Learn ‘Hu-Lu-Duo-Gua’, Cultivate Energy
The initial practice of boxing should prioritize tranquility. In the quiet place, without disturbance, one can cultivate stillness and strengthen one's inner energy. With strong inner energy, even amidst bustling cityscapes and dazzling lights, one can still focus and perform boxing techniques. If distracted, one's energy becomes scattered and difficult to concentrate. Cultivating a centered force, with bones possessing stillness, muscles remaining flexible, and mind focusing and stretching, allows for gradual accumulation of power and quality. Without sufficient preparation, one will not achieve the desired effects.
Pairing of students, separate forces. 'Hu' (pulling) must be separated from 'lu' (pushing), 'duo' (wrapping) must be separated from 'gua' (unwrapping). What is 'quan' (circle)? Relax the shoulders, arms in a 'lu' (pushing) movement. 'Hu' (pulling) also expands the back, 'gua' (unwrapping) also expands the back. The back should be full, movement changes the 'gua' (unwrapping). In the rear, fully extend, change the 'gua' (unwrapping). The center of gravity in the crotch, the big ball is the pelvis. What is 'song' (relax)? Empty crotch, falling into the pelvis, automatically produces a force. The groove of the thigh has momentum, while moving the thigh to the side, rotate, the empty and full are practiced in the crotch. Feet listen to the earth, gently press and slowly sink. 'Listening to hands' means listening to the feet. Up and down twisting and turning of the joints are connected. A good mind, sharp feet. There is no place truly belonging to you, do not die clinging to the earth, learn to adapt and balance. Living boxing, quickly walk around the field, continue with boxing techniques, the mind changes, a sense of connection emerges, and the force releases. Don't use the crotch as a dead end, the stance will be freed. Playing the flute to dissipate air, knocking over a bottle. To gain power, first seek overall coordination. The skeleton is supported, the dantian is embraced. The sides are supported, the back is expanded. The 'hun-miao' (mixed origin) method, embrace and combine, also stretches and expands. Front combination, rear opening, look at the distant view, upright chest, proper posture. 'Winter python' laziness, 'hen' loss of spirit. Martial arts is a spirit, remind yourself not to be lazy, nor to be tense, seek a balance. Boxing provides spirit, movement is like a dragon. Standing still, like a lonely pine tree. Sitting still, like a Buddha. Accumulating energy is like churning, performing boxing techniques is like traveling. The drums have not sounded, the instruments are ready. Not boxing, but there is power. Everyday life, maintain a boxing posture in the mind, internal energy, eating tea and cooking rice, always maintain this.
'Tie-together' the whole body, 'contain-pull-bind' and 'expand-release'. 'Contain' and 'pull' expand and contract, are two things, you must do them continuously. Push your chest, your chest contracts, your belly bends, then pull your back, the force returns. This is a folding movement. 'Biao' (triangle) is the largest muscle of the shoulder, the shoulder is the shoulder joint. You see 'gua' (wrapping), your chest contracts, your shoulders suddenly lean forward, then your waist is pulled back, your back is lifted, your ribs expand, your fists quickly open. When accumulating energy, do not strain your chest, first contract your chest, then pull your back, one punch is followed by a folding movement. This method is the spine's power, long and penetrating. 'Bind' is not squeezing the whole body together, not a single space, not that thing. 'Bind' is the inner force, root and joint inward contraction. Deep inhalation to 'yunmen' (cloud gate), wrap the legs, open the groove of the thigh, expand the back and open the 'gua' (unwrapping). Open the arms, focus the force into the dantian, both fists meet the midline. In every movement, there is 'bind' and 'expand'. For example, 'dou bian' (double whip), from accumulating and contracting to expanding, like the 'yun shou' (cloud hand), left circle contraction, right circle expansion, alternating open and close. Like 'dou fan jiong' (reverse elbow push), backing away and expanding the 'gua' (unwrapping). Contain and expand, the words are different, the things are the same. Contain and pull, inward binding; expand and release, outward stretching. Mastering the empty and full is the key, in the crotch, everywhere is empty and full. Use empty and full, contain and pull, expand and release, all have roots.
