by Folschild » Sat May 07, 2005 3:50 pm
Yes, your shoulders should move back when you open your chest and forward when you close your chest. The focus of this type of power is expanding your chest as a "bow," which I'm sure you've heard in your training before.
When you say you're not looking for power, do you mean you just want the technique correct first? Ultimately, bows are all about generating power, so I'll assume yes. The first response I gave you details an adequate drill for developing the correct form. Like anything else, your body will add that motion to its "muscle memory" and it will start to come naturally. After that, start speeding it up and adding power.
Panther walk will develop explosive power in your shoulders, chest and tricepts - as well as speed in your punching. It's actually a good compliment to white crane jin training - it will strengthen your muscles so you can use the bow effectively and safely when trying to generate power. As long as you continue to practice the motions of white crane - the bows, etc. - you will not stiffen up from panther walk.
I hope this helps.