Biomechanics | ||
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What is biomechanics?
It is the study of the structure and
function of biological systems.
Curious
A student needs to be intensely curious about human
biomechanics: balance, leverage, structure, stability, mobility, coordination,
range & reach, natural order...
They should research different methods of using the body: other styles of
tai chi, other martial arts, sports, yoga, Pilates, Alexander Technique, ergonomics,
rehabilitation therapy.
Open your mind to new possibilities. Watch people use their body. Observe your
own usage. Study how animals move and why.
10 areas
In our syllabus there are 10 main areas of
biomechanical study:
Drills
Chin na (misplacing the bones) applications
Shuai jiao applications
Qigong
As a precursor to tai chi, qigong offers the student an opportunity to
explore crude body mechanics without the need of direct application.
Structure, balance, stance (foot position), mobility, coordination, use of
energy, alignment, posture and poise are all explored using simple
exercises.
Basic concerns such as ambidextrous body use are introduced. Muscle tension
is identified and relaxation is encouraged.
Qigong exercises enable the student to become familiar with their existing
habits of body use, and provide the opportunity to consider alternative
approaches.
Form (whole-body movement)
Every tai chi form movement has a purpose. The student must understand why
they are doing the movement, otherwise that movement is meaningless and most
likely incorrect.
What is the movement for? How does it operate? Look at different
forms in the syllabus - armed and unarmed - and
consider the way in which the body is being used.
Examine the purpose, the method and the outcome.
Form teaches
Form teaches economy of movement, centre, range & reach, coordination,
footwork, balance, timing, synchrony, flow, natural body use, healthy body
use, strong skeletal alignment, power generation, stance and positioning.
Variety of form
It is important to train forms that offer the opportunity to use the body in
very different ways. e.g. there is no real point in learning numbered forms;
as they are all essentially variations on a theme.
Similarly, acquiring forms from different styles
of tai chi is without purpose. Your practice time would be better spent
practicing a range of forms within one style of tai chi.
Yang forms
The Long Yang form trains the essential biomechanics underpinning the entire
system. 2-person cane drill teaches conservation of energy, centre and
nimbleness.
Walking stick form is an energetic exploration of many of the original form
movements, playfully coupled with a short weapon.
We used to teach sword applications but stopped given the impractical, illegal nature of
the weapon.
The body mechanics of the
internal martial arts are significantly more sophisticated than those of the
external martial arts.
(Bruce Frantzis)
Neigong
(whole-body strength)
Neigong is all about biomechanics.
It aims to unite the separate parts of the body so that they can function as
one congruent, connected,
loose network of power.
This requires a great deal of work.
The student must patiently study and incorporate minute
considerations/qualities designed to knit the
body together.
A scientific attitude must be employed.
Jing
(whole-body power)
Jing is concerned with using biomechanics effectively when in physical
relationship with another person; either practice partner or opponent.
Performing movements solo is not enough.
It is imperative that the power generated by those movements can be used in
the required manner.
Tai chi martial applications are
generated using whole-body strength, employed as whole-body movement,
manifested as whole-body power (jing). The art cannot work in combat without
jing.
It would be merely external.
Combat
All application; whether armed or unarmed require the student to employ
biomechanics skillfully.
Not only must our own body move appropriately, you must also ensure that the
outcome conforms with your expectations.
This necessitates a firm grasp of range, reach, timing, balance, alignment,
positioning, rhythm and power. Your focus is principally upon what the
opponent is doing.
Tai chi biomechanics
Each style of tai chi employs its own unique interpretation of how the body
should be used. All are correct providing they conform to the authenticity
guidelines outlined in The Tai Chi Classics.
Biomechanical advantage
Instead of tensing muscles as and when needed, the internal martial arts
cultivate unbroken power at all times. No tensing is required.
The unorthodox movements employed by the tai chi forms were designed to
offer a biomechanical advantage when using the body.
When successfully paired with an incoming attack, they offer a position of
superior leverage and strength. Learning how to accomplish this is a major
area of study in its own right.
Adjustment
Adjust when necessary to maintain biomechanical advantage. Rely on
sensitivity, jing, balance and centre rather than force. Avoid extremes,
over-stretching and excess.
The highest level of tai chi practice
is high stance and small circle. In high stance and small circle you can
conserve your energy to a maximum level. This is very crucial in battle.
Endurance has always been the crucial key to survival in a long battle.
Moreover, due to high stance and smaller shape you can reach to the
deepest relaxed stage, the mind is highly concentrated, and the sensitivity
and alertness can be extremely sharp.
(Yang Jwing-Ming)
Beyond combat
Applications can be manifested as
strikes, grappling,
chin na, shuai jiao
and weaponry.
The main area of application, though, is everyday life...
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Page created
5 October 2003
Last updated
16 June 2023