Kung Fu Self-Defense Training Class Summary - 17 & 18 November 2007
Montreal, Canada
The following summary was produced by my student EA. My comments are in italics:
BLOCKING
Execution: With your fist at your side, extend diagonally across your body at waist level, open hand and palm facing up, and then up to the side such that your forearm is perpendicular to the floor, palm facing you like you’re reading a book, and your hand slightly twisted away from your body. Your palm should be close to your face vis a vis distance from your body, but positioned in front of your shoulder (ie don’t block out too far). This is the front block.
This is called outward block and it covers the upper two quadrants of the upper body. The block must be effected from the outer quadrant, across the center line, to rest at the quadrant blocked. i.e. A right outward block must pass through the left somewhat in order to cover and protect the center line. The shoulders should shift slightly to add more protection for the block; meaning that you move your upper body so as to make any hits which penetrate your block, glancing blows rather than solid strikes.
From here you can do a cross body block by simply moving your forearm across with your hand turned such that your thumb is the closest finger to you and then block with the bottom side of your forearm. Let your upper body carry it, and you can lean back slightly for artistic appeal.
The cross body block is one of the most important blocks because it proceeds so naturally from a defender, and in many cases, is the first block of choice for fending off hand attacks. It is also an effective strike. The key to this block is positioning your body so that you can block with the maximum amount of forearm. A common error is to assume that the cross body block is done with the hand, and to teach it that way is sheer treachery. The goal of blocking is to not get hit. If the hand block happens to realize that goal then so be it. However, it stands to reason that the forearm, being longer, can cover a longer area for the block, so it is wiser to use this longer area to effect the block. Perhaps others would like to comment on this?
From here we moved to a lower block (I forget what it’s called)down-ward block. Just swing your arm down from the cross body block back to its side, palm facing down, fingers pointing in the direction of the opposite arm.
The palm faces down and back across the body so as to correctly position your forearm for the block, and to flip the attack should one desire (but You have not learned that yet). i.e. if you are blocking down to the right then your palm should be down and your fingers pointing to the left. I encourage people to try different hand positions to see how the forearm works and how the blocking surface changes
Some other notes on blocking:
-make sure your thumb isn’t sticking out
-move your shoulder back slightly in the upper block so whatever it is you’re blocking doesn’t touch you
-as we upper block, the other hand can execute a punch at the same time. This is a natural movement that’s catalyzed by your block and shoulder moving forward, which swings out your other arm anyway.
-when you to go to a sunfist punch with your hand that you just blocked with, don’t raise your elbow/forearm as you punch out because that’s easier to be blocked by your opponent. Remember with the sunfist you’re punching with your upper two knuckles, so your hand should be adjusted appropriately.
-some reference to a cartoon that I didn’t get but it’s suppose to help with your blocks
the cartoon was just a mnemonic to assist in remembering the technique… it does not matter;
however, for those interested it was a Looney Toons character called Egbert part of the Foghorn Leghorn show
MOVEMENTS
We added another movement to the flying fist routine, the name of which escapes me [Rising punch]. But basically from the upside-down-uppercut (whose proper name also escapes me) [Sinking punch] you move back into horse stance while bringing your uppercut hand down and swinging your other arm out from the side and up where it finally smacks into your open palm (formerly the upside-down-uppercut fist). The part that does the smacking is the inner side of the fist. You’re in bow stance now. From here we moved back into the upside-down-uppercut with the swing of the other arm moving back to its position helping the move along.
Just remember to keep the elbow bent a bit or you might break it
-Upper leg up first, and then lower leg kicks out, lower leg comes back in, and then bring the rest of the leg back (this is the structure but it should be executed more smoothly).
-Bring your leg back in with control instead of letting it flop down in front of you, unless you do that purposely
-Kick with the heel, which entails pulling your toes back
OTHER
With partners, we practiced a three block routine, punching and blocking, kicking and being kicked, as well as giving each other concussions. We also learned how to slice the windpipe [using your fingers, but I will not explain that here] Excellent summary EA.
Changes to the Kung Fu Self Defense - Autodefense Class Admissions and Training Page
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Thank you,
Sifu Troy Marquis
Tai-Mar Kung Fu Self-Defense - Autodefense
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Kung Fu Self-Defense Training Class Summary - November 10th, 2007
Montreal, Canada
WARM UP
Today we spent a little more time warming up with strengthening exercises and stance training. The open palms out to the side, standing on one leg is a good exercise for balance and body control. We did a good review of the stances, except twisted stance, and discussed the concept of stance perceptions: standing with legs close together, 1) knees angled in slightly, and 2) knees angled out slightly. Your body will instinctively recognize the difference in each posture as being either lady or horse stance and you will fight according to the stance your have adopted.
STANCES
No new stances were introduced.
We did practice how to go from standing in front of an opponent, then stepping back into horse stance (from where we threw longfist). We examined several advantages of the “shallow hyperboly” method and how that can assist you in stopping anytime during the stance so as to address an opponent. We discussed the disadvantages of the step back, long fist combination and then I left you to practice with a partner.
MOVEMENTS
Today I added another move to the flying fist routine - the uppercut. I will leave someone to fill in the details of the uppercut, its purpose, its strengths and weaknesses, and its power curve and application.
OTHER
We spent a lot of time in partners practice and practical demonstrations.
There were a few questions asked after class and I will leave those who asked the questions to comment if they wish.
Troy Marquis, Sifu
Tai-Mar Kung Fu Self-Defense
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Kung Fu Self-Defense Training Class Summary - November 3 and 4th, 2007
Montreal, Canada
SUMMARY
Your skill level is growing very quickly and you should feel stronger and more confident.
I do not see a need to give a detailed summary of what was studied unless I introduce a new technique and you seem to be having problems, or it is complicated. However, it still remains in your best interests to complete as much as I leave out, so you have a record of your training to refer to in the future.
This weekend I reviwed waterpunch, advancing and retreating horse stances as well as bow stance. I introduced a new stance: twisted stance and we worked through routines to familiarize you with the stance - how to use it and how it moves. Also, I introduced the crane stance and placed it in the context of a knee attack as well as the introduction of the Marquis style front kick - which moves from the back foot along the hypotenuse to the target. Although we did not extend the kick, the framework is in place to work the technique. The advantage of this style of kick is that from the moment it is launched, it becomes a live weapon, ready to strike a target anywhere along the point of attack.
Remember to practice the knee attack from an advancing target by the side step method. Bending your knee is important and you must not strike with the point of the knee - rather use the area just above the knee cap and just below mid thigh.
I also reviewed the flying fist technique and now that you have twisted stance, I can add on the next set of fists.
Remember to practice static stance training for the resons I explained in class, as well as the jumping twisted retreat (if you have space). Try to practice your stances without moving your hands around. It is important that you maintain your balance with your leg strength. We do not train using compensation for weak movements - this damages your art.
You are really improving and soon I will start introducing blocks and kicks.
If there are any questions, please post them to this summary and I will respond.
Troy Marquis, Sifu
Tai-Mar Kung Fu Self-Defense
Montreal, Quebec, Canada