I remember years ago when I first saw this footage and thought "Wow, I really wish to learn that!"
So I searched around and I found a video where a teacher was explaining how a student can practice the 1-inch punch by working the fist and wrist, then adding in the elbow. Much like a chain...
It's not a bad explanation, but to be honest, the real truth behind the power of the 1-inch punch is in the 'spine'.
The great thing about the footage above is that it is slowed down. so it gives your eyes the chance to see 'how' Bruce is moving his body. Also, you get the chance to replay over and over, until you understand what I am about to teach.
The Body as A Conduit - "Be Like Water My Friend"
Look at how Bruce 'roots' his energy into his front foot. He is connecting all the joints of his body together, from the foot to the hip, then through the spine, and then out to the fist. What he is doing, is using his body as a conduit to transfer the energy from the earth into the opponent, like pouring water through a pipe.
You may wish to Google the Anterior and Posterior Chain - This is a major energy pathway through the body, that when working correctly is just beautiful, but when one of the links in the chain breaks, it results mostly in chronic pain.
1-inch vs Multi-inch
Back to the footage...It is when the footage is slowed down that you can see the movements going on within Bruce's body. Notice how far his Dan Tien (centre of gravity) moves from starting position to the target. What he is doing, is expanding all the joints of his body, as well as driving the spine forward.
His fist is acting more like a whip to allow the energy to be projected forward. But to achieve this, you require relaxation. So although his fist only travels a short distance, what creates the power is the multi expansion of all Bruces joints, producing a multi-inch explosion. Hence, if you are tense you will block the flow of energy - so relax.
Macro to Micro
So if you want to learn this technique, the best way is to start at the macro level and then begin to refine it down.
I'd advise to see if you can use your body like a wave. If you can create big movements feeling the energy flow through you, you can then physically reduce the size of the movement, but continue to feel the flow of energy.
Combine this with your Chi Sau (Sticky Hands) practice and you'll begin to understand what it means to "root to the earth" or "Sink the Qi". It doesn't mean you are immovable and locked to the earth, but more that you can transfer energy to and from the earth through your body.
This is just the beginning of internal practices, and the "closed-door" teachings go well beyond this. But everyone needs to start somewhere :D
Up Voting
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Sincerely,
Sifu Jordan
(Don't Worry, Relax, Be Happy, Concentrate and Do Your Best)
Thanks for the well thought out post. Bruce Lee was an amazing teacher.
Agree. An amazing human being.
Excellent friend of mine
Like the previous post, this post was useful
You have good posts
I follow you