Chum Kiu: Thrusting and Turning
Sun, Nov 27 2011 07:23
| rules, kung fu, form, technique, hitting, practice, footwork, siu num tao, chum kiu, strikes, martial arts, power, Wing Tsun Kung fu, flexibility, martial arts Altrincham
| Permalink
For those of you that remember my last blog entry about the Chum Kiu you'll realise that words can rarely do justice to something as complex and fundamental as form to a martial art such as Wing Tsun. I'm doing my best to have a go though!
However it is important to recognise that the first "new" section in the form is one which equips a student with the ability to understand the defensive capabilities of the system whilst improving the relationship between moving the arms and body correctly within the IRAS.
A double jum sau allows one to sink not just the arms but the centre of gravity into the stance with the realisation that Chum Kiu operates on two lines not just one as in Siu Num Tau. Using the undualtion of the spine to lift the jum saus along with your centre of gravity parctices balance and structure, particularly when thrusting the arms out into Biu Tze saus.
The relaxtion needed not to uproot the student during Biu Tze sau promotes good balance and control. Usually thought of as an eye strike the technique offers a student solutions to drawing an attackers arms down to the centre of mass.
This is followed by a very tricky idea within Wing Tsun forms. The arms must be folded into double lan sau - elbows kept at 90 degrees in front of the solar plexus, and the full range of motion within the stance is needed to allow you to sink into a 90 degree turn. "Sitting" on the back leg places you into a very traditional Wing Tsun stance with the front leg free to step/kick as necessary. It also reminds us to draw all of your power in and down so you are not floating in a precarious position.
From an application point of view the technique offers various uses. Conceptually it teaches us to turn with power, speed and balance. When grappling this can be useful to shake off attackers looking to grapple the upper body or pin the arms. It also teaches us to move around a solid object or force without pushing against it or into it - this allows the Wing Tsun exponent to be soft and difficult to track by an attacker. It also implies that from the Biu Tze saus you can pull an opponent's head sharply down and to the side destroying their stance and leaving them incredibly vulnerable to counters.
By building up a solid base which can move, the Chum Kiu emphasises the need for balance and keeping the arms moving in proportion to the body. If one moves without the other your power and structure is broken. This leaves you weak and twisted in structure. While this may be less of a problem in more advanced systems and emergency techniques it is important to establish good practice amongst beginners.
From here the opening of the arms with double fook saus invites us to expand the chest and lever apart both our arms and those of our attackers. The three pak saus with tok saus have simple applications to break the balance of an attacker using the disruption of their joints. Followed by three palm strikes the student is given a clear message to attack back in using quick and powerful strikes whilst an assailant is off balance.
Drawing the arm back across the body it is important that as the student splits the arms into a lan sau and sau chong that they return to neutral stance. Skipping this point encoruages bad habits and poor structure. Pausing albeit briefly demonstrates great control. It also reminds the student to focus on holding the lan sau at chest height and not towards the throat or even chin as some people will commonly do.
Moving all the way over to the other 90 degree turn with a lan sau teaches the student the depth of IRAS and our ability to move. The split amongst the lan sau and sau chong as well as the sink into the stance is crucial in teaching the student how to keep out an opponents force. Turning the forearm upwards slightly allows the lan sau to become stronger and more resillient.
Forming a double tan sau reminds the student that Chum Kiu also uses one line and nods towards the lessons of the previous Siu Num Tau. Compression of the double tan into the hip allows the student to push themselves around the own centre and make a bong sau wu sau at a 45 degree angle. It is crucial the student understands to face "forwards" looking over the bong sau and in line with their wu.
These steps are teaching us how to move around a changing attacker not multiple attackers or one which can teleport! Constant referral to the direction of an attack is necessary in all aspects of Wing Tsun. Moving between the double tan and bong sau wu sau three times emphasises the use of three repetitions throught the Wing Tsun forms to teach an important idea. It also shows how we can change easily between very defensive and deep 90 degree turns and more attacking 45 turns which help us slip and evade attacks rather than contain them like the former.
The punch over the top of the final lan sau reminds us to keep our arms over the lan sau to avoid them being trapped by being pulled down and develops power and range whilst in the 90 degree stance. Likewise when drawing the arm across into the fak sau it is important the legs are pulled back into neutral stance and the "whip" of the fak sau is then achieved using the softeness in the shoulder joint to make the technique powerful.
The arm is withdrawn and sunken back into the hip. This ensures the following strike is at eye height but launched from a solid and stable base. Be careful that the hand finishes on the centre line as crossing it will pull the shoulders apart and destroy your structure. The heun sau and return to sau chong signifies the end of the section as inkeeping with the Siu Num Tau.
The fact this is repeated on the other side shows how important the lessons contained within these movements are. Likewise it teaches us to train both sides with the mechanics and spatial awareness handed down by the section. Overall it is an important preparation not just for learning to defend and move coherently but for assigning the weight and balance onto one leg allowing us the ability to kick and step in the subsequent sections. That however is another long and complex blog post for another time!
Happy training!
However it is important to recognise that the first "new" section in the form is one which equips a student with the ability to understand the defensive capabilities of the system whilst improving the relationship between moving the arms and body correctly within the IRAS.
A double jum sau allows one to sink not just the arms but the centre of gravity into the stance with the realisation that Chum Kiu operates on two lines not just one as in Siu Num Tau. Using the undualtion of the spine to lift the jum saus along with your centre of gravity parctices balance and structure, particularly when thrusting the arms out into Biu Tze saus.
The relaxtion needed not to uproot the student during Biu Tze sau promotes good balance and control. Usually thought of as an eye strike the technique offers a student solutions to drawing an attackers arms down to the centre of mass.
This is followed by a very tricky idea within Wing Tsun forms. The arms must be folded into double lan sau - elbows kept at 90 degrees in front of the solar plexus, and the full range of motion within the stance is needed to allow you to sink into a 90 degree turn. "Sitting" on the back leg places you into a very traditional Wing Tsun stance with the front leg free to step/kick as necessary. It also reminds us to draw all of your power in and down so you are not floating in a precarious position.
From an application point of view the technique offers various uses. Conceptually it teaches us to turn with power, speed and balance. When grappling this can be useful to shake off attackers looking to grapple the upper body or pin the arms. It also teaches us to move around a solid object or force without pushing against it or into it - this allows the Wing Tsun exponent to be soft and difficult to track by an attacker. It also implies that from the Biu Tze saus you can pull an opponent's head sharply down and to the side destroying their stance and leaving them incredibly vulnerable to counters.
By building up a solid base which can move, the Chum Kiu emphasises the need for balance and keeping the arms moving in proportion to the body. If one moves without the other your power and structure is broken. This leaves you weak and twisted in structure. While this may be less of a problem in more advanced systems and emergency techniques it is important to establish good practice amongst beginners.
From here the opening of the arms with double fook saus invites us to expand the chest and lever apart both our arms and those of our attackers. The three pak saus with tok saus have simple applications to break the balance of an attacker using the disruption of their joints. Followed by three palm strikes the student is given a clear message to attack back in using quick and powerful strikes whilst an assailant is off balance.
Drawing the arm back across the body it is important that as the student splits the arms into a lan sau and sau chong that they return to neutral stance. Skipping this point encoruages bad habits and poor structure. Pausing albeit briefly demonstrates great control. It also reminds the student to focus on holding the lan sau at chest height and not towards the throat or even chin as some people will commonly do.
Moving all the way over to the other 90 degree turn with a lan sau teaches the student the depth of IRAS and our ability to move. The split amongst the lan sau and sau chong as well as the sink into the stance is crucial in teaching the student how to keep out an opponents force. Turning the forearm upwards slightly allows the lan sau to become stronger and more resillient.
Forming a double tan sau reminds the student that Chum Kiu also uses one line and nods towards the lessons of the previous Siu Num Tau. Compression of the double tan into the hip allows the student to push themselves around the own centre and make a bong sau wu sau at a 45 degree angle. It is crucial the student understands to face "forwards" looking over the bong sau and in line with their wu.
These steps are teaching us how to move around a changing attacker not multiple attackers or one which can teleport! Constant referral to the direction of an attack is necessary in all aspects of Wing Tsun. Moving between the double tan and bong sau wu sau three times emphasises the use of three repetitions throught the Wing Tsun forms to teach an important idea. It also shows how we can change easily between very defensive and deep 90 degree turns and more attacking 45 turns which help us slip and evade attacks rather than contain them like the former.
The punch over the top of the final lan sau reminds us to keep our arms over the lan sau to avoid them being trapped by being pulled down and develops power and range whilst in the 90 degree stance. Likewise when drawing the arm across into the fak sau it is important the legs are pulled back into neutral stance and the "whip" of the fak sau is then achieved using the softeness in the shoulder joint to make the technique powerful.
The arm is withdrawn and sunken back into the hip. This ensures the following strike is at eye height but launched from a solid and stable base. Be careful that the hand finishes on the centre line as crossing it will pull the shoulders apart and destroy your structure. The heun sau and return to sau chong signifies the end of the section as inkeeping with the Siu Num Tau.
The fact this is repeated on the other side shows how important the lessons contained within these movements are. Likewise it teaches us to train both sides with the mechanics and spatial awareness handed down by the section. Overall it is an important preparation not just for learning to defend and move coherently but for assigning the weight and balance onto one leg allowing us the ability to kick and step in the subsequent sections. That however is another long and complex blog post for another time!
Happy training!
Altrincham Martial Arts Club Grading week
Sat, Oct 22 2011 09:08
| kung fu, kids, martial arts, gradings, black belt, Wing Tsun Kung fu, EWTO, martial arts Altrincham, kids martial arts, sash
| Permalink
This week marks an important milestone in the history of martial arts in Altrincham and Greater Manchester. From Thursday 27th October through to Monday 31st we will be grading our first intake of kids classes as well as our adult students.
While all our students have been working hard for weeks it is especially exciting to announce that while we test these grades we will be joined by SiHing Barry Wells of Leeds our regional instructor for Wing Tsun Kung fu here in the North of England.
The EWTO have been absent from the North West for too long now but thanks to our hard work, passion for Wing Tsun and determination to quality I am pleased to bring back the martial art to the North West in an official capacity.
While others may use the name illegally, claim murky lineages and pass off poor imitations of our art it is pleasing to know not only do we deliver the 'real deal' but we do it with no cheap tricks, no hidden costs and no sleight of hand.
The proof is in the pudding and when we see the joy and reward of kids from the age of 5 to people with many years on me claiming the next bench mark in their training it is great to know that earned it. From Hong Kong to Altrincham the art of Wing Tsun is seemingly little known outside of martial arts circles - but that is because while others might be more recognisable Wing Tsun works!
Effective for self defence, mentally challenging and difficult to perfect it's a long road many are not willing to take, although everyone is able to. With the mental toughness, physical endurance and dedication anyone can benefit from Wing Tsun. While other arts may be easier, more accessible or just popular there is a sense of achievement that comes with every certificate earned in Wing Tsun.
This week we'll be sharing that feeling of pride with dozens of people and that makes me not only very proud but excited and determined to go even further next time too!
Grades for kids always see them rewarded with coloured sashes
The IWTA logo
GM Kernspecht working his magic at a seminar, typical of the adaptability of Wing Tsun
While all our students have been working hard for weeks it is especially exciting to announce that while we test these grades we will be joined by SiHing Barry Wells of Leeds our regional instructor for Wing Tsun Kung fu here in the North of England.
The EWTO have been absent from the North West for too long now but thanks to our hard work, passion for Wing Tsun and determination to quality I am pleased to bring back the martial art to the North West in an official capacity.
While others may use the name illegally, claim murky lineages and pass off poor imitations of our art it is pleasing to know not only do we deliver the 'real deal' but we do it with no cheap tricks, no hidden costs and no sleight of hand.
The proof is in the pudding and when we see the joy and reward of kids from the age of 5 to people with many years on me claiming the next bench mark in their training it is great to know that earned it. From Hong Kong to Altrincham the art of Wing Tsun is seemingly little known outside of martial arts circles - but that is because while others might be more recognisable Wing Tsun works!
Effective for self defence, mentally challenging and difficult to perfect it's a long road many are not willing to take, although everyone is able to. With the mental toughness, physical endurance and dedication anyone can benefit from Wing Tsun. While other arts may be easier, more accessible or just popular there is a sense of achievement that comes with every certificate earned in Wing Tsun.
This week we'll be sharing that feeling of pride with dozens of people and that makes me not only very proud but excited and determined to go even further next time too!
Grades for kids always see them rewarded with coloured sashesThe IWTA logoGM Kernspecht working his magic at a seminar, typical of the adaptability of Wing Tsun Education: the key to your child's success
Wed, Sep 21 2011 11:02
| rules, kung fu, kids, karate, lessons, martial arts Altrincham, kids martial arts
| Permalink
Here at Altrincham Martial Arts Club we believe that every child is special. Honestly we do. More to the point we believe that every child can benefit from what we do – we know because we’ve seen it.
The aim of our kids’ classes is to do more than show techniques and ask children to repeat them back to us. We use a range of ideas and approaches to offer our students more than that.
As I’ve just started on my PGCE course (trainee teacher) I’ve been reappraising how to educate people. Looking at how learning styles, needs and objectives all have a massive impact on students from infants to the elderly – we all have basic characteristics which as a teacher I need to accept and cater for.
My experience working with SEN (special educational needs) children has convinced me of the fact that every child can benefit from our classes. The reality being that as a teacher, a student (and as a parent in this case) we must have realistic aims and goals. To provide a safe and enjoyable environment and framework is essential to letting everyone succeed.
While it’s not possible for every child in a school to receive the highest grade, it is possible for them to fulfil their potential. That’s why at AMAC we focus on where a student is at when they walk through the door for the first time, and what they can do when they walk back through it. After an hour; a month, a year or longer it matters not to me. What I want to do is ensure that when they leave us they are better than when they started.
At AMAC you won’t see our kids lined up in silence – they move, they shout, they interact! But there is discipline and respect for themselves, for us, for their parents. We instil that through rules, rewards and positive correction.
The latest theories and established practices in education, psychology and the martial arts themselves are at the heart of what we do. I believe this makes us very much unique in delivering effective teaching and getting more from and for our students.
If you’d like more information on what we do, how we do it or you want to see it in action for yourself then get in touch!
The aim of our kids’ classes is to do more than show techniques and ask children to repeat them back to us. We use a range of ideas and approaches to offer our students more than that.
As I’ve just started on my PGCE course (trainee teacher) I’ve been reappraising how to educate people. Looking at how learning styles, needs and objectives all have a massive impact on students from infants to the elderly – we all have basic characteristics which as a teacher I need to accept and cater for.
My experience working with SEN (special educational needs) children has convinced me of the fact that every child can benefit from our classes. The reality being that as a teacher, a student (and as a parent in this case) we must have realistic aims and goals. To provide a safe and enjoyable environment and framework is essential to letting everyone succeed.
While it’s not possible for every child in a school to receive the highest grade, it is possible for them to fulfil their potential. That’s why at AMAC we focus on where a student is at when they walk through the door for the first time, and what they can do when they walk back through it. After an hour; a month, a year or longer it matters not to me. What I want to do is ensure that when they leave us they are better than when they started.
At AMAC you won’t see our kids lined up in silence – they move, they shout, they interact! But there is discipline and respect for themselves, for us, for their parents. We instil that through rules, rewards and positive correction.
The latest theories and established practices in education, psychology and the martial arts themselves are at the heart of what we do. I believe this makes us very much unique in delivering effective teaching and getting more from and for our students.
If you’d like more information on what we do, how we do it or you want to see it in action for yourself then get in touch!
News Flash
Fri, Aug 26 2011 12:41
| seminar, kung fu, martial arts, Wing Tsun Kung fu, martial arts Altrincham, Bruce Lee, kids martial arts, self defence
| Permalink
We've been a bit quiet on the blogging front but no news is good news as they say, and there's a lot to be going on with here at AMAC!
A Young Bruce Lee training with the late Great Grandmaster Yip Man in poon sau.
Firstly our kids classes have taken off to great success. To get your child enrolled before places fill up simply turn up for a FREE class of your choice. Try it with no obligation to see what parents and kids alike have been talking about.
Tomorrow morning we have a fantastic Bank Holiday Kung Fu seminar - two days of expert tuition and a chance to up your skills, knowledge and understanding in a fun and intensive setting. To take part simply come along! Even if you've never tried martial arts before - it's no problem.
Lastly Altrincham Martial Arts Club is delighted to announce it's return to the EWTO. Headed by the inspirational Grandmaster Keith Kernspecht we are the only club in the North West teaching authentic and genuine Wing Tsun Kung Fu. Accept no imitations. If you want to learn from the same lineage as Bruce Lee we're the club with the real deal kung fu.
So what are you waiting for? We've been busy, time for you to get busy too!
Kit List
Sat, Jul 16 2011 02:34
| kung fu, martial arts Altrincham, kit
| Permalink
We're putting together another order of fantastic kit and equipment for you all so take a look at what's on offer and email your selections to info@amaclub.org.uk or see me in class.
*AMAC Heavyweight Cotton Tee OR "Sports Performance" Tee (White/Grey/Black) £12
Trousers (Black/White) £15
*AMAC Hoods (Black/Red) £25
Cotton Sole Kung Fu Slippers £7
Full Bundle includes 1x all of the above £50 (save £9)
XL Bundle add extra Tee and Trousers £75 (save £11)
Kids Kung Fu Suit £20
Kids Kung Fu Slippers £7
MMA Mitts Black/Red/Yellow £20
Escrima Stick £8
A much larger list of equipment, accessories and products is available upon request. For guidance and advice please see Matt or any senior students in class or email us info@amaclub.org.uk
* Denotes kit custom made and must be paid for in in full and in advance
AMAC Tee and Trousers or Kung Fu suit for kids are considered compulsory uniform for all members of AMAC.
*AMAC Heavyweight Cotton Tee OR "Sports Performance" Tee (White/Grey/Black) £12
Trousers (Black/White) £15
*AMAC Hoods (Black/Red) £25
Cotton Sole Kung Fu Slippers £7
Full Bundle includes 1x all of the above £50 (save £9)
XL Bundle add extra Tee and Trousers £75 (save £11)
Kids Kung Fu Suit £20
Kids Kung Fu Slippers £7
MMA Mitts Black/Red/Yellow £20
Escrima Stick £8
A much larger list of equipment, accessories and products is available upon request. For guidance and advice please see Matt or any senior students in class or email us info@amaclub.org.uk
* Denotes kit custom made and must be paid for in in full and in advance
AMAC Tee and Trousers or Kung Fu suit for kids are considered compulsory uniform for all members of AMAC.
Bring out the best in your kids!
Sun, May 29 2011 05:40
| kung fu, kids, exercise, martial arts Altrincham, kids martial arts
| Permalink
Altrincham Martial Arts Club is proud and excited to announce the return of our fantastic and exciting Kid's Kung fu classes. Popular and well attended our classes are suitable for children of school age and beyond. Offering a challenging environment to let your child express themselves, develop physical, social and educational skills transferable to all parts of their life.
AMAC has a proud tradition of using the martial arts as a tool to educate people not just in the art of Kung Fu but to help them learn to achieve more. To test and challenge themselves and find a way to succeed in ways they never thought possible. This philosophy is again at the heart of Kid's Kung Fu classes.
These classes will teach your child not only simple and effective martial arts technique but discipline and control; over their own bodies and their well being. Learning to focus energy and aggression in specific ways they will learn the appropriate use of Kung Fu, the benefits of physical exercise and the happiness these bring when learning with classmates and friends.
Classes begin this June every Monday night in Timperley and cost just £3 each. For more information see http://www.amaclub.org.uk/
Alternatively look out for vouchers and offers in the press or at various events around Altrincham this summer and save even more money!
AMAC has a proud tradition of using the martial arts as a tool to educate people not just in the art of Kung Fu but to help them learn to achieve more. To test and challenge themselves and find a way to succeed in ways they never thought possible. This philosophy is again at the heart of Kid's Kung Fu classes.
These classes will teach your child not only simple and effective martial arts technique but discipline and control; over their own bodies and their well being. Learning to focus energy and aggression in specific ways they will learn the appropriate use of Kung Fu, the benefits of physical exercise and the happiness these bring when learning with classmates and friends.
Classes begin this June every Monday night in Timperley and cost just £3 each. For more information see http://www.amaclub.org.uk/
Alternatively look out for vouchers and offers in the press or at various events around Altrincham this summer and save even more money!
Panda'ing to the classes
Sun, May 1 2011 12:32
| kung fu, kids, martial arts, kung fu panda, martial arts Altrincham, kids martial arts
| Permalink
With sessions starting in the first week of June every Monday from 6-7pm at the Broomwood Centre and Kung Fu Panda 2 being released on June 10th; we're expecting the kids of Altrincham to go crazy once again for Po and his friends.
For more information on how to enroll your child into our excellent and exciting classes please contact us at info@amaclub.org.uk or look out for us around Altrincham celebrating the launch of our classes and the launch of the latest film - promoting martial arts for kids in a positive manner.
With sessions costing just £3 and great start up deals and discounts on membership and uniforms there really is no excuse not to give our classes a shot. See the health and happiness benefits that regular fun and challenging training can provide your kids with.
Grade 2 and beyond
Sun, Nov 28 2010 02:20
| kung fu, martial arts, training, Wing Tsun Kung fu, martial arts Altrincham
| Permalink
Here is a brief overview of what I expect you to be able to do, in order to achieve grade 2. This is not an official syllabus per se but a few scenarios anyone should be able to deal with fairly comfortably.
Straight punch palm side -> Pak punch (chain punch)
Straight punch knuckle side - > Tan punch (Pak and chain punch)
Jab cross palm side then knuckle side -> Pak to Tan punch
Jab cross knuckle then palm side -> Tan to pak punch
Guard Lifted and punch underneath - > Gan sau, Gum sau and chain punch
Guard lifted and pushed back to punch underneath -> Step one foot backwards, Gan sau, gum sau and chain punch
Straight punch palm side -> Pak punch (chain punch)
Straight punch knuckle side - > Tan punch (Pak and chain punch)
Jab cross palm side then knuckle side -> Pak to Tan punch
Jab cross knuckle then palm side -> Tan to pak punch
Guard Lifted and punch underneath - > Gan sau, Gum sau and chain punch
Guard lifted and pushed back to punch underneath -> Step one foot backwards, Gan sau, gum sau and chain punch
Bats and Blades
Thu, Apr 29 2010 02:25
| kung fu, martial arts, knife crime, violence, martial arts Altrincham, weapons, self defence
| Permalink
Since man first stood upright you can bet one of the first tools he fashioned was not designed to gather mastery over mother nature but instead over fellow man. Weapons of all shapes, sizes, materials go back as far humans do pretty much. Life and society has been violent long before our species could express many other feelings or ideas.
As with the man's innate violence, our desire to survive and flourish have combined and combusted at regular intervals throughout our lives and the lives of our forebears. The knowledge and fear of weapons is as instinctive as it real for all of us.
For many the fear of a stranger taking a knife, bottle, bat, stick, hammer etc. or worse a firearm and using it against is widely acknowledged and sometimes discussed publicly. However our home is full of far worse weapons that are more likely to be used against us – unfortunately. Domestic violence and resultant deaths from kitchen knives, blunt objects even dumb bells in a current case in the news have wreaked serious harm and death on people in every day scenarios from people they know well.
One only has to look at the amount of gun related deaths in the USA to see that not all of them are the results of criminal activity or intent but often passionate and tragic accidents that wreck lives and families alike.
Most people spend months and years just learning to overcome simple punches to safely evade the deadly aspect of a knife or blunt instrument at the end of a person's arm takes much much longer. In all honesty such a holy grail as effective and risk free defence rarely exists. Even in more martial societies of feudal warriors and professional soldiers in days gone by; taking on an armed assailant without a weapon was an extreme scenario and rare event I'd wager.
I've had a knife produced on two occasions and both times I didn't fight back, in one case losing an insured phone and £10 was worth the embarrassment and probing questions of “but you're a kung fu teacher?” It helped me become more informed about myself and what I can and should do.
I always say to my students “fingers and internal organs are hard to replace” and that is my advice in general on this topic. Unless there is a real chance or instant where your life might lost then simply don't fight back. Why encourage or invite the loss of life or serious injury for the sake of material goods? The most frightening encounter was being cornered by two men when drunk who wanted to mug me. The knife wasn't produced until I floored one with a single punch. It was clear I escalated the situation in their minds and the deterrent of a knife was necessary for them.
Unless you are a soldier in a battle field you have no practical need to invite or deal with someone trying to stab you. So the majority of your training and anxiety should not be consumed by this scenario. It is rather fun messing about with plastic knives in training and seeing just what is possible and in your reach. I would say however the drunken brawler is by and large the most common and most dangerous predator for most of us.
Some students even ask about the practicalities of carrying a weapon of some sort themselves. I reject this out of hand. Apart from a rape alarm for women you should not need to live your life with such an accessory in my book. It also brings to mind the adage of “bringing a knife to a gun fight” think of the escalation I mentioned earlier and what that would do to petty thieves if they knew we were all concealing knives as well. Gun crime would become epidemic overnight or worse.
If push comes to shove and someone does produce a weapon my basic advice is this.
As with the man's innate violence, our desire to survive and flourish have combined and combusted at regular intervals throughout our lives and the lives of our forebears. The knowledge and fear of weapons is as instinctive as it real for all of us.
For many the fear of a stranger taking a knife, bottle, bat, stick, hammer etc. or worse a firearm and using it against is widely acknowledged and sometimes discussed publicly. However our home is full of far worse weapons that are more likely to be used against us – unfortunately. Domestic violence and resultant deaths from kitchen knives, blunt objects even dumb bells in a current case in the news have wreaked serious harm and death on people in every day scenarios from people they know well.
One only has to look at the amount of gun related deaths in the USA to see that not all of them are the results of criminal activity or intent but often passionate and tragic accidents that wreck lives and families alike.
However whenever I ask students particularly newer ones, to offer forward a self defence scenario they'd like to learn a solution for. 90% of the time the response is “how do I deal with a knife?”. Knife crime has been falling nationally, and sadly rising within inner city London this year. But people are genuinely (and rightly) scared of being stabbed by a stranger in the street for the sake of money/possessions.
It's a fear and notion easily preyed on by some less scrupulous “martial arts” experts who charge people decent sums of money for a weekend of “knife defence” and other such guff. Quite frankly they give us all a bad name.
Most people spend months and years just learning to overcome simple punches to safely evade the deadly aspect of a knife or blunt instrument at the end of a person's arm takes much much longer. In all honesty such a holy grail as effective and risk free defence rarely exists. Even in more martial societies of feudal warriors and professional soldiers in days gone by; taking on an armed assailant without a weapon was an extreme scenario and rare event I'd wager.
I've had a knife produced on two occasions and both times I didn't fight back, in one case losing an insured phone and £10 was worth the embarrassment and probing questions of “but you're a kung fu teacher?” It helped me become more informed about myself and what I can and should do.
I always say to my students “fingers and internal organs are hard to replace” and that is my advice in general on this topic. Unless there is a real chance or instant where your life might lost then simply don't fight back. Why encourage or invite the loss of life or serious injury for the sake of material goods? The most frightening encounter was being cornered by two men when drunk who wanted to mug me. The knife wasn't produced until I floored one with a single punch. It was clear I escalated the situation in their minds and the deterrent of a knife was necessary for them.
This is the reality more often than not. People using weapons often don't really know how and when to use them and therefore are unpredictable. In panic or uncertainty they can stab and slash wildly which means attempting a defence is nigh on impossible and very risky.
Some of you may be disappointed or upset by this view. However I ask you to consider how often you have or will face such a scenario? Really, think about it. When that time comes god forbid, it is much better to lose money than honour or much worse.Unless you are a soldier in a battle field you have no practical need to invite or deal with someone trying to stab you. So the majority of your training and anxiety should not be consumed by this scenario. It is rather fun messing about with plastic knives in training and seeing just what is possible and in your reach. I would say however the drunken brawler is by and large the most common and most dangerous predator for most of us.
Some students even ask about the practicalities of carrying a weapon of some sort themselves. I reject this out of hand. Apart from a rape alarm for women you should not need to live your life with such an accessory in my book. It also brings to mind the adage of “bringing a knife to a gun fight” think of the escalation I mentioned earlier and what that would do to petty thieves if they knew we were all concealing knives as well. Gun crime would become epidemic overnight or worse.
If push comes to shove and someone does produce a weapon my basic advice is this.
- Maintain space, use your environment to make a barrier between you and the weapon – a coat, a bar stool, fire extinguishers all have their uses.
- Make yourself SEEN and HEARD. Attract as much attention as possible so everyone is looking not at you but the idiot brandishing a broken bottle or blade towards you. These cowards will most likely flee if they feel easily identified and vulnerable.
- NEVER try to grab the weapon or put your hands near it. Pin the arm at the elbow if you absolutely have to and try to disable the attacker immediately by striking their face/groin or knees etc.
- Always throw the weapon away from you and the attacker. If you didn't bring it you're probably not ready to use it and it will hamper or distract you. Our hands do far more damage than we give them credit for.
- GET OUT and GET CLEAR as soon as possible. Quite simply run! If you're not there you can't get hurt.
Making it Work
Thu, Apr 1 2010 04:18
| kung fu, martial arts, muay thai, fighting, technique, Wing Tsun Kung fu, basic, martial arts Altrincham, sparring, kickboxing, self defence
| Permalink
It's been a while since I've posted due to technical problems, busy schedules and a few things to ponder of late. Recently at Altrincham we had the first session of our “fight club” intensive lesson as we call it. The point was not to be a vicious test of masculinity but to see where our skills fitted with more “combat” based contexts and to offer new ideas to students alongside some conditioning work.
I began by introducing the famous “jab cross” combination from boxing and it soon became clear that even badly executed versions at high speed were underestimated or taken for granted by people at first. However, it is the one attack even the most untrained of assailants tends to throw our way in degenerated forms of varying degrees, time after time.
The challenge of reading the opponent's body to ascertain timing, range and power is one that is challenging to even experienced students with sound technical knowledge and application of techniques and hand-shapes. What became apparent to all was a lesson I'd learned the hard way – having the knowledge, putting in the time and getting pak sau punch (a fundamental technique) to work wasn't as straight forward affair.
But with time and patience progress was clear. I found that often students who had a good knowledge and had repeated their basic footwork and hand-shapes coped much better. This was hardly a revelation to me – a lot of people I've studied have talked about the “elite” amongst them always had their basics nailed down.
The irony is that as students we often want to progress thinking that each new technique is better and more advanced than the last. However I would suggest that these new techniques are simply more specialised. They are designed for rarer and rarer scenarios.
What you will notice as you progress through the grades is that the first thing you are taught is to deal with 90% of attacks. The following years of training merely refine this idea and fills in the other 10% of knowledge.
This was demonstrated when I dedicated the last 45 minutes of the session to a baptism of fire for everyone present. Donning a body shield, helmet with mask, 14oz boxing loves, shin and groin guards I asked each man present to spar with me for 3 minutes. The others meanwhile were given the choice of calisthenics to fill their time and test their constitutions.
While the point wasn't to bully or cajole my students into accepting defeat, my aim was to pick up on their weaknesses or shortcomings and encourage them to face them. Whether that was backing off, standing still, covering up, resorting to grappling/boxing etc my aim was to get them to use their WT.
It was apparent when people succeeded they were confidently applying techniques and adaptations of them using theory we'd covered. With a range of experience and abilities it was impressive to note how much people could do after mere weeks of classes. I really do believe with focus and effort learning to “fight” and being proficient is possible after mere months. Beyond that point in your development it is the refining process of making techniques; sharper, harder, faster etc.
The way to do this is to rep the basics over and over and over until they become instinctive answers to the questions raised from assailants. The smoother and more effective these techniques become the better the results and the only way to acheive that is to condition your muscular and endocrine skeletons to perform these responses through constant practice of the most basic movements and ideas.
I began by introducing the famous “jab cross” combination from boxing and it soon became clear that even badly executed versions at high speed were underestimated or taken for granted by people at first. However, it is the one attack even the most untrained of assailants tends to throw our way in degenerated forms of varying degrees, time after time.
The challenge of reading the opponent's body to ascertain timing, range and power is one that is challenging to even experienced students with sound technical knowledge and application of techniques and hand-shapes. What became apparent to all was a lesson I'd learned the hard way – having the knowledge, putting in the time and getting pak sau punch (a fundamental technique) to work wasn't as straight forward affair.
But with time and patience progress was clear. I found that often students who had a good knowledge and had repeated their basic footwork and hand-shapes coped much better. This was hardly a revelation to me – a lot of people I've studied have talked about the “elite” amongst them always had their basics nailed down.
The irony is that as students we often want to progress thinking that each new technique is better and more advanced than the last. However I would suggest that these new techniques are simply more specialised. They are designed for rarer and rarer scenarios.
What you will notice as you progress through the grades is that the first thing you are taught is to deal with 90% of attacks. The following years of training merely refine this idea and fills in the other 10% of knowledge.
This was demonstrated when I dedicated the last 45 minutes of the session to a baptism of fire for everyone present. Donning a body shield, helmet with mask, 14oz boxing loves, shin and groin guards I asked each man present to spar with me for 3 minutes. The others meanwhile were given the choice of calisthenics to fill their time and test their constitutions.
While the point wasn't to bully or cajole my students into accepting defeat, my aim was to pick up on their weaknesses or shortcomings and encourage them to face them. Whether that was backing off, standing still, covering up, resorting to grappling/boxing etc my aim was to get them to use their WT.
It was apparent when people succeeded they were confidently applying techniques and adaptations of them using theory we'd covered. With a range of experience and abilities it was impressive to note how much people could do after mere weeks of classes. I really do believe with focus and effort learning to “fight” and being proficient is possible after mere months. Beyond that point in your development it is the refining process of making techniques; sharper, harder, faster etc.
The way to do this is to rep the basics over and over and over until they become instinctive answers to the questions raised from assailants. The smoother and more effective these techniques become the better the results and the only way to acheive that is to condition your muscular and endocrine skeletons to perform these responses through constant practice of the most basic movements and ideas.
A Sporting Chance
Wed, Dec 30 2009 02:22
| kung fu, martial arts, boxing, training, street fight, martial arts Altrincham, kickboxing, self defence
| Permalink
If you ask our old friend Joe Public to name a martial art you tend to receive a narrow set of answers. Karate, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu (a coverall for hundreds if not thousands of styles), perhaps even boxing or wrestling or global brands such as UFC might all get the nod.
So what? You might ask. The common thread is that by and large all of those are sports. They have rules, referees, specific types of strikes/ranges and weight classes etc they are not practiced, designed for or implemented on the most important arena of all – the street.
However if you talk to our friend Joe Public they will not see the difference and nor should we expect them to. What is even more worrying is when students or even worse instructors of these styles cannot differentiate the gulf between these two contexts.
I do not seek to defame any one of these pursuits or criticise them as styles of combat. However it does bother me that from a cultural point of view there is a complicit willingness to mislead or simply avoid the gap between the mat and the pavement.
It is not to say that the skills and techniques from any of these sports cannot be used for self defence but in my humble experience it is often a case that a certain amount of adaptation and understanding is needed to make this work.
How often do you hear stories of martial arts enthusiasts suffering horrific injuries and humiliation at the hands of thugs and criminals? What can possibly cause this? How does the highly trained exponent of a fighting style fall foul of the untrained?
The answer can be complex but generally speaking there is a combination of the following factors often enough:
· An overinflated confidence of the individuals own strength and skills
· A lack of exposure to self defence/street fights
· A fundamental flaw in understanding their styles strengths and weaknesses
· A basic lack of conditioning to physical, psychological and verbal assaults from unprovoked opponents
· An assumption that an attacker may fight fair or within a consensual set of rules/code
Violent and criminal acts are often borne out of base desires or instincts the perpetrators often utilise the deepest and most animalistic of methods and traits. Regularly these acts are malicious, opportunistic, instinctive and cruel in nature. In essence they go against every cornerstone of the sporting world and culture no matter how violent or barbaric a sport may seem to outside world (see much of the moral debate over boxing and increasingly MMA bouts).
It is this dichotomy that in my opinion often leads to confusion amongst the martial arts community as to the validity and more importantly relevance of various styles to practical street defence. In martial sports their design and motivation is to achieve as much parity between contestants as possible. Fighters are seeded, compete in weight classes and receive medical care and attention as well as the grace and attention of referees to protect their health as much as possible.
On the street there is no code, no starting bell, no one to separate pugilists and there is no reason for an attacker to stop maliciously beating a stricken foe and inflicting severe damage and even death using any strike, weapon or method they choose.
At this point you may be thinking I am seeking to dismiss and undermine martial sports as a glorified side show and spectacle. Far from it! I love to box and kick-box and would hate to trade blows with any well trained exponent of Muay Thai, MMA, wrestling etc
My participation in those pursuits however, isn’t designed to improve my effectiveness but to improve my basic martial skills. The test of stamina, fitness, muscle, coordination and balance I gain from kick-boxing all provide ample reason enough to train it. Most importantly though I simply enjoy it!
My underlining point is that often instructors fail their students by not differentiating between the dojo and the alley way. I have seen instructors of various martial sports claim an in depth knowledge of self defence and for it to be an area they teach extensively in their class without a hint of embarrassment of self-denial.
Often this is simply a marketing ploy as the instructor knows full well a novice will not be able to discern the difference or the fact and fiction of what they are told until many hours of training have been undertaken. The martial arts which are well renowned amongst experts and enthusiasts for a high level of usability are also linked to various military and police bodies. These arts include Wing Tsun, Krav Maga, Systema, Sambo and Eskrima amongst others.
This is no coincidence. The military and police deal with dangerous and deadly encounters as a matter of course. They need and rely on techniques not only to do their job but to stay alive as they have no margin for error.
My question to you is does your training cater for what you need over what you want? It is easy to dismiss one art or one teacher over another. However it is fundamental that you not only find a teacher you enjoy training with, but you find a teacher who can deliver what you require.
So what? You might ask. The common thread is that by and large all of those are sports. They have rules, referees, specific types of strikes/ranges and weight classes etc they are not practiced, designed for or implemented on the most important arena of all – the street.
However if you talk to our friend Joe Public they will not see the difference and nor should we expect them to. What is even more worrying is when students or even worse instructors of these styles cannot differentiate the gulf between these two contexts.
I do not seek to defame any one of these pursuits or criticise them as styles of combat. However it does bother me that from a cultural point of view there is a complicit willingness to mislead or simply avoid the gap between the mat and the pavement.
It is not to say that the skills and techniques from any of these sports cannot be used for self defence but in my humble experience it is often a case that a certain amount of adaptation and understanding is needed to make this work.
How often do you hear stories of martial arts enthusiasts suffering horrific injuries and humiliation at the hands of thugs and criminals? What can possibly cause this? How does the highly trained exponent of a fighting style fall foul of the untrained?
The answer can be complex but generally speaking there is a combination of the following factors often enough:
· An overinflated confidence of the individuals own strength and skills
· A lack of exposure to self defence/street fights
· A fundamental flaw in understanding their styles strengths and weaknesses
· A basic lack of conditioning to physical, psychological and verbal assaults from unprovoked opponents
· An assumption that an attacker may fight fair or within a consensual set of rules/code
Violent and criminal acts are often borne out of base desires or instincts the perpetrators often utilise the deepest and most animalistic of methods and traits. Regularly these acts are malicious, opportunistic, instinctive and cruel in nature. In essence they go against every cornerstone of the sporting world and culture no matter how violent or barbaric a sport may seem to outside world (see much of the moral debate over boxing and increasingly MMA bouts).
It is this dichotomy that in my opinion often leads to confusion amongst the martial arts community as to the validity and more importantly relevance of various styles to practical street defence. In martial sports their design and motivation is to achieve as much parity between contestants as possible. Fighters are seeded, compete in weight classes and receive medical care and attention as well as the grace and attention of referees to protect their health as much as possible.
On the street there is no code, no starting bell, no one to separate pugilists and there is no reason for an attacker to stop maliciously beating a stricken foe and inflicting severe damage and even death using any strike, weapon or method they choose.
At this point you may be thinking I am seeking to dismiss and undermine martial sports as a glorified side show and spectacle. Far from it! I love to box and kick-box and would hate to trade blows with any well trained exponent of Muay Thai, MMA, wrestling etc
My participation in those pursuits however, isn’t designed to improve my effectiveness but to improve my basic martial skills. The test of stamina, fitness, muscle, coordination and balance I gain from kick-boxing all provide ample reason enough to train it. Most importantly though I simply enjoy it!
My underlining point is that often instructors fail their students by not differentiating between the dojo and the alley way. I have seen instructors of various martial sports claim an in depth knowledge of self defence and for it to be an area they teach extensively in their class without a hint of embarrassment of self-denial.
Often this is simply a marketing ploy as the instructor knows full well a novice will not be able to discern the difference or the fact and fiction of what they are told until many hours of training have been undertaken. The martial arts which are well renowned amongst experts and enthusiasts for a high level of usability are also linked to various military and police bodies. These arts include Wing Tsun, Krav Maga, Systema, Sambo and Eskrima amongst others.
This is no coincidence. The military and police deal with dangerous and deadly encounters as a matter of course. They need and rely on techniques not only to do their job but to stay alive as they have no margin for error.
My question to you is does your training cater for what you need over what you want? It is easy to dismiss one art or one teacher over another. However it is fundamental that you not only find a teacher you enjoy training with, but you find a teacher who can deliver what you require.
Welcome
Sat, Dec 19 2009 04:18
| MMA, kung fu, martial arts, boxing, fighters, martial arts Altrincham, fitness, kickboxing
| Permalink
This is my blog, welcome. I have found the idea of doing this odd as it seems incredibly indulgent.
However I do have good intentions. I hope this blog will be a chance to help me and you learn more about smarter training, to be better equipped for achieving goals, to make greater strides at being fitter, faster, leaner, stronger and better.
Please feel free to add comments, links, ideas and counter opinions as you see fit.
Matt
However I do have good intentions. I hope this blog will be a chance to help me and you learn more about smarter training, to be better equipped for achieving goals, to make greater strides at being fitter, faster, leaner, stronger and better.
Please feel free to add comments, links, ideas and counter opinions as you see fit.
Matt