Your body isn't designed to be morphed into a fixed position, therefore stances will always feel uncomfortable at the beginning. When I was first taught the Bai Jong my balance was all over the place, only through time and movement did I relax into it and adapt it for me.
In terms of drills to help you feel comfortable, stick to the basics and use a mirror. Step and slide forward, back, right and left. Slide and step, push shuffle, pendulum step, circle clockwise and anti-clockwise. It just takes time, but always keep a mental note of what feels more natural and what doesn't, thats your body's way of telling you what fits you. In terms of brain food try to watch some fencing, the linear movement of the Bai Jong is based on this art. Also watch Boxers with good footwork, the circular and dynamic footwork of the Bai Jong is based on Boxing.
Overall, don't become too wrapped up in stances and positions, once you start to move as a fighter they become largely redundant. As opposed to focussing on the specifics of foot angles and heel raises, concentrate more on your mobility, balance and ability to move efficiently. If that means you have to adapt the stance to fit you then great, thats JKD. Don't allow anyone, including your instructor, to force you into a specific "way" of doing a Bai Jong position, thats not JKD.
|