Video Clip Series: Raising Levels of Techniques and Tactics in Combat

RAISING LEVELS OF TECHNIQUES AND TACTICS IN COMBAT

Adam and Peter employ higher levels of techniques and tactics in their sparring

One way to raise our level of combat efficiency is to have more sophisticated techniques in both attack and defence. Instead of executing a level punch to the chest, for example, we can execute a phoenix-eye fist to his side. Instead of just deflecting an opponent's attack, we can float his attack to expose his ribs.

We can also bring to a higher level the way we use our techniques. Instead of first defending against an opponent's attack with a Single Tiger, and then attacking him with a Black Tiger, we can brush off his attack and simultaneously counter-attacking him with “Green Dragon Shoots Pearl”. We raise our tactics from “first defend then counter” to “defence cum counter” or “no defence direct counter”.

We can also trick our opponent with a bait. We may initiate a simple attack like a Black Tiger, and when he responds we can surprise him with a planned counter. Or we may purposely give him an opening to attack, and defeat him as he falls into our trap.

The video series below shows some of these interesting developments in combat application.

Please click the pictures below to view the videos

The Six Harmonies

When you perform any pattern, you must aim at “six harmonies”, which are the three external harmonies of feet, body and hands, and the three internal harmonies of essence, energy and mind. When you poise at “Lohan Asks the Way”, for example, your form is picture-perfect, which means you attain the three external harmonies. You are physically relaxed and elegant, your chi is focused at the dan tian, and your mind is calm and clear, which means you also attain the three internal harmonies.

Raising Combat to a Higher Level

Adam and Peter are working out their combat sequence with patterns from their Dragon-Form Set. Peter attacks with a typical Black Tiger. Instead of responding with a typical Single Tiger, Adam responds with “Swimming Dragon Plays with Water”, defending and countering at the same time, thus bring the combat to a higher level.

Tactic of Defence Cum Counter

Adam and Peter continue to raise their combat level. Adam initiates with a Black Tiger, representative of the way many people would attack. Peter responds with “Green Dragon Shoots Pearl”, using the tactic of “defence cum counter” which is of a higher level than “first defence then counter”. Here Peter hesitates because they are only working out the movements, but once he is familiar with the sequence his response can be spontaneous.

The Refinement Begins

Having established their combat sequence, Adam and Peter are now ready to go into finer points. First, Grandmaster Wong tells them to use poise patterns from their specialized set. Notice that Peter's response to Adam's attack is now spontaneous even after practicing just once! Grandmaster Wong asks Adam to use more force, but advises Peter to use less strength in his deflecting the attack as he is already away from the attacking range.

Slowing Down to Understand Fine Points

Adam and Peter purposely slow down their movements so as to understand some finer points. Peter's counter to Adam's attack is good, yet Grandmaster Wong reminds him to be aware of Adam's possible counter, manifesting the importance of “safety first” irrespective of whether the opponent knows the counter.

Initiating with a Feint Move

Grandmaster Wong demonstrates one possible counter to Peter's “Green Dragon Shoots Pearl”. In this case, Grandmaster Wong's initiate Black Tiger attack is a feint move to tempt Peter to counter. When he does, Grandmaster Wong attacks Peter's groin with “Naughty Monkey Kicks Tree”.

Tempting an Opponent with a Bait

An important principle in kungfu is to presume that your opponent is capable. Hence we must always be prepared for his surprised counters. On the other hand, we can tempt an opponent with a bait. But the bait must not be obvious, otherwise he will not fall into it. We must be ready for the coup de grace when he falls into the bait. This is an advanced tactic that can be employed in the specialized combat sequences.

You can view all the videos above by clicking the picture or the caption below

Raising Levels of Techniques and Tactics in Combat from Wong Kiew Kit on Vimeo.

Grandmaster Wong’s Home Page

Special Shaolin Kungfu Course -- Part 26

16-22 April 2007