Wen Hsiu Quan

You probably know how many bricks it took to start building the skyscraper- and with how many steps a journey begins. This simple rule explains how we can solve some of the largest problems you may face. By taking care of them before the get that big! If you don't like getting chased out of the ring in a sparring match- or getting beaten to a pulp then your training should focus on forestalling attacks. This pass/block, backfist, uppercut combo may seem incredibly simple. I have heard my fair share of wise-cracking members of the laity saying that block/counter drills are useless as your opponent will never attack with just one blow/kick. Maybe- but his attack has to start with one move. :) Forestalling does not have to be limited with blocking the first punch/ kick. Intercepting at the turn of a hip, the movement of a shoulder or the raising of a foot can also help you diffuse a confrontation before it gets out of hand. The highest order (does not make nice videos or even sk...

So... We all watched Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, right? If you have you will remember Chu Yan's (Michelle Yeoh) subtle, ingenious test to confirm her suspicion that the unassuming Xiao Long (Zhang Ziyi) actually had martial arts training. She dropped a tea cup. Now- we all know that Wudang has never taught anyone how to save their fine china from getting shattered on the floor. So- why was Xiaolong able to do it? Those who are used to me by now will know what my point is here. Xiao Long's alertness and quick reflexes were a benefit of her study of martial art. You don't need to search very far for people to tell you that traditional martial arts are full of fixed positions and form- and then there are the moves with the poetic names... All these things seem to hinder one more than helping in an actual fight. But don't believe for a second that it's useless! I have noticed that, despite how the world's knowledge of mar...

 76 pages later I am finally done! This is the last book on the technique and fighting method of Wenhsiuquan. Now- I have to get this baby printed! The next book- before I write a comprehensive summary of the principles of Wenhsiuquan- I have to write a book that focuses on training and conditioning. Now- before I get to all that I want to thank everybody who reads this blog- to those who follow me and to those who have taught me.  So- here goes: Thank you! Dankie! Xie Xie Nimen! Arigato! The last page! YAY! Have a great week and train hard!

Today's post is about an exercise in Wenhsiuquan to train the reflexes as well as posture and technique. I am not entirely against one step sparring, but I also don't feel the need to cover lots of ground to practice harmonising. This exercise is very simple, but effective in teaching beginners to blend their movements with that of their opponents. It also cultivates the much-needed sensitivity one needs in sparring. It will start with one partner in forward stance- fist out in reverse punch position while the other is in back stance arm in blocking position. The one in back stance then shifts weight forward to punch while the other shifts back and rotate his hips into back stance to block the punch inward. Then- immediately the roles are reversed. If done correctly the partners will move back and forth- punching and blocking. One can start slowly at first to work on technique and posture and then increase speed and power to condition the arms and to cultivate the habit of...

I am particularly glad about this long weekend. I have finished taking all the photos needed for the chapter on basics in my book. The next set of photos- if they are going to get taken- will feature one of my friends who have helped out with the book on grappling.  After the books have been completed I shall post some more about the actual experience of learning Wenhsiuquan. Sure- we get a lot of info on a style's ideals and values- even its techniques, but what about the stuff you actually experience when you are at the dojo? Thank you, everybody who has been reading my blog up to now. I hope you enjoy what is to come.