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Online Articles A matter of balance As Martial Artists we have all heard about balance. Different systems use the word to describe different aspects of balance; internal, external, harmony, and the physical attributes of static and dynamic movement. Regardless of one's perspective, all real Kung Fu Masters strive to achieve balance in their students. Firstly I will address internal balance; a balanced persona in all aspects of life and martial training. The internal systems relate it to centering the mind, a clear focus on the task at hand, total concentration, elimination of external distractions and the development of chi. Regardless of the perspective; balance is the harmony of internal and external conditioning, the synergy of Yin and Yang and the totality of the Kung Fu ethic. The physical can be observed through two students performing kicking actions. Both exhibit power, speed and strength however one always looks a little better, the one with superior balance. The physical characteristic is achievable by all students. Practicing the actions slowly not only increases strength, but instantly addresses the problems of incorrect structure and increases an awareness of one's center of gravity during the action. Once this awareness has been achieved, the rest is just practice. Practicing while standing on posts (Jongs) is a popular method for Wing Chun students. Any deviation from the correct structure is immediately recognized. It is said the Shaolin nun, Ng Mui, the legendary founder of Wing Chun was a Master of the Mui Fa Jong (Plum flower piles). Her original system required all footwork, stances and fighting to be practiced standing atop a series of poles in excess of eight feet high. A lack of balance would ensure a heavy fall. Knives and sharpened stakes were inserted into the ground to encourage the students to perfect their technique. (I do not recommend this!) Balance in life is obtained by equal attention and time spent in work, family and self. When these three areas are placed at each corner of an equilateral triangle, they may be viewed as balanced. This is how the ancient Chinese viewed life, an equilateral triangle contained within a perfect circle. When excessive time is spent on any one of the three, the other two suffer. The equilateral becomes isosceles and becomes unbalanced, no longer fitting within the circle of life. The circle is viewed as the "wholeness or oneness", a perfect balance, no beginning, no end, just a constant being. Internal,
physical, spiritual all are necessary for "balance". The flowing movements gained through hours of repetition are the result of harmony between body and mind. Stability in motion, strength in posture and serenity of mind is the goal.
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