One other point I would like to emphasize on Ma Bu that Wushu, my junior classmate, may disagree with but might be interesting. Due to the more high impact leaps, etc. of modern Wushu, typically, there might be a more deleterious affect upon the knees due to the sudden shock from going from a high airborne technique to landing into a perfect Ma Bu. The sudden shock may have implications in the long term. One thing I have always asked and puzzled over with my current teacher (and one of Wushu's two masters) is how to root in any good stance while moving?! An interesting quandry, especially if the previous movement was a high one. This could cause a tendency to float in stances, as well as misalignment. I have all three resources Wushu has referred, plus another master and years of experience. Bottom line, the proper positioning is key....also, not slacking off from the proper basics after a few years. No matter how long one is experienced in the art, the basics are always mandatory. Jackie and Jet may do fantastic things, but if you pay close attention, their stance work is still impeccable from years of basics. Similarly, most great masters will still emphasize proper stance work.
Wushu, Nbotary, and I will have the misfortune of working out on a carpeted gym at the school. In my other two schools, it was either outside on the grass/concrete, or on a wooden floor in NYC. Those are much more amenable to healthy joints than carpet. In the school here, one must not only have the proper stance and footwork, but account for more sudden stopping and less ability to rotate quickly with hip, knee, and waist in alignment. This can be tough for awhile and then train outside where things do not grab hold. Just another observation.  |