Alan Armstrong

You deserve an honorable mention sensei8. A great lesson for new students. Question: How is it, that I can always hit you at will and you cannot hit me when sparring? Answer: Because when you try to strike me, I will always be in a position to hit you.

Perhaps looking in to the subject of plyometrics will help you get higher. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plyometrics Plyometrics, also known as "jump training" or "plyos", are exercises in which muscles exert maximum force in short intervals of time, with the goal of increasing power (speed-strength). This training focuses on learning to move from a muscle extension to a contraction in a rapid or "explosive" manner, such as in specialized repeated jumping.[1] Plyometrics are primarily used by athletes, especially martial artists,

https://sites.google.com/site/lehijujitsu/origins-of-jujitsu-jiu-jitsu About 400 years ago the Takenouchi school of jujitsu was systemized. Sixty years later a Chinese came to Japan and taught the art of boxing. And forty years later another Chinese visited Japan and introduced an art of seizing one's opponent. Through the process of elimination and harmonization a new art known as Yawara was created and popularized. This is the origin of the present day jujitsu. http://judoinfo.com/judohistory/ Opinions differ as to the origin of the art. One traces it to Chin Gempin, a naturalized Chinese, of whom mention is made in the following paragraph. Another attributes it to Shirobei Akiyama, a physician at Nagasaki, who is stated to have learned three tricks of hakuda in China. A third, on the other hand, claims the art to be the production of pure Japanese ingenuity. To state more in detail, Chin Gempin was naturalized as a Japanese subject in 1659 and died in 1671. While sojourning at the Kokushoji temple at Azabu, Tokyo (then Yedo), he, it is stated, taught three tricks of jujitsu to three ronin (samurai discharged from their lord’s service). These ronin were Shichiroyemon Fukuno, Yojiyemon Miura and Jirozayemon Isogai, and after much study, they each founded their own schools of jujitsu. It is beyond doubt that what was learned by them consisted of three kinds of atewaza (that is to say, striking the vital and vulnerable parts of the body) of the Chinese kempo (pugilism). We cannot, therefore, arrive at the hasty conclusion that Chin is the founder of jujitsu in this country, though it must be stated to his credit that his teaching gave an undoubted impulse to the development of jujitsu http://www.jujitsuwales.com/about/history/ Chinese influence Prior to the foundation of the Takenouche-Ryu, open-handed combat techniques existed solely as a secondary art to major weapons system. Most modern Ju-Jitsu Ryu can trace their lineage directly back to Takenouche. In the early 16th century, Hideyoshi Toyotomi introduced the Chinese Art of Ch-an Fa (punching and nerve striking) to Japan and it was adopted by Ju-Jitsu

I was hoping to have an intelligent conversation about grappling style and techniques from different perspectives. As this is not possible, due to mixing irrelevant information to this topic, also being insulted being compared to a clown. Time to go Good bye guys!

Why not? There shouldn't be any more problem with marketing the one than the other. In fact, with the in-place, and sometimes government sponsored, at least in China, market for Chinese MA, it should be fairly easy to market. The only issue I can see is that you have things like this happening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUOXGQ0MqP0 Here we have a CMA "master" making the challenge to an MMA fighter and then getting his clock cleaned. Or you have this idiot trying to block punches with his chi: https://tinyurl.com/ycvtk2e3 If CMA have a marketing problem, it's in the amount of people claiming to be doing them that are not doing anything with any martial validity to it. Poor examples of videos, funny, how these have no bearing on this subject; except avoiding the facts of grappling history.Could just as well put some Harry Potter links, for all the difference it makes. I did offer to compare with the Chinese police and military grappling disciplines but obviously, there is no interest in reality only fraudulent chi masters. I am impressed how the blonde guy stopped the uppercut with his chin-na-not really! LOL thanx for sharing, it was worth watching.

I didn't find one with a McDojo logo. http://www.martialartcertificates.com/gallery/

You certainly fight how you train but, as I mentioned, self defense situations are quite a bit unlike sport fighting and the way most people spar. The longer, lower stances are often used in a very close-range context--standing grappling, or clinching, for example. Sometimes, they are used to take the opponent down, or move the opponent, or prevent yourself from being moved or taken down, for example. The kokutsu-dachi you point out as being someone nobody would use in a no-holds-barred fight, for example, is absolutely a stance I have seen used in mixed martial arts, as well as judo, sumo, wrestling, boxing, Muay Thai--the list goes on. Next time you watch an MMA fight with lots of clinchwork or fighting against the cage, take some time to watch it frame by frame, and you will be surprised just how many karate stances show up. As I said before, though, the stances of karate are NOT meant for you to just stand in and move around. They are snapshots of positions used to make your techniques work, and you may only be in them for a split second. Very well explained Wastelander

I like the concept. The problem with this is whether they answer truthfully. I personally think that you can judge a students intentions based on how they conduct themselves in class. Those looking for the glitz and accolades are usually the students that are in it for the belt. If winning trophies is more important than learning, again a pretty good indication. You get my point. I wonder what would happen if you asked them - if I give you this black belt but you could never return to class would you still want it? It would be interesting to see how many would take you up on the belt. To the bold type above... What scares me the most is that I believe that the number of people nowadays would take the black belt, knowing very well the circumstances. Pray I'm dead wrong with my suspicious thoughts. Sorry to say, it is worse than your suspicious thoughts sensei8

(This might be of interest for those that like to mix history with grappling) Over 6,000 years ago, the earliest Chinese term for wrestling, "jǐao dǐ" (角抵, horn butting), refers to an ancient style of military Kung-Fu in which soldiers wore horned headgear with which they attempted to butt, throw and defeat their enemies. Ancient Chinese imperial records state that "jiao di" was used in 2697 BC by the Yellow Emperor's army to gore the soldiers of a rebel army led by Chiyou.[1] In later times, young people would play a similar game, emulating the contests of domestic cattle, without the headgear. Jiao di has been described as an originating source of wrestling and latter forms of martial arts in China.[2] "Jiao li" (角力) was first referenced in the Classic of Rites[3] during the Zhou Dynasty. Jiao li supplemented throwing techniques with strikes, blocks, joint locks and attacks on pressure points.[1] These exercises were practiced in the winter by soldiers who also practiced archery and studied military strategy.[4] Jiao li eventually became a public sport held for court amusement as well as for recruiting the best fighters. Competitors wrestled each other on a raised platform called a "lei tai" for the potential reward of being hired as a bodyguard to the emperor or a martial arts instructor for the Imperial Military. Jiao li was taught to soldiers in China over many centuries and its popularity among the military guaranteed its influence on later Chinese martial arts through the end of the Qing dynasty. The term "shuai jiao" was chosen by the Central Guoshu Academy (Zhong Yang Guo Shu Guan 中央國術館) of Nanjing in 1928 when competition rules were standardized .[5] The art continues to be taught in the police and military academies of China. Fom Wikipedia https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuai_jiao ------------------------------------------------- Also: Modern Shuai Jiao evolved from an ancient form of battlefield combat. Its techniques are the culmination of tested grappling experience in the best environment – the battlefield. This practical and devastatingly efficient method of combat has evolved into a sophisticated and effective - no nonsense - system of martial arts. Its philosophy shares the same principle of internal systems of Chinese martial arts: Yin and Yang. In fact, the advanced Shuai Jiao practitioner utilises both Internal and External principles and views these principles as two sides of the same coin meeting at a junction, and complimenting each other, but coming from totally different origins. In modern times Shuai Jiao Masters are employed by the police and military of a number of nations across the world including China and Taiwan (ROC). So even today, Shuai Jiao's effectivness as a martial art is still being proven, in both close military combat and the street. Sourced from http://www.kuoshu.co.uk/History%20-%20SJ.htm

I think it primarily had its usage in the military for a short period of time. For those here that might be interested... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defendo LOL.Could just imagine on the boat, in the movie "Enter the dragon' As Bruce is asked " What's your style" as Bruce answers "Defendo or is it Combato" Would make for a funny parody. Thanks for sharing sensei8

Perhaps. It depends on the training methodology. See, the thing that more than any other factor that has lead to the dominance of certain grappling systems over others is simply the fact that we practice at full speed against intelligently resisting opponents. Simply that. It is more important to be able to perform a technique under the duress of full speed sparring and/or competition than it is to "know" a "deadlier" or "more dangerous" technique. What you know is useless in a fight compared to what you can do. And what you can do is determined not by mindset or meditation, but by what you HAVE done under as close to realistic conditions as possible and your physical condition. From a Chin Na perspective, jujitsu and judo are watered down grappling arts, which are missing other elements that make them incomplete. As yes, jujitsu and judo are specialists in certain areas of grappling, but miss out on other aspects, that don't pertain to its marketing structure framework. Chin Na isn't marketable but jujitsu and judo are.

Is there room for grappling Chinese martial arts or are they stereotyped as everything but grapplers? Because there is a joke that, Chinese martial artists don't do grappling, because they never fall down in a fight, not for hundreds of years. As the Chinese government have promoted martial arts in a health and exercise capacity for many years, the combative arts have been set aside for the police and military use. It is alot healthier for the Chinese aging population to be practicing Tai Chi in the park than BJJ on the beach. If comparing the Japanese grappling disciplines with Chinese Chin Na, better to look at their police and military for reference.

Yes!

From a martial art Yin/Yang perspective, move around be light footed then strike and be heavy and stable when hitting or controlling the opponent; as doing the opposite you will be on you back, getting pounded, quicker than realizing what happened.

All activities have stances that have been made available through using correct body mechnics, which improves performance. Keeping the correct balance and structural integrity when practicing or performing a technique will enhance the desired result. Moving from one movement to another location needs a good understanding of what is the best way necessary to achieve it, stances in motion or stationary position is responsible allowing them to adapt together at will. Moving from one stance to another, many other things can happen within the moment such as a weaving, a knee strike, a deflection and a strike... The problem can arise when wanting specifics and answers for everything, including stances, such as, which stance to use when a bull is coming towards you at full speed? As the answer is, "Just Move" to get out of the way! There is a saying which I've just made up. (Only idiots want or need specifics) Therefore the best stance to use, is the one that is best suited for the moment. There is a place and time for everything including stances; if your stances are there and strong when you need them, then your CI got through to the common sense, area of your brain. If you are practicing stances and the CI isn't looking and you slack off, then don't blame the CI if you end up on a McDojo video. As you can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink. As you can teach a student stances but you cannot make them to use them. My suggestion is, stances are not carved in stone, on the contrary they are anything but stationary; even when they look stationery, your engine should be revving like a high performance race car, ready for smoking your tires or ripping off those calluses on the soles of your feet. There are hundreds of stances, some for fighting with and others for exercising and others for dancing and others for working, or skydiving or swimming ... the list is virtually endless.

One aspect of many, comes to mind when discussing the internal aspects of Wing Chun, which is relaxation. As most people carry around with them, an abundance of tension, something that hinders movement, in Wing Chun unnecessary tension is dissolved with a little less seriousness when training. In Wing Chun, relaxation is how speed is generated, an element Bruce Lee noticeably connected to his JKD. This relaxed movement is also connected to what is called "The snake engine" whereas tendons, muscles and ligaments are free to elongate, when striking blows or when deflecting incoming attacks. This relaxation factor is very useful to know when in a confrontation, as where many people become pumped up with tension, before a fight, the opposite is needed for a Wing Chun fighter. This internal aspect is where Wing Chun can fail, if not fully understanding this relaxed ready state of being, which could be considered as the Yin aspect, interchangeably the Yang aspect is needed also to, make the strikes, kicks and blows to be strong and powerful; with a rooted stance when necessary, making full use of gravity. As the lightness and fast aspects are Yin and the heavy aspects are Yang, when combined there is a heavy sinking element that can be used when making one's own body very heavy, also heavy handed blows are better initiated this way. Not understanding this aspect is again where Wing Chun fails, in not knowing when to be light to move fast or when to make oneself heavy when needed; which is a type of way to make an interchangeable body structure, which maintains structural integrity, throughout the fight. There is an intuitive element to this Yin/Yang interplay but is short lived, this is why fights usually end very quickly, as it takes practice to maintain this flow state for any length of time, without tiring or gasping for breath. Internal Wing Chun practice on a wooden dummy, is a way to keep these Yin/Yang elements alive, without tiring, or gasping for air, because what might look like an external exercise is actually also an internal one. Yin cannot survive without Yang, to fight like a soft rag doll or to be stiff like a puppet neither is a working system; but when combined the fighting balance is all there. As people are soft compared to the wooden Wing Chun dummy which is hard, the correct method is not to strike it, on the contrary to massage it instead; this is where soft internal/Yin meets external/Yang; as be like water/soft and it will wear down the rock/hard. This internal aspect of Wing Chun is also played out on an emotional level, knowing when to yield or walk away and when to fight. Being in a neutral frame of mind and body is ready for anything; Wing Chun or Karate two different roads, that eventually meet at the same destination.

Do you agree or disagree or just surprised, about the parents of Jujitsu and Judo? There is still alot of information to be found in books, that is relevant today; here is gem worth looking at. The book:CHIN NA FA by Liu Jin Sheng 1936 http://www.kungfunewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/chin-na-fa.pdf

Very good topic. Now with another twist. Having taught Chinese martial arts with Cantonese terminology, with none English speakers, that only understand Spanish.

Here are some (alternative) videos that might shed some light on hip maintenance for martial artists. (If you find these videos interesting to you or helpful, and want more suggestion, just ask) Ballet turnout for martial artists Ballet guy does martial arts Talia ballet turnout tips 7 minute kama quickie

Thanks for sharing mkdaggy and welcome to KF.comHere is Bill Moyers investigating Chi

This video explains/shows how Bruce Lee uses the: 1. Pak Sao (slapping hand) 2. Gum Sao (jamming lower strike) 3. Lap Sao (pulling hand) From the movie "Enter The Dragon" O'Hara and Bruce fight scene. Notice also how Bruce Lee's lower strike is just a feint. Here is another video of the fight scene with an interesting music re-mix (just for fun) https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ggSM6wn8M6I

This Black Flag Wing Chun tutorial video explains the gates.

For those that have not yet looked in to the Wing Chun system of fighting, or have fixed preconceptions of what it is about, then these (short version) videos seminars are for you. As Wing Chun can be very harsh or very soft depending on the information, that you have been exposed to. Also for those like myself that have a broad perspective of martial arts then these Wing Chun Sifus collectively, have many insights to share, with these and other videos of theirs. These Sifus are not the only ones giving seminars, they are however making the effort to go out in to the world making a difference for what they believe in, that being Wing Chun. Your opinions are always welcome. Wing Tsun Sifu Norbert Maday-Seminar (20min) Wing Chun Sifu Didier Beddar-Seminar (5min) Wing Chun Sifu Evangelos-Seminar (8min) Wing Tjun Sifu Sergio-Seminar (3min) Ving Tshun Sifu Tassos-Seminars (5min) Wing Chun Sifu Shaun Rawcliffe-Seminar (1:17min) Wing Tsun Sifu Emin Boztepe-Seminar (30min) Wing Chun Sifu Master Wong-Seminar (5min) Wing Chun Sifu Leo Au Yeung-Seminar (6min) Wing Tsun Sifu Leung Ting-Seminar (5min)

The Yin/Yang vertical lines, and the three dantiens making up the Nine Wing Chun gates; #similar to the game of X's and O's. Important for the principle to be able to attack/control the opponent's nine gates and simultaneously protect as many of one's own.

Yes, perfect example, from "Enter the dragon"