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.
