Motion and Stillness as One

The concept of Motion and Stillness as one can seem perplexing at first consideration. An object in space is either still, or moving. A still object has to break inertia to move. That, right there, is the crux of the problem for many martial artists. To break inertia takes time. If an opponent is already moving, that could be time one does not have.

The first thing to consider is; you are not an object. Your mind can, and should, be in constant motion while your body seems still. Moreover, your mind cannot fixate on any one thing or you will miss other potential threats that may be presenting themselves.

Also, you are constantly moving in space and time, the Earth is spinning and circling the Sun. The Sun is moving in the universe, etc.

Internally, your breath is moving, your circulation is constant.

If you tie into all of these movements and you allow your weight to float and not drop into one place or another, you can move your entire body as one and never have to break inertia. This is why the adept can seem to move and reach peak power so quickly. The adept does not stop and root to one spot like a fixed fortification holding ground.

Try this. Stand in han mei with your weight floating about the middle and have someone grasp your wrist like a tug-of-war posture and try to hold you in place. If you allow yourself to be planted you will be stuck. If you try to fall, or lean, away he can hold you. If you try to push off with your back foot, he can hold you. If you try to pull on him it will be no more than a contest of strength. Now, as he is holding, slide your whole body away as one, feel like your hips are an old-fashioned porch slide-swing. No your partner is not only moved, but gathered as well.

If you would like to explore this further, come on out to River of Life dojo.