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What is Dynamic Equilibrium?

Before learning how to strike we must learn how to push, before learning how to push we must learn how to lean on.

In 6 Dragons Kung Fu (like it happens in many other martial arts) leaning, pushing and hitting are concepts that blend with each other continuously (read 6DKF’s interactions: from the strong blow to the light touch).

Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on Patreon (see how to attend our home study classes here Learn Kung Fu online: a beginner-to-expert course).

The key ingredient that allows us to harmonize them is balance (read Kung Fu rooting: the pyramid concept). In terms of mobility, it does not matter which of these interactions we want to undertake (or we have to suffer), nor with what we have to deal with:

With ourselves (an arm, a leg, etc.)
With opponents (a chest, a hand, etc.)
With environment (a soil, a wall, etc.)
With an object (a stick, a chair, etc.)
…

Whatever the situation, our goals are always the same:

Cause the maximum disadvantage to the opponent (with the minimum effort / risk / damage)
Reach, at the end of an effective action, a balanced position (in favor of the continuation / end of the struggle)
Express the full potential of our body (without wasting, dissipating the resources available)
Hide as much as possible our intentions and possibilities to the opponents (directions, targets, loadings, weight distribution, strategies, etc.)
…

A note by Master Kongling – When we reach a high level of Dynamic Equilibrium all the physics rules are at our service, our mind knows what to do and when without the need to think. Instantaneously we can transform a falling in a tactical occasion to pull our adversary, the inertia of a push in a loading for a rounded kick (etc.)… the possibilities are endless if our mind is free to coil each occasion offered by the elements’ interactions of the fighting scenario.

How to develop a good Dynamic Equilibrium

Whether we are motionless or moving with the opponent we must always master the spatial relationships that connect all the elements of the environment (read The most important skill in combat); to be able to gain this result we must learn to:

Overcome the limits of the standard balance – We have to go beyond the limits that, in terms of balance, our body impose us instinctively (beyond our natural preservation of stability)
Dynamically distribute our weight in the space – We must become able to rebalance voluntarily and continuously our body according to the evolving and unpredictable combat needs
Instinctively manage our center of gravity – automatically replace our center of gravity with precision and speed when we lose the right support (read How to improve balance: tricks and exercises)
Do not allow to understand when our body is under or out of control – We should try to hide as much as possible our alterations of stability to the opponents (to prevent the use of them against us and to organize effective traps)
…

Final notes

A few conclusive notes:

The best way to train Dynamic Equilibrium is to practice regularly sparring and the basic technical exercises of 6DKF (read /// Subscribe (it's free!) or Login to see this content ///)
Contrary to what we may think, a perfect mastery of stability does not allow us to do only passive things (as standing or moving more easily) but it is indeed a very strong incentive to our offensive capabilities and can help to enhance the effectiveness of our fighting tools (read for example Use the body power: the muscle chain, and Dragon Motion: the swirling movements).
Dynamic balance has not to be confused with static balance, to possess one of them does not absolutely signify to master the other; there are specifical exercises for each of them
In terms of pure combat, dynamic balance is indeed 10 times more important than static balance but both are fundamental for a good martial artist

In future articles, we will see specific exercises to start to condition our body and understand the dynamic balance (read 3 exercises to develop the dynamic equilibrium).

In-depth video courses

Static and dynamic balance: how to – A guided path to develop the skill that distinguishes the combat’s beginners from the experts
Combat mobility: how to – A video course about how to move during a fight (footwork, space management, etc.)

In-depth articles

How to avoid contacts that lead to ground fighting – How to reduce the risk to be forced to fight on the ground
Dodges, balance, spatial intelligence and attack: one exercise – A multifunctional practice useful to grow our static balance

Questions

Reply in the comments and share your experience:

What is the difference between static and dynamic balance?

Author: Master Kongling

Founder of 6 Dragons Kung Fu.

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