Slow Motion moves in Kwang Gae

[nealfreeman]

Just promoted to 1st Dan. Big thrill for me.

Haven't discussed this with my instructor to learn his preference, but am interested in feedback from the group nonetheless.

Various videos, descriptions, etc. describe sliding of one foot during all of the slow motion movements in Kwang Gae, as in:


2. Move the left foot to D to form a left walking stance toward D, while executing (full facing) an upset punch to D with the right forefist.

Perform this move in a slow motion – sliding the left foot.

3. Move the right foot to D to form a right walking stance toward D, while executing (full facing) an upset punch to D with the left forefist.

Perform this move in a slow motion – sliding the right foot.

10. Move the ball of the left foot to the side front of the right foot. Then, pivoting on the ball of the left foot and turning counter-clockwise, move the right foot to D to form a left walking stance toward C, while executing (half facing) an upward block to C with the right palm.

Perform this move in a slow motion – sliding the right foot.

11. Move the right foot to C to form a right walking stance toward C, while executing (half facing) an upward block to C with the left palm.

Perform this move in a slow motion – sliding the right foot.

21. Move the left foot to C to form a left low stance toward C, while executing (full facing) a pressing block to C with the right palm.

Perform this move in a slow motion – sliding the left foot.

22. Move the right foot to C to form a right low stance toward C, while executing (full facing) a pressing block to C with the left palm.

Perform this move in a slow motion – sliding the right foot.


30. Slip the left foot to C to form a left low stance toward C, while executing (full facing) a high front thrust to C with the left flat fingertip.

Perform this move in a slow motion – sliding the left foot.

Question for discussion: is this appropriate? I don't see the sliding listed in official descriptions. I think I understand the concept, though, of having foot and hand stop at the same time.

Thanks.

Neal Freeman
1st Dan

[Asterix]

Hi,

Well done on your 1st Degree grading!

The technique literally is sliding the foot between two stances (much like a slip). If you can imagine standing with both feet together and then moving your left foot into a walking stance that would be the start and finish positions. Now just move your foot between the positions by lightly sliding it across the floor. Its made a bit more complicated by the fact the foot, if actually slid, tends to jutter across the floor if too much pressure is put on it. Therefore if you try to move the foot by pointing your toes slightly so that only the ball of your toe is in light contact with the floor you will find it easier to learn. The majority of your weight should be kept on your trailing leg at first (from chamber) and slowly transferred as your leg extends.

I hope this makes a bit of sense!

[nealfreeman]

Yes, makes sense. Thanks very much, Asterix.

[ky0sa]

How are your patterns now, a few months later? Congratulations on your grading.

The ITF under GM Trajtenberg has a slightly different way, no sliding. Just perform the technique exactly like normal speed, only slower. This means you 'fall' onto the front foot somewhat. This avoids leaning back or sliding the front foot along the ground, because those are not how the technique is done in normal speed.

You'll have to check with your organisation to see what they prefer.

[Stuart Anslow (Editor)]

This is an interesting conversation!

Whilst 'sliding' is 'official' terminology (it dicates about a 6 inch movement) - it isnt officially part of some of the moves mentioned above! However, it can be found in patterns like Hwa-Rang when you slide into the first fixed stance or the rear elbow near the end of the pattern.

Kwang-Gae does mention sliding however, on slow motion moves.. for example when you change from walking stance to low stance to execute the flat fingertip thrust.

Ky0sa example makes a lot of sense.. though in practice it proves extremely difficult as in theory, you have to balance through the whole movement on one foot, as the punch and stance are complete simultanious if done at full speed. Further more.. moving the front foot slowly into the stance, by way of 'slipping' keeps the equilbrium more centred, as to have to balance on one foot means you would need to lean back to keep all your weight on the rear leg! Thats how I see it anyway!

So.. IMO.. its not 'officially' correct, but its the best way of executing the move!

Stuart

[ky0sa]

Had a quick squiz at the 15vol TKD [Encyclopedia], does mention 'slipping' for Stuart's eg above - is that what you mean?

I suppose that if the goal is to perform the exact movement slowly then you'd need to fall without leaning on the back leg. But if the purpose is to see the tool well [like posed twisting kick], or for composure/breath control/stillness in motion/beauty, you'd have to change the technique from what it is in normal motion. Juche/Kodang's side piercing & reverse turning hooking kicks are like that - wildly different from their normal speed cousins.