On Thursday of last week Sifu had us work on our solo form. A group of us worked on Part 2 as far up as we could. I had some brain farts along the way, but overall I feel I am progressing as I should. I am not as soft and smooth as I would like, but that is what practice is all about. Sifu did mention something to me that I had heard him say many times before. I seem to still be carrying some tension as I move and it seems to be coming through in my hands. Sounds weird I know, but after listening to him it made sense. I usually keep my hands as tight and vertical as I can for ascetic purposes. You know, a straight line looks and functions better than a wacky curve line does. (I guess it has something to do with being an engineer.) What Sifu said, was that my focus should not be on the fingers of the hand, but making sure that the center palm is open as much as possible to allow for better Chi flow. If you keep the center of your palm open, then the fingers will naturally fall where they will normally.
After hearing this, I started watch him while he demonstrated a few moves. His fingers are relaxed and slightly curved as he moves through the form. I thought I would illustrate this phenomenon in a few pictures so that you can understand what I am referring to. So remember, when you are moving through the form, make sure you keep the center of your palm open and allow your fingers to naturally end up where they end up.
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Paul said,
February 22, 2011 at 22:51
Ummm, yeah. How come the good form does not have a green button?
pookysan said,
February 23, 2011 at 00:12
Because the good form has the best Chi flow and everyone knows that Chi is yellow! It’s like rays of sunlight streaming from your center palm.
Paul said,
January 30, 2012 at 15:43
So, has Pookysan’s journey ended? It’s been nearly a year since you’ve posted. Hmmmmm!