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Post by genmountain on Dec 5, 2014 20:56:53 GMT
In the Circle Turning DVD, He Jinbao talks about and demonstrates the Upper and Lower Palms to help with health and strengthening of the body. I have been training them in my spare time but I donʻt know how to change direction with them and I feel awkward when turning, which seems to break my flow of energy. Are there specific methods of changing direction for these postures? Thanks
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snk
New Member
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Post by snk on Dec 5, 2014 21:52:56 GMT
It's been a while since I've seen that video, but I don't recall him mentioning/demonstrating a particular direction change method. That being the case, I think it's just supposed to be a simple shift from going one direction, turning slightly, and going in the other direction. I can see what you mean when you say it feels to you like it's breaking the flow though. Couple of thought points: 1) there is no shortage of similar seemingly abrupt direction changes elsewhere in the system, and 2) the walking is more than likely of prime importance anyway. Either way, it's probably not something to worry about overly much.
However, that's not to say you couldn't play around with it a bit to see if you can find a way to change without breaking the flow. If it were me, I think I'd still do the basic shift of the body to face the other direction, but add the pretty basic qigong movement of circling your arms outward and upward to above your head and bringing them down the front of your body, as in the typical "closing" motion, before settling your palms in the lower basin posture again. Introducing a circular movement such as that may help to keep things flowing. If that description is insufficient to get my meaning across, I might be able to make a short video clip later.
And, of course, it's possible that someone more knowledgeable than me knows of a more official method that they might share. This is just my bit of brainstorming. Everyone is different, and traditionally bagua is supposed to be able to accommodate such differences and even capitalize on them, so to my mind the most important thing you can do is to pay attention to your own internal sensations and try to find what works best for you.
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Post by genmountain on Dec 5, 2014 22:00:39 GMT
Thanks snk, I understand and will work on exploring basic motions like the ones you describe. Much appreciated.
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myles
New Member
Posts: 44
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Post by myles on Dec 8, 2014 2:47:31 GMT
Here is a clip from youtube of the Dr demonstrating the upper palm posture
At :18 standing upper palm, and an assortment of other animal postures following.
At 2:45 he demonstrates the change, then how to apply the strikes.
Hope this helps. I might see about uploading the lower palm ...have to film it and figure out how to upload first however.
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Post by genmountain on Dec 8, 2014 23:38:43 GMT
Thanks myles, I hade seen some of these videos but I guess I missed this one.
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Post by Admin on Dec 10, 2014 10:17:03 GMT
Hey guys!
When changing directions in circle turning, you can use any sequence of strikes so long as you have an understanding of how they are used. In other words, as long there is a martial application to the sequence of moves, its ok. Don't worry too much about "breaking the flow"; when you are changing directions, a certain flow disruption in inevitable. Keep the flow by making the sequence of strikes follow a logical order that leads to a change in direction. "The flow" is more important during the turning itself.
When turning the lower palm especially, really focus on getting low. The arm position is not particularly challenging relative to other postures, so it allows you to focus the majority of your intent and effort on the lower body.
Keep up the good work!
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