I started my taiji journey proper in June 2005. This journal serves to publish the thoughts that I have while learning taijiquan.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Push With Back Leg
Question: How does one push using the strength generated by the back leg, yet still keep the arms relaxed? If anyone has anything to share, please post a comment. Thanks!
Got some revelations on my own today. One is that while you push with the back leg, your front leg is not necessarily "not pushing". In a way, both legs are pushing, the back leg is pushing yourself forward, while the front leg is pushing yourself back. However, at any time, one leg is pushing stronger than the other, which is why you move forward.
The other is as zenmindsword said, using intention so that the arms are not floppy yet not stiff. When you push, your arms and the body should be like carrying a balloon. When your opponent pushes, the balloon will deflate slightly (your arms move in towards your body slightly), but after that, the balloon must bounce back into shape (you push with your back leg and your arms bounce out away from your body). Like what my teacher likes to say, carrying the balloon is very important, do not let the balloon flatten.
hi teck; i posted some comments and suggestions here - http://taijistagmont.wordpress.com/2006/12/29/commentary-on-push-with-back-leg/
ReplyDeleteGot some revelations on my own today. One is that while you push with the back leg, your front leg is not necessarily "not pushing". In a way, both legs are pushing, the back leg is pushing yourself forward, while the front leg is pushing yourself back. However, at any time, one leg is pushing stronger than the other, which is why you move forward.
ReplyDeleteThe other is as zenmindsword said, using intention so that the arms are not floppy yet not stiff. When you push, your arms and the body should be like carrying a balloon. When your opponent pushes, the balloon will deflate slightly (your arms move in towards your body slightly), but after that, the balloon must bounce back into shape (you push with your back leg and your arms bounce out away from your body). Like what my teacher likes to say, carrying the balloon is very important, do not let the balloon flatten.
Just a thought. Should you be pushing with your back leg in the first place? Perhaps you might want to explore the concept of "He". Just a thought.
ReplyDelete