步 (“Bù”)
Origin: Chinese (Mandarin)
Today we are changing pace and looking to China for our word of the week.
In various forms of Kung Fu, it isn’t uncommon to see this character used when discussing stances such as Horse Stance or Cat Stance.
If you study a traditional Chinese martial art, you have likely heard “bù” get translated as “stance”. Let’s not limit ourselves to a surface level understanding of the language however. Let’s delve into the deeper meaning this character has that often goes unnoticed by new students!
What Is A Stance Truly?
A closer inspection of the word brings out another idea rather different from simply standing still in a posture. Bù can translate to mean “step”, “stage in process”, or even “situation”. Rather than imparting an idea of stillness, there is an underlying interpretation of movement we can look to.
A stance is just a snapshot, a picture of a moment filled with potential energy. We all know that the human body only has so many different ways of moving. Of course, you are going to find yourself situated in a familiar body position often, so we might as well train to make the most of the postures we often find ourselves in momentarily.
It was about study, experimentation, and improvement. There may be slight variations of what is common depending on your method of training and preferences of movement, however this is simply what it means to study a style.
When you shift your view on stances from static to dynamic, your training takes on new meaning. Rather than thinking of Gōng Bù (Bow Stance) as an immobile posture, look at it also as a moment of motion. Your training isn’t just about standing in a strong stance, it’s also about the transition between each of the known poses.
Static Vs. Dynamic
“Wait! We aren’t supposed to just throw a thousand punches while sitting in our horse stance for an hour?!”
I’m glad you asked, dear reader!
Static stance training does have its own merit. It can help develop strength, body structure, proprioception, a deep level of discipline in the mind, and many more attributes martial artists desire.
In order to move in a coordinated fashion, you have to be actively aware and involved with your whole body. This is a wonderful benefit that comes static stance training, it gives you the time to sit quietly with yourself and have a “conversation” with every part of your body, from your small pinky toes to your much larger latissimus dorsi muscles.
You would be surprised at how oblivious we can get in regards to how our body is feeling. Have you noticed how much excess tension you typically carry after a long day of work or while watching a scary movie?
If you can be cognizant of a limb, you can be that much more capable with it.
Just don’t forget there is another side to your stance training: mobility.
Stances need to be trained in motion as well, linking them together as fluidly as still frames in a movie.
Don’t forget: each Wednesday provides a deep dive into a word you have likely heard in your martial arts training! To check out last week’s lesson, click HERE!
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