The dragon model
A full spirit.
龍型 long xing
Circle-walking in dragon structure
Sit down facing on the circle line. Place the hands, palm up, in front of your shoulders and a bit higher. Place the inside foot in front. Turn the body to face the centre of the circle without moving the arms relative to the body.
Rotate the arms so that the leading hand cuts towards the centre or further, tuck the elbow in towards the heart, and bring the rear hand to the leading elbow. Push from the lower hand to help twist and settle down into the position. Connect the arms through the upper back. If they are separate they will both be weak. The circle-walking steps are exactly the same as in the bear form, although it often feels much more difficult. This is because you inadvertently put force into the shoulders and arms. Do not allow the rasied arms to pull your attention forward into them – ‘use your body to protect your hands, not your hands to protect your body.’ Keep set in your body, deep down into the feet. Draw the power out of the arms and concentrate on the feet. Keep centred in the lower back, to not twist the body from the ribcage. Coil within the whole body. Tuck your jaw towards your shoulder to look through or behind your raised hand, depending on how far you are turned.
Dragon circle-walking trains the spirit of the dragon – fearless and able to change in an instant. The dragon is the most martial shape for circle-walking. The arms become as two snakes coiling to become one. There is no need for preparatory actions to strike or defend from this shape. Dragon walking helps develop the ability to change quickly – it is always ready to defend or attack.
On the external level, it develops the lower back. If you have a tendency to lean forward, then be sure to walk in dragon to straighten the body. It is relatively easy to stay upright with the arms up, so people who have trouble staying upright in bear should do some remedial dragon.
On the mental level, it helps to liven up a sluggish nature. If you don’t feel emotionally good, start out with some dragon walking to bring up the emotions and spirit. Be ready to fight when dragon walking – it is more like stalking than walking (though do not overdo that idea).
Beginners should start with the bear form circle-walking until they feel solid, before doing dragon model walking. At first, only walk five minutes in draon. It tends to bring you up into your chest until you have mastered it. You can do more as you get better and more comfortable. Do not push it to the point of discomfort. Go back to the bear when you get tired in dragon.
Because the upper back and nape of the neck are open and smooth in the dragon model, the qi and blood can easily flow to the head. This is good for curing headache and keeping a clear mind. If you walk in dragon a bit every day, the qi/blood flow to the head will help you stay healthy. It also helps keep older people mentally sharp.
