Tornado hands and the Taijitu

What we did on Friday 16 March 2012

Another review of tornado hands.  Some might believe that such an analysis is pointless, however, only deeper understanding can come from such exploration.  Sometimes new discoveries occur as has happened for me through this analytical process.  This session involved identifying the relationship of the Taijitu and  lissajous curve in respect of the process of forming tornado hands on the vertical, longitudinal and lateral planes.  Recognising the difference between the Taijitu (two adjoining circles contained within the one) and lissajous curve (two separated circles or tear drops joined point to point) and how they relate to tornado hands.  Recognising how one can change and reverse direction by use of the taijitu loop and also by changing from one axis to another before returning to the original axis in reverse without ever pausing.  Acknowledging that a straight trajectory is almost impossible to achieve and that therefore all movement is curved.  Further analysis becomes somewhat pointless once one realises that an infinite number of trajectories can be formed based upon triangulation with the three axis.  Nevertheless, a basic understanding of this process really helps the more advanced practitioner to recognise one fundamental truth – everything is the same, there is only one hand technique in our art. 

Another look at takedowns in Channan gata.  1^st to 4^th steps.  Recognising the open ended nature of moves within a kata, that is implied continuation moves not shown even within the individual elements of a movement.