http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bM6osrP4Eo
nice form.
Tim,
Can you explain why there is a 360 pivot after the heel kick (also done in Yang styles)? I don't really understand the reason, it seems so contradictory to the rest of Taji movements.
Thanks
A standard defense to a front kick is to parry the kicking leg from the outside so the kicker is forced to step down with his back exposed (common kick defense in many martial arts, including Taijiquan and Muay Thai. For an example watch the first defense starting at one minute: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ImciL_jDdc )
If you are the person kicking and are countered with the above defense, one response is to the parry is to go with the force of the parry and continue turning all the way around so you can follow up with another kick (or other appropriate technique).
It's also good for training the balance for any techniques that require spinning on one foot.
and a 360 pivot on the heel is less likely to twist ones ankle where a 360 pivot on the ball of the foot might.
Tim,
Thanks, that makes sense. I guess I just don't understand why in form practice there isn't two steps instead of the pivot on the standing leg. For example, after kicking with the right leg, step down and toe in with the right then step back and toe out with the left while turning. This would create more space and time if turned while kicking. Maybe I'm putting too much Bagua into it.
Thanks again,
Jarrod
Taking steps would definitely be more stable, spinning on one leg is faster.
Since the technique is used counter-offensively once your opponent is already behind you, the option is for speed.
Got it. Thanks for clarifying.