Regardless of art, whether kung fu or tai chi, it becomes necessary that the student is aware of their body. From the top of the head to the pinky toe, a highly skilled martial artist can at any time, take inventory of their body and account for each individual part. The body can be used to it's fullest potential once this unity is attained: one can punch and block simultaneously and prepare for a followup technique in another direction in an instant. This can take many years of awareness training, but the basics can be developed quickly if the student follows this simple formula developed by Sihing David Wong.
Sihing Wong wanted to give his kids class a simple way to improve their forms for easier memorization and stronger presence in competition. The method worked so well, it was further integrated into teens and adult classes and produced a higher quality of martial artist regardless of age.
Sihing Wong narrowed what makes a form great into three factors:
Stance
Striking hand
Guarding hand
When the student practices and accounts for all three factors, the form becomes complete, and the student begins to develop awareness for the legs and hands. If practiced seriously, the awareness becomes subconscious and the student can begin to focus their awareness to more specific areas of the body (shoulders, knees, elbows etc.) and continue to hone their skills. This method will work best if implemented both in class and in individual practice, which can be done anywhere, anytime.... in other words: Go practice!
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