Last Weapon: The Human Body

My first thought was to title this post "The Empty Hand", but it would not have really suited the content. We know I love kicking, so"Hands and Feet" would have been more accurate, right?

But then I would probably get reminded of the elbows and knees...

And someone else might then bring up the head, shoulders and hips...

As martial artists we often take for granted, especially after some years of training, how much time and effort was put into making our bodies into weapons.

Sure- you have the contact areas that have to make contact with the target, but we all know that an inefficient use of the body as the delivery system may cause the fist or foot to never even reach its target...

Striking, grappling, defending- all of these actions make up the art of fighting that we practice. Unlike all other weapons in our arsenal, this particular weapon can improve with regular use. It can get stronger, more durable and more effective.

While being unarmed whilst facing an armed adversary may mean certain defeat to the uninitiated, we already know that our weapons are right there with us wherever we go.

I have said in earlier posts that Karate and Kung Fu were the main contributors to Wewnhsiuquan's arsenal of techniques. 

One of the underlying principles of Wenhsiuquan's unarmed techniques is that force is best channelled through the limbs when the body is standing on a firm, secure base. In the case of all hand techniques this means both feet flat on the ground. Lighter footwork is used for transition from one position to another, but when the blow makes contact- both feet are flat on the ground. \

Also- when an arm lock is executed- both feet are firmly on the ground. 

And throws-

Executed with both feet firmly on the ground. We may have an exception in the case of leg sweeps, but then the principle of a kick applies.

And... that brings me to kicks. I have practiced jumping kicks from time to time, but am not big on them. And- while it is alright for some styles to execute a kick while shifting forward on the supporting foot or while standing on the ball of the supporting foot Wenhsiuquan kicks are executed with the supporting foot flat on the ground. 

The kick may in some cases, like with spinning kicks, require for the supporting foot to rotate on the heel or ball of the foot to wind the body up for explosive delivery, but the kick makes contact when the supporting foot is flat on the ground.

Finding the right length of time during the execution of an unarmed strike to keep muscles relaxed and the right moment at which to stiffen the muscles takes practice. And- once the technique is mastered training from that point is aimed at making it faster and more powerful.

This concludes my series of posts on weapons with which I train.

Even though you might not be seeing any posts from me for a while does not mean that I am not around. 

You are welcome to inbox me on my page or to email me at boshoffm3@gmail.com.

Also- comments are always welcome!