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 learn an art such as pa kua chang you need to draw a circle about six feet across, and which takes exactly eight steps to step around. You need to situate the circle so it is squarely in the room, which means that if you straightened up every two steps you would face a wall. Now you need to schedule a three day weekend to master this thing.
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.
Keep the hips tucked to avoid injury to the lower spine, place the feet flat, as if trying to be stable in a field of mud, and search for grace. Be a deadly ballet dancer, slowly whirling and spinning, exploring the limits of your body. Ignore any self-doubts, and let a few hours expose Pa Kua 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! - 31373
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 learn an art such as pa kua chang you need to draw a circle about six feet across, and which takes exactly eight steps to step around. You need to situate the circle so it is squarely in the room, which means that if you straightened up every two steps you would face a wall. Now you need to schedule a three day weekend to master this thing.
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.
Keep the hips tucked to avoid injury to the lower spine, place the feet flat, as if trying to be stable in a field of mud, and search for grace. Be a deadly ballet dancer, slowly whirling and spinning, exploring the limits of your body. Ignore any self-doubts, and let a few hours expose Pa Kua 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! - 31373
About the Author:
Al Case has taught martial arts for 40+ 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.
