World Of Swords

The first thing you are going to have to overcome is the idea that it takes decades to learn such arts as Tai Chi Chuan or Pa Kua Chang or Aikido. Look, the army makes soldiers in three months, and that includes some high tech stuff. And, when you add up the actual hours spent on that college course, it doesn't take that long to make a scientist or mathematician.

The idea that it takes immense amounts of time is something that has been foisted on us by people who want to make money. After all, the longer somebody studies, the longer they pay the fees for that cultural dojo box, the...do you get the idea. So get over the idea that it takes time, and get used to learning fast!

Now, to master something like pa kua chang you need to draw a circle about six feet across, and which takes exactly eight steps to pace around. You need to situate the circle so it is centered in the room, which means that if you straightened up every two steps you would be facing a wall. Now you need to grab a three day weekend to learn and master this art.

The first rule in walking the circle is to keep the hips low and move them at an even rate of speed. The second rule is to breath evenly and synchronize the movements of your hands and feet so they move at the same rate of speed, starting and finishing techniques at the same time. The third rule is to be willing to isolate yourself as separate from the regular universe, let your attention slide off the tables and chairs, the trees and fences, as you walk around and around.

Now, you need basics that actually work and make sense and are logical. Examine karate for basic blocks, and curve the arms to adapt them to Pa Kua Chang. Things can get complex, so I would recommend taking the four basic blocks, hi, low, in and out, and working with them to start.

Now take a step and do a block, searching for the largest circles you can make with a basic block. Though you have only taken one step, let your body turn to the maximum. When you reach the end of the turn, reverse your turn and start a second block. Take a step with that second block, and, again, overturn to the max.

Keeping the hips tucked under will help you avoid injury to the lower spine, place the feet flat and seek total stability, and search for graceful movements. Be a ninja ice dancing, slowly whirling and spinning, exploring the limits of motion. Ignore anything that looks even remotely like a self-doubt, and let a few hours expose the truth of Pa Kua Chang to you.

The last thing is to make sure what you are doing actually works as a martial art, because if it doesn't work you shouldn't be doing it. Have a friend try slow attack movements on you, and walk a small circle around his attacks, letting your blocks encircle his limbs, and you will find all sorts of odd but useful techniques. Now, the one thing you should know, the one thing that will make all the difference...this is exactly how such arts as Tai Chi, Pa Kua and Aikido were invented in the first place!

Al Case has taught martial arts for 4O+ years, and has written hundreds of articles for the major magazines. He can teach almost anybody how to learn almost any art within a couple of months. Complete data, including a free ebook, is available at Monster Martial Arts.

Tags: fitness, gung fu, hsing i, karate, kenpo, kung fu, Martial Arts, Martial Arts DVD, martial arts instruction, martial arts self taught, pa kua chang, self defense, shaolin, tai chi

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