Kung Fu Self-Defense Training Class Summary - 28 October 2007
Montreal, Canada
WARM UP
Not much warm up was done today because the teaching program was going to require more time.
I did not do the kicking preparation training; however, you should do that on your own.
Tiger claw forearm training is a must for your future.
If you doubt the need for forearm training, please review the following link.
Pay attention to the hand techniques, the blocking, and counter attack movements:
My Young Auntie: 2 Uncles Fighting
STANCES
No new stances introduced.
However, we need to continue to focus on the bow/arrow stance. I feel that more attention needs to be paid to doing the stance correctly. Remember the shoulder width allowance for the back foot, and the back foot gives permission for the hip to turn.
Within the next few classes I will introduce twisted stance - and then the games begin.
PUNCHES
We continued the backfist/longfist/backfist routine.
Today, I added the side straight punch to the routine to make it: backfist/longfist/side straight punch/backfist. During our break, I explained in detail, on the chalkboard, the theoretical minutia of the bow/arrow stance, longfist distance calculations, side straight punch calculation.
Longfist distance calculation: outside foot to center of body + outside shoulder to center of body + length of arm + forward leaning variable = the distance of your long fist.
Side straight punch distance calculation: distance of long fist - forward leaning variable - outside shoulder to center of body - outside foot to center of body = the distance of your side straight punch.
It is important to bear in mind that the side straight punch has a shorter striking range. If it is done from the long fist then you may feel like you are pulling back to strike; however, you are only pulling back to strike if you have in your mind that the strike must reach the same distance as the long fist. The side straight punch is not, not, not intended to extend to the long fist range. Because its range is shorter, it is not that you are pulling back, but rather it is that you have a different target objective and in order to reach it you must shift back to horse stance. Furthermore, the long fist is the product of linear motion, while the side straight punch is the product of a circular motion - beginning with the snapping of the body back to horse stance. If your snap back is not crisp, your punch will have no power. If you do not snap back to the correct horse stance dimensions, a charging opponent will not meet your wall - and may very well collapse your stance.
We only practiced side straight punch from long fist, but it can be thrown from different positions. Once you learn to manipulate stances better, you will find other applications for the side straight punch. Keep in mind, this punch is done using the sun fist technique and there is no rotation of the fist. If you rotate the fist, it changes your shoulder position and given the nature of the punch, that is not good. Last but not least, you must drop your body weight when changing to horse stance for the side straight punch - it is thrown at shoulder height/or between the shoulder and the elbow, so you must sink low.
Gone are the days of lazy stances -
Is not the swan admired for its beauty and grace;
but it too had to make the supreme effort to break out of its shell.
MOVEMENT
I demonstrated the correct movements for the back/long/straight/backfist routine. You must not give up on posture/stance in anticipation of the other. Do not over extend your hopes, and focus on giving each movement it right.
OTHER
More than likely, in the next few weeks, I will no longer accept new students, unless those students have experience and can integrate into the class easily, or by current student recommendation on an case by case basis. I cannot say when I will open the class for new students but if there is sufficient demand, I might conduct a beginners class during the week. So, if your friends have been humming and hawing, now is the time for them to begin or wait until sometime next year.
Troy Marquis, Sifu
Tai-Mar Kung Fu Self-Defense
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Kung Fu Self-Defense Training Summary - 27 October 2007
Montreal, Canada
WARM UP
Today I decided to extend the warm up a bit to include tiger claw exercises and some stretches.
I reintroduced the standing-one-leg exercises and static leg extensions forward and to the side, in preparation for kicking - which we will probably do in a few weeks.
STANCES
No new stances introduced. However, we turned our attention, once again, to bow and arrow stance. There is still some confusion as to why the front foot cannot be pointed straight forward. I hope I dispelled your fears and addressed your concerns.
If you still cannot understand why I insist on the bow/arrow format I do then just trust me and when we get into more complicated stances and moves, you will see why.
When practicing on your own, remember that the back foot MUST BE ON THE GROUND. Why? Because the punches you are throwing at this stage begin with the back foot (those related to bow/arrow stance).
MOVEMENTS
I introduced a new series of movements: backfist, longfist, backfist - in motion.
Remember that after the backfist you must drop your hands and body-weight into the horse stance before going to bow/arrow for the long fist. You cannot miss a movement in your haste to attain the target. Furthermore, although we are practicing linear, the format allows for ‘chasing’ a fleeing target who is moving from side to side. Keep your eyes on the prize - meaning look at your opponent not the ground and not straight ahead.
When working with a partner, try to make it as realistic as possible and pay attention to each others mistakes. Discuss your errors and work together to arrive at solutions. You must train your mind to problem solve - this is one of the mental skills required for fighting.
OTHER
I had intended to introduce the waterpunch, straight side punch and review the sun punch but we did not have time.
Train hard, train smart - look good.
Sifu Troy Marquis
Tai-Mar Kung Fu Self-Defense
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Kung Fu Self-Defense Training Summary - 21 October 2007
Montreal, Canada
Warm Ups
Today was just a general warm up - nothing new introduced.
STANCES
This class we focused on holding our stances longer and lower.
I think the problem of distancing has been solved and everyone’s stances looked good - kind of.
The bow and arrow stance needs some extra practice. Many teachers undersestimate the value of this stance, but as you have seen, this is a very important stance and much is predicated upon its proper execution.
The shifting of the feet not only carries with with it the physical permission for your hips and upperbody to square to your opponent, but my implication, it signifies to the hidden in plain view sweetness that escapes most people who train. If your body does not find the right way to do the move, it will forever be denied you - and you it, and;
remember that your backfoot must not be behind your front foot, and;
the initial launch from horse stance is best accomplised using the edges of the foot.
The Theory
I would like someone to explain the horizontal/centrifical power transfer theory that makes bow stance one of the most devastating stances in Kung Fu. If anything is left out, I will fill it in.
PUNCHES
No new punches were introduced.
We examined the flying fist routine in very slow motion, so as to feel the nuances of how each punch is performed. Furthermore, I demonstrated the twisting of the fist at various points in the launch phase: beginning, middle, and end. I hope I was able to make you all understand that where your fist turns over is essentially where your punch ends. The trajectory is not relevant to this truth. However, the middle turn over provides for a smoother delivery of power, while the end turn over is more of a snap. The beginning turn over is of very little benefit. I suggest you try different variations to see how this concept plays out.
We worked on the backfist quite a bit and my only comments for now are:
1- Keep your shoulder down.
2- Keep your elbow up and aimed at where you want to strike.
3- Once you extend do not open your shoulder to get a wider arc (this is a big mistake).
4- Do not bend at the wrist because it creates a ‘flick fist effect’ which is not part of this move.
The class ended with practicing the backfist with each other and questions and answers.
I await your comments.
Sifu Troy Marquis
Tai-Mar Kung Fu Self-Defense
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Kung Fu Self-Defense Training Summary: 20 October 2007
Montreal, Canada
Warm Ups
Today I decided not to do too much warm up because I had a heavy stance training routine planned.
I did not want to burn you out. However, I suggest that you follow the Daily Training Guide - Basic Level, that I gave all of you. You should realize by now that I do not give you anything except that there is a reason behind it. I strongly encourage you to do at least three things if you cannot do anything else:
1- Tiger Claws
2- Stance Training
3- Static Push up.
STANCES
No new stances were introduced, and I really do not plan to introduce any until you get the lady, horse, and bow stances correct.
Lady Stance: You have it, no problems. However, I do not think that you really realize the value of using it to strike. Throw the double punch standing straight up and then throw it in lady stance - rising just a bit but not breaking the stance - as I taught you today.
If you remind me, perhaps I will teach you how to move and adjust in stance for practical application.
Horse Stance: I know this is hard and I am very pleased with the way you all worked it today. I hope you did not think the chair was for you to sit on - Ha!. You should use the same chair method I taught you today, when you train at home. At least this way you can sit when you get tired.
I promise you - if you solidify your horse stance you will really feel like your abilities took a huge leap forward.
Remember, knees out, back straight, head aligned with your spine, do not lean forward, centre your weight but do not sit on the balls of your feet.
Bow Stance: This one needs a lot of work. Most of your feet are not pointed in the right directions so you cannot direct your hips towards your opponent and, hence, you are limiting your artistic expression. Perhaps I have given you too much at once for this stance so I will try and correct my error now.
Listen, your feet need to shift as your move into and out of this stance. There is no requirement for your feet to be glued to the horse stance position. You must shift. Your back foot must be on the floor and it cannot be behind your front foot or else you will be crooked. If you are crooked, you will compensate by contorting your body and you will look like a very bad “S” from the front. Your front foot cannot be pointed straight - at all. You must hold yourself by the outside edge of the foot (you know what I mean). Also, your back leg should NOT be locked, but you must not be lazy and lift your back foot of the ground - that is a different stance.
You cannot imagine how important this stance is to your future.
PUNCHES
No new punches were introducted. However, we did study the double straight punch and backfist with a partner.
As always, be aware of your wrists and fists.
ROUTINES
The flying fists routine is coming along well. Once you get bow stance correct you will find yourselves really enjoying this routine. I may alter the routine a bit, according to what I feel is best for the collective good. When practicing the routine remember the large circle movement and watch how your hand rotates as you gently move it from rolling to whipping punch - drop your body weight in horse stance.
COMMENTS
Please keep in mind my final few comments on the backfist, the shoulder and sunken chest technique.
You are all advancing very rapidly and you are very capable students. You will learn to love the sound of my music (inside joke between my students and me).
Please post your comments so as to share your knowledge and retain some of the details I have left out.
Sifu Troy Marquis
Tai-Mar Kung Fu Self-Defense
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Kung Fu Self-Defense Training Summary - 14 October 2007
Montreal, Canada
There was no class on the 13th of October 2007.
Today’s class began with warm up exercises. A new warm up exercise was introduced - the walking stretch kick.
The walking stretch kick is much like the standing stretch kick except that you arms are extended out that the sides in an open palm position and you kick and then step.
Stances
No new stances were introduced.
I began a more intensive program of stance training, with static poses. This is the format we will follow for the next long while until the students develop the balance and power they need to move forward.
I focused on the proper transition from lady to horse stance and from horse to bow and arrow stance. It is important to remember that the body weight is shifted horizontally and the motion/power generated is then rotated out through the twisting of the shoulders/hips to meet the opponent. If your legs are not inline, you will feel contorted and the move will be odd.
Punches
No new punches were introduced.
We continued to study the straight, rolling, whipping punches and the details (seen and unseen) of how to produce the punch properly and with superior power without corrupting your stance. It is very important that the punch not corrupt your stance as this will cause problems for follow up moves and punches that you may want to apply.
Insofar as the straight punch in concerned, I introduced a variation on the fist that allows for striking positions that a horizontal fist might have trouble reaching. The sun fist variation is excellent for striking several points on a target in a ‘carpet bombing’ type effect. It is very hard to defeat if done correctly.
Also, particular attention must be paid to the angle of the elbow in delivering any strikes… Remember, the straight punch hugs the body, the rolling punch is from the elbow (small circle), the whipping punch is from the shoulder (large circle) and the long fist begins at the foot.
I demonstrated different sounds of the attack when proper and improper stances are used. I also demonstrated a full scale, unchecked long fist attack but only let the strike land on the surface of my target - the student then discussed the feeling of how the impact felt and the displacement of the strike across his body.
Furthermore, we discussed the difference in whether the back foot is lifted or kept flat in exectuion of the long fist. Again, the sound of the target being hit was discussed as an indicator of the different displacements of the strike’s energy in the opponents body. Clearly there is was a manifest difference in the sound of the strike.
Routines
We went through part of the flying fist routine (straight, rolling, whipping, long fist punches) in a continous series without returning to the neutral punch launching position from the horse stance.
Other Training
Extensive stance training.
Jumping leg training.
Knee up leg training.
Standing on the wall, stance shifting and flying fist routine.
Standing breating exercises.
Summary
Very good work. Just remember to concentrate on proper posture and “growing” when practicing this week.
Relax and work on form rather than power.
I distributed copies of Shaolin vs. Lama to each student for research purposes. I remind all students that it is possible to fight like that but one has to train like that. If one can attain the skill to be able to move and strike like that, very few opponents will be able to stand the first few blows (or even your first few blocks).
Please watch the movie and comment.
If there are any questions, please write them as comments to the post and I will address them.
Sifu Troy Marquis
Tai-Mar Kung Fu Self-Defense
Montreal, Quebec, Canada