LEAD OR FOLLOW?

By Phillip Starr

One of the small things that is very important in the practice of martial arts, but which is often ignored or forgotten is this...stretching. No, I'm not talking about simply stretching your body – although that is extremely important – but “stretching” your mind as well.

To begin, issuing power (fajin) is extremely difficult, if not impossible, if your body – from the shoulders to the waist and hips, to the legs – is not adequately flexible. Virtually all percussive martial arts employ a form of fajin. The method(s) utilized by the “internal” arts is different from many methods used by the “external” schools, but the fact is that all of them use a method of emitting power.

To emit power efficiently, whether in an internal or external style, requires a fair measure of flexibility. This can only be achieved through proper stretching (not just “loosening up.”). This is especially true of the internal schools.

Moreover, when performing techniques, it is essential that the mind (yi) LEAD the body. Too often, we ignore this concept and keep the mind focused on the technique; on ourselves. This only hinders the technique and efficient emission of power. The mind must be “in front” of the technique; directed towards the opponent (whether real or imagined). In a sense, the mind “stretches” out in front of the body. You must never allow the body to lead your movement; your intention (yi) must lead, never follow.