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Hi,
Why is it so important that in the 3rd phase of 3-part stepping the unweighted (back) foot that comes parallel to the weighted foot stays at the same level or slightly behind it but never goes before ?
This is puzzling as it will do so anyway in the beginning of the following step…
I would very much like to have an explanation for this piece of instruction.
Bruce explains the next part of the stepping movement as akin to a sheet of paper being torn. As you begin to step from having both feet together it is as if something tears down your legs as the weightless leg twisting outwards moves forward whilst simultaneously the weighted leg twists outwards rooting into the ground. Without your feet being parallel, or the weightless one slightly behind, you are not going to gain the forward momentum that this searing ripping movement gives. Hope this helps.
Howard,
Thank you for your answer. Although I’m not sure I can make any more sense of the “tearing” part…
Hi,
Could an instructor give some feedback on this question?
I’m still very puzzled…
Hello Erwan,
If I understand your question correctly, you’re speaking of the step in which the feet come together and meet one another. Functionally, this is a point of neutrality from which you can change direction to any possible angle. You are the center of the clock face capable of turning to any direction that is appropriate. If an attack by an opponent is necessitating a change to 5 o’clock, that is possible. It would be equally possible to move to 10 o’clock from this position. If the unweighted foot moves forward of the weighted foot, you begin to commit to a forward direction of movement that eliminates many options regarding change of direction.
There are other reasons regarding the nature of the striking power that can be delivered from that position, but this is probably the most appropriate explanation for now. Plus, Dan, Jess O, or Paul C. could probably do a better job of explaining the other stuff than I would. You guys want to add anything that I may have missed?
Thanks Paul for your answer.
Yes, this is the position I’m refering to : the “neutral” one at the beginning and at the end of each step.
From a Martial Arts perspective, your answer makes a lot of sense.
It’s true I’d be very interested to get an answer from the perspective of body/energy mechanics.
Multiple reasons, for example:
- Diminishes your balance and stability.
- This is a separate developmental step, which may or may not be conjoined with the next step. For example:
- Downstream in bagua as the feet become parallel, commonly you immeadiately step sidewards, backwards or diagonally and not forward.
- To do these toes going beyond your weight supporting foot will damage your balance and cause you to some degree to become wobbly.
- Toes going beyond the supporting foot makes it more difficult to get the strongest rising chi movement from your weightless foot to your head and fingertips.
- Cleanest rising of the energy from your weightless foot to your head and hands will be diminished
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