Boxing throw movement for smooth bowing

I recently discover the common practice in bowing and the boxing throw. So, I wanted to share it with you today.

Not so interested in boxing? Well, I'm not so much, either and am not going to suggest you to practice boxing..! But I found that very fascinating to see how similar the movements are.
So, keep on reading!


First of all, both the bowing in violin playing and the boxing throw have same goals:
To have fully controlled, powerful and most natural arm movement.


Watch this video and notice how he rotates his right arm.


Yes, the rotation of the right arm. This is the key point!

This method can be applied well in the upper strokes (from the mid to the tip of the bow).



Experiment:
Bend your right arm and extend it in front of your body with or without rotating the arm.

Did you notice the difference?
Rotating the arm makes your arm move much more smoothly and effortlessly, doesn't it? Because your arms are designed to move that way naturally.

Also experiment:
Make a fist and as you squeeze the fist, slowly extend your arm.
Make a fist and loosen up the fist, then slowly extend your arm.

Did you notice that when your fist is tight, you can't really extend your arm smootly?
This can be apply to keep your right hand relaxed when you hold the bow.


Here are common tips for boxing:

• Rotate Your Arm: Another method to increase the power of your jab is to rotate your arm mid-way through throwing it. You should start with your palm facing inwards towards your face and once the jab is thrown, rotate your arm so that your elbow is pointing outside and your fist rotates also, so your palm ends up facing downwards.
• Keep fist relaxed throughout this movement, until just before the point of contact when it is fully clenched.
• Your knees should be bent every time you throw a punch [...] If you stand straight up, you’re more liable to get caught with a punch and you’ll also produce less power.

(Quoted from http://www.mightyfighter.com and http://boxingbeginners.com/how_to_box_punches.php)

That applies to string players as:

• Rotate your right arm for smooth bowing.
• Keep your right hand relaxed
•  Keep your knees bent slightly at all times. 

*As you rotate, you might touch the lower string. Try avoiding it by bending your body slightly backwards. The violin will tilt toward the left slightly.


Hope this method helps you for smooth bowing.

How to enjoy practicing violin when it seems impossible.

 Have you ever been discouraged from practicing violin, thinking that, "Oh jeez..., I have a long way to go. Am I ever gonna be able to play this song?" or even, "I'm just not good at this. I'm not meant to be playing the violin." and etc...? and end up being reluctant to even pick up the violin to start practicing?

Well, don't worry! You're not alone. Especially in this highly competitive, fast paced society, it's very easy to get into this self-defeating mindset. These overwhelming feelings are poison that can kill your motivation and enjoyment. But what's the antidote?

Here's what I would suggest:

1.) Set achievable goals.  

Nobody would be able to play like Heifetz tomorrow,
but you might be able to memorize the song that you're working on by the weekend.

2.) Be patient. Progress is slow and steady.
As slow as a turtle - a happy turtle.

3.) Don't push yourself TOO hard.  

Be kind to yourself.

4. ) Make a little step each time. 

 As little step as possible.

5.) Never compare yourself to your icon or higher level players and judge yourself based on it.

Always focus on YOUR OWN development. 

6.) Be creative, experiment as much as you can. 

There's no single way to play violin.

7.) Make lots of mistakes, noises.

Beware of what you learn from them.

8.)  Rest when you're tired.

You wouldn't progress much  anyway when you're exhausted.

 And here's a good quote:

Enjoyment appears at the boundary between boredom and anxiety, when the challenges are just balanced with the person's capacity to act.

-Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Happy Easter,

Happy practicing!