-Balance
Mentally, Physically, or both was my
main strategy!

main reason for always being on-balance. As I was kicked, I was
able to immediately stop forward movement and lessen the force
of the kick. If I was using forward momentum, I would not have
been able to stop and would have been impaled on the kick! I was
completely unhurt. As I returned to my line, both my opponent
and the judges were stunned and wondering how I was still
standing!

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