One of the primary subjects of traditional martial arts is posture. Most often, though, in modern martial art schools, the topic is nearly ignored. Yet, proper posture is essential to power; and, it is essential for excellent health.
The following is a list generally studied in traditional kung fu schools:
head as though suspended from above
shoulders relaxed downward
chest relaxed downward and slightly concave
upper back convex
lower back at lumbar area held slightly flat avoiding an accented arch
knees slightly bent
Often, students confuse the head with the face. When I say “keep the head up”, most students raise their faces. In the tradition of kung fu, head means the neck and back of the head (gently straightened/lifted). The face, if anything, will slightly tilt downward. This posture encourages the chi (subtle energy) to raise up the back to the crest of the head. If you’ve ever had a chill “up the spine”, you’ll understand what I’m suggesting here.
The shoulders need to be relaxed — not raised. This aspect of proper posture allows more freedom of movement and unrestricted use of the arms. When you tense the shoulders, your power is confined and movement becomes sluggish and awkward.
You can experiment with the third one quite easily. Raise your chest and expand it as far as you can. Then, while retaining that posture, throw some punches or try to execute a round-house kick. Notice how clumsy, sluggish and powerless you feel. Now, relax the chest downward — let go of any tension held in the chest. Then, throw a few punches and kicks. You’ll see how much easier it is to move around without the rigidity of holding the chest high (and/or tense).
To support the principle of the chest, the upper back automatically becomes rounded. This posture really helps the fighter support their punch. And, it’s effectiveness can be studied quite readily. Pin your shoulders back (which expands the chest, as a side note) in such a way that your scapula close the distance between them. With the shoulders pinned back and the scapula pinched closer, try to throw some punches. You can feel immediately how clumsy the punches are while in that posture. Then, relax the chest downward, round off the back a little which creates a slight concavity of the chest and then throw a few more punches. You will instantly feel how much easier it is to move and emit power.
The lower back needs to be held slightly flat. The principle concept in this suggestion is for the fighter to stay clear of “arching the back”. Again, you can feel how this concept affects your power. Take a second, arch your back substantially and then throw a few punches again. You will immediately feel how awkward your movement and power become. It’s very important not to arch your back for proper kung fu training as well as for enhanced health.
Lastly, it is extremely important not to lock your knees in any fighting stance as well as standing in general. When you are standing (like in line at a grocery store etc), it is important for you to keep the knees slightly bent so as to never lock them. This bending is so slight it is invisible to someone else looking at you. This is a subtle posture change but one that is powerfully important.
Of course I’ve only slightly touched on each one of the posture suggestions but if you study the simple principles outlined here, you will begin to open up your coordination and flow of power (chi). You will move easier with greater fluidity. And, you will have a healthier spine and therefore stronger internal organs.
Lastly, you will simply look better by standing taller yet more relaxed. You will appear more confident yet humble.
