ONE-FINGER SHOOTING ZEN -- THE TREASURE OF SHAOLIN WAHNAM
一指吐禪
It is understandable the uninitiated cannot believe that practicing a simple, and profound, exercise like “One-Finger Shoot Zen” as shown above, can develop internal force and mental clarity
Now you are able to share an important story Grandmaster Wong has told many of his inner-chamber disciples. When he first learned from Grandmaster Ho Fatt Nam, the third generation-successor from the southern Shaolin Temple, Grandmaster Ho said:
“Many people say that they learn kungfu (meaning “force training”), but what they actually learn is just quan-fa (meaning “combat techniques”). Now you learn two of the best kungfu in Shaolin, namely One-Finger Zen and Tiger Claw.” This was when Grandmaster Ho taught Grandmaster Wong “One-Finger Shooting Zen”.
One-Finger Shooting Zen is an amazing exercise to develop internal force and mental clarity, which not only enhance our combat efficiency but more significantly give us good health, vitality, longevity and spiritual joys.
Of course, it has to be learnt personally from a competent teacher. Those who learn from books or videos only gets its outward forms.
Getting the Stance Correct
As you are going to perform the whole exercise consisting of many patterns on the Horse-Riding Stance, it is only logical that first of all you must get your stance correct. An incorrect stance will not only negate all the benefits of the training, it may also bring adverse effects. Notice that the feet are parallel, and the stance is pyramid-shaped. But the most important factor is to be relaxed.
One-Finger Zen and Tiger-Claw
The sound for the “One Finger Shooting Zen” is “shsss”, and for the Tiger-Claw is “yaaa”. “Shsss” comes from the kidneys, and “yaaa” vibrates from the lungs. It is very important to breath out through the mouth with the “ha” sound at the completion of the movement.
Inner Harmonious of Elegance, Energy and Mind
The breathing should be gentle. Breathe in when you move your index finger in, and breathe out when you move your index finger out. The mind should be focused but relaxed. Attain the three inner harmonies of “jing”, “qi” and “shen”, which means elegant movement, energy flow, and presence of mind.
Double Dragons and Poisonous Snake
When you explode “herit” as your punch out the Double Dragons, it is very important that you open your mouth. The sound “herit” comes from the dan tian, and not from the throat. The “shssh” sound in Poisonous Snake comes from the kidneys.
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The “ho” sound comes from the liver, and the “herit” sound from the dan tian. Notice how the vertical fist is held. The fist, formed by the third bones of the fingers, faces forward, and is not turned sideway when brought back to the chest.
Tremendous Force due to Energy Flow
The fist is relaxed, not tensed. The tremendous force in Grandmaster Wong's fist is due to vigorous energy flow, and not due to muscular tension. Once you tense your muscles, you block your energy flow. The more relaxed you are, the more forceful you will be.
Pyramid Shape of Horse-Riding Stance
Notice the pyramid shape of the Horse-Riding Stance. The pyramid-shaped position enables cosmic energy to focus at the dan tian, thus developing internal force. It is very important that your form is correct and you are perfectly relaxed.
Manifestations of Yin-Yang Harmony
When you move your hand, the other parts of your body remain still. This is a manifestation of yin-yang harmony. When your chi flows, your mind is tranquil. This is another manifestation of yin-yang harmony. Your are forceful and peaceful. You are light on top, and solid below. These are other manifestations of yin-yang harmony.
The Height of the Horse-Riding Stance
Should your Horse-Riding Stance be high or low? This depends on a few factors. It should not be too high that your chi is floating, or too low that you feel stressful. You should aim at a pyramid shape, but as your progress, as more chi accumulates at your dan tian, your stance will spontaneously become lower.
The Mouth should be Open
As an important reminder, you should not close your mouth when you explode the sound “herit”. Doing so can be very harmful as the force generated may bounce back into the body hurting some internal organs. Remember also that the “herit” sound comes from the dan tian, and not from the throat.
Flowing Breeze Swaying Willows
After the “One-Finger Shooting Zen” training, go into chi flow. This gentle flow is poetically described as “yew foong pai lau”, or “Flowing Breeze Swaying Willows”. You would miss more than half the benefits if you miss this “Flowing Breeze Swaying Willows”, an essential aspect of training we still have but which most other schools have lost.
Various Sounds and their related Internal Organs
Grandmaster Wong explains the various sounds and their relationship with internal organs. “Herit”, for example, comes from the dan tian, and “yaaa” comes from the lungs, not from the throat. It is very important to keep the mouth open, otherwise energy many be locked in the chest or other parts of the body.
The Treasure of Shaolin -- One-Finger Shooting Zen from Wong Kiew Kit on Vimeo.
LINKS
How to Think and Act as a Master
- Returning to the Basics
- Form, Force, Flow and Element of Threat
- Reviewing the Basic Combat Sequences
- Devising Strategies Using Combat Sequences
- Applying Strategies for Effective Combat
- Free Sparring with Prescribed Conditions
- Combat Sequences to Train Spontaneous Attacks and Responses
- Using Strategies and Tactics in Attack and Defence
- It is Heartening to see so Many People Using Kungfu in Free Sparring
- Felling and Gripping Techniques in Shaolin Kungfu
- How Sequence Training and Chi Flow Enhance Combat Efficiency
- The Tiger-Crane Set — Manifesting the Hard and the Soft in Shaolin Kungfu
- The Dragon-Tiger Set — Crystallization of Two Wahnam Traditions
- The Dragon-Form Set — Demonstrating that Softness Can be Very Powerful
- Shaolin Monkey Set — Symbolizing Spiritual Path from Cheekiness to Enlightenment
- Shaolin Five-Animal Set — Gist of Shaolin Forms and Essence
- Shaolin Pakua Set Set — An Exclusive Set Fit for Kings and Generals
- Combat Application pf Pakua — Sharing Secrets for Combat Efficiency
- Beginning to Learn some Monkey Tricks
- Refining Techniques in Combat
- Some Examples of High level Combat
- Collective Effort for Greater Benefits
- Can Sophisticated Kungfu Techniques be Used in Combat?
- Skills are usually More Important than Techniques
- One-Finger Shooting Zen — the Treasure of Shaolin Wahnam
- Raising Levels of Techniques and Tactics in Combat
- Bringing Combat Skills to More Sophisticated Levels
- Monkey Techniques are Flowing and Agile but can be Very Devastating
- Flowing with the Opponent's Momentum
- Beware of the Monkey Tricks
- Marvelous Techniques Beget Marvelous Techniques
- How to Raise your Level of Combat
- How you can Defeat your Opponents
- Employing Sophisticated Kungfu Techniques to Enhance Combat Efficiency
- Systematic Training is Essential for Combat Efficiency
- Raising Combat Efficiency from Basic to Advanced Levels
- Kungfu Philosophy and Swaying Willows
- Hands Pave the Way, Kicks to Clinch Victory
- Six Harmonies of the Double Tiger Claws
- The Amazement and Effectiveness of Monkey Kicks
- A Bag Full of Monkey Tricks
- Gentle and Flowing, yet Very Powerful
- Can your Responses still be Correct and Spontaneous in Real Fights?
- Incorporating Kicks into Combat Sequences
- Elaborate Patterns to Meet Complex Combat Situations
- The Benefits of Understanding and Applying Kungfu Philosophy
- Our Kungfu is a Training of Energy and Mind
- Ensuring Own Safety when Felling Opponents
- The Beauty and Profundity of Shaolin Felling Techniques
- Felling Techniques of the Dragon and the Monkey
- Felling an Opponent Without him Realizing What has Happened
- Pattern Analysis of the Tiger-Crane Set
- Tiger Patterns for Chin-Na, Against Kicks and Countering the Shoot
- Pattern Analysis of the Dragon-Tiger Set
- Revealing the Secret Tactic of Leak Hand
- From the Level of Techniques to the Levels of Tactics and Strategies
- Pattern Analysis of the Dragon-Form Set
- Effective Techniques for Fighting on the Ground
- Pattern Analysis of the Monkey Set
- Soft Techniques and Internal Force in Monkey Kungfu
- Interesting Monkey Patterns that are Deadly for Combat
- Pattern Analysis of the Pakua Set
- Pattern Analysis of the Five-Animal Set
- Variety of Techniques in Shaolin Five Animals
- Investigating the Combat Applications of Some Patterns
- Similar Patterns but Different Applications
- Effective Counters against Kicks, Grips and Knee Jabs
- Secrets of Skyward Cannon Punch in Continuous Attack
- Cannon Punch Towards Sky and Fierce Tiger Crouching on Ground
- Flowing Monkey Techniques against Powerful Tiger Claws
- Sophisticated Grips and Sophisticated Counters
- Breaking an Opponent's Elbow and Wrist
- Neutralizing Wrist Lock and the Three Harmonies
- Advanced Chin-Na Techniques and Counters
- Two Stories about Kicks
- How to Respond to Attacks Spontaneously and Correctly
- Can Beautiful Patterns and Flowing Movements be Effective in Combat?
- Linking Combat Sequences into a Set
- From Pre-Arranged Sparring to Combat Efficiency
- Crystalization of Combat Techniques from Past Masters
- Hei Sai or the Spirit of Energy
- Manifesting the Energy and Spirit of your Form
- Manifesting the Spirit of the Form
- Kungfu Practice is not just Physical Training but also Spiritual Cultivation
- Fluidity of Form, Energy and Spirit
- Shaolin Kungfu is Chi Kung and Meditation
- Revealing the Secrets of Shaolin Masters
- The Profundity of Shaolin Combat Application
- It is Easy to Fight against Boxers
- Avoiding a Boxer's Strong Points and Attacking his Weaknesses
- Some Effective Tactics against Boxers
- The Strategy of Not Allowing an Opponent to Escape
- The Strategy of Letting Trick Manifesting Trick
- The Strategies of Interception and of Striking Form
- Standardized Routines of Kick-Boxing Attacks
- Some Effective Counters to Kick-Boxing Attacks
- Felling a Kick-Boxer when he Kicks
- The Secrets of Two Tigers Subdue Dragon
- Shaolin Counters against Kick-Boxing and Karate
- Some Important Combat Philosophy and Principles
- It is Relatively Easy to Handle Karate Attacks
- Good Spacing When Executing Kicks
- A Variety of Taekwondo Kicks
- Effective Shaolin Counters against Taekwondo Kicks
- Trapping Legs and Subduing Opponents
- Making Expedient Changes to Surprised Attacks
- The Legacy of Sigung Ho Fatt Nam — Planting Willow in Front of Camp
- Having Fun in Throws and their Counters
- Sharing the Secret of Move Stance Change Step
- Some Unorthodox Felling Techniques Not Commonly Seen
- Felling Opponents with your Stances!
- Beware of Monkeys; they are Expert at Plucking Peaches
- Sophisticated Footwork and Leg Techniques of Monkeys and Gorillas
- Wrestling Throws are Found in Shaolin Kungfu Too
- Real Fighting is Different from Martial Sports
- Who Says there is no Ground-Fighting in Shaolin Kungfu
- An Incredible Secret of One-Finger Zen
- Understanding Muay Thai Fighting Strategies and Techniques
- Various Strategies to Counter Muay Thai Fighters
- Responding to Muay Thai Attacks Spontaneously and Correctly
- Avoiding Opponent's Strength and Attacking his Weakness
- Effective Ways to Counter Sweeping Kicks
- Effective Counters against Knee and Elbow Strikes
- Crouching Tiger against Grab Neck Elbow Strike
- Shaolin Kungfu for Combat Efficiency, Good Health and Spiritual Development