Always Use What is Outside, not Inside

by webmaster2 on 2008/04/24

You should always use what is outside of contacting point, not inside of it.

{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

allanbelsheim August 2, 2008 at 8:20 am

I have always observed in myself and others that the first reaction is to fight the contact points to attempt a more advantageous position to then “do your move”. I think this simple, small clip is a tremendous learning guide to break away from that habit. As Master Chen states, “use what is beyond”. Don’t fight at the opponent’s contact point (allowing whatever hold he has) and extend your move beyond those contact point(s). Such a simple idea that will lead to huge progress!

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Wid May 26, 2009 at 4:21 am

Hello Allan, I have a question, regarding your experience that Don’t fight at the opponent contact point and extend your move beyond those contact point. (allowing what ever hold he has )

Does it mean you only think to move your body not at the contact point when ever you feel power contact your body. So it is no feeling of acceptance by your body when the power contact? Is that right? Tq

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allanbelsheim December 19, 2009 at 10:34 am

The contact point is simply given to the opponent. What is on either side of the contact point is used. In the video example, Master Chen does not use where he is held to fight, but extends (stretches) his fingers in a shallow arch that allows the rear foot to anchor and push. There must be no return pressure at the contact points, but you can “hold” this point and extend from it. After quite a bit of practice, you can isolate body parts so everything does not act together – the “machine” that Master Chen refers to where every part can move independently.
Your question of only thinking to not move at the contact point needs to be changed to: accept the contact point and physically don’t move it – work the non contact area to respond.
This may not be the simple answer, but I hope it helps.

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