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One Inch Punch and other things...
May. 9th, 2007 06:38 amI'm certain I've already mentioned that I'm involved in a new martial art, one which I would have likely overlooked in favour of other options had they been available to me. However, the two previous classes had convinced me that I was going to learn a great deal of practical knowledge and enjoy it immensely. There was even some use for the sensitivity that I had learned in other arts such as Aikido and Tai Chi, but, as I've always held a fascination with the internal arts, I was still hoping to find a means to explore that avenue fully.
Last night, I discovered that was no longer necessary.
"This class is going to be a little weird," announced Sensei (our instructor), during our warm up.
For me, though, it turned out to be hardly the case at all. We spent the class learning how to use Chi/Ki strikes, using a simple extension or flick of the arm to drive back or knock down a foe. This included learning about the famous one inch punch. I'm pleased to say that some of the moves came fairly easy to me, given my study of other internal arts, and I didn't feel quite as lost as I had during the other two classes. Being able to knock back a hefty man with something that could be construed as a simple shove does wonders for one's confidence.
Better still, Sensei, as per usual, didn't just teach us these techniques in an esoteric fashion isolated from the rest of reality; all of these moves were taught as "warning shots" to be used in situations like being confronted in a pub (one of Sensei's favourites) by someone growing increasing hostile. The idea is to achieve a powerful effect with minimum appearance of effort, asking the would be assailant "Do you really want to be here if I actually put some serious effort into hitting you?" Yes, esoteric martial art skills adapted to the real world! I'm a happy bunny!
After class, we gathered at a local pub to chat. I commented to Sensei that one of the things that I really enjoy about learning this martial art form is that I'm not starting at square one; all the little bits and bobs that I've learned over the years sampling other arts have some use in this one. His reply was this was because he used so much from other martial arts, making it very adaptable.
I'm gonna have fun with this one!
Last night, I discovered that was no longer necessary.
"This class is going to be a little weird," announced Sensei (our instructor), during our warm up.
For me, though, it turned out to be hardly the case at all. We spent the class learning how to use Chi/Ki strikes, using a simple extension or flick of the arm to drive back or knock down a foe. This included learning about the famous one inch punch. I'm pleased to say that some of the moves came fairly easy to me, given my study of other internal arts, and I didn't feel quite as lost as I had during the other two classes. Being able to knock back a hefty man with something that could be construed as a simple shove does wonders for one's confidence.
Better still, Sensei, as per usual, didn't just teach us these techniques in an esoteric fashion isolated from the rest of reality; all of these moves were taught as "warning shots" to be used in situations like being confronted in a pub (one of Sensei's favourites) by someone growing increasing hostile. The idea is to achieve a powerful effect with minimum appearance of effort, asking the would be assailant "Do you really want to be here if I actually put some serious effort into hitting you?" Yes, esoteric martial art skills adapted to the real world! I'm a happy bunny!
After class, we gathered at a local pub to chat. I commented to Sensei that one of the things that I really enjoy about learning this martial art form is that I'm not starting at square one; all the little bits and bobs that I've learned over the years sampling other arts have some use in this one. His reply was this was because he used so much from other martial arts, making it very adaptable.
I'm gonna have fun with this one!
