Video Clip Series: Applying Tactics in Combat

APPLYING TACTICS IN COMBAT

Grandmaster Wong demonstrates the tactic of interception where he not only neutralizes an opponent's attack but counter-attacks at the same time

Because they have not been systematically trained in combat application, many kungfu practitioners today throw away the kungfu patterns they have arduously practiced in solo and spar or fight haphazardly. Some even go to the extent of saying that kungfu techniques cannot be used for fighting!

Kungfu techniques, of course, can be used for fighting. In fact, the techniques were developed over centuries from actual fighting. Using kungfu techniques in fighting is of course superior to fighting haphazardly. But this has to be trained systematically. Without systematic training, the kungfu techniques may actually become a liability instead of an asset.

And superior to using techniques is using tactics. Like techniques, the application of tactics developed over centuries from actual fighting. Those who fought frequently discovered that they would have certain advantages over their opponents not only if they used techniques instead of random movements, but also if they used these techniques in certain pre-planned manner.

For example, instead of throwing a punch from the shoulder while standing in an ordinary manner, throwing a punch from the waist while standing at a Bow-Arrow Stance gives certain advantages. This particular way of punching is a technique, and is formalized in a pattern called “Black Tiger Steals Heart” in Shaolin Kungfu.

As a further development, instead of merely executing a punch in a straight-forward manner, you pretend to give a kick, then as your opponent attempts to defend against the kick, you throw a punch at him. You are more likely to strike your opponent if you apply the punching technique in this pre-planned manner. This is using tactics, and this particular tactic is known as “Sound the East, Strike the West”.

This video series, which demonstrates Combat Sequences 7 and 8, shows the applications of some tactics.

Please click the pictures or the captions below to view the videos

Not Necessary to Block

So far we have used “Single Tiger Emerges from Cave” to defend against the middle-level punch. Here, another pattern is used, “Bar the Bog Boss”. Both “Single Tiger Emerges from Cave” and “Bar the Big Boss” are not blocks. Even if you have not used your hand to block, but by moving back into a False-Leg Stance or turning into a sideway Horse-Riding Stance, you have avoided the attack. But for more safety, you still “lean” or “intercept” the opponent's middle-level punch.

The Tactic of No-Defence-Direct-Counter

Sequence 7, which is called “Chop the Hua Mountain”, is demonstrated. Grandmaster Wong applies the tactic of "no-defence-direct-counter" using the pattern “Double Bows Tame Tiger” to respond to Dr Damian's chopping attack. Of course, it needs great skills, particularly of spacing and timing, to execute this tactic effectively.

Three Different Tactics Revealed in this Sequence

Instead of merely intercepting, you may chop at the opponent's arm as he executes a middle-level punch. This is another example of the "no-defence-direct-counter" tactic. Immediately chop at his neck, taking care, however, to cover his right hand with your left hand. This is applying the tactic of "continuous attack". If he attacks you with his left hand, brush it aside and counter-strike, applying the tactic of "defence-cum-counter".

The Tactic of "Continuous Attacks"

The tactic of "continuous attacks" is executed in three patterns. The first pattern is a bait, tempting the opponent to counter-strike. This is the tactic of "false exposure". You must purposely keep your guard-hand off. As he attacks, turn into a sideway Horse-Riding which will avoid his attack, and simultaneously chop at his attacking arm. Immediately chop at his neck, covering his right arm with your left hand.

the Tactic of "False Exposure"

Here is how to counter "countinous attacks". As Grandmaster Wong counter-attacks, Sifu Wong Chun Nga chops at the attacking arm. Grandmaster Wong gently moves the arm away. Sifu Wong Chun Nga then chops at Grandmaster Wong's throat. Grandmaster Wong intercepts with a palm strike, followed by a leopard punch at Sifu Wong Chun Nga's ribs. As Sifu Wong Chun Nga sweeps at his elbow, Grandmaster Wong strikes at Sifu Wong Chun Nga's temple with a hanging fist.

Revealing the Secret of a Deadly Kick

Sequence 8, which is called “Horizontally Sweep Thousand Armies, is reversed. Here Grandmaster Wong takes an opportunity to reveal the secret of a deadly kick, executed in the pattern called “Reverse Kicking of Purple Bell”. Not many people may know "Reverse Kicking of Purple Bell", but we always assume our opponent is capable and we never take chances.

You can view all the above videos here

Grandmaster Wong’s Home Page

Sabah Kungfu Show – Part 15

March 2007