Keeping the Perineum open

[Anonymous]

I’m looking for some clarification on keeping the perineum open. Bruce’s explanation of this was good in the Movement 2 section (Dragon looks to the horizon) of Physical refinements. In my practice of Ashtanga Yoga and other Martial Arts, I was taught years ago to keep the area of the perineum (that place between the anus and genitals) locked. In yoga it’s called Mula Bandha. My question is how does this apply to the practice of Dragon and Tiger? I understand how keeping it open in movement 2 is important to prevent the turning leg from collapsing. What about locking it during the practice of all the movements?

Tom

[Anonymous]

Hi Tom,

you never lock your perineum in these practices (i.e. D&T, Tai Chi, Hsing-I, BaGua etc.). You always want to have the area that runs from one knee to the other, up the inside of your legs, through the perineum (called the dang in Chinese) open.

Best wishes

Trevor

[Anonymous]

Hello Trevor,

Thanks for your feedback. The explanation makes sense. I suspected this was the case.

Cheers

Tom

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