Basics are drills that their goal is to prepare the body, to refine the moves, to work on motorics, flexibility, agility, speed, strength, endurance, stamina, to overcome basic fears (such as fear of falling). These drills contain the motional basis for martial arts.
The basics also contain the basic technics of punches, kicks etc.
Boxers have four basic technics, kung-fu has a little more, as you will see at this chapter and this is only one reason for the long time it takes to become "good" at kung-fu.
This chapter contains detailing of how to perform the basic drills and sometime I will detail some applications and possibilities. The book is not a substitute to a real teacher and not everything can be understood just by reading, the book was written to remind, to give ideas and to cause questions. Go to your teachers and guides, ask, research and learn.
I did not translate everything from Hebrew, only the things that are most basic or most important or relevant for basic practice or basic combat concept. This is because this chapter is mainly for direct students who need help remembering, and not general combat concepts.
8.1 Basic Kung-Fu Stances
The basic stances are posture drills. The combat stances are different from the drill (classical) stances. This is due to the fact that drill stances are for training, low and hard with less maneuverability options. The stances drills give stability, correct body posture and motoric understanding. By studying the stances, the transitions and the motion form stance to stance, we will learn to produce force. The force is produced by transitions, by changings, since in a stance we are in a posture, in a static position that is in fact the end or the start of the mechanical energy release or accumulating process. When the stances are incorrect, so are the transitions and the force producing, the intention is weak and the result is a self-delusion about the quality of our combat skills and a failure in case of a real combat.
8.1.1 Mabu – Horse
Horse stance, the body's position is as if we are riding a horse. Feet parallel, shins almost perpendicular to the ground, knees are almost at 90 degrees, obtuse angle between the hips, the buttocks is pulled in- the pelvis is pulled in, straight back, straight and loose shoulders, the tail is below the upper spinal curve.
This stance is strong to the up-down direction, strong to the sides and weak to the forward and backward directions (direction in respect of the pelvis).
The dynamic variation of mabu can be found with wave surfers and skateboarders, there the stance is higher, more suspension-like and with some offset from the center, in order to maintain high stability.
This stance comes to use in every time a force is generated with the legs in a vertical direction. Another way of generating force with this stance is by entering into it via turning of the pelvis from a frontal position such as Gongbu to the side position of the mabu (in respect of the opponents).
8.1.2 Gongbu – Archer
An archer stance, front leg rear leg, shoulder width between the heels, rear foot is turning inside almost forwards, front foot is closed about 30 degrees in respective to the forward (the opponent). Rear leg is stretched but the knee is not locked, front knee is about 90 degrees, the shin is perpendicular to the ground. The pelvis is closed (turning forwards), the back is straight up (some teach that the back leans forwards, deepens on the purpose of the drill, both are correct), shoulders straight and loose, buttocks is pulled in – the pelvis is pulled in.
This stance is the basis for the 50-50 regular combat stance (half the weight on each leg).
This stance can be done sidewise, with the pelvis open at 45 degrees.
This stance is strong forwards and backwards and weak to the sides in respect of the pelvis.
The force is generated by closing the pelvis and the rear leg in the same time, the turn of the rear leg inside is critical, otherwise no force is generated, since it comes from pushing of the ground.
This is a basic stance that allows a fast movement forwards.
Side Gongbu, is a Gongbu stance in which the strike is not to the direction if the front leg, but between the legs. In this stance the pelvis can be opened or closed, deepens on the strike.
8.1.3 Hoibu (southern stance)
Front leg rear leg, 90% of the weight is on the rear leg, the rear leg is bent low, knee in 45 degrees out from the forward direction, straight back leans forwards, the front leg is touching the ground with its finger cushions, the heel is up high, front knee is bent in obtuse angle. The pelvis can be opened up to 45 degrees or closed forwards.
The stance is low for strengthening of the legs.
In the combat form, most of the weight is on the rear leg, but we hide it, thus for example we can prepare a front kick.
8.1.4 lau-ma – Twisted Horse
Stand in mabu, turn the pelvis in 135 degrees, and do not change the level of the pelvis. The rear foot supposed to be perpendicular to the front foot and stand on the cushions heel in the air, front foot is on the ground, the knees are screwed one into the other.
The entire body is like a giant spring, cocked vertically and within a twist. The stance is very stable in most directions. This is a transition stance that is used for force generation by using its twist, however, this stance is also enabling us to switch sides with range shortening, advancing forwards and backwards with long weapons such as spear and a vast verity of applications, kicks and stepping (the movement in combat). This is one of the most versatile stances and requires a lot of practice in order to truly study it.
Front lau-ma, begin with any stance with front and rear legs. The rear leg is going up high with the knee, moving in front of the front leg and the torso, in the lowering of the leg we are aiming into the opponent's knee (stepping on the ankle and the knee), the foot is lowered perpendicular to the torso into lau-ma. At the end the head and torso are at the original direction.
Back lau-ma, begin with any stance with front and rear legs. The rear leg is moving behind the torso and the front leg heading with the heel towards the opponent, entering into lau-ma. In the end the torso is directed backwards, toward the opponent.
8.1.5 Dengbu (northern stance)
This stance is similar to hoibu, however this time all the weight is on the rear leg and the front leg is only touching the ground with the cushions, thus it is possible to make a rapid snapping kick. This stance gives away the position of our weight and usually caused by fast movement backwards, usually on purpose. This stance is not to be stay in nor for opening the battle with it.
8.1.6 Diuma
Standing on one leg, the other foot is near the knee. The knee is band towards the advancing direction.
This stance is caused by moving the leg in order to avoid it being kicked or swept. It uses to remove the leg in order to use the pendulum principle and engaging inside, etc.
This is a transition stance that makes us vulnerable to takedowns and instability.
8.1.7 Popbu
Stand in a side gongbu, now turn the pelvis inside (opening of the pelvis) towards the rear leg, the front leg will fold and get low until the buttocks will be near the heel and both feet are on the ground.
This is a practice stance, in combat it will be getting below the opponent for throws and takedowns.
8.1.8 Eight Stances Drill
This is a basic drill for learning the stances and uses as an example for how to combine the stances.
Start in mabu.
1) Turning of the leg outside and closing the pelvis, this means transition from mabu to gongbu.
2) Pull the front leg backwards, the foot is turned 45 degrees outside, in respect to the forward direction and the rear leg is moving to become the forward leg, into a hoibu stance.
3) The front leg is pulled up into diuma stance.
4) Putting the folded leg down to the ground, the leg that was on the ground is moving forward into dengbu.
5) Turning into lau-ma the leg that was the front one, is left the front one.
6) Entering into Popbu the following: the rear leg becomes the front one, getting low and buttocks near the heel.
7) Entering lau-ma. At this stage, the leg that was rear in Popbu is going behind the leg that was the front one, thus you get a broad crossing of the legs.
8) A broad lau-ma with changing of advancing direction.
9) Turn from the lau-ma into mabu.
8.1.9 "Natural Stance" – Shizen Tai
This name is taken from Japanese, borrowed from the Bujin-kan.
A little less than shoulder width between the feet, feet are parallel with slightly allowed turning in, knees slightly bent and hands on the body sides, ready, straight back, loose shoulders.
This is an unofficial classic kung-fu stance (it is official in wing-chun), however very useful, this is the most probable stance to be at on the street and it can conceal the intention, in case you do not want to show your skill and readiness.
8.1.10 San-ti
This stance is a 60-40 stance, 60% of the weight are on the rear leg and 40% are on the front leg.
Heels inline, rear foot is turned out 45 degrees, front foot is faced forwards, both the knees are bent, thus we can jump ahead, the pelvis is turned inside and facing the advancing direction.
The rear leg is like a cocked spring and uses for rapid movement forward. This is a very useful stance in combat, it uses for fast range shortening, combined with punches or blocks such as Su block it can be used for entering inside the opponent's inner circle. Movement backwards can get us into san-ti and cock the rear leg spring. These are only several examples of course…
8.1.11 Combat Stance
A basic stance in combat, front leg rear leg, the weight distribution is 50 – 50, the pelvis is out in 45 degrees, the weight is mostly on the finger tips but the heels are not in air, hands up ready, not too close and not too far, the fingers are not open (in order for them not to get caught), however the fists are not closed too tight, thus it is possible to use open hand technics pretty quickly.
This stance is classical for direct forward combat. Mostly rear hand punch will be done while the rear leg is turned inside and up on the cushions, the force comes from the turning of the pelvis, however it is possible to make this twist internal and leave the rear foot on the ground.
There is the possibility of standing with the pelvis faced forward and a possibility of standing with more opened pelvis, almost on the side with feet perpendicular (Ninjutsu stance), those stances are also correct, deepened on the style and the person.
The rear hand can be place on the opposite side of the head, thus protecting it from that direction.
Another way for combat stance is a symmetric stance such as wing-chun stance. At this stance the attack is symmetrical in force and speed, the protection ability is symmetric and the side is chosen by according to the attack of the opponent. This stance has advantages and disadvantages, as the more asymmetric stance does.
San-Ti is a combat stance while at the high variation (not the classical practice stance), the hands are obscuring the face while in a continuous motion, the rear hand is at the front hand elbow distance.
8.2 Kicks
Kicks are strikes with the legs. Naturally, whenever one leg kicks, the other leg is on the ground (except for the rear cases of an airborne kick, rear, dangerous and mostly unnecessary). In order for not getting out of balance, one should push the ground. This push is helping transferring force to the strike, according to Newton's third law of motion.
This can be seen best in a side kick, in order to remain in balance and keep the force and focus of the kick one should stretch the body and the kicking leg and push the ground simultaneously, thus creating vector equilibrium:
Figure 2: force equilibrium during a side kick.
After the kick, unless we want to shift our weight forwards and advance forwards, we must pull the kicking leg back and only then it can be put down to the ground.
8.2.1 Front kick
Basics for front kick: pull the knee up and close to the chest, the leg is stretched forwards while the other leg is pushing the ground, pull the leg back and put it down.
Front snapping kick, a rapid front kick. At the end of the kick, the leg is stretched in point and the strike delivered with the cushions of the foot. This kick is thrust into the opponent or kicks from down up with the back of the foot and the shin (if it is aimed to the groin). This kick is used for stopping the opponent by aiming it low to the shin, ankle and the knee.
Front pushing kick with the finger cushions, this kick is performed with the cushion of the foot, the body is leaning back, thus we gain more range and the opponent can be pushed with all the weight behind the leg. With this kick one have the option of getting down forwards (if the leg is not being pulled back) or getting down backwards (if the leg is being pulled back) after the kick.
Front pushing\stopping kick with the heel, this kick can be snapping with no weight being it or pushing with weight behind it. In this kick the leg is in flex and the heel is thrusted into the opponent. This kick is used for close range pushing and blocking or stopping the opponent.
8.2.2 Round Kick (and the Front Compass Principle)
A round kick takes advantage of a round motion in order to bring the hitting area to a high linear velocity, thus enhancing the impact (linear momentum turns into impact).
The round motion allows approach the opponent from any direction, including from the direct forward.
Regular round kick, one leg is front leg other is back leg. The back leg is pulled up to the armpit, front foot is tuned out 90 degrees, simultaneously the pelvis is opened and the leg that in the air is turned 90 degrees until it is parallel to the ground, the pelvis turned, the foot on the ground adds more 45 degrees, the leg in the air is stretched during a round motion until it hits with the shin or the back of the foot.
Snapping round kick, in this short and rapid version, the leg does not come out from under the armpit, but pulled up as a front kick and the round motion is due to stretching the knee parallel to the ground. The kick is more rapid and weaker than the regular round kick.
Full round (Front roundhouse) kick, this kick starts as a regular round kick, but all the weight is concentrated on the foot, the kick is coming from up down and completes 360 degrees turn.
The kick does not stop and can be aimed from the foot level (for takes down) to the head level. This kick is also the basic of the low kick. This kick can be used for breaking knees and takedowns by folding the opponent's leg.
Short round kick to the chest, in this variation the leg is pulled up as in a front kick for snapping round kick, but the pelvis turned and we hit the chest of the opponent and his collarbones from up down with the shin and back of the foot.
High round kick, a round kick that is aimed for the head.
Low round kick (compass), a round kick to the leg, can be regular, full or snapping, its goal is to hit the leg, fold it, to break it and to be a diversion. Another important goal is shortening the range and entering with a compass formation, leg into leg.
With the compass drill, our back leg is moving forward in a half-circle and we try to trap the opponent's leg, mostly from its behind where there is no symmetry and we have the advantage, however it is possible to enter inside and then the contact is semi-symmetric on the inside.
8.2.3 Side Kick
Snapping side kick, this kick can be performed with both front and back legs. The knee is pulled up directed to the target (forwards, sidewise or with angle) the foot is near the standing leg's knee turned inside, the knee is stretched, the foot hits the target with its blade, the fingers can be pulled up, the hitting foot is parallel to the ground and the standing foot is parallel to the hitting foot.
This kick is used for stopping, blocking kick leg on leg and for rapid strikes for the waist and below, for breaking knees and takedowns via the knee.
Pushing side kick, back leg is pulled up to the chest, same time the body is tuned to the kicking direction with its side, the ground foot is turned 90 degrees, the torso is tilted in 45 degrees and same time the ground foot adds more 90 degrees (now the heel of the ground foot is closer to the opponent) and the kicking leg is stretched from the chest to the target, the kicking foot is in flex and the strike delivered with the heel. The heel is thrust into the target. The hitting foot is parallel to the ground or even has its fingers slightly pointed to the ground, thus the leg is screwed into the target and not just thrust into.
This kick is used for medium and short range, its goal is to push and deep impact. From long range this kick is slow and can be easily neutralized.
Back side kick, this kick is similar to the pushing side kick. This kick starts with a turning that puts us into lau-ma stance, the spring is cocked and released with the kick. This can also be done with a variation by stepping in lau-ma (8.2.4).
Side kick with the foot turned outside, this kick is kicked as a snapping side kick, however the kicking foot points outside and not inside. The usage is the same, but many times this is more efficient, strong and safe then the regular snapping side kick for breaking, stopping and stepping down. This kick is also an alternative for snapping forward kick.
8.2.4 Donkey Kick
This is a kick than come from down up, the direction of the kick is backwards. This kick is hard to be seen and neutralized in time, ideally it hits the chin, however, every target is a good target (knees, torso, groin, etc.) the hit is with the heel.
8.2.5 Back 360 Roundhouse Kick and Back Compass Principle
Full 360 kick, front leg rear leg, the front keg turns inside as in a trapping leg (8.17) and used as an axis leg, the body turns around the waist backwards and cocks a spring, eyes at the target, the rear leg is going up in a round motion, the foot is parallel to the ground, the hit is with the heel, in case of long range slap, the hit is with point. The peak of the swing is at the hitting point, torso leans 45 degrees backwards for stability, increasing the range and using the pelvis.
This is the "sister" kick of the full round kick (roundhouse).
Perpendicular 360 roundhouse kick, similar to the full 360 kick but the hitting foot is at flex formation and perpendicular to the ground, the torso does not lean in 45 degrees and the range is shorter. This is in fact swing-lift 6.
360 roundhouse kick with a hand on the floor, similar to the full kick but in order to get more stability and higher level we get low with the torso and balance ourselves with a hand on the floor.
Low 360 roundhouse kick – back compass, similar to the front round compass but this time the turn and the entering are via the back, entering with the shin to the opponent's knee with the back side and not with the bone. This drill is for external entrance mostly, if we try to enter this way to the inner side, we will be in a total disadvantage position.
8.2.6 Hook Kick
Full hook kick, front leg rear leg, the rear leg is swing-lifted high in 45 degrees to the side of the front leg, at peak level the pelvis is being turned outside, the standing foot is turned 180 degrees and the pelvis is turned backwards, the kicking leg is turned so that the foot is parallel to the ground and turning of the entire pelvis is pushing the kick in. hitting with the heel and the shin when all the weight is at the hitting zone. This kick demands momentum.
This kick has many uses. An important issue, this kick is a medium range kick, since it is very easy to neutralize it in a long range.
This kick is aimed to the spine, the knees and waist of the opponent, it is used for shortening the range and entering similar to the rear compass.
Snapping hook kick, similar to the full kick but the returning of the leg is by folding the knee and not by returning the pelvis back. This is weaker than the full one but much faster and does not require momentum.
Low back entering hook kick, snapping kick or full one, at knee level, and it is used for shortening the range, takedown and harming the knee, similar to the rear compass.
8.2.7 45 degrees kick
Front leg rear leg. This kick can be performed with each of the legs, either way the front is the kicking leg. The knee goes up, the torso leans 45 degrees backwards and stretched, the leg is stretched and comes from the 45 degrees to the horizon (below the horizon), this means it comes in round motion from down up, it hits with the back of the foot and the shin.
Main uses for this kick are as a kick to the kidneys (classical and pedagogical use, unpractical in combat), mostly this kick targets the opponent's legs, from down up, it uses to neutralize kicks and as an inner low kick that can be used for sweeping the opponent's legs.
8.2.8 Low Kick
The low kick has several branches, the sportive kick branch, the take down kick branch and the breaking kick branch.
A sportive kick is supposed to cause peg leg, a temporary paralyzing of the hip's muscles. In order to cause it with one hit it requires great skill, mostly it requires several good hits for that. In Moi Thai there are people that can use a sportive kick for breaking bones, this is a sportive kick since it is allowed in competitions, legitimate and has no inherent intention to cause severe damage and usually this is an accident.
Takedown kick is a kick that supposed to takedown the opponent, this can be achieved by sweeping the leg, by folding the knee and any other mean that takes off the opponent's stabilizing leg.
Breaking kick is a kick that supposed to cause an immediate severe damage to the enemy, for example breaking one's knee, ripping muscles and tendons. This is not a friendly kick and unlike the sportive-bone-breaking-kick, this time we do intend to cause maximum severity damage.
Regular low kick, the knee goes up in 45 degrees between the body and the knee and between the ground and the knee. We turn on the standing leg and stretch the kicking knee towards the target. The hitting is with the shin from up down, simultaneously with the hitting, we are stretching the shin farther, thus causing farther damage to the muscle tissue.
This kick is rarely used as it is, only in sports it is a classic one. The combat usage is for targeting the knee for breaking and folding and entering with range shortening behind the opponent's leg with sweep or takedown.
Full low kick, similar to the regular, but all the momentum and the weight are in the kicking leg, this kick does not stop with the hit but continues a 360 degrees turn.
This can be used as a breaking kick, mostly by targeting the knee.
Low kick from below, this is a low kick only because of its low level, in fact it is a 45 degrees kick to the inner side of the leg to the rear part of the hip and the shin.
This kick is kicked to the inner side of the kicker its "sister" is the Chinese kick that is kicked to the outer side of the kicker.
8.2.9 Chinese Kick
This kick is called Chinese kick by the Bujin-kan practitioners, so I borrowed it.
This is a 45 degrees kick that is kicked to the outer side of the kicker.
This kick has many uses, such as a kick to the chest when we are on the outer side of the opponent and targeting the opponent's rear side of the legs.
Beside the 45 degrees formation, this kick can be kicked to the side by opening the pelvis and the leg comes up in a plane that is tilted in 45 degrees to the ground.
8.2.10 Tornado Kick
Front leg rear leg, the torso is turned towards the rear leg by 180 degrees via the pelvis, in the peak of the turn when the spring is cocked at maximum, the rear leg is pulled up and when it comes to a total of 270 degrees turn, the former front leg is sprung up and becomes the kicking leg, the torso should be tilted at 45 degrees in air and the kick itself looks like a round kick to the 360 degrees direction.
This is not so practical kick for combat, it is slow and airborne, and these make it very dangerous for the kicker. If it hits it is a very powerful kick, but also very easy for neutralizing.
8.2.11 Butterfly Kick
Gongbu, front leg rear leg, this kick is being kicked forwards. The head and the torso are brought down to the rear leg, simultaneously by the pendulum principle, the leg that was front comes up and hits with the heel, the standing leg jumps and kicks sort of 360 kick with the heel. During the kick the legs are stretched and the back is slightly stretched backwards. This is not as a kick but more like a swing-lift.
This kick is not really applicative for combat, but for training the body, the mind and looseness.
Virtuosic variations of this kick can be performed during combat in medium range with great endangering of the kicker.
8.3 Principle of the Eight
Principle of the eight\infinity, symbol of infinity or eight 8 is the principle of continuous motion, a movement that does not stop.
Stand in shizen tai (8.1.9) and lift your hand freely, so that the weight is at the end of the hand (the palm), now swing it in a way that forms the symbol of infinity in the air. Try to add the second hand and see when the changing of hands fits.
This is a basic movement that can be used to operate many tools, such as punches, open palms, grips, pulls, force development, etc. it is possible to do the eight figure in "Gongbu on the side" and in a more combat stance, in which the rear leg moves closer to the front leg, of course there is directions change via the pelvis, in the non-shizen tai cases. Pay attention that all the strikes that are 45 degrees from up down or down up are variations of the eight.
8.4 Punches
Punches are strikes with closed fists, mostly the fists hit with the first two knuckles, however sometimes the hit can be done with the two last knuckles. In any kind of strike, the fist is completely closed at the impact moment and released right after the impact.
I will detail the classic way to deliver the punches and not the combat way this is due to the vast complicity and the endless options of the combat variation.
It does not matter what you do, the elbows are never locked, straight arm yes, but the elbows are never locked!!!
In a forward delivered punch one must keep the forearm and the fist inline as a one unit, in order to not hurt the elbow, thus all the unit acts a spearhead going through the target, this is also true for hooks, uppercuts, regular punches and any other strike in which the fists impacts the surface in perpendicular (normal) direction.
8.4.1 Regular Horizontal Punch
Close the fingers first, then close the thumb, fold it on the fingers on the second segment of the first two fingers.
In the classic way, the hand is fisted near the waist, we slide the hand close to the torso and when the elbow passes, we begin to turn the forearm 180 degrees. The impact is with the first two knuckles and delivered simultaneously with the end of the forearm turning. The target is a point in front of the practitioner's chest. Simultaneously the second hand does its way in the opposite direction towards the waist.
Loose and straight shoulders and straight back are must during all the drill. In order to practice it correctly, one should stand in any classic stance, such as mabu, thus the pelvis does not shake and there is full control of the punch.
8.4.2 Regular Perpendicular Punch
Identical to the regular horizontal punch, but the turn of the forearm is only 90 degrees. This punch is also delivered with the first two knuckles.
8.4.3 Long Southern Punch
Gongbu on the side, vertical punch at shoulder level, the elbow is slightly bent, the shoulder is inside, about 45 – 60 degrees between the arm and the direction of the pelvis, the other hand is at the waist, loose shoulders.
The transition to the other side is done this way: the fist is going down, and then it is going up with a circle with the side of the forearm as a leading part, thus the open side of the fist is passing before the eyes and the forearm is perpendicular to the ground. At this stage we are in mabu. Simultaneously the pelvis is turning to the other side and the other fist is coming up from the waist, close to the ribs. The pelvis does not change its level during the transition.
8.4.4 Long Northern Punch
Gongbu on the side, straight horizontal punch, slightly above the shoulder level, stretched elbow, the shoulder is completely outside, the arm is inside the body plain, the other hand is by the waist.
This punch acts as a weight on the end of a chain, the strike is loosened all the way and only at the impact there is a momentary hardening and a rapid loosening right after.
The transition to the other side is done this way: the fist is going down, then it is going up with a circle, the back side of the forearm and the closed side of the fist are passing slightly above the eye level, parallel to the ground. At this stage we are in mabu and the second fist is going on its way as a weight.
8.4.5 Water Punches
As far asI understand, the name derives from the guiding image of the punch, in which we are holding two buckets of water and we do not want the water to spill during the movement. The buckets are as weights, thus the weight is concentrated at the ends of the movement and the movement itself is released and inertial.Gongbu on the side, the punch is parallel to the ground and the arm stretched almost perpendicular to the plane of the body, the torso is tuned together with the pelvis. The punch strikes from bottom to top at chin level. The second arm is stretched back and balances the front.Transition to the other side is done by blocking with the side of the forearm leading the movement, as in southern long fist, and the punch goes from bottom up, the arm straight while maintaining the image of buckets of water. Looseness and focusing are most important.
8.4.6 Forearm Punches (Sau-Choi)
External forearm punch, this punch is delivered with the outer side of the forearm and the back of the fist. this is a large round movement to the external side (opening), elbow in obtuse angle. Mostly the strike will come from up to down in 45 degrees, or from down up in 45 degrees. Another way is using the forearm's blade (the Ulna) of the hammer side of the fist.
Internal forearm punch, this is the opposite movement of the external forearm punch. The strike hits from the outside to the inside (closing), the hit is with the side of the fist (the opposite side of the hammer punch) and with the side of the forearm that the thumb is its continue (the bone side). Mostly this strike will comes from up to down in 45 degrees.
For grabbing or a long version of the hook, it is possible to use the inner side of the forearm.
8.4.7 Leopard Punches
This punch is different from regular punch in the way of closing the fist and the hitting area. The fingers are closed, but the thumb is not folded on the finger segments, but being folded on top the fingers. The strike is delivered with the fingers knuckles that are not linked to the palm.
Gongbu on the side, hands are fisted on one side of the waist, the side of the folded leg, transition into mabu with opening of the torso with external forearm punch, at the peak level of the punch, the peak of the mabu, the second hand is going out as an internal forearm punch, but the second punch strikes with the middle finger knuckles. The transition continues to gongbu on the other side and the fists are back to starting position but on the new side.
At this punch the entire weight is in the end of the fist and the forearm, thus in a variation it is possible to hit with the forearm and not the fist.
This is most useful punch for opening and closing the opponent, diversions, blocks and attacks. It is important to put the weight in the right form into the ends.
Another variation is fast forward punch that huts with the leopard knuckles and not with the regular fist. Used for hitting weak points as the nose bridge.
8.4.8 Uppercut
Gongbu on the side, a hand fisted, the inner side of the forearm is facing us, the punch goes perpendicular to the line between the heels, the elbow is bent in a slightly obtuse angle, the hit is in the chin level. The other hand is balancing the body on the other side, fisted and stretched backwards.
The transition is as following: the punching hand goes up in a round motion, same time there is transition from gongbu to mabu, then gongbu to the other side, the hand that was the front turned to be the rear, and the hand that was the rear, continues the round motion into a circle from down to up and hits with an uppercut.
It is important to notice that there is no change in the pelvis level and that the punch is delivered with the entire body, and not just the shoulders.
Of course in the combat version the uppercut is delivered in a short range with the entire body mass behind it, aimed to the jaw or the diaphragm.
8.4.9 Hammer Punch
In hammer punch one hand grabs and pulls while the other hand is fisted and hitting with the flat side of the fist (the side near the pinky) from up down, like a hammer. The strike is loose and the entire weight is directed into the hammer head. After lot of training and correct looseness, this can be delivered with no momentum. The movement is circular by the principle of the eight.
8.4.10 Circular Punches
This punch is used as a main punch of wing-chun.
Stand in shizen-tai, one hand near the sternum and the other is stretched forward with obtuse angle at the elbow, thus there is a single line between the hands and the sternum. It is possible to fist the hands in order to hit with the first two knuckles or the last two. Another hitting option is with open palm, fingers stretched up and the hit is with the blade of the hand (do not forget to close the thumbs). Each type of strike has its uses and all types need to be practiced.
The movement is simultaneous of both hands, the front hand moves backwards and the rear hand moves forwards. There is need to concentrate on the backwards movement non-the less then on the forwards movement. The movement draws kind of a circle in the air, since the hands move in arcs and not straight line. Start slow and haste it up. This will similar to bicycling with the hands. The intention on the backwards movement makes the entire movement to be faster.
This is not a very strong punch however it is very fast and efficient, since it can bypass obstacles, since its movement is not a straight line, but circular form up to down. The retrieved hand can use for pulling and lowering opponent's defenses.
8.4.11 Short Punch
This punch's force does not necessarily originated in the legs, but can be originated within the torso.
The hand is fisted in a vertical fist, elbow near the lower rib, the hand is held and the force is almost completely comes from the torso.
It is possible and even desired to deliver this punch while the entire body moves together as a pendulum, the rear leg is shortening the range and the entire body weight is behind this punch.
Of course it is possible to train this punch with no movement in shizen-tai. One hand is fisted in short punch and the other hand is fisted near the waist, facing up, just switch between them.
In fight, this punch is usually delivered while the other hand is following, blocking or closing the opponent, divertive and deceptive, thus allows the shirt punch in low level.
8.4.12 Snake Strike
This strike is delivered with the fingertips where the fingers are stretched, into soft points, such as the throat.
Stand in shizen-tai, one hand is near the sternum and near the other hand's elbow, stretched fingers and they are stuck together, folded thumb, the other hand is stretched forwards, elbow in obtuse angle, the fingers are same as the other hand.
The switch of hands is similar to the wing-chun punch switch. The hands are stretched straight forwards but the shoulders are moved out and cause the round horizontal movement of the snake.
There is also another most important form of use with the snake, round movement of the arms and hands, opening and closing. This movement allows bypassing obstacles and wrapping just like a snake on a tree branch, then stretched for biting. The head of the snake, the hand and the fingers are like a venomous snake, which means rapid bite, precise and light weighted. The body of the snake, during the bite is rapid and whip like (the arm and forearm are weightless). On the other side, when it is when the snake is a constrictor, it falls from above, from the tree branches, it wraps with all its body, coiling around the prey with all of its body mass and weight, meaning that while grabbing the opponent and coiling around him it is needed to put weight into every part of the hands and arms, and working with the entire body and arms together.
The forward and upper hand is closing in a round movement, while the rear and lower hand is opening in a round movement (it is possible to do the opposite). This movement allows to grab an arm, secure it, switch hands, releasing from grabs and many more combat applications, but is requires to go out of the form of the punch.
8.4.13 Tiger Paw
This strike is first hitting with the palm area of the wrist and then with the fingers in a form of stabbing or thrusting.
Open the finger so they will be perpendicular to the palm plain.
This strike can hit every area of the body; its goal is thrusting the fingers inside, scratching and tearing off parts of the body such as the knee tendons, the inner elbow parts, muscles joining areas, neck tendons, collar bones, neck arteries, the wind pipe and the throat.
Another area this strike is for is the head, beside of tearing ears there are some more uses:
Going inside from below, the forearm is close to the torso (of the opponent) going by the neck up to the chin (of course hitting with the wrist on the windpipe on its way up), pushing of the chin up and thrusting of the fingers into the eyes.
The next stage can be achieved by several ways, but the entering from below is the classic one:
· Taking down backwards by pushing the chin in a round movement up and backwards.
· Thrusting the spinal cord down. Push the chin up, the head backwards and then a direct push of the chin to the ground in a straight line, thus compressing the spinal cord.
· Turning the head aside via the chin, it is possible and even recommended to use the other hand as a counter force for the movement. Take the opponents torso in 45 degrees or by turning via lau-ma makes the opponent to fall.
· Turning of the head via the chin for breaking of the neck (turning off the head…).
Those are just several opening points for using the tiger paw.
Another mode of use is the low tiger paw.
This is actually a round movement from down up while the fingers are pointing down. This is using for grabbing in the lower areas, such as the legs, for grabbing the pants, pulling the legs, grabbing weak points and etc.
8.4.14 Phoenix's Eye
This is a vertical punch where the finger is not closed in, but staying a little bit outside, thus acts as a poking device. The thumb is behind the finger as a countering force.
Thus punch is aimed to poking sensitive weak points, such as the lymph under the arms (in the armpits), several points at the rib cage and etc.
The training is in shizen tai, similar to the short punch.
A combat usage for this punch is grabbing the opponent's fingers with our finger, in order to break it.
8.4.15 Chup-Choi
Fold only the two most external finger segments and close the thumb. This punch hits with the second segment of the fingers, the hand and the forearm are inline (otherwise the wrist is in danger). The strike is aimed to the neck as a spear, with the hand perpendicular to the ground, or to other delicate areas that require infiltration ability that a regular punch does not have.
The main application of this pinch is not on the forward direction, but on the return, on the reverse direction. In this direction (reverse) it uses mainly for grabbing, skin grabbing or mainly cloth grabbing.
8.4.16 Wind Punch (Fung-Choi, read as fu-choi)
This one can be trained on in mabu with half steps, mabu from side to side, advancing with rear lau-ma, and with no stepping at all.
Closed punch, the elbow is up high at shoulder level, perpendicular to the torso and the fist is near the shoulder. The elbow is aiming the strike and then it stretches, of course it is never got locket, after the hit the fist is pulled back in the reverse movement. This punch called wind punch since it is light and fast, it is a must to concentrate on the returning speed non-the-less than on the throwing speed, otherwise the strike will not be loosen and fast. The other hand is usually at protection position and at balancing position.
This is a very useful strike for mid-short range, it can use a diversion, a deception and as the main strike.
Of course it is possible to deliver open back-hand strike as well and nit only fist strikes at this formation.
The reverse movement has not only force generation purposes, but also many combat applications.
8.4.17 Upper Forearm Punch (Gua-Choi)
This punch is delivered from up to down in a large round movement, the entire body behind this strike and the entire weight is in the fist and the forearm.
This fist is closed and its open side and inner side of the forearm are facing us.
On one hand, this strike opens us as an external forearm punch. On the other hand this strike can be used for blocking and attacking.
Usually this punch is being practiced in mabu, opening to one side or two sides simultaneously.
8.4.18 Drunken Punch
This is a very difficult punch to make correct, since it requires great skill of looseness and the correct image.
Begin in mabu, hands are crossed one on top the other on the belly, loosened body, cocked but loose as an elastic rubber band, we cock the spring and release it on transition into gongbu to the side that was of the outer hand. The hand that was the outer hand becomes the front hand and goes up in an arc with the pelvis movement and hits with the other side of the hammer punch, elbow in obtuse angle. The other hand is stretched backwards and down, parallel to the rear leg, the entire torso leans with angle forwards in kind of a gongbu on the side.
8.4.19 hook
This is not a classic description.
Hook punch delivered by a round movement of the arm while the forearm parallel to the ground, the fist can be horizontal or vertical and the forearm and the fist are moving together as one unit. The force of the punch derived from the fact that the round movement comes from the ground into the legs, via the pelvis and the waist into the torso, then it goes through the shoulders to the arm.
The range of this punch is usually short, it goes out and returns to the same place.
This can be practiced in shizen-tai or combat stances.
8.5 Swing-Lifts
Swing-lifts are drills that beside their combat applications, their main usage is for releasing and opening of the pelvis joints, releasing of the movement and developing physical abilities of dynamic flexibility of the legs, spring-likeness and light-weightiness.
Most of the swing-lifts do not have direct combat application, but projections upon kicks, this is due to the almost locked knee, thus the direct combat applicable swing-lifts are 7,6,3 and 11. Of course any swing-lift can be understood for combat applications, but the above are those who can be used as they are.
Swing-lifts are not kicks. In kicks the leg goes up in parts, in swing-lifts the entire leg goes up together straight. The movement is originated at the pelvis, goes through the hips and the shins inline. The weight is at the end of the movement.
8.5.1 Swing-Lift 1
Gongbu, hands are stretched to the sides, the fingers are pointed up, straight back, loosen shoulders. Swinging of the rear leg as high as possible forwards, foot in flex (the fingers are pulled back), the rest of the parameters are as before, the leg is brought down into dengbu or hoibu and advanced forwards into gongbu.
8.5.2 Swing-Lift 2
Similar to swing-lift 1, but the leg goes up in diagonal, to the opposite side ear, instead of direct forward.
8.5.3 Swing-Lift 3
Start in hoibu, forearms are crossed in front of the chest, the arm of the front leg is the outer one, fists are closed but the first two fingers are not, they are stretched up. The front leg is being swung backwards, in a straight line and the torso is being tilted forward while the arms are being opened. The final position is this: the leg that was the front is stretched backwards with finger pointing to the ground, arms are stretched to the sides, elbows pointing up, the arms are perpendicular to the torso in a cross formation. The standing leg is slightly bent and putting force into the ground. Eyes forward.
Another option is the scorpion, in this formation the rear leg is bent on the knee and goes backwards as the tail of a scorpion and the back is bent backwards.
This is a very useful swing-lift and is the basis of many takedowns.
Many takedowns require contact with the opponent, our hip with his leg. The takedown is performed by swinging the hip just as it is done in the swing-lift, those takedowns has the advantage of ease of performance. The hip requires less strength since it uses a short lever.
8.5.4 Swing-Lift 4
Gongbu, the opposite hand (if the right leg is the front, so the opposite hand is the left one) is fisted in a regular horizontal punch, and the other hand is fisted at the waist. Simultaneously the waist fist is hitting with a punch, the punch hand is going to the waist and the leg that was the rear is swung forward and high at point. The leg is brought down into hoibu and back into gongbu.
8.5.5 Swing-Lift 5
This is a jump with leg switching. Leg by leg in point as high as possible (both the swing and the jump) at the peak of each swing the leg touches the hands that are stretched forwards to the back of the feet.
8.5.6 Swing-Lift 6
Gongbu, the arms are stretched sidewise, straight back and loosen shoulders, palms are facing forward. The rear leg is going up in flex, at peak of height the leg is taken sidewise and down in an arc, towards the palm of the same hand (same as the leg), we open the body and bring the foot to the palm with a straight back and leg. Bring the leg back into hoibu and then into gongbu.
The simplest application is a slap kick.
8.5.7 Swing-Lift 7
Gongbu, the arms are stretched sidewise, straight back and loosen shoulders, palms are facing forward. The rear leg is going up in flex, at peak of height the leg is taken sidewise and down in an arc, towards the palm of the opposite hand (opposite to the leg), we close the body and bring the foot to the palm with a straight back and leg. Bring the leg back into hoibu and then into gongbu.
The simplest application is a slap kick.
8.5.8 Swing-Lift 8
Shizen-tai, move a leg forward into gongbu and simultaneously the same hand is going up and forward with fingers together stretched forward in a round movement, the other hand is making a circle from down to forward to up and backwards, now the hands are inline. The rear hand continues the circle and hits the front hand from below, backhand to palm, while the hands are closing each other, the rear leg is swung up in point, high and at peak of height we hit the back of foot with the hand that was rear. Go down to hoibu and into gongbu with the hands movement and etc…
8.5.9 Swing-Lift 9
Lau-ma, the hand same as front leg is fisted with an external forearm punch, the hand of the rear leg is arced above the head in a block. Simultaneously the rear leg is swung up ant to the side, thus the fingers are pointed up, the hand that was backwards becoming to be the blocking hand up high, and the hand that was blocking comes down in an arc the is perpendicular to the body plain until it is a mirror image of its previous position (fist near the waist, facing up with its open side) and the elbow is in obtuse angle. The up leg is coming down into hoibu, turning into lau-ma to the other side and the arm on the belly is stretched with an external forearm punch backwards.
8.5.10 Swing-Lift 10
This is a combination of swing-lift 7 with swing-lift 6. First we do the 7th, continue the 360 degrees with the 6th. First we are closing, then we are opening.
8.5.11 Swing-Lift 11
Stand with the feet together, hands are stretched forward, elbows in obtuse angle outside, the fingers are together with closed thumbs and draw kind of an ellipse with the hands, the back of the hands is facing us, straight back and loosen shoulders. One hand performs a circle, the elbow comes down and perpendicular to the ground and we complete the round movement until the hand is back to its original position. It is possible to make all sizes of circles. Simultaneously the opposite leg is swung in point and at peak of height we hit the back of the foot with the hand of the leg, which is stretched forward. Put the leg back to the ground with a small step and perform it to the other side, or back to the original position.
The round movement of the hand is a key movement and combines the vertical circle with the horizontal circle. 9.3.
8.6 Transitions
Transitions are a sequence of transformation between postures, from one stance to another. The idea is to practice the motorics of movement and later the motion, to practice the flow between stances and, well, the transitions between positions.
8.6.1 Southern Gongbu to Gongbu
This can be done with opposite hand and leg or the same side. I will detail the opposite side, the same side is similar.
Regular, gongbu with open front foot (facing advancing direction), the hand of the rear leg is in a regular horizontal punch, straight back (the back can also be leaning forward, depends on the style, both are correct), the pelvis is closed almost completely (turns forward), the other hand is on the waist, fisted, loosen shoulders.
The transition has two components. The punch is switching as the regular horizontal punch (8.4.1).
The legs component switches like this:
The pelvis keeps its level all the time. The rear leg is closing to the front leg, when the feet are 5 cm distant form each other the rear leg continues its way forward, the movement is arced until it becomes the front leg of the gongbu with shoulder width between the feet. The pelvis turns forwards all the time. Both heels are on the ground at the end. The lock of the rear heel and the punch are simultaneous, this is achieved by starting the hands switch simultaneously with the start of the leg switching.
Rapid, similar to the regular, but after the leg switching we pull the new rear leg forward into a combat stance that take advantage of the pendulum principle, the entire weight is transferred into the fist and not the entire rear foot is on the ground.
Strength-full, start as with the regular but after the rear leg is closing towards the front leg, it opens forward with an arc into mabu, with an angle to the advancing direction, lateral distance of 3/4 shoulder width between the heels, now we turn from the mabu into gongbu. Until this stage the hands did not start the switching, only now. In this punch we put the entire turning force of the pelvis, but it is slightly slow.
8.6.2 Northern Gongbu to Gongbu
This can be done with opposite hand and leg or the same side. I will detail the opposite side, the same side is similar.
Classic,
Short,
Continuous,
Rapid,
8.6.3 Southern Mabu to Mabu
8.6.4 Northern Mabu to Mabu
8.6.5 Mabu Uppercuts
8.6.6 Hoibu Lau-Ma
8.6.7 Gongbu Popbu
8.6.8 Popbu Popbu
8.6.9 Kung Lay Quen Transitions
Internal transition,
External transition,
8.7 Takedowns
8.7.1 180 Forward
8.7.2 180 Backward
8.7.3 360 Forward
8.7.4 360 Backward
8.8 Basic Hands Defense
Hands defenses are based on the geometry of the hands and the possible movements. I will cover the basic movement; all the more sophisticated defenses are based on the basic defenses with variation.
Most of the defenses can be done also with the elbows and not with the entire arm; it is a matter of range and tactical planning.
8.8.1 Su Block (Sifu Su dong Chen)
This block is based on the statistical idea that most of the strikes are aimed to the face and on the instinct to put the hands up in order to protect the face. If someone will aim a rubber band to the face, we will take the hands up instinctively and open the fingers in order to increase the protecting surface (the cross sectionJ).
The block is exactly that action, we take the hands up to face level, and fingers are spread and strong, not completely stretched but prepared for catching. A hand forward with 160 degrees at the elbow, the other hand is near the first elbow, there is some overlap of the hand surface covering. The head is moving.
This block is for face directed direct strikes only. It is possible to catch a punch with this block, if one hand misses, the other covers it up. The applications from this block are numerous and the transition from this block into open hand strikes is most important, applicable and efficient.
This block is based on speed, it is not a starting combat stance since the fingers can be caught and broken.
The speed development drill is the triangle (9.3).
The hands are coming up however this is only half of the block. The second half is the pushing forward and shortening the range.
Another concept is that entering into this block allows to throw an object to the opponent's face.
8.8.2 S Defense
This name derived from the geometry of the movement. If you perform the upper, the middle and the low with one hand in a continuous line, you will draw an S in the air.
This defense can be done with fisted hands and with the elbows. This is the basis for most of the defenses with the hands.
One important notice, the name block is misleading and incorrect. The name should be defense and diversion. While Su block really does block the punch and catches it like a baseball with a baseball glove, the S block only escorts the attacker limb or performs diversion, not a direct block.
Upper defense, the basic movement is: hand near the opposite shoulder, open palm and finger pointed up. The arm is moving up with a circle movement to the direction the fingers are pointing, the elbow remains bent and the forearm is turning 180 degrees, the fingers are stretched and at peak of height the back of the hand is facing us, above the head and slightly in front of the body, the circle continues until the hand is at waist level, then the hand returns to its original position.
The entire movement is a large circle.
The contact point with the opponent is with the inner side of the forearm or with the bone side, in case of diversion with no escort. Of course this movement intercepts high level striges, chest level and higher.
Several uses for this defense:
· Entering from below
· Diverting the opponent by entering and escorting with a pull
· Entering and opening of the opponent
· Entering and closing of the opponent
· Blocking the field of view
· Grab for a throw
· Grab for a takedown
These are of course only a few examples. Anyway this move will always performed with movement, for example a forward movement, mostly the movement will be sidewise, out from the opponent's advancing direction, or inside into the inner circle.
Of course the entire body is involved with the move and not only the hand and arms, the entire body is behind it, thus allows play with the weight for pulls and pushes and etc.
Side defense (hand up), the elbow al bent between 90 and 100 degrees, the fingers are pointing up and the hand is in an obtuse angle to the back of the forearm, the blade of the hand is facing forwards. The pelvis starts turning inside, the ribs' muscles and the side abs are slightly squeezed, simultaneously the hand make a movement inside, the fingers are still pointing up, but the forearm turns, the fingers get stronger, and in the end of the movement the palm is facing us.
Of course, it is possible and even desired to perform this while moving out of the strike line. Put the entire bod behind this movement.
This defense is for strike between the eye level and the upper abs.
This is a basic movement that is the first step in many applications, such as grips, diversions, pushes, joint-locks, etc.
Side defense (hand down), the range of this defense is between the diaphragm and the pelvis.
Stand in shizen tai or high mabu. The hand is screwed inside (the hands start at the waist or in combat position) the fingers are pointing down and are being held strong, at the end of the movement the elbow is facing forward and the entire arm is out of the torso plain, the diversion is, of course, outside of the body plain. It is best suggested to add a body movement to this diversion.
This movement is the basic for the most basic defense for the front kick.
This movement is also a basic for range shortening and entering inside, for joint locks and breaks, etc.
Low defense with internal forearm, is the opposite of the upper defense. Begin with the hand at the opposite shoulder, the palm is facing down, we do a round movement where the hand is sliding toward the crotch, the fingers are firm, the hit is with the inner side of the forearm or the palm (it is also possible to use a closed fist and hit with the fist). The hand is back to the starting position. The movement uses the entire body in the motion.
Low defense with external forearm, this is similar to the internal forearm defense, but the contact with the opponent is with the external aide of the forearm. The fingers are firm and there is an obtuse angle between the forearm and the back of the hand. The rest is alike.
(These both defenses are complementary moves).
8.8.3 Vertical Slide Defense
As with the Su block, the hands are coming up, however, with this defense the blade of the hands are facing the opponent and the hands are contacting the strike from the side, the direction is from down up, and the contact is preserved all the time. This can be performed with the elbows as well. This movement allows shortening the range and getting inside with safety. This is a basic move in defense against sticks. The force developing is via the triangle.
8.9 Basic Defense Against Kicks
At this part I will talk about principles and less about the specific moves.
The finger rule is this: below the pelvis level we use leg on leg blocks, above the pelvis level we use hands on leg blocks.
8.9.1 Blocking Leg on Leg
Kicking from below, this is an exception to the finger rule. The opponent kicked, we avoided the hit, his leg is up high, we kick the back side of the hip, from below, even if we need to get lower in order to do so.
The potential damage to the muscle tissue is high, and this will get the opponent out of balance and even take him down.
Stopping kick from above, the opponent begins to throw a kick at us, we kick him on the hip or the shin, a snap kick or a stopping kick, or we can use a kick with the entire weight behind it and step on his leg as if it is a stairway. It is also possible to use a Small Leg from behind (standing on one leg, the other leg is going behind it and hits the opponent while we are sidewise to him).
Hook against round kick, exception from the finger rule.
This is using hook kick for coiling around the opponent's leg while he throws a round kick at us. The first one who gets down wins, since this is a symmetric situation.
8.9.2 Low Kick Defense
Hip out, this block is based on absorption. We push the targeted hip out towards the opponent and firm the muscles. This is neither the smartest nor the best way. This block helps a little only against a direct low kick to the upper muscles of the hip.
Leg rotating and accepting the motion, rotation the targeted leg inside and let it loose exactly at the hitting time, thus the kinetic energy is being absorbed by the movement and the letting loose prevents damage to tensed muscles and tendons. This is extremely difficult defense to perform, since it requires letting loose, and perfect timing.
Small leg from behind, this is using the small leg (8.9.1) in order to stop the kick on its way, Leg on leg block.
Leg on leg, this is simple leg on leg block, just keeping the opponent from throwing the kick.
Pulling leg up and letting the kick pass, we pull the targeted leg up high quickly and turn the shin to be parallel as possible to the ground within flex formation. The fingers' formation makes the front shin muscles firm, thus diminish the damage in case of a hit, and the shin is horizontal in order to let the kick pass under it. After the opponent has missed (since we have moved) we get the initiative, it is best to shorten the range and get in contact.
Pulling leg up accepting and diverting, pull the targeted leg high (puul the knee high and bent) in flex, the shin is perpendicular to the ground (more or less), in contact of the opponent's shin with our shin, we accept the movement of the opponent and divert the kicking leg to another direction, or slow it down to stop and push it back by stretching the targeted leg.
8.9.3 Front Kick Defense
This is only principles detailing.
Sometimes it is better to get range, perform the defense and only then to shorten the range, in other cases it is better to shorten range in order to perform defense.
Diverting, diverting the kicking leg to the sides, inside and outside, if you like. It is possible to divert it up or down. The diversion down is dangerous and problematic, not recommended. The diversion up is the next step of catching the leg.
Catching with hands exchange, catch the leg from inside or outside, switch the hands without letting the leg go and divert it up, pull or push.
8.9.4 Round Kick Defense
Pushing down, go inside into the inner circle of the opponent while the opponent is kicking, accept the kick with the inner side of the forearms, and by using a round movement of the forearms (up-towards us-down), a very small movement, almost invisible, we deflect the kinetic energy of the kick and the leg down to the ground.
Entering and catching, go inside the inner circle of the opponent (9.4.1), catch the kicking leg with one hand, and the other hand is free to do whatever on your mind. It is possible to go on with many ways, some more brutal then the others.
Getting far and diverting, get range by moving half step backwards and divert the kick towards its original course of motion, thus the opponent does not stop and his back is facing us. Now the range should be shortened to the outer circle of the opponent and he should be neutralized quickly.
Ducking, a dangerous option of ducking under the kick, and it is possible only against a full round kick that cannot be stopped while on its way by the kicker. Simply we should duck beneath the leg and we kick the opponent from below.
8.9.5 Side Kick Defense
Diverting, diverting of the kicking keg just as with the front kick.
Integration, getting into the outer circle of the opponent and close to him, now all that is left is just to neutralize the opponent.
Pushing from above and joint-lock, divert the leg down with one hand above the knee and the second hand is under it, grab the leg and twist it into a joint lock. This is tricky for performing in reality, but possible.
8.9.6 Hook Kick Defense
Avoid the kick and integrate with the round motion of the opponent, get inside the outer circle into the hip radius. Now it is possible to neutralize the opponent in many ways:
· Grab the opponent's torso and pull it to the opposite direction of the kick (9.4.9).
· Strangling
· Separate the body into two opposite directions.
· Takedowns
· Kick to the knee
· Knee to the spinal cord
These are only a few examples. We must think and fit the violence and brutality level to the desired outcome.
8.10 Trapping Leg
This is simply going inside with the leg behind the opponent's leg. It is possible to do it from the front and from the back. Our foot is clinking to the opponent's foot or ankle (sometimes to the knee), it is possible to be done by, for example, the compass principle. The lock is completed by clinging shin to shin. This could become a symmetric situation so be careful.
The position itself cocks a spring in the trapping leg, since it is twisted in respective to the torso.
8.11 Knee Strikes
A knee strike is one of the more important, efficient and plausible strikes, it is multi-purpose strike, diverse and very dangerous.
I will cover the classical knee strikes and then some more ideas.
Classic front knee, we grab the opponent with both hands, one leg is front and one is rear, while doing a little jump with the front leg (in which the foot moves slightly backwards and turns out in 20 degrees) we take the rear knee up high and thrust it into the target, the back is slightly curving backwards and the knee is being pushed into the target. The hitting area is the knee itself, in case the hit is from down up, and not a direct thrust, the hitting area is the connection of the muscles to the knee.
Classic round knee, grab and pull against the opponent, we go by the opponent's side, simultaneously the knee is going up on the side, as in the beginning of the round kick, and we thrust the area of muscle connection to the knee into the opponent.
Deception knee, in this drill we stand a punch range of the opponent, we bring the knee up as for a knee strike, however this is a deception, while the opponent try to defend against the knee, we stretch the diverting leg backwards and strike with a punch forwards.
This is an aggressive movement that uses for deception and closing the range.
Front leg knee, in a close range it is not always possible to deliver a knee strike with the "rear" leg, and most people will not anticipate to get a knee strike from the leg that is close to them, the "front" leg. Use it, this knee will almost always get it target.
A knee to the head, sometimes a knee to the head of the enemy will end the job, a jump using the enemy's body and kneeing the head. A knee strike is an unusual strike, since usually it is not recommended to jump and leave the ground.
A knee to the hip, a knee to the hip does not requires much effort and excellent for close range. The damage that is caused even by the weakest strike is paralyzing of the hip muscles for about two weeks (peg leg). Do not use it on friends.
A knee to the spinal cord, in case you have managed to get to the enemy's back or his side, one of the more brutal, fast, efficient and lethal ways to finish the combat is by a knee strike to the back, to the spinal cord in order to break it or to cause any other major damage.
A knee to the sternum, the sternum is the bone that connecting the ribs at the chest. A knee that is being thrust deep inside, pushes the sternum inside, the heart is pressed violently and it can cause a cardiac arrest. This is a killing strike, one goal.
8.12 Elbows
8.12.1 Basics
An elbow strike is delivered with open and stretched palm that is in line with the forearm or with a closed fist.
Basic drill Seven Elbows:
1)**
.
.
.
7)**
8.12.2 Applications
Elbow strikes have unlimited uses and applications, here is a short and most definitely partial list:
· Almost every application can be shortened to elbow range
· Defense
· Brakes and joint locks
· Attacks
· Support for throws
The secret is to know when and how to move with the entire body and in what mode, in order to perform a certain move. The entire body is always involved with the move, for example, the short version of the slide block is lifting the elbow, thus the head is protected, the next step is coiling around the opponent, getting the range short and getting control, the entire body makes the coiling.
It is almost impossible to do anything in combat, without movement, motion, stances and transitions.
To conclude the elbow strikes, it is possible to use it almost for anything and the usage is only limited by imagination.
8.13 open Palm Strikes
In many cases the palm has many advantages over the fist, application flexibility (grabs, tares, manipulations), the palm strike will not cause us self-damage (unlike punch that can end up with broken knuckles), larger surface of contact and it is possible to deliver an echoing strike.
In order to perform these open palm strike correctly, it is important to understand the correct image. Some are based on the pendulum with the entire body behind the hand, some use spring image. Usually the entire body weight is behind the hand.
The entire body movement is necessary in order to be effective, thus it is also possible to smoothly flow from strike to strike and rapid directions switch.
Regular forward push, a simple push forward, the hand touches the opponent, usually the arm is straight, the elbows is not locked, the entire body weight is behind the hand, push with the legs and strong grounding.
Front resonating strike, this strike can be done from point blank, it uses fa-xing (exploding force), I a split second the entire body weight is being entered into the palm and the momentum is being transferred to the opponent. The purpose of that strike is causing a continuing resonance inside the opponent. This image helps learning performing the strike correct, and this is how it feels to get the strike.
X, these strikes are coming in diagonal from up and down in 45 degrees in respect of the normal to the ground (in respect of the striker and not of the target). The strikes are delivered with the wrist and palm, depending on the angle and the desired damage, or with the back of the hand.
This strike uses for attack if it goes to the face, the abs, the ribs, the diaphragm, the spinal cord and the arms. In defense it can use as preparation for grabs, chasing hands (9.3.2), getting inside and shortening the range, slide and diversion of attacks.
In head and torso strikes there is a real advantage over fist strikes when it is delivered as two hands together in counter one another (one hand on each side of the body part). A direct hit doubles the damage, in case there is a bias between the hands, torque is created and, for example, it can cause a neck breaking.
The entire body weight is behind the strike, rather it a round motion or the pendulum principle.
Spiking from above, this can also be delivers from point blank. The entire weight is concentrated in the palm, and it is better to add the body weight, but concentrate it to into the palm. The movement is vertical from up down. It is possible to deliver this strike to the torso however its maximal effect is to the head above the spinal cord.
This strike can also use for diversion, when striking on an opponent's leg or arm.
The strike causes inner resonance with HMMMMMM metallic sound (only image, of course).
Low strike, a vertical strike from down up with the entire body weight behind it using the pendulum principle, or a light snapping strike.
It uses for diversion of arms and legs, hitting the chin and groin.
Internal side strike, this strike has the entire body weight behind it with the pendulum principle and using the pelvis. Usually it strikes under the opponent's arm to the ribs and abs, or above the arm to the face and neck.
This is not a first strike but continue of another move, grabs, X, etc. it is delivers from close range. This is also a resonance strike.
External side strike, this is the sister of the internal strike, with same principles and uses, however with this strike it is possible to hit with hand against hand for doubling the damage.
8.14 Palm Edge Strikes (The Hand's Blade)
There are two modes of strike with the palm edge (the side that is opposite to the thumb).
The first mode is as a hammer strike, the entire weight is in the blade, loosen and heavy. In this mode the palm formation is as in Ninjutsu: the fingers are straight and close, with an obtuse angle between the palm and the fingers, about 120-135 degrees, forming kind of triangular structure.
The second mode is using the strike as a sharp blade or a shovel. In this mode the palm is as in kong-fu, straight and the fingers are close. In this mode not always the entire weight is in the hand's blade.
In both cases the thumb is closed and firmed, thus it will not break.
Usually the strike is aimed for the neck, the arm, the back and the head.
8.14.1 Round Strike
The round blade strike is using a round movement of the entire body, usually from outside. The elbow is slightly bent (according to the range), the other hand usually grabs the opponent. The movement uses mostly for breaking against a pivot point and leverage.
8.14.2 Screwing Strike
The hand is moving in a straight line towards the target, but the palm is screw in (turns from down face to up face). The screwing movement is external when we strike from outside and internal when we strike from inside.
8.14.3 Direct Strike
The hand is moving directly to the opponent, like a shovel, usually from down up to the throat in order to break the windpipe.
8.15 Head Strikes (Head Bangs)
Head strikes are very useful tool for short range, especially when the arms are busy.
The primary hitting targets are soft points, since we would not like to hit hard targets due to Newton's Third Law of Motion (it will hurt us to).
If it aimed to the head, it should target the nose or the sides of the forehead (the soft areas).
It is better not to strike the head, it is better strike the neck, or using the tip to the head to hit the opponent in the sternum. Pay attention that a head strike to the sternum can kill as much as a knee to the sternum.
While striking the face we use the forehead. In case you have been caught from behind, head bang backwards with the rear side of the head, aim to the nose and push the opponent by using a jump with the pelvis (push with the ass).
8.16 Strangling Technics
The field of strangling is important in order to know what exists, to know how it feels like when you are being strangling, in order to remain equanimity and calm, and in order to know what can be done and the damage you can inflict.
Strangling is extremely dangerous; thus, it is most important to choose the action.
I will detail some of the main technics, there are more variations.
In case of a specific way to avoid it, I will try to detail it.
8.16.1 Blood Strangling
Blood strangling stops the blood from getting to the brain, this can cause the opponent to lose consciousness in seconds, however the recovery is also quick, so if the enemy blacked out this way, one must finish the fight with additional strike. Blood strangling can cause brain damage if it is too long. Children under 14 are more vulnerable for the long-term damage.
Sleep grip – triangle, the classic well-known strangling. You are behind the opponent, the arm is around the opponent's neck like this: the arm is on one side of the neck, the forearm is on the other side and the wind pipe is at the elbow. Usually and recommended that the strangling palm is using the other arm for locking and more force. The head is close to the opponent's upper back, to avoid head bangs, the body is sidewise to the opponent, to avoid groin strikes.
In case that you are being strangled, push a hand between the neck and the opponent's arm and try to avoid. If it has been locked on you push the elbow of the supporting arm backwards, it will make some space and let you try to escape.
This strangling can be done with the legs. You begin in guard position (you on your back and the opponent between your legs). In the end you have one leg hanging on the opponent's neck and the other lerg is locking the strangling. Ground technics are for the ring, for sports and not for battling your life on the street, thus I detail no further.
Another variation is the guillotine, in which the opponent's head is under the armpit and the arm is coiling around the neck. Pay attention that if you will get your head down in combat, this will be the response. Guillotine is performed easier as an air strangling.
Arm and shoulder press, in this strangling we trap the opponent's punch and press his shoulder to his neck on one side, and our arm on his second side. It can be done not only via a punch, it can be done on the ground to. In fact what important is the final position, the opponent is trapped with his shoulder on one side and an arm on the other side.
Forearms press, this is an upgrade of the sleep grip, in a sleep grip the performer is locked in the grip, however it is possible to do so without getting locked in.
The strangler is behind, a forearm is on the neck with the palm facing up, the other arm is surrounding the neck from the other side with the palm facing down. The fingers of the hands are closed together. Now the strangler squeezes with the forearms so they get tight to the neck and a blood strangling is closed in. the head must still be I a protected place. In this formation the strangler is free to leave whenever he needs.
Back blood vessels and tendons pulling, grab the neck from behind, the fingers are digging to the sides of the windpipe and thumbs are pressed into the back of the neck. Pull deeply with the fingers, so the neck tendons and blood vessel are squeezed. This is strangling and inflicts a huge amount of pain, due to the tendons pull.
To avoid this strangling (two hands from behind), turn around with one arm coiling around the enemy's arms. Of course, it is better to avoid before it is locked on you.
General press, generally speaking, a blood strangling is done by pressing the two sides of the neck simultaneously, for example it can be done with only palms or wrists, stick and hand and etc. the possibilities are unlimited.
8.16.2 Air Strangling
Air strangling is stopping the air flow into (and out of) the lungs. This takes long time to effect and usually the recovery is including a lot of coughing and heavy breathing. The immediate effect is pain and a ringing bell in the head, screaming for air. This ringing bell cause stress and that causes farther waste of the remaining air. In addition the strangling is a distraction that allows performing a more effective action. Another effect is the fear, while being strangled one can lose his equanimity and can be manipulated, subjected to compulsion, his spirit can be broken, etc.
One hand strangling, in this simple strangling we just grab the opponent's throat with the hand and press on the windpipe. This can be improved in this way: the thumb is thrust under the jaw into the salivary gland, the middle fingers trust on the other side into the salivary gland, this causes pain and strangling, the pointing finger is under the ear thrust into the lymph.
Another way to strangle with one hand is simply thrust the fingers into the soft spot of the throat in a snake strike. this is not long term effective strike, but uses for keeping distance from the opponent, stopping him and making distraction.
The way to escape this strangling form is to rotate an arm forward, thus lock the opponent's hand.
Thumbs strangling, this is another direct forward strangling. Both hands grab the neck, the right thumb is on the left side of the windpipe, and vice versa, the thumbs are one above another. The hands perform a sheering movement with the thumbs, the thumbs are moving in opposite direction with the windpipe in the middle.
The escape is same as with the one hand, with the bonus of two hands caught now. Another escaping way is to separate the opponent's hands with our hands two hands from inside, two hands from outside or one hand from below and the other from above.
Back forearms grip, similar to the sleep grip or the forearm press, only this time we do not leave place for the windpipe at the elbow, but squeeze the windpipe with the forearm, this of course prevent a blood strangling at the same time. This can be done with the guillotine as well.
Airway blocking, this is a difficult strangling to perform, but an effective one. Simply block the airways (the mouth and nose) with the palm or with a tool such as a plastic bag.
8.16.3 Combined Strangling
These are combined strangling of air and blood simultaneously.
Strangling weapon (lace), using a weapon that is built for strangling, such as a rope or a shoe lace. These weapons are wrapped around entire neck and block air and blood supplies.
Advances thumbs strangling, as in the forward thumbs strangling, only this time we grab the neck with the fingers, we try to close the hands into fists, thus pull the neck tendons and the neck blood vessels.
Advanced back pulling, similar to the blood and tendons pull from behind, only this time we pull the skin that covers the windpipe. The stretching of the skin presses the windpipe into strangling.
Advanced back grip, in this upgrade we use the wrist to block the windpipe in addition to the blood strangling that is done using the forearms.
This is a very efficient strangling that leaves the strangler the ability of quick disengaging.
Cross strangling, this is done by crossing the forearms, by clothing or stick. This can also be done by closing the clothing and sliding a vertical punch into the windpipe.
8.16.4 Breaking the Windpipe (Trachea)
Breaking the windpipe is a lethal action and is not to be done, unless you are intend on killing.
Tearing out via circular motion, similar to the one hand strangling, only this time we are digging deep with the fingers around the windpipe and turn the hand in 90 degrees and of course a ripping movement is required.
This is a direct application of tiger paw strike.
Direct press and palm strike, thumbs strangling can break the windpipe.
A direct strong hit with the palm or a fist can break the windpipe.
8.17 Joint Locks
.
.
.
8.17.1 Palm Locks
90 degrees,
45 degrees,
8.17.2 Shoulder Locks
8.17.3 Elbow Locks
Rotational,
Lock,
8.17.4 Ankle Locks
8.17.5 Knee Locks
8.18 Throws vs. Takedowns
8.18.1 Throws
A throw is a situation in which the thrower places his center of gravity under the center of gravity (COG) of the opponent, usually it requires to get as close as possible. The thrower lifts the opponent over the thrower body that uses as a pivot point.
Important notifications:
· The thrower should be stable, unless it is planned to not be.
· The COG of the thrower is under the opponent's (this is why a short one should throw taller guys and tall one should takedown shorter guys).
· Usually the COGs should be both on the same vertical axis.
· The entering into the inner circle must be quick for succession of the throw in real life.
· Usually it is better to use the opponent's kinetics and momentum, this will make the throw easier for you and more surprising for the opponent.
· Almost any throw requires kozushi (3.4) in order to take place.
8.18.2 Takedowns
A takedown is a situation in which the taker-down makes a contact point with the opponent, so that this point is uses as a pivot point. This pivot point turns a linear motion into a circular motion, thus makes the COG to switch a mode of motion as well. This circular motion should be aimed into the ground.
Most of the takedowns use a leg as a pivot point, sometimes even two legs.
Important notifications:
· The taker-down must be stable unless it is planned not to.
· The taker-down should be in dominant position and stance, thus it is unimportant to lower the COG, thus a taller guy should use takedowns and not throws.
· It is better to use the original direction of motion of the opponent's.
· It is recommended to use 45 degrees and round directions for takedowns, rather than a linear line.
· Usually a firm grip of the opponent is required and a good sensation of the opponent's COG and balance,
· Almost every takedown requires kozushi (3.4) before it, in order to take place.
*** For now this is the last translated part of chapter 8. It there will be any need for it, I will do the rest (and the previous untranslated parts).
8.19 Releasing from Hugs and Grabs
8.19.1 Releasing from Hugs
8.19.2 Releasing from Grabs
8.20 Rolling
8.20.1 Forward Rolling
8.20.2 Backward Rolling
8.20.3 Jump'n'Roll
8.21 fallings
8.22 Motoric and Agility
8.23 Balance and Stability
8.24 Release and Looseness
8.25 Basic Acrobatics
8.25.1 Cartwheel
Two hands,
One lose hand,
One far hand,
No hands,
8.25.2 Getting Up With a Jump
8.25.3 Worm
8.25.4 Hands Spring
8.25.4 Head Spring
8.25.6 Bridge
8.25.7 Hands Stance
8.25.8 Frog Jumps
8.26 Physical Fitness
Static dynamic
8.26.1 Posture
8.26.2 Hands
Pushups,
Parallels,
Pull-ups,
8.26.3 Abs
Front,
Side,
8.26.4 Legs
8.26.5 Torso Extensors
8.26.3 Aerobics
Running
Bicycles,
Swimming,
Rowing,
8.26.7 Flexibility
8.27 Drills
8.27.1 3 A
Attacking side,
Defending side,
8.27.2 4 A
8.26.3 4 B
8.27.4 6 A
8.26.5 6 B
8.27.6 7 A
8.27.7 7 B
8.27.8 Seven Jumps
8.27.9 Eight Northern transitions
8.27.10 Eight Butterfly
8.27.11 Nine Leopard
8.27.12 Nine Tiger
8.27.13 Drill Nine
8.27.14 Drill Ten
8.27.15 Six Stancess
8.27.16 Gin Gi Sau
8.27.17 Six Short Punches
8.27.18 Combinations
8.27.19 Seven Long Punches
8.27.20 Nine Short Punches
8.28 Not to Forget Drills
8.28.1 Ten Tigers
8.28.2 Twenty snake
8.29 Five Steps Form – Wu Bu Quen
8.29 List of Forms
The learned forms are taken form four different styles:
Hung Gar (Gar Family), a southern style, related to the Chinese folk hero of the Boxer War times Wong Fay Hung.
· Jujube Flower Form – Mui Fa Kuen
· Lau Family Form – Lau Gar Kuen
· Lau Family Staff Form – Lau Gar Gwan (a–symmetric staff)
· Monkey King staff Form – Hau Jei Gwan (bo, symmetric staff)
· Dao sword Form (scimitar) – Pek Kwa Daan Do
White crane
· White Crain Form – Bak Hok Kuen (modified)
Choi Lei Fut, a southern style, named after two Buddhist monks.
The Yeung family form is not a part of the original and traditional style, but created by sifu Peter Yeung (one of sifu Eldan Freidman's teachers) and belongs to the character of this style.
· Yeung family Form – Yeung Gar Kuen
· The iron Arrow Form – Tit Jin Chueng Kuen
The Lost Trail of Buddha – My Jhong Law Horn, a northern shaolin style.
· Four Attacks and Four Defenses (two people form) – Say un Say Pay
· The Power of the Form – Kung Kay Kuen
Northern Shaolin
· Youth Form (two people form) – Cheung Ling Kuen
Ways to Flow, the school of martial arts that I am study at. The group "Pillar of Fire" is part of "Ways to Flow".
Sifu Eldan Friedman created two forms that are being study at "Ways to flow". With no other definition, those forms are tend to be northern style forms.
· Southern Northern Punch – Nun Bay Chuan
· Swinging Blades (dao sword) – Yaho Daho
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