The first thing you are going to have to learn is that it doesn't take decades to learn such arts as Tai Chi Chuan or Pa Kua Chang or Aikido. Look, the army makes soldiers in a handful of months, and that includes some high tech stuff! And, when you add up the actual hours spent on that college course, it doesn't take that long to make a teacher or a computer expert.
The idea that it takes immense amounts of time is something that has been foisted on us by people who want to make money. After all, the longer somebody studies, the longer they pay the fees for that cultural dojo box, the...do you get the idea. So get over the idea that it takes time, and get used to learning fast!
Now, to master something like pa kua chang you need to draw a circle about six feet across, and which takes exactly eight steps to pace around. You need to situate the circle so it is centered in the room, which means that if you straightened up every two steps you would be facing a wall. Now you need to grab a three day weekend to learn and master this art.
The first rule in walking the circle is to keep the hips low and let them move at a slow and even rate. The second rule is to harmonize your breathing and the movements of your hands and feet so they move at the same slow rate of speed, starting and finishing techniques at the same time. The third rule is to be willing to separate yourself from the the universe of common people, let your attention slide off the the trees and fences, the tables and chairs, as you walk in an endless circle.
Now, you need basics that actually work. Examine an art such as karate for basic blocks, and curve the arms to adapt them to a circular art such as Pa Kua Chang. Things can get complex pretty quickly, so you might consider taking the four basic blocks, hi, low, in and out, and working with them to start.
Now take a step on the circle and do a slow and circular block, making the largest circles you can make with your arms. Though you have only taken one step, let your body pivot to its limits, and don't let the block finish until you have reached that limit. When you reach the end of your body limits, reverse your turn and start a long and slow second block. Take a step as you do that second turn and block, and, again, let your body turn to its limit.
Keeping the hips tucked under will help you keep your spine from being injured, place the feet flat and seek total contact with the ground, and search for graceful movements. Be a contortionist in slow motion, slowly spinning and whirling, exploring the limits of motion. Put all self-doubts out of your mind, and let a few hours reveal the truth of Pa Kua Chang to you.
The last thing is to make sure it works, because if it doesn't work you shouldn't be doing it. Have a friend execute slow attacks on you, and walk a small circle around him, letting your blocks encircle his limbs, and you will find all sorts of odd but useful techniques. Now, the one thing you should know, let me make this point...this is exactly how such arts as Tai Chi, Pa Kua and Aikido were invented in the first place! - 31491
The idea that it takes immense amounts of time is something that has been foisted on us by people who want to make money. After all, the longer somebody studies, the longer they pay the fees for that cultural dojo box, the...do you get the idea. So get over the idea that it takes time, and get used to learning fast!
Now, to master something like pa kua chang you need to draw a circle about six feet across, and which takes exactly eight steps to pace around. You need to situate the circle so it is centered in the room, which means that if you straightened up every two steps you would be facing a wall. Now you need to grab a three day weekend to learn and master this art.
The first rule in walking the circle is to keep the hips low and let them move at a slow and even rate. The second rule is to harmonize your breathing and the movements of your hands and feet so they move at the same slow rate of speed, starting and finishing techniques at the same time. The third rule is to be willing to separate yourself from the the universe of common people, let your attention slide off the the trees and fences, the tables and chairs, as you walk in an endless circle.
Now, you need basics that actually work. Examine an art such as karate for basic blocks, and curve the arms to adapt them to a circular art such as Pa Kua Chang. Things can get complex pretty quickly, so you might consider taking the four basic blocks, hi, low, in and out, and working with them to start.
Now take a step on the circle and do a slow and circular block, making the largest circles you can make with your arms. Though you have only taken one step, let your body pivot to its limits, and don't let the block finish until you have reached that limit. When you reach the end of your body limits, reverse your turn and start a long and slow second block. Take a step as you do that second turn and block, and, again, let your body turn to its limit.
Keeping the hips tucked under will help you keep your spine from being injured, place the feet flat and seek total contact with the ground, and search for graceful movements. Be a contortionist in slow motion, slowly spinning and whirling, exploring the limits of motion. Put all self-doubts out of your mind, and let a few hours reveal the truth of Pa Kua Chang to you.
The last thing is to make sure it works, because if it doesn't work you shouldn't be doing it. Have a friend execute slow attacks on you, and walk a small circle around him, letting your blocks encircle his limbs, and you will find all sorts of odd but useful techniques. Now, the one thing you should know, let me make this point...this is exactly how such arts as Tai Chi, Pa Kua and Aikido were invented in the first place! - 31491
About the Author:
Al Case has taught martial arts for 4O++ years, and has written hundreds of articles for the major magazines. He can teach almost anybody how to learn almost any art within a couple of months. Complete data, including a free ebook, is available at Monster Martial Arts.
