GrahamB wrote:Could you explain how you use the dantien in a punch, for example, Bao, or anybody?
Just compressing the stomach while punching would be one simple use, according to how people here define the Dantian.
Or to complicate the mechanics further, compress the stomach while expanding the ribs, all the way from the lower ribs up to the scapula. Do all of it in one movement as you punch, then you coordinate the dantian support all the way through the spine movement. I would rather use a word like “Hara” than the Dantian, or consider dantian as the center of the mass of the Hara or however you define what is being used. The Dantian is a point that you can learn to physically feel inside your body, you can coordinate the movements and align the punch through this point. Then the striking line of the punch will be supported by your absolute center, which is a good physical way to make use of your whole body mass. Think about XY Bengquan for instance, walk into your opponent while striking with maximum support from your mass. A little bit off from the centerline means less power.