Level 1
Contents: 4–Punch | Balance Descriptions
4–Punch
This article has discussed the importance of maintaining ones vertical and horizontal lines but as well, Level 1 (DBW) requires the student to have a constant H/L – Horizontal Height (Fig #1) along with maintaining correct Twisting Alignments (Fig #2) Case in point – Leader punch: Though 4–punch is the first pattern a student attempts, it is mission critical to the Kung Fu and there is no better training tool to describe and teach a student where their body is regarding alignments, no matter if the student is at L1 or beyond. One of the main premises of 4–Punch is to teach the student their vertical Centre and Horizontal Lines/Axis (Fig #1) and Twisting Alignments (Fig #2). These traits are combined and are the major assessment criteria of DBW. For the benefit of the reader, the 4–punches have individual names:
- 1st Punch – Leader (n)
- 2nd Punch – Swing Punch
- 3rd Punch – Block Down Leader
- 4th Punch – Arrow Punch
Balance Descriptions
- C/L — Centre Line or Spine of Student
- B/L — Behind the Centre Line or, leaning backwards
- F/L — Forward of Centre Line or, leaning forward
- H/L — Horizontal Line or height of student
The above image is attempting to describe that a student's balance line meaning, they should maintain a height (not porpoising H/L) and marinating a vertical alignment, (not leaning in or back C/L)
- A — Centre Line or Spine of Student
- B — Shoulder Rotation
- C — Hips Rotation
The above image is detailing how a student may over reach when blocking or striking, thus, getting badly out of alignment and loosing balance and strength.
The balance perspective pertains to a student trying to achieve a balanced character, i.e. not too much, not too little
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