Cheng man Ching's: 5 commitments and 8 ways

My friend has been corresponding with a gentleman who studied with Cheng Man Ching and had trained in Taiwan and NYC.

5 commitments:

1. stand in root, bone line balance.

2. Stand at edge of a precipice.

3. Be reluctant to act, learn from losing.

4. Continuously soften your touch.

5. Do Not reposition the hands.

Professor CMC’s 8 ways: solo exercises for push hands.

1.      Plying the Oar- loose orbital movement relating to the posture, push, while transferring weight from front to back.

2.      Chasing the clouds- (only have commentary) wave hands clouds. when you turn your hips there is a tendency to pull the rooted foot off the bubbling well and towards the edge of your foot or heel. Chasing the cloud practice is important because the root is strengthened by coupling moderate turning with careful positioning of the central channel through the bubbling well.)

3.      Walking in the stream current: walking with or against an imaginary current develops continuity in movement and pliability in stepping. This practice is excellent for recovering from ankle injuries where the supporting the body where weight on one foot has become troublesome.

4.      Walking on thin ice- Walking with the feet parallel relates to the posture “repulse monkey” but advances forward while using an empty step. This helps develop sure footedness and opens the lumbar area.

5.      Standing at edge of a precipice: borrowed from the posture White crane, this motionless exercise presents an opportunity to deepen the root and build reliable 100% balance on one foot at a time. Lift hands and play guitar can be used as well.

6.      Riding the wind- similar to diagonal flying, this exercise introduces a movement that prepares you to contact opponent under his armpit or at the side of his ribcage.

7.      Setting the sail: this exercise is borrowed from Fair lady weaves shuttle. It is intended help loosen the waist and integrate the whole body movement from a carefully focused diagonal attacks. Be careful to keep the leading arm, which guards the temple, soft and relaxed at the shoulder.

8.      Wearing the moon on your head- keeping the head softly balanced above the root helps lighten movement and improves the ability to make use of relaxed dispassionate observation. (all previous postures 1-7) integrate top of head with bubbling well.