Balance: Important Or Not!?!

[sensei8]

Balance is extremely important in every aspect of the Martial Arts. In this thread, I'm particularly wanting for us to discuss balance as it affects the myriad of techniques that make up the Martial Arts. In this OP, I'll pose some tidbit questions, and they'll be in bold so that they'll be easy enough to spot.

First, let's take a look at the Merriam-Webster's definition of balance as it refers to Martial Art techniques:

7 a : physical equilibrium b : the ability to retain one's balance

Without balance, any technique losses it effectiveness across the board. Balance must be maintained throughout the ENTIRE technique!! Not for just the beginning or the middle or the end, but from the start to finish.

In posture, there must be balance. In stance, there must be balance. In execution of any said technique, there must be balance. In application of any said technique, there must be balance.

 

Where else, must there be balance?

One can do any Martial Arts technique, but doing any Martial Arts technique requires that it must be effective, otherwise, there's no use in even doing it in the first place.

In punching, ones balance must be established, otherwise, it's impotent. In blocking, ones balance must be established, otherwise, it's mowed through. In striking, ones balance must be established, otherwise, it's reflected back. In kicking, ones balance must be established, otherwise, it's only a push.

What other techniques are affected by not establishing ones balance?

If ones balance isn't established, then our foundation crumbles beneath us as effortlessly as the tumbleweed that's blown over the desert in which it meanders through. Grappling arts, Tuite for example, requires of us that our foundation be firmly established, hence, we become easily trodden under our opponents feet.

How else does balance affect ones foundation?

Becoming off-balance because of opposing forces that are greater than ones own, for that moment, happens from time to time, however, it must be reestablished forthwith; if not, that battle, and/or for that moment, it is lost.

When is the lack of balance our fault?

It unfathomably disheartens me when I see "black belt" level practitioners, no matter the style of the Martial Arts, 'perform' unbalanced, unfocused, and slovenly techniques. These type of practitioners give the Martial Arts a black eye, imho, and because of those 'go-through-the-motions' type of practitioners, I'm, without cause, clumped up with those of ill-favor via acquaintance through appearance sake alone, therefore, the layperson quickly judges me under that same light.

I use the word 'perform' because for any technique of the martial arts to be described as being 'executed', it must meet every requirement to be worthy of effectiveness.

Balance: Important or not?!? Indubitably so!!

Your thoughts...please and thank you.

[Zaine]

Where else must there be balance?

In life. I was never so out of whack in my training then when my life got chaotic. Martial arts is honestly part of an enlightenment, and it's hard to focus on where you're going as a martial artist if you can't manage your life outside the dojo. In this sense the instructor also becomes the therapist, not only do they need to be able to recognize a student who is struggling personally, but be strong enough to talk it out and suggest that they take some time off to get their affairs in order. The truth is that if you come into class angry you're going to end up hurting someone trying to take out their aggression, and while martial arts can be a great outlet, it should be through solo training, and not sparring (doing kata always helps me when I'm stressed or angry, it helps me focus).

What other techniques are affected by not establishing ones balance?

Everything has a balance to it, whether it be a basic jab to a tornado kick (if your system incorporates those). Proper balance is as essential to any martial art technique as going to class to learn it. This is one of the many reasons why kung fu has such hard stances, so that you create a foundation as such that you will no be moved.

How else does balance affect one's foundation?

Intensely, but I think asking how foundation affects one's balance would be a better question. Without a solid foundation there is no balance.

When is the lack of balance our fault?

It's always our fault. As my quote says: 70% of martial arts is solo training, and this includes balance. It is not the teachers responsibility to make you balanced, it's their job to harp on you until you become so. Any lack of balance or sloppiness in technique comes from an unwillingness to put in the time. Martial arts takes dedication, and if you don't have that all it becomes is a pretty good work out 2-3 times a week.

[MasterPain]

7 a : physical equilibrium b : the ability to retain one's balance

The first definition is what I usually mean when I say balance. It's an attribute just like speed, strength, flexibility, or cardio.

The second definition I usually refer to as base. Base is good posture, a stance neither too wide nor narrow, weight over the hips and sinking into the ground. Base is helped by good balance, but a good understanding and practice of base can help make up for a lack of good equilibrium.

[bushido_man96]

 

Where else, must there be balance?

I believe balance refers mainly when a body is static. To retain balance in motion requires agility, I remember my basic sports performance pedagoy. Therefore, I feel that this can only be achieved by practicing techniques while opposing forces are messing with us.

What other techniques are affected by not establishing ones balance?

I think if we don't establish balance, then it is difficult to establish an effective defensive posture. Hard to block shots while you are falling down.

How else does balance affect ones foundation?

I feel this again can be mainly affected through agility training. After all, a fight isn't like playing solitare.

When is the lack of balance our fault?

Lack of preparation in any juncture places the blame squarely on our own shoulders. By practicing against opposing forces and learning to maintain agility, we can help ourselves minimize the times when it is our fault, and help us learn how to recover.