|
|
Slow Form
The slow form (慢拳 man quan) comprises defined sequences of certain movements which are trained in a slow and smooth manner.
By learning and exercising the form one trains his power of concentration, the internalization of principles of movement, and to calm the mind. Altogether the slow form includes 100 movements and postures which are subdivided in 6 parts. Running the form in a whole takes about 30-40 minutes.
To shorten and simplify the form for beginners, Ma Yue Liang and Wu Ying Hua developed a short form which is easier to learn and only takes about 10 minutes to run while still comprising the most important movements and postures.
|
Fast Form
Beside these two slow forms there is also a fast form (快拳 kuai quan) whose movements are faster and more powerful than the ones of the slow or short form.
Also the solo weapon forms of the sabre, spear, and sword are trained with similar speed and power.
|
Principles
As the forms consist of well defined sequences of movements which are not easy to learn by heart as a beginner, many questions arise why it has to be like this. Why is it important to follow and copy the exact movements from a teacher? The answers to these questions can only be found piece by piece in continuously practice of the forms, because the inner logic of the movements has to be compassed by the feeling for one’s own body and mind.
Naturalness plays a central role, but is not to equate with a discretionary attitude. Quite the contrary, the term naturalness comprises the following of certain principles of movement according to the body’s physiology.
One of these principles is to keep the middle. First aspect of this principle points on the physical middle of a body’s centre of balance which changes while moving. A second aspect includes the mind as pictures and thoughts should be hold together and not easily drift away while practising.
|
|
|
