Basics

[KenpoDave]

We utilize a combination of private instruction supplemented by group instruction.

It is safe to say that in a standard group class, ALL of our time is spent on basics. In privates we teach everything, and in group, we drill the basics in repetition. Often, techniques are used to show an application of a basic. As far as technique work and sparring, we have separate classes for that.

So, if you come to a private lesson, 3 workouts, and a sparring class each week, 3 of the 4 1/2 hours of that will be devoted to drilling the basics.

 

[JamesB]

Seeing as the discussion moved onto how to form neutral-bows, I posted a poll with diagrams, so maybe move the discussion over here?

http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33725

james

 

[Ray]

By the way Ray, if you get the chance to train with Dr Chapel, Mr Angell or Mr Perez ask them about stances - it is fascinating!

Ross, surprisingly I went to one of Doc's seminars and we spent a lot of time going over stances (and PAMs and BAMs and much more). After dinner, I thanked him and commented "20 years in the MA and I finally learned how to do a proper neutral bow." Mr. Angell was also there. Great people!

 

[Ross]

The term distance in this sentence could be referencing either of two measurements - depth or width. This is where my confusion is coming from.

As I understand it:
A Neutral bow is measured in three dimensions; Depth, Width, Height.
Depth - From the correct stance, bring your rear knee to the ground on the 6-12 line; the knee of the rear leg should touch the ground on a 3-9 line drawn from the heel of the front foot.
Width - From the correct stance, the toe of the front foot should be on the 6-12 line to the heel of the rear foot.
Height - The knees should tend over the ankles.

Further - The weight distribution should be equal between both feet. Body weight should tend toward the outside of the foot. The toes my tend toward each other, just slightly less than parallel.

A horse stance has little depth. The toes and heels should be on the same 3-9 line.
The width of a horse stance is measure from an attention stance.

• Pivot your feet on your toes; each heel moving away from the center line, such that the feet from a 90 degree angle (each foot 45 degrees off center).
• Repeat this pivot a second time from the heel. Your toes are now are now facing the respective corner (right foot pointed to right corner / left foot pointed to left corner).
• Pivot your feet for a third time, with the toes remaining stationary. Your heels now move out so that your are now standing "pidgeon toed'.
• Square your toes on your heels. Both feet should now be facing 12 O'Clock. Settle into the horse stance by moving your knees out over your ankles, keeping your backside tucked in.

From this horse stance, if you lay a bow staff on your toe-heel line, on the standard clock reference, the line would be beyond the 8-2 line (Unless you wear at size 15 shoe). Perhaps at the 8:15 - 2:15 line.

Hi Michael,

James B has posted a new thread - hopefully, this explains what I was struggling to get out better.

Thanks

 

[Ross]

Ross, surprisingly I went to one of Doc's seminars and we spent a lot of time going over stances (and PAMs and BAMs and much more). After dinner, I thanked him and commented "20 years in the MA and I finally learned how to do a proper neutral bow." Mr. Angell was also there. Great people!

Ray, I know exactly what you mean!