Dragon Form, Chuanzhang, Circle Walking Partner Practice
Either touching or not. When not touching, both partners take the dragon form with the arms towards each other but not touching, and walk around the circle trying not to laugh. When touching, both partners take the dragon form with the forearms touching and walk around the circle. Change sides by doing a koubu and chuanzhang.
Do not walk too fast. Your goal is to be comfortable. If your partner walks too quickly for your comfort, do not speed up – take the circle out wider so that they have to chase after you.
Do not adjust the height of your arm to the height of your partner. Again, the goal is for you to be comfortable (not him). If you are taller, use your height advantage – keep your arm up. This makes the shorter person nervous about you dropping down. If you are shorter, use your scooping up advantage – keep your arm at your own shoulder height. This makes the taller person nervous about you coming in low.
(Simon is helping Andrea here)
Dragon Form Single Palm Change
Start similar to chuanzhang partner drill, but step more out to come in more sideways towards your partner, sitting into a horse stance and turning your upper body towards him/her. Turn into the first movement of dragon’s single palm change and step towards your partner to make contact with the upper forearms. This arms should not strike each other hard or bounce off each other. Apply a heavy power, so that you almost squish together.
This can also be done with the lower palms pressing into each other (as in the photos).
(John is helping Andrea here)