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I just got back from an educational t'ai chi chu'an class. I got to practice a couple of techniques I haven't really used before: elbow strikes and bitch slaps. Well, I don't think they're technically called bitch slaps, but that's what I call 'em. And damn, but they feel satisfying to administer. They're so meaty and LOUD.
I have done elbow strikes before, but it's not something I've ever drilled. Sifu Martin showed me the correct positioning through the shoulders and back, showed me the weight change, and let me have at. I whumped the kick pad good and solid a bunch of times.
Then we went on to the slapping. Now, this technique I've never even tried before. The other students were having trouble with it, but after a few repetitions, were catching on. I listened to his explanation, then went with it. BAM!!! went my first hit. Sifu Martin stood back and said in a mocking, girly voice, "I've never done this before. Can I play? ... SHEESH!!!"
I guess I'm just a natural slapper. What can I say?
Afterwards, he wanted to demonstrate the power of a particular fighting stance to![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
f00dave, and how it was conducive to protecting your abs. I stood in the stance, and Sifu Martin punched me in the gut. No problem. Then he told me to hold a bad stance, and once again, he punched me in the stomach.
I was about to say, "Yes, I felt a significant difference," but he was backing off saying, "Sheesh! What do you do with those abs?"
Yeah. They're strong and hard, even with bad posture.
"Does that come from dance?" he asked.
"Partially. That, kung fu, and Pilates. But I've always had strong abs." Too bad my shoulders are so wussy, hmm?
In other news, no massage for me (aside from a quick one courtesy of Sifu Martin which did help a fair amount). The massage school is closed for exams. Damn.
Now it's time to do some baking!
I have done elbow strikes before, but it's not something I've ever drilled. Sifu Martin showed me the correct positioning through the shoulders and back, showed me the weight change, and let me have at. I whumped the kick pad good and solid a bunch of times.
Then we went on to the slapping. Now, this technique I've never even tried before. The other students were having trouble with it, but after a few repetitions, were catching on. I listened to his explanation, then went with it. BAM!!! went my first hit. Sifu Martin stood back and said in a mocking, girly voice, "I've never done this before. Can I play? ... SHEESH!!!"
I guess I'm just a natural slapper. What can I say?
Afterwards, he wanted to demonstrate the power of a particular fighting stance to
f00dave, and how it was conducive to protecting your abs. I stood in the stance, and Sifu Martin punched me in the gut. No problem. Then he told me to hold a bad stance, and once again, he punched me in the stomach.I was about to say, "Yes, I felt a significant difference," but he was backing off saying, "Sheesh! What do you do with those abs?"
Yeah. They're strong and hard, even with bad posture.
"Does that come from dance?" he asked.
"Partially. That, kung fu, and Pilates. But I've always had strong abs." Too bad my shoulders are so wussy, hmm?
In other news, no massage for me (aside from a quick one courtesy of Sifu Martin which did help a fair amount). The massage school is closed for exams. Damn.
Now it's time to do some baking!
