Kung Fu Part II

To add to my last post, we will now examine the physiological characteristics that define kung fu. These points are found in all styles of REAL kung fu. Even though you may be learning from a legitimate instructor, if he/she has not taught these to you or if you have not absorbed and incorporated this into your training, then what you are practicing is NOT kung fu. So, to the points we go.

1. Head: held straight up and neck relaxed. It should feel as if a plate is resting on your head and the sky is pulling your hair upward.
2. Eyes: eyelids are normal and relaxed, not bugging out or tense. The mind is responsible for awareness and feeling, not the eyes.
   
3. Nose: breathing is normal, even and gentle and through the nose.
4. Mouth: Lips closed, but with no tension. Tongue touches the roof of the mouth.
5. Shoulders: Sink the shoulders, relaxed.
6. Back: the spine should be held straight, not caved in (to the point when the chest expands due to overstretching the spine).
   
7. Chest: relax, to not puff out the chest. Keep it "empty" and let the back lead and the chest follows.
8. Stomach: should not be tense, but pliable like a suede leather bag. Also led by the back, and the stomach follows.
   
9. Hips: provide support for the waist and lead the hips.
   
10. Buttocks: 90 degrees from the ground. They should not stick out.
11. Rectum: misconception to seal the anus. This is not healthy, instead do not pay attention to the anus and remain as is, focusing on relaxation of tendons, ligaments, muscles of the entire groin area.
    
12. Elbows: weighted and heavy.
    
13. Hands: relaxed and waiting. Punches/attacks originate from the spine, to the shoulders, elbows, wrist and then hands.
    
14. Knees: relaxed and coordinate with the ankles/feet. The legs lead the way, as such, the knees are vital.
    
15. Feet: relaxed and are lead by the ankles. Feet and toes should naturally grip the ground without extra tension.
    

So how does your style fair?

This is found in Adam Hsu's "the Way of Kung Fu"

Until then.