As the opponent moves in to take down Grandmaster Wong, in an attack commonly called the “shoot”, Grandmaster Wong moves a step backward to avoid the opponent's momentum, and simultaneously strike the opponent's head, which may kill or maim him. Such an attack in a real fight is suicidal. It only makes sense in sports where the attacker is protected by safety rules.

If the attacker has grasped your waist, you can squat down and simultaneously drive your elbow onto his head, neck or spine. This pattern is called “Fierce Tiger Crouching on the Ground”. You may move back slightly if needed before squatting down to neutralize the opponent's charging momentum. If you press forward while having the opponent under control, you may dislocate his neck. So be very careful not to hurt your sparring partner in your training.

If the opponent has grasped your legs, you can squat down on a Unicorn Stance and simultaneously strike or press down on his head or back. This pattern is called “Heaven Dragon Descends on Earth”. Your Unicorn Step locks his hands. If you press your body forward without moving your feet, you may dislocate his neck. Do be careful.

Grandmaster Wong demonstrates various counters against the shoot, depending on the various stages the opponent has accomplished. If you are fast enough to avoid his grasp, you move back and simultaneously strike his head. If he has grasped your wrist or one leg, you move down into a half squat. If he has grasped both legs, turn your body slightly as you squat down into a Unicorn Stance.

Participants practice countering the shoot. In the foreground are Sifu Wong Chun Nga, Mark, Nicky and Dr Roseline. Notice that they take care not to hurt their sparring partners.

Sifu Wong Chun Nga explains some subtle points to Mark. Although he is heavier and bigger, he was pushed back by Sifu Wong Chun Nga. Sifu Wong Chun Nga explains that he could neutralize the opponent's charging momentum by moving backward slightly, which he successfully did. Helping one another is a common feature in our training.

If the opponent is very strong and big, like Mark, and it is difficult to get him down, an effective counter is to dislocate his neck, which cold kill him. So, alternatively grip his throat with one hand and pull at his jaws with the other hand. This pattern, which can be used to dislocate his neck or just pull at his jaws, is called “Double Dragon Plays with Pearl”.

Another common aspect in our training is having fun. And unlike in many other martial art schools where injuries are common, even expected, combat training in our school is injury free.