As many of you know, I have been teaching the martial arts for many years now. I have taught children as young as four years old and adults as old as ninety. As a teacher I see that those students who approach their studies with an open mind, sincere heart and enthusiasm will always do the best.
Understanding the importance of what you are studying is key! You must realize that you are not just learning a dance step and moving on to the next thing. This transient mentality has become
prevalent due to many parents trying different things with their children. We must realize that we are not just trying out a hobby or some other fly by night class. In order to be a
success in the martial arts, we must identify ourselves with it as an important part of our lives. Because I teach and run classes, this is easier for me... however as a student you must strive to continually make your martial arts training another part of who you are.
The concept of "I take martial art's lessons" or "I am a martial artist" are just descriptive of something you do or some title. Rather it would be better to realize that you in training for life and that your martial arts training is an integral part of that training!
I believe that all martial artists should have a teacher mentality... wanting to transfer their knowledge and train others. If you think like a teacher, you will improve your learning and your general life skills, such as communication and modesty. Consider your martial arts training an investment into all of your life skills.
If you are taking the time as an adult to learn the martial arts, it must be very important to you. Don't diminish the importance by turning it into some type of hobby, which it was never meant to be. Rather... think of your training as something that is special and fit it into your whole life.
© Copyright 2007 David West
Article by David West
Yong Quan: When we are trying to achieve rooting in Taijiquan, we should visualize below the surface of the floor or ground... much like the roots of a tree. The "Bubbling Well" an acupoint called Yong Quan (KI-1) located on the bottom of the foot should be used as the point from which this imaginary root extends into the ground from which to draw strength. Rooting in Taijiquan will transfer from foot to foot, but never stays equally rooted on the right and the left. The weight should remain on the outer edges of the feet and remain a slight gripping feel with the toes, the ball of the foot, and the heel. Although the Yong Quan never touches the floor, you should still focus on this area as the root of each movement. Techniques to build this skill vary from person to person. I recommend using different visualizations and thoughts to see what works best for each person.
