Control of Centerline
By Sifu Lawrence Ramirez
Why is control of centerline so important?
In Wing Chun Kung Fu the most fundamental of principals are correct posture, hand technique, the bridging to, and redirection of your opponents force, also the proper application of this principle. These principle, and technique are important, but we must also keep in mind, maintaining control of centerline is the key to controlling your opponent’s movement, and his ultimate defeat.
We as children have tried to balance upon a beach ball only to have been thrown off to one side, or the other. Imagine that your centerline is like that ball; nothing must stay within its path, your opponent being redirected off to one side or the other, to gain an advantageous position for strikes, and to obtain complete control of your opponent.
We may have come to a situation that has a limb pinned by the opponent, but with correct posture, proper hand technique, and redirection of your opponents force we may regain centerline advantage for control, and ultimately the defeat your opponent.
Your opponent may press hard into your space, but accepting this force, redirecting it, and letting it pass by, we may again gain centerline advantage, advantageous position for strikes, and the control of your opponent.
If your opponent retreats, we must follow, re-bridge, and again gain centerline control in an unrelenting fashion to be victorious.
These principle and technique are key to controlling centerline, and your opponent’s movement. Maintaining control of your opponent’s movement, and centerline is crucial if we are to be on the winning side.
“To engage in physical violence is wrong, but if I must, I want be to be on the winning side.” Quote by, Sifu Alan “Bak Fu” Vasquez – Orange County Wing Chun Kung fu Association, California
For downloadable format of these articles click on the links below:
http://www.freewebs.com/lawr63/Control of Centerline.doc
http://www.freewebs.com/lawr63/Understanding the Manifestation of Chi.doc
Understanding the Manifestation of Chi
By Sifu Lawrence Ramirez
Chi Kung or qigong can be described as the art of developing vital energy. Throughout ancient China, people believed that through certain exercise, meditation and, various breathing technique, they could control and enhance their physical, as well as mental, development.
Chi Kung may be classified into many different types, and may be used, or practiced for a variety of reasons. The elderly or sick may use a certain group of Chi Kung exercises for keeping up and regaining their strength. Some may utilize Chi Kung exercises that develop stamina, and power for combat efficiency. At the other end of the spectrum one may use Chi Kung exercise for spiritual development.
The many different Chi Kung exercises, may be grouped into three basic elements; Body, or the form aspect which regulates body promoting health and fitness, Breath, or the energy aspect which through breathing can result in the increase of harmonious flow of vital energy throughout the body, and Heart, or the mind aspect that refers to mind control, and expansion. Understanding that these three elements comprise the whole, is key to the development, or manifestation of Qi.
If Chi Kung is studied along with a martial art as to further develop internal power, this type of Chi will become an integral piece, or portion of the art, in that it will develop as part of the art. This natural progression, or manifestation of Qi, will develop as the art develops as long as the correlation between the basic three elements, Body, Breath, and Heart, or Mind are understood, and nurtured by the martial artist.
Chi Kung is widely accepted, and has been utilized in Chinese medicine since ancient times as an effective way of treating patients for a variety of afflictions. Chinese medicine utilizes herbalism, massage therapy, acupuncture, and Chi Kung as a therapeutic way to produce the harmonious flow of Qi through the patient. By developing Qi and keeping this flow of vital energy within our bodies, we will be fit, and our bodies strong into our old age. This fundamental principle of Chinese Medicine cannot be measured by Western medical viewpoints.
In studying Chi Kung the practitioner not only has the benefit of a calm mind, increased stamina, and internal energy, but after many years of practice the trained mind will be tranquil, and at peace. This peace, and tranquility leads to spiritual fulfillment, the ultimate goal of humanity.
For downloadable format of these articles click on the links below:
http://www.freewebs.com/lawr63/Control of Centerline.doc
http://www.freewebs.com/lawr63/Understanding the Manifestation of Chi.doc
Traditional Wing Chun Rules of Conduct
Remain disciplined - Conduct yourself ethically as a martial artist.
Practice courtesy and righteousness - Serve the society and respect your elders.
Love your fellow students - Be united and avoid conflicts.
Limit your desires and pursuit of bodily pleasures - Preserve the proper spirit.
Train diligently - Maintain your skills.
Learn to develop spiritual tranquility - Abstain from arguments and fights.
Participate in society - Be moderate and gentle in your manners.
Help the weak and the very young - Use martial skills for the good of humanity.
Pass on the tradition - Preserve this Chinese art and rules of conduct.
Maxims of Wing Chun
Retain what comes in, send off what retreats. Rush in on loss of hand contact.
Do not be lax when your opponent is not advancing.
Once your opponent moves, his center of gravity changes.
Make the first move to have control. Attack according to timing.
Timing is achieved through practice.
A strong attitude and posture gives an advantage over your opponent.
Being alert and adapting to the situation allows maximum results for minimum effort.
The body follows the movement of the hands. The waist and the stance move together.
Complement the hands with posture to make good use of the centerline.
The eyes and the mind travel together, paying attention to leading edge of attack.
Charge into the opponent. Execute three moves together.
Strike any presented posture if it is there. Otherwise strike where you see motion. Beware of sneak attacks, leakage attacks and invisible centerline attacks.
Soft and relaxed strength will put your opponent in jeopardy.
Coordinate the hands and feet. Movement is together.
Do not take risks and you will always connect to the target.
Have confidence and your calmness will dominate the situation.
Occupy the inner gate to strike deep into the defense.
To win in an instant is a superior achievement.
The Yin Yang principle should be thoroughly understood.
The theory of Wing Chun has no limit in it applications.
Be humble to request your teacher for guidance.
Understand the principles for your training.
Upon achieving the highest level of proficiency, the application of techniques will vary according to the opponent.
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