Trick wrote:Hitting objects - is not for TJQ, the method is not about single pointedness. Hitting objects may lead to an mentality of chasing objects(opponents), which is not TJQ....It’s also not a necessity for correct Xingyiquan practice..
Correct solo practice and of course partner practice gives the necessary “upon touch” training.
This is the view many IMA people take but not all. Those who do should find another teacher/style that teaches striking.
The people I've met people who never trained by hitting objects could not strike to save their lives. Weak is the only way to describe it.
Also because the training was more sticking & control oriented they did not spend time throwing strikes in the air. This lead to another limitation that they did not build even awareness of good evasion & would chase arms.
They might have stick and control with a bit of qinna level striking but the ability to deliver this was more of a dream than reality.
To be complete a good striking foundation is vital and this only comes by throwing 10000s strikes over time. Doing this only in the air means the bones & connecting tissue never conditions enough to handle the reaction force of a strike.
Relying on a long chain of moves to develop the lower basin & then assuming somehow this will lead to striking power is like creating the greatest building foundation and leaving the rest of the building to somehow create itself.
