mixjourneyman wrote:Any bagua players have any advice. I'm always looking for outside criticism so that I can improve my practice.
Thanks-Mix
Hi Mix, Nice to see your progression. What a cool art hey!
You seem to be nailing the sequential uncoiling in the moves; I wonder if you have considered the sequential coiling? Also you seem to have enough of an idea of the flow of spiral to start working on the transitionary (is that a word!?!?) phase from one step to another; noticible 0:31, 1:02, 1:26. You seem to be 'jumping' into the next movement as opposed to rooting-pulling-spiraling into the next move.
The transition from horizontal to vertical in the 2nd palm is not without connection but you may wish to pay attention to the vertical splitting motion in the hands, and mantaining the power there. Sometimes seperating the hands and working on them one at a time is a good way to go. I have found either striking something, getting someone to test the posture can give a lot of good feedback. Breaking things down like this has its drawbacks, but you can be sure to get functional power in every movement. You could try using light weights (two cans of baked beans) during form practice. If you do use weights though, be sure the power is still coming from the centre or legs.
One more thing, is on your wind ups watch out for the big toes. they are rising a little. This may cause a little slowing of your ability to change direction in the long run, reduce your ability to root force from those pesky opponants and undertrain your coiling in the legs. Maybe pay attention to having the weight centred in the foot (not between the feet). Even though this is a foundation thing, I can see your not a beginner, it is just sometimes easy to forget these things.
Anyway, it looks really good and you are obviously putting in the work. Have fun. All the best.