Centerline
Very few disciplines utilize the principle of centerline. Ballet, skating,
and a few types of Kung Fu use this principle. Centerline means that
the spine remains straight and the body erect. This especially includes
the head, as it is important for balance. All motions are around the
body's center of gravity.
The body's centerline remains constant as the body shifts, rotates
or drops. Centerline takes the pressure off of the back and keeps the
body balanced. This forces the body to move as a unit rather than the
different parts moving independently of one another.
All momentum of body mass is focused. In Kung Fu centerline is for
balance. In exercise it keeps the practitioner from stressing the back.
I'm a full time Kung Fu instructor and I know centerline is one of
the hardest things to teach. However it's benefits are amazing. I know
a lot of people who swear that learning centerline through learning
kung fu has either cured their back problems or at least taught them
to move in a way which alleviates the problem. I'm not a doctor so I
can't legally tell you what is good for your back, but I can tell you
I've seen some absolutely amazing results.
The people that have the worst time learning centerline are strong
men. Why is this? Because they are used to using their upper body strength.
They are not used to using their lower body strength or their body as
a whole.
When you learn to move with centerline you will move more naturally
and with much better balance.
In the studio we use a device which reminds us to stand up straight.
It's a bit tortuous but it works. I'm thinking about putting it for
sale online so stay tuned if your interested.
Other than somebody constantly telling you try doing your exercises
in the mirror. Be very critical of yourself. Try to make your shoulders
move only with your hips. All motion starts at the ground and comes
up through the hips.
The back should never bend and the shoulders should never reach. Watch
how Shifu Liz (Shifu means teacher and is the title given to a kung
fu black Sash [belt]) moves in Break Pal. Notice how straight her back
stays. Try to emulate that.
Learning centerline is tough but it will really help you out.
See you in the Quan
Shun Shifu Phil Weaver
