Training Wisdom: Principles, Momentum & the Harmonies

The Principles are Everything
Understanding the principles behind your training is crucial. When you can free your mind from the idea of techniques, you'll be able to see your movements for what they really are... physical manisfestations of the principles. These principles guide what are considered to be the optimum self-defense stances, postures, movements, positions, strikes, defenses and much more.

Understand the Power of Momentum
Never be lax when your opponent is not advancing. Take advantage of the opportunity to get the forward momentum. One you have the momentum, let it snowball into an ever-increasing forward momentum. Never let your opponent keep momentum. If they get the upperhand, you must shut them down immediately. If you don't turn the tables, they will have the opportunity to snowball their momentum and you will lose all chance at winning. Make the first move to have control and attack according to timing. Momentum begins with the first move.

Align the Harmonies
Let your hands tell your feet where to go. Your feet should protect your hands as your hands protect your feet. Coordinating the hands and feet, the knees and elbows can become positioned in harmony while the hips and shoulders unite the limbs. The final position for a given movement will often involve the shoulders being directly over the hips as this alignment optimizes the strength of the torso. All movements should flow outwards from the fighter's center to the hands and feet. The hips and shoulders drive the knees and elbows, which in turn, drive the hands and feet.

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The Principles are Everything Understanding the principles behind your training is crucial. When you can free your mind from the idea of techniques, you'll be able to see your movements for what they really are... physical manisfestations of the principles. These principles guide what are considered to be the optimum self-defense stances, postures, movements, positions, strikes, defenses and much more. Understand the Power of Momentum Never be lax when your opponent is not advancing. Take advantage of the opportunity to get the forward momentum. One you have the momentum, let it snowball into an ever-increasing forward momentum. Never let your opponent keep momentum. If they get the upperhand, you must shut them down immediately. If you don't turn the tables, they will have the opportunity to snowball their momentum and you will lose all chance at winning. Make the first move to have control and attack according to timing. Momentum begins with the first move. Align the Harmonies Let your hands tell your feet where to go. Your feet should protect your hands as your hands protect your feet. Coordinating the hands and feet, the knees and elbows can become positioned in harmony while the hips and shoulders unite the limbs. The final position for a given movement will often involve the shoulders being directly over the hips as this alignment optimizes the strength of the torso. All movements should flow outwards from the fighter's center to the hands and feet. The hips and shoulders drive the knees and elbows, which in turn, drive the hands and feet.