Learning basics. That is one of the most important aspects of Kung Fu training. We could perform our self-defense, forms, sparring, and weapons routines with proper guidance and repetition of the basic techniques. Usually, after the first couple of months, most individuals find basic training drills tedious, and they feel more confident in their abilities.
However, when challenged with combination techniques such as Block, Kick, and Punch, their basic techniques become sloppy. Why?
The answer is simple: more practice is needed. How often have I said, “Do this 1000 times, and you’ll become good.” Many students look at me as if I’m joking. I’m not. In fact, the number 1000, in Chinese thought, stands for an infinite number beyond human comprehension. Now, that’s a lot of practice! This advice is for all levels, white through black. Even after 55 years of practice, when I have trouble with a series of techniques, I break them down to the basics and practice each individually before returning to the combination technique.
Continued repetition is necessary because of all the parts of a particular technique. For example, let’s list some of the details of the corkscrew punch: proper fist, held at the waist correctly, touch the side of the body while punching, a full twist after the elbow clears the front of the body, hit with the front two knuckles only, in line with the center of the body, full-extension, shoulder relaxed, hips forward, snap power at the end, chest level, wrist straight, and coordinate all of this with the other hand. As you can see, numerous things could go wrong.
Progress is made in various levels of achievement and basic techniques. Many advanced students can attest that basic training becomes more challenging as we improve our technique’s speed, power, timing, and coordination. Also, we must start to understand the relaxation and tension involved in the basic technique. The body must remain relaxed as we execute the technique, become tense only at the very last instant before the end, and relax immediately after completion. Sounds easy. Let’s compound that by adding that tensing the muscles does not mean the entire body. Only the muscles necessary to develop proper technique power are used. A drilling fist punch does not use the same muscles as a knife-hand strike.
Power penetration refers to the ability to penetrate power into an object, not just its surface. We start our training in this area by first hitting the bags. Whether using our hands or legs, we must learn to maintain proper distance from the target. Too close, and we push; too far, and we overextend. Next, use a partner holding a bag against their body and see if they can feel the power on the other side. If they did, you would be starting to develop power penetration. Remember, we must now learn control. Whether we are practicing a single basic technique or a series, these guidelines must be followed: hitting an object, engaging in self-defense, performing a form, or practicing with weapons. How can you accomplish all this? Practice 1000 times, and you will develop unbelievable skills.