The infinity circle is used in tai chi and many kung fu styles. The whole circle itself is rarely done but parts of it make up so many movements that it is worth practicing and becoming very familiar with. It’s like learning the scales when playing music. It makes you arm movements fluid and powerful, connected and coordinated. In this circle both arms are moving in the same direction but […]
In this section we have opponents approaching from left and right. We deal with them both using our most powerful kick – the back kick. Make sure you are familiar with the kick and have trained it. It strengthens all the muscles in the back, the buttocks and back of the legs. You can also use the flying crane to help you develop the strength and balance for the kick. […]
Of the 4 main circular arm patterns I teach this is the most fundamental. All the others are variations of this one. This is also the most powerful as both arms are working as a team connected to a strong structure and the power flows through the whole body. Before you learn this circle make sure you are very familiar with transferring weight and raising and lowering your arms. This […]
Why on earth is long lasting, genuine, deep relaxation so difficult to attain? The answer is the ‘tension paradox’ but before we look at what that is let’s take a quick look at your relaxation options. Here are some of the main things people do to relax and release some of their stress along with a quick word about why they don’t really work. 1. Alcohol. Alcohol is a muscle […]
Most combat sports and martial arts use punches but they don’t always fully understand how to get the best out of this useful weapon in their armoury. Read on to discover the biomechanics of the punch and find out how, with a few small changes you can dramatically and instantly increase the impact power of your punch. This is the lowdown on the basics of punching. There are many kinds of […]
The loss of function in kung fu forms Forms training is a backbone of most traditional kung fu and tai chi schools but why is this so and what is actually being taught? This article puts forms under the microscope to look at the 3 main types of forms training and how forms training is gradually degenerating from being the most efficient way to learn and develop real, adaptable fighting skills […]
Within the vast realm of kung fu there are thousands of skills to learn and perfect. So much so that it would be impossible to learn them all even if you had several lifetimes to try. The task of learning any new skill is made even harder if you don’t have plan, a structure you can follow to enable you to learn the skill and be able to use it effectively. […]
The Chinese have a very different approach to dealing with anxiety issues than we do in the West. Here the main approaches are through drugs or some form of psychotherapy. The Chinese work to change the ways you habitually react to stress. In particular they work on breath, posture and movement. When you are under pressure your body reacts in certain ways. If you can change those habits then you […]
The ‘leaping tiger’ is the first form that students of yu lung chuan (Jade Dragon kung Fu) learn. The Jade Dragon School derives its name from the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in South West China where its monastery was located. To the West of the mountain flows the Jinsha river, a tributary of the Yangtse. At the foot of the mountain is a very deep canyon where the Jinsha flows […]
In kung fu every part of every movement should be powerful yet effortless. To do this we invoke all the principles of tai chi plus a few others. The two moves shown in this video look simple but to achieve that level of fluid, whole body power means understanding where every part of the body is and how it relates to all other parts. When you start to connect your […]
This section contains a powerful punch and kick combination that is trained on both sides. It improves your balance and connected power. Before you work on the video below make sure you know your dragon punch and your front kick. Previous: Leaping Tiger part 2 Next: Leaping Tiger part 4 To view this post in full you’ll need a Basic Level membership. This will give you access to a wide […]
One of the main aims of tai chi and kung fu is for you to be able to hold and move your body in the most effortless and efficient way. This doesn’t come naturally as our habitual way of holding our body is from above by tensing up. This takes the weight off our weak legs but means we are constantly standing and moving as if we are always under […]