Gravity punch

Done properly, the 'devastating blow' will get you out of most situations.

(Barry Davies, SAS)
 

Groundpath

The first consideration when striking needs to be groundpath.
This is an unbroken connection through the body to the ground which is simultaneously transmitting body weight.

Take a moment to consider what this means.

Your very contact must possess both weight and total connection, yet not be tense in any way at all.

Unbroken path

Typically, a punch is weakened before it even reaches the target.
Tension within the body is the major culprit; locking the movement within.

A second problem is the arc of force.
Frequently, it is misaligned.
Instead of reaching the hand, the force is actually coming out of the shoulder or the elbow.
It is essential to get your body behind the punch.


Pressure & weight

If you make contact, the degree of penetration is the 'pressure'.
When you transfer body weight, the resistance may be increased by the weight but the pressure employed by you has not changed.

You are not using any more energy.


Relax

The importance of relaxation cannot be overstated.
Even after months of training, some people still ask when they need to start tensing.
What can you say?

There is no tensing in tai chi.

When you can relax properly, the weight of your body can travel through your limb and into the opponent.


Languid

A gravity punch is a lazy, relaxed blow; you do not need aggression or force.
Great speed is not required either.
Just spontaneity.

Do not try to punch hard - this is self-defeating.

Deliver without preamble.


Gravity

Gravity punching teaches you penetration.
If you cannot penetrate internally with your blow, what is the point of learning fa jing?
It would be a waste.

Fa jing is only meaningful if you can transmit body weight in the first place.
Without this ability, your fa jing would be impotent.

If you watch C K Chu punching, you can see that he is employing gravity punches rather than fa jing.


The effects

The effect of a gravity punch is usually alarming.

Regardless of where you strike the body, it is normally felt in one of two places - solar plexus or lower abdomen.
It may feel as if you have pain trapped inside the body.

Be careful not to hit anyone who has heart problems or breathing difficulties. 

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Page created 5 August 1999