Heel Turning

[Mas Jonty]

In the initial triangle exercises, are we pivoting on our heels, or somewhere in the center of our feet?

Hormat,

Mas Jonty

[Art Kidwell]

The way Sigung Steve described it to me, is that you pivot on every part of each foot.  Imagine the combinations!  One of our math experts could probably tell you; but bottom-line is that you meticulously and deliberately explore every option available.

To simply things for me, he said; "inside, outside, heel and toe.  That's four. Add the second foot and you're exploring an exponential universe of possibility in only one overt movement."  And each one has its potential application, considering the chaos of combat.

I recall Sigung telling me that Guru Ted Garcia once said, "That's not a movement, that's a thousand movements."  It's true.  In each movement, stance, technique there are a thousand elements that comprise the whole, and for each practitioner those thousand elements are just a wee bit different, in order to compensate for age, injuries, size, weight, previous training, attitude, emotion, health, agility and a multitude of factors that enter in to everything we do everyday. 

That's why it's called a "Martial LifeStyle."   

Peace,
Art

[Mas Jonty]

Oh, I see.

Is "exploration over structure" a common theme of this system? That's an approach that I think fits the American character quite well.

[Art Kidwell]

   Wow!

What a way to put it!  "Exploration over structure."  I think you've characterized Sigung Steve's teaching style in three words.

As you have probably come to understand, freedom is Sigung Steve's mantra.  He has given us a structure from whence to explore our own personal make up, needs, desires, and attributes.  And then another structure by which to apply those unique attributes to the chaos of combat. 

It is very difficult for regimented souls to understand the freedom of expression and application that we have been provided in American KunTao Silat; but I see that you're getting it Jonathan!

Peace,
Art

[Mas Jonty]

I have actually been able to learn things from the "old masters" because of this attitude. All the young Asian students insist on learning the traditional "movie" way (bow a lot, never ask questions, etc.), but the old masters want their students to explore, examine, question. People have been willing to teach things to me that they never would have shared with a round-eye, just out of desperation.

I genuinely think the U.S. will be at the forefront of the future growth of the martial arts.

Peace and Hormat,

Mas Jonty

[Travis C]

The great thing about this art is the fact that it changes for the practitioner rather than the practitioner force learning something that is unnatural to them. As far as stance and turning is concerned, it all depends on weight distribution during movement. As Art said, it could be any area of the foot and its good to train this way. Similar to Shaolin plum blossom pole traing or even foot sensitivity training used in Ninjutsu. In this system "every" part of the body can be used as a weapon or a tool. Happy training

[Art Kidwell]

That's a good point Travis.  Back to the freedom to learn and find our own way.

Now that you mention it, I noticed that Sigung Steve is fond of training on rocks; where each foot is always on a rock of a different configuration that forces you to adjust every aspect of your structure in order to conform to the constantly uneven and unpredictable footing.  I remember seeing some footage of that somewhere.  Next time I see it I'll put it up on the video site.

Happy Independence,
Art