Just a couple of simple questions.In splitting does the front foot remain planted throughout or does it kick in to some extent once you have stepped through like in crushing.My teacher pushes off the rear foot into the front and then the rear steps in behind, the guys that i train with keep it planted.I realise the answer is probably both , but does anyone have any reasons for/against?
Secondly, regarding the position of the rear knee in san ti.I read in sun lu tangs book and was also shown that the knees press inward.I find that when i do this it brings the rear thigh straighter, more to the front, and the weight seems to drop more vertically through the thigh, into the ground.This seems easier than when the knee (and thigh)points more to the side where it seems to increase pressure around the knee.Any thoughts?
Also why do the toes grip the ground, i have found it stops my rear foot from collapsing in towards the arch, is this why?
cheers

I this same question once... I was informed that if you are practicing the Pi Chuan(solo) the foot will follow step, that is what you are suppose to do( all the classics state this). If you do not follow step with the rear foot, this will make your stance improper and leave your groin open.

However, if you are practicing san da for real life self defense( stuck in a corner of a pool hall or bar) obviously this will be close quarters... and strike with Pi Chuan you may not have enough room to follow step with the rear leg.

Although if you knock the hell out of guy with a solid Pi Chuan that should back him up... then you will have room to follow step... I think.

but if you are stuck in the corner of a pool hall or bar- would you be stepping into the corner or out of the corner? (out of the corner would allow for a follow step.... where as into the corner might be allow for the dunce cap).

Bob #2

John Mitchell,
In regards to your Santi question, a general rule is that the knee should point in the same direction as the toes. Twisting the knee out of alignment with the toes either inward or outward will tourque the knee and destabilize the position.

Thanks for the answers, keeping the knee pointing with the foot makes sense, it was just sme clips i'd seen really let the kne hang in.
cheers

How long do most of you hold santi before switching legs and how long did it take to build up to this?

John M.,

With regards to the knees and toes, Tim makes a valid point about stabilization. I think that the position of the knee would also prevent you from moving energy, if your alignment wasn't correct. The toes grip the ground to stabilize your foot, and move energy as far as I have learned, but I'm sure there's more to it.

I have practiced standing for three years and just reached the twenty minute mark (before switching). I'm not sure where that fits in the curve, but it felt like the right pace to me. It seems most people consider twenty minutes the longest you should stand.

best regards

In regards to length of time holding postures, my teacher recommended a minimum of ten minutes a session up to a maximum of forty minutes (total time).

Hopefully out of the corner Bob#2... I hate wearing that hat.