I have noticed a few simple things in Wing Chun – the CST method. There are a couple of observations here. The first is my exposition of what is meant by the 3 things CST was told by Ip man. The second is the different levels of mastery in this kung fu. The third is some things I have now noticed via my own experience.
Supposedly, CST was told by Ip Man to
1) keep stand straight [tai gong + rise],
2) keep the body relaxed [use joints vs muscles]
3) have forward intention [channeling the rise feeling into movements of limbs and/ or have a forward pressure even when moving limbs side to side or front to back]
This can be simply understood by the brackets I accompanied with each of bullets.
Tai gong and rising is a tad tricky. It refers to the notion of mentally rising from the tailbone of the spine to the top of the head. The feeling is a bit nuanced to detect, especially if one has not had practice in serious meditation. Those who have done Vipassana meditation multiple times will have a feeling similar to the “dhara-prabhar” or water-like flow that emits when a sensation dissolves. It is difficult for those who have not done serious meditation – even excluding Vipassana – to understand. For them it will have more time + practice. On a practical note, one should see and feel the spine straightening.
Using the joints is more productive than merely using the muscles as they will not burn out. They, however, have their limitation. I cannot clarify more on this though it can be easily experienced in a gym or against a heavier person.
Forward intention is tricky as well. When the mind is able to stay centered in the spine, for the most part, one will be able to channel the spinal feeling into the arms and legs. So, when one kicks or punches, one will do so with the backing of the spine. Localizing the wrist, elbow, shoulder shows various degrees of “backing” by the respective body part. The spine offers a complete backing.
In my understanding, there are 3 levels beyond the spine. The first is a partial form of Nim Tao, where the rising flows into arms and legs at a relatively high level. The second is the complete activation of the back of the mind – the complete form of Nim Tao – where various feats are available. Ex. another’s intention is made clear, production of enormous amounts of energy even over no distances, complete straightening of the spine. The third level is that of the addition of chi. Chi/ prana/ ki may be in constant circulation through the process of achieving and activating the Nim Tao state. But what I am referring to is the “next level shit” which comes in the form of transmitting energy through touch or sight. There is also the absorption or release of another’s chi as well. This is the highest level that I can fathom with my current understanding.
Some things I have noticed are: there are both circular and straight shapes – and there are feelings associated with their execution and completion. There is a feeling in each of the localized portion of the body. Each portion wants to exhibit the shapes differently. This may be due to them using the most of their utilization. The wrist has a shape, the elbow has a shape, the shoulder has a shape and (thus far) the spine has a shape. The spine has the strongest shape for it wants to complete a triangle. It looks to end the shape as quick as possible with the most stability it can provide.
Another thing I have noticed is that SNT must be directed in the same manner as when your limbs are being pulled hither and pushed tither; tested this way or that way; are subject to not a single but multiple forceful vectors of direction. Just as you would attempt to fully use the spine’s backing to demonstrate the power it holds, in the same manner, you would want to complete each movement of SNT.