Understanding the Mechanics

I've always been one that needs to know and understand the mechanics of just about everything I see or use in my day to day life. In my mind I open a window and unfold the subject into a huge schematic with multiple views to watch all involved work in unison to help me understand. I can turn just about anything into gears, linkages, drive pulleys...etc. What makes it work, how does it work, and why does it work the way it does? When things fail or malfunction, what part of the mechanism is causing this and what part needs to be replaced or modified in order to function properly? What part of this structure do I not understand and what source do I need to consult in order too? All of these questions and stand points have been applied to my training on and off through out the years. But as of recently I have advanced further into the understanding and discoveries of Kung Fu as I venture forth on my journey to the level of black belt. I am not just seeing it as knowing the forms or techniques, or just simply throwing the kick or punch. I am seeing the whole thing from where my brain sends the signal, to all action followed through to completion and it's effects. I guess you could say I'm advancing further into the depths of Kung Fu and it's mechanics and it's effectiveness. The last two Sihing classes I have attended was a huge wealth of knowledge and technical advancement towards my understanding and applications of training. Simple things with high results and the opening of a window in my mind has already changed my approach and has increased my ability to troubleshoot and improve several aspects of my Kung Fu.

The weekly challenges I have been doing are all part of a plan to tackle my trouble or weaker areas. Starting from the hardest or larger problematic issues to areas that just simply need polishing. For example the spinning back kick from a bow stance has been an area of frustration and one of my weaker areas. By focusing on the mechanics of this kick I have discovered why I am thrown off balance and struggle to remain stable. Rather than raising the chamber straight up to the chest to remain centered, I am swinging the chamber away from the body which in turn throws my balance out and the leg is already partially extended. This partial extension increases as I continue to spin, by the time I am in the correct position to release the chamber I am thrusting the kicking leg further than necessary throwing me further off balance. Another discovery which is effecting all my kicks is returning to the chambered position quicker with more control. As much work as I have put into this kick, it still needs much more. Through everything though the biggest issue I have noticed is failing to reclaim center through the execution is a big one for not only this kick in particular, but everything else as well. But that's another blog. See you at the Kwoon.