◆ SpookStack

Approved For Release 2001/03/07 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000300330001-8 LN734-85 This will affect mechanical agility and the movement of the blood and energy. When practicing this art, the body should be kept straight during all-exercises. 1. Waist Relaxed, Spine Straight. _ By waist we do not mean the "gate of vitality", nor do we mean the circumpherence. But that area of the public region directly in front of. the spine (between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertabrae). The spine is the support column of the torso. The "waist" is the center for movement of the four extremities of the body. If the spine is not straight, then the torso will be crooked. If the waist is not relaxed, the body will not be able to move about with agility. To relax the waist, thoughts must pass through the crown of the head into nothingness, relax the waist and allow all tenseness to pass down. In this way, the spinal sections will naturally loosen up. If the waist is relaxed, energy is accumulated in the pubic region. Strength reaches the four limbs. The lower extremities are stable, and the arms are agile. Force must not be used which causes the waist to drop, or to bend. This will cause over emphasis of the lower portions of the body, and it will be impossible to coordinate the upper and lower portions of the body. Therefore, to relax the waist, the spine must be erect. To erect the spine is not just to make it straight, but to cause the spine to separate slightly which will cause the spine to have a slight natural curve from front to back. The energy of the pelvic region will naturally adhere to the back, passing through the waist it will generate internal energy which will pass to the head as well as hands and feet. The body will become one unit, and the movementsof the hands and feet will be connected with the waist. Thus the waist becomes the hub of the body's movements. With the "waist as the hub" and the "hips as the wheel" around which revolves all the movements of the four limbs. This is why we have the saying that the "waist is the commander in chief". 2. Bowing Shoulders, Opening up Armpits. When we exercise, we want to generate spirit, power, and force. Without force there is no power, and without power there is no spirit. If we want force, we must bow the shoulders forward slightly. If we do not bow the shoulders, form cannot produce force. If the armpits are not opened up, then the energy dissipates, and the chest cannot expand properly. With the shoulders bowed and the armpits opened up, there is the force of encompassing the external and controlling the internal. 3. Stretch the Chest and Relax the Stomach. When stretching the spine, the chest must not become sunken, pressed. Stretched is not rigid. One must take special care not to let the area of the solar plexis be sunken. If it is stretched open, the chest and stomach will form a smooth line, and the chest will not be sunken or the back stooped. With an expanded chest, breathing is easier. There will be natural benefits to the ' heart and spirit, and there will be a feeling of comfort and well being. The stomach should not be consciously stuck out or sucked in. The stomach can only -61- Approved For Release 2001/03/07 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000300330001-8