‘Feet to Core to Four led by the Head travelling on the Breath.’ - Part 2

Last time I identified the following ways we can transfer our weight across our feet:

 From our heels to the balls of our feet.

 From the balls of our feet back towards our heels.

 From one side of our foot – the inside or the outside – to the other.

 The raising of our heel.

 The raising of the ball of the foot and the toes.

In the Langkah, the stepping forms, this transference most obviously creates and/or

assists in a stepping motion.

In the jurus it enables the body to be shifted forwards and back, turned to either side, twisted, lowered or driven up.

We need awareness in the soles of our feet and our ankles in order to transfer

bodyweight safely, deliberately and appropriately. That’s one reason why, last time, I

suggested being aware of the planet whenever you walk.

The goal is to become as aware of our feet as we are of our hands, to develop sensitivity, strength and dexterity in our feet, toes, and ankles.

Traditionally, Silat is practised outdoors, often at night on uneven ground. This type

of training inevitably develops the attributes I’ve just identified. By way of contrast,

in modern societies we tend to walk – and train - primarily on even surfaces.

Consequently, our feet, toes and ankles haven’t grown up accustomed to – and

developed by – the challenges posed by uneven surfaces.

To address this, we can focus on our feet deliberately in our training and, if possible,

include careful training on ground that provides some of nature’s natural obstacles.

The benefits of doing so are three-fold:

1. Increased self-awareness.

2. Healthier, more functional feet.

3. The ability to move well no matter what the terrain.

And that’s it for this week. Next time, I’ll be thinking about the second part of this

important principle: the core.

Although, just before I go, let’s return to our riddle. It was:

If the answer is ‘Approximately 800,000.’ - What’s the question?

The question is: ‘How many neuroreceptors do we have in our hands and feet?’

It’s an approximation because human variation means that we differ slightly from

person to person. No matter the actual number we each possess, the point is that we

have evolved to feel, to be sensitive and aware, and not just with our hands.

Our feet really matter. Enjoy training them.