Now complete your shift forward, covering the last 30% of the shift. Let go of all the bend in your joints to cause the shift to happen. Like a sponge unfurls on it’s own when released from being squeezed, your joints natural opening will propel your shift forward until all of your weight is on the front leg. This is an opening, expanding movement.
At the same time, really press your back heel into the ground. Although you don’t fully lock the back leg, let the pushing of the heel help drive you forward along with the joint expansion. This reminder to keep the heel planted will add stability to your steps. It may seem easier to let the heel rise, but the step won’t work your leg nearly as much. Pressing into the heel will help glue your feet to the ground like a magnet sticking to metal. Although you remain mobile, you want a sense of connection with each step. Use the Four Part Step to develop this moving root.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c94zmnxg_U
The pressure in the heel will also help your pelvis stay planted as you shift forward. Your pelvis swinging through space carries a lot of power. Ultimately you will transfer this power from the heel into the pelvis so that your hand will carry this weight into your punch or palm strike. The arm itself will stay firm, but the strength of the strike will come from the swing of the pelvis. All the weight of the hips and torso will come out the hand, which can be a huge amount of relaxed force. This is one way that Ba Gua attempts to harness the power of the legs to strike while moving swiftly, with no set up, chambering or retraction of the hands. The stepping provides all the power, the arms are merely where it is expressed.
Share on Facebook
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Isaac and Jess, its been a long time since I’ve seen you both, but I’m delighted to know that you guys have been working hard on this project. I’ve just stumbled across this site. It’s absolutely fantastic that you’re bringing this information out in such an available way. Keep it up. I’ll be checking in regularly. Hopefully I’ll see you guys over here in London sometime for a pint of the black stuff, or failing that I’ll get over to your end of the world. Keep up the good work. Glenn
Hi Glenn, great to hear from you! Glad you liked these little articles on the Four Part Step, it’s solid training for sure. We’ve been having a class here in the Bay Area for a year or two now, and working more on Ba Gua fundamentals. Can’t wait to see you again someday and train together more. Take care man, and let’s keep in touch! – Jess