"Hand, taille, fuß"

"Hand, taille, fuß" is a German sentence translated in English as "Hand, waist, foot". I encountered this line in a book about Wu style Tai Chi in German language. What does it mean and how is this applicable to Aikido?

 

 

 

On two previous occasions I have encountered body movement practitioners refer to the principle that the hand leads natural movement of the human body. First during a seminar held by Peter Bacas sensei he instructed that in Aikido technique the hand leads the movement of the body. This seems to contradict the often used principle that the hara, or center of the body is the main component of Aikido movement.

Peter Bacas sensei.

 

Secondly a professional dancer led a workshop whereby natural movement was to be experienced and he instructed us to lead with the hand and the body would follow naturally.

My view on this would be that solo movement as well as partner work should involve using hand movement first.

Try to move like this:

 

1. Use intent to move the hand towards the centerline of uke.

2. Try to move the hand physically towards uke.

3. When resistance is met, turn your waist towards the hand.

4. Use the feet to connect to the ground. This connects hip joints to hands.

 

In solo practice it would be like this:

 

1. Use intent to position the hand.

2. Let the hand follow the path intended.

3. Let the waist follow the movement .

4. The hip joints connect to the hands.

5. Hips are naturally connected to the feet and the ground.

 

This practice builds an integrated natural moving body with power stored for use.

 

There's an exception to the hand, waist, feet principle when using soft arms as in the next clip by Yamashima sensei. Here the feet and hips move before the hands!! The arms are like ropes which follow hara movement.

 

Enjoy practice.

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