First, when I write universal principles I refer to the fundamental principles of martial systems as per the book "The Book of Martial Power" written by Steven J. Pearlman.
Second, this series will be on simple ways to start incorporating said UP's into your practice.
Third, here we go .....
I would recommend you begin back at the beginning. Start off with your stances, i.e. the stance or kamae with transitions, etc. Since a lot of the physiokinetic aspects of UP's revolve around rooting and sequential locking and unlocking, etc., this seems logical.
Lets take a simple movement or transitional movement used in Isshinryu, i.e. the crescent step. Mikaduki or crescent moon step is used in the Isshinryu system but seldom do they explain the step as it pertains to the UP's.
In the UP's we encounter the principle "Angling." Angling must be subtle and appropriate with the three angles being 22.5, 45 and 90 degrees. The most advantageous and the fastest in many situations is the 22.5 degree angle. This angle stands as the eminent position for entering into techniques. It changes our position just enough to avoid an attack while allowing us access to our adversary. For a greater description read the book, chapter 50.
In the crescent moon step, the movement shifts the body to the right or left dependent on the leg being moved. This causes a shift of the upper body in the same direction and that movement, at the minimum moves is into or very close to the 22.5 degree position. When the leg moves forward that moves the entire body forward creating a shift of body weight forward, i.e. achieving power. Then the leg moves forward and shifts down and out to complete the crescent moon step creating a drop step motion also contributing to the power of the body mass moving forward. It also shifts the body down and into the center line area of an adversary. If you shift your direction slightly at the apex of the crescent moon step you maintain your center toward their now off center centerline, i.e. area's of efficient effect if attacked, etc.
It takes the opponents center line off and away from yours while you maintain your advantage and then you can achieve maximum damage to stop the fight. This simple stepping motion helps achieve the angling to an advantageous position while moving the adversary out of its position to one of disadvantage.
"Angling, not only concerns how we orient ourselves toward our adversary but also how we orient the adversary toward us." Steven J. Pearlmen on Angling. When performing the crescent moon step in kata you can then determine how this movement creates an angle that is advantageous while allowing you to be protected from the adversaries angle as adjusted to your position.
This simplistic explanation will give you idea's on how you might incorporate the UP's into your practice starting with stances. It must be remembered that although it helps to differentiate between each principle, in the end it is a matter of holistic application of all principles to achieve maximum application and efficiency that equates to speed and power, etc. Isn't that the ultimate goal of martial arts for self-defense?
Bibliography:
Pearlman, Steven J. "The Book of Martial Power." Overlook Press. N.Y. 2006.
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