"The Eyes in TJPM" from Sifu Robert Hui
[Interesting thoughts from a TJPM practitioner]
The eyes are the second faculty of action in TJPM. They must have clearity (Ching) otherwise the intension will be chaotic according to Sigung's manual. Although in the manual there isn't elaborate description on what method of the eyes is exactly about, we do at least know there are 3 requirements - quickness, targeting, and clearity. We should understand that they are rather closely related to each other. They are also the three stages of actions.
Quickness of the eyes includes identifying and responding to the disposition of opponent and the reality of the threat. It is about timing - the speed of preception. In the beginning of a conflict, the eyes are like the scouts. They provide all kinds of intelligence for the success of computing a most efficient and effect course. The eyes must be sharp in spotting the body mechanics (style or no style of the opponent). A good martial artist should be able to tell the strengthes and weaknesses even discipline(s) of an opponent. This would happen in a fraction of a second (ie Nano seconds). A target would also be chosen already according to the intelligence collect by the eyes.
Targeting means that the eyes direct the strikes to the chosen target. It should be like the laser beam that guides the rockets. Many novices in sparring take their eyes away from the target piror to the impact moment. This causes the lost of power. The eyes must train on target at all times. We must also understand the myth about keeping eye contact with your opponent. In styles that relie on hands mostly (i.e most southern styles and Boxing), to keep eye contact is not a bad idea. Beause his eyes would have to follow the hands in order to deliever the intent into the strikes (ie Boxing jabs). Where his eyes goes his hands follows. But a kicking style or a grappling style doesn't need to do that. They could generally stare at your direction and use your body parts as beacons (ie the ear). They might even use a combination of eye movements as fients. Misreading the signal is dangerous. So this must be studied carfully.
Clarity (ching)is perhaps the most difficult to describe not to mention the most difficult to achieve. Sparkly eyes may be a close image to it. I remember someone in HK used to comment that when Sigung performs his eyes lited up. It is like making fire with a magnifying glass. The intent is delievered, in fact, expressed through the eyes with deep and sincere focus. A magnifying glass that is moving around (dancing eyes)is not going to make a fire (intent/strike with power). This is not to say, we have to glare at the target (that is not lively). Clarity of eyes is quick in spotting target, lively training on target, and steadfast yet alive focus in the overall picture. It is organic not mechanical.
I shared this comment on the KFO concerning the eye faculty:As far as Chi Kung (Qigong) in Mantis go, 18 Lohan Gong, which I consider as soft and the Pai Da Gong, which I consider as hard are both done with the eyes open in my experience. Please bear in mind that hard and soft are relative. Especially in 18 Lohan the eyes would follow the moves due to the fact that it has practical applictions. The regards or gaze is indicative of the intent of the move when it is applied.
In other words, eye faculty is engaged in martial Qigong in Mantis. This is rather unlike other health Qigong requirement.
Robert
__________________
| 
