A GREAT SWING IS RELEASED FROM A BALANCED STRUCTURE

PILLARS FOR BALANCE Stand tall in front of a mirror, focus on even distribution of your weight on the sole of your foot and how the smallest movement front to back changes the distribution. Take a deep breath in and feel the rib cage lift up to meet the arms as they hang at your sides. As you exhale try to keep the contact between the arms and upper ribs, while pulling the belly button in towards the spine and up. On the second or third breath lift your right leg until it forms a 90-degree with the hip, and your right foot is parallel with the ground as if you are placing the right foot on a step, and hold for 12 to 14 breaths. Lower the right foot to the ground and repeat with the left side. With each breath focus on the proper breathing and lifting the chin while relaxing the shoulders on each exhalation. As this balancing exercise become easier, the second and final stage is incorporated, which is to raise up the heal of the foot that is left on the ground, slowly, gradually. GOAL To be able to hold pose on both side with the same effort on both sides. BENEFIT Strengthen the core, build a weak side, and educate the whole body as to the feeling of a balanced stance. A balanced swing, is more more controllable, and produces more precise contact. PROGRESSION This exercise leads perfectly to the the Arms To Chest Drill, and should be practiced together. It is a fundamental and should be continually performed.