Centerline

Very few disciplines utilize the principle of centerline. Ballet, skating, and a few types of Kung Fu use this principle. Centerline means that the spine remains straight and the body erect. This especially includes the head, as it is important for balance. All motions are around the body's center of gravity.

The body's centerline remains constant as the body shifts, rotates or drops. Centerline takes the pressure off of the back and keeps the body balanced. This forces the body to move as a unit rather than the different parts moving independently of one another.

All momentum of body mass is focused. In Kung Fu centerline is for balance. In exercise it keeps the practitioner from stressing the back.