Kungfu Practice Questions

[AlexBaranosky]

Hi everyone,

I have a couple questions for my kungfu practice.

1) When I do chi flow following stance training, I often do spontaneous kungfu patterns. I find the patterns very flowing, and very charged with energy/force. Instead of stopping my chi flow, doing a short standing zen, and then doing combat sequences, can I instead go right into combat sequences from my chi flow?

2) Like #1, with this change: since I have no one to spar with I like to use an imaginary partner, sometimes with the combat sequences, and sometimes a spontaneous kind of shadow boxing, where I don't know what my imaginary partner might throw at me. Can I flow from my chi flow into this imaginary partner spontaneous shadow boxing?

...

The reason I ask about these two is that when I do the patterns in my chi flow they have a very internal feel to them, and I want to bring that to my combat sequences and sparring with my imaginary partner. Also, I find my body and force respond to my thoughts ("here comes a mid-punch") very nicely when I am in chi flow, with an appropriate pattern. And the force feels more pronounced, also.

Thanks,
Alex

[Maxime]

Hi Alex

1) When I do chi flow following stance training, I often do spontaneous kungfu patterns. I find the patterns very flowing, and very charged with energy/force. Instead of stopping my chi flow, doing a short standing zen, and then doing combat sequences, can I instead go right into combat sequences from my chi flow?

Yes. Very good, carry on. Follow your combat sequences with another good chi flow, then slow down, then standing meditation.

Like #1, with this change: since I have no one to spar with I like to use an imaginary partner, sometimes with the combat sequences, and sometimes a spontaneous kind of shadow boxing, where I don't know what my imaginary partner might throw at me. Can I flow from my chi flow into this imaginary partner spontaneous shadow boxing?

Yes. But as a rough guide, spend more time flowing with your sequences as your main training. Once a while, for fun, play with your spontaneous shadow boxing.

Whatever you (your chi) choose to practice, always keep your form picture-perfect, your chi flowing, your heart open and your mind focussed and relaxed.

Kind regards,

Maxime

[AlexBaranosky]

Maxime!

Thank you for the help. Should I use the imaginary sparring partner when I do my combat sequences? And can I even do the sparring variations with this imaginary partner? I think the answer is yes and yes.

P.S. Did you see my PM for you?

Thanks for the help,
Alex

[Maxime]

Should I use the imaginary sparring partner when I do my combat sequences?

Depending on your objectives and your personal level, you can -or not- use your imaginary sparring partner when you do your combat sequences.

If the objective of your practice cession is to developp good flow and perfect form, then focus more on good flow and perfect form. If your objective is to developp sparring skills, then use and play with your imaginary opponent (while keeping good flow and perfect form ).

At a higher level, when your mind is not bothered by details anymore, you can practice all these aspects combined at the same time.

And can I even do the sparring variations with this imaginary partner? I think the answer is yes and yes.

Of course

Have fun while playing with him or her.

P.S. Did you see my PM for you?

Yes brother, but I am currently so busy that I can't find enough time to answer all PMs quickly. Except for urgent PMs, now it usually takes me 2 to 4 weeks to answer standard PMs.

Cheers Bro,

Maxime

[AlexBaranosky]

Maxime,

Thanks. Your answers are really helpful.

Don't worry about the PM, I figured it out on my own.

All the Best.
Alex

[Josh]

Hi Alex,

Ahhhh, the joys of qi-flow....I love it! Another option is rather than going into your sequences from your original qi-flow, instead, finish as usual with standing meditation. Then, when you're starting your sequences, do a few (however many feels good) repetitions of "Raising the Sun and Moon" (where you lift your hands at your side while inhaling, and lower them while exhaling). This is a great pattern for generating qi-flow. And with a little practice you can use it to enjoy a nice qi-flow for sequences, sets or sparring.

A quick anecdote....When I was first learning the Five Animals set, I practiced the heck out of it before training with Sifu, which was good, except I'd learned one stance incorrectly! And it was in part of the set where three patterns (Fierce Tiger Descends Mountain, Golden Leopard Watches Fire, and Crane Drinks Beside Stream) are all supposed to be performed in one smooth, rapid flow. Well, I'd drilled in the wrong stance for the Leopard and was having just the Dickens of a time getting it right without going really slowly. So finally I stopped worrying about it, Smiled from the Heart, went into a nice qi-flow and wheeee! flowed right through the sequence with now problem! It was one of those moments where I realized how thinking and trying can't compete with an open heart, a gentle thought, and a nice qi-flow. So, I'm happy you're discovering the joys (and ease!) that qi-flow can bring to kungfu! Enjoy! And let us know how things progress.

All my best,
Josh