Page 55 - Robert W. Smith - Pa kua_ Chinese boxing for fitness & self-defense-North Atlantic Books (2003)

iliary equipment: a heavy bag, a punching post (the Japanese mate good is to dispense entirely with method. Absorb the prin-
makiwara), or your partner's shoulders. Using the shoulder as a ciples, learn the tactics, and then forget all. This sounds paradoxical
punching bag, however, is not without its dangers. It was Hung I- and is merely bait for the next section.
hsiang's delight—particularly on those nights when wine had been
imbibed—to "illustrate" punches on my shoulders. A recurrent
bursitis has resided there since. This digression is useful only as it
pertains to pain. Regular practice will raise your pain threshold.
Irrespective of this, your practice should always be focused on
correct technique done speedily and gracefully. To end this section
and to fix the vitals of the method solidly in your mind, try to
answer the following questions.
1. When and why must one toe-out?
2. Should one try to develop a very speedy and high kick ?
3. Look at Form 1. At what stage could your head be used
with good effect?
4. See Figs. 302-303. Which is better in the final action of the
Forms, to stay extended or to follow-step with the rear foot half
the distance to the front foot?
5. Look at Figs. 304 through 307. Can you figure out the
function of this Form ? If you score well (and it is tough), you are
well on your way to creating your own hua. Beyond that, the ulti-

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