Many Kung Fu systems base their training and idealogy around the Six Harmonies Framework, though interpretation may vary between different schools, but that is to be expected due to its complexity. In Essence all six combine to represent a solid set of codes that embodies harmony and balance.
There is a popular Kung Fu saying, 'When the hands arrive the whole body arrives' and in practice this is an expression of physical and mental unity. In essence we are seeking to draw maximum physical power from body and mind. Hence we may also hear the more modern and popular expression, ‘Mind Body and Soul’, but regardless of which, both embodies the heart of Shaolin training.
The Six Harmonies can be subdivided into External and Internal, the first three being the Hands & Feet, Elbows & Knees and Shoulders & Hips. The latter three are the Spirit & Intent, Chi & Intent and Chi & Power.
Hands & Feet harmony is our first and most basic. This important unison of movement sets the physical foundations upon which supports the internals. This simply trains both to follow each other’s timing resulting in better body alignment thus improving balance and power.
Elbows and Knees harmony is about their alignment relative to each other. In order to maintain maximum biomechanical structure, the elbows need to be directly above or inside the knee line.
Shoulders & Hips harmony is the main link in the transfer of power from the legs to the arms and vice versa. The hips serve as the rooting platform for the shoulders, and the feet as the anchor. By pivoting the hips, spiral tension can be created resulting in an increase of power and stability.
Spirit & Intent harmony represent our mental strength and focus, our commitment and heart to the task in hand. Some interpret this as purely spiritual but for the majority it represents our willpower in delivery. Controlling emotions such as anger and channelling it to a focused mind brings clarity and awareness as well as extra power to hand.
Chi & Intent harmony links our mental focus to physical reality. It is our knowledge and strength of mental focus that determines the amount of control we have over the various states of physical energy that flow through our body. By increasing the mental control into our physical actions we become able to focus our efforts more efficiently and as a result we conserve more energy.
Chi & Power harmony is the effect of Chi on the physical body and cannot be fully explained scientifically, but nonetheless its presence can be physically felt. To increase power we need intent, which in turn builds up our flow of Chi. This activates groups of muscles that are not normally required when performing such movements or task. Focussed Chi also has the effect of increasing the cohesive strength of our muscles making them more solid and elastic.
For many traditional martial artists past and present, the path is more about achieving balance of body and mind. That is not to say, the individual pursuit of physical excellence or spiritual cultivation are not commendable goals in themselves. But Kung Fu itself is founded on the Ying/Yang ideology and as such many will always be striving to reach the elusive harmonious balance of Body and Mind.
Comments
