Murphy Martial Arts

Training both left and right sides is something that tends to be over looked by many. It is something I consider to be of great importance.

Many systems practice techniques on both sides, but when it comes to practicing their forms they only practice the form the way they were initially taught it. Most forms in most systems, tend to do somethings right handed, and others left handed, though they will do some things on both sides. If for example you practice any of the Hsing-I five elements moving up and down the floor, you practice them equally on each side. However if you do the 5 element and Linking Chain form, things are done one sided throughout the form.

In order to train both sides equally, you need to practice the forms in a mirror fashion just as many times as you do the original form. What I mean by this is that if your first move in the form is to the right, you should do the form again in mirror, with the first move, moving to the left, and/or vice verse.

Of course this may not be needed or practical for all systems or forms, you’ll have to decide for yourself.

One reason for training this way is that you’re equally developing technique on each side to better defend yourself with.

Another thought is that perhaps it will help us better learn and fully understand our material, and strengthen our brains? After all there is the theory that the Left and Right Brain function differently.

The theory of the structure and functions of the mind suggests that the two different sides of the brain control two different “modes” of thinking. It also suggests that each of us prefers one mode over the other. Below are a few examples of what is generally associated with one side or the other:

Left Brain———Right Brain

Logical————Random
Rational———–Intuitive
Objective———Subjective
Looks at parts—–Looks at wholes