I study both the "traditional" Yang Style and the Kuang Ping Style. If I leaned forward as we are taught to in forms such as Push or Brush Knee etc. I would probably find myself on the ground (gently) or be subject to a light tap on the back of my head by my Kuang Ping teacher for breaking the principles.
I hear Wu and Yang stylist say that this forward lean in forms where the energy is mainly going forward is more effective. I also hear that the lean comes only after the technique is completed. Even if the knee does not pass the foot one is very susceptable to a pull or a push from behind even (though less so)if the the lower spine is upright. I have had this very effectivly proven to me.
In the Kuang Ping Style as in the Chen style the spine is held in the upright neutral posetion and it should not vary from this posetion. I understand (and I may be wrong) that Yang Chen Fu taught this early in the evolution and that that is the way Fu Zhong Wen taught. Can someone explain why we have the lean? It is a question to which i have never found a satifactory answer.
I do not think that Yang Chen Fu ever made a change in the Family set without a good reason. Now i also understand that there is a debate as to whether pictures of YCF actually show a lean, that his shear size only make it appear that he has the forward lean in the upper torso.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Also, if anyone can let me know where i can get copy of a video of Fu Zhonwen doing the set i would be greatly in your debt.