FLUIDITY OF FORM, ENERGY AND SPIRIT
Grandmaster Wong shows how the course participants can bring their kungfu attainment to a much higher level
Another hallmark of a master is his fluidity — not just of form but also of energy and spirit. As a result he is flexible in his movements, has good control of force applied, and his mind pervades at all places.
Grandmaster Wong explains the philosophy and demonstrates how this fluidity of form, energy and spirit can be achieved. This brings the participants' attainment to much higher level.
Fast, Precise and Forceful
Dr Damian performs patterns from the Five-Animal Set. His movements are fast, precise and forceful. Yet, Grandmaster Wong can still offer suggestions for improvement. What suggestions do you think the Grandmaster offers?
More Slowly and Less Powerfully
Following Grandmaster Wong's advice, Dr Damian performs the patterns again but this time more slowly and with less power. This is interesting. What benefits or advantages a practitioner gets by performing more slowly and less powerfully?
Facilitating Smoother Chi Flow
Performing the movements slowly and in a relaxed manner is a start, and is meant to facilitate smoother flow and better chi. When these are achieved, the volume of chi flow is increased, resulting in more speed and internal force.
Not only Fast and Forceful but also Fluid
As usual, Shaolin Wahnam practitioners learn very fast. There is a marked improvement in Dr Damian's performance here over his previous one. His movements are not only fast and forceful like before, but also more fluid, which results in better flexibility, mental clarity and stamina.
Chi Flow and Force Regulation
We aim for excellence in Shaolin Wahnam. Even when Dr Damian's performance is very good, Grandmaster Wong still suggests ways for improvement. The grandmaster explains that when our chi flow is smooth, we can regulate our amount of force according to the combat situations.
Different Types of Force Application
Grandmaster Wong further explains and illustrates the control of chi flow and force application. Notice, for example, the different control of force used in the three punches. The fourth punch is forceful like the first, but unlike the first where the force shoots out, the force in the fourth punch continues into the next movement. Notice also the difference in spirit between the Tiger and the Dragon.
Fine Points of a Master Performance
We may see the difference between a master's performance and a student's, but may not know the fine points that make it so. Here, Grandmaster Wong highlights these fine points. Amongst other factors, the movement as well as force application are smooth and controlled, and the spirit of the form is well manifested. On-lookers can feel both the energy and the spirit radiating from the performer.
Enhanced Flow of Form, Energy and Spirit
Dr Damian puts the fine points into practice. His earlier performance was already good, but now he brings it to a much higher level. Take note, for example, of the enhanced flow of form, energy and spirit. It is remarkable that all this is attained within a short training session. Of course, we strive to improve our performance not to please spectators but to enhance our combat efficiency as well as our daily living.
Performing a Set in Different Segments
Grandmaster Wong explains that a set can be divided into different segments, and the various patterns in each segment can be performed continuously as if they were one long pattern. The same principle is applied in sparring. In this way you can be fast and powerful, yet not out of breath.
Performing Various Patterns in One Smooth Sequence
Grandmaster Wong contrasts the two different ways of performing a set. First, he uses the patterns as the basic unit in the performance. Although the movements are fast and forceful, they are staccato. Next, he uses a sequence as the basic unit. He performs the patterns in the sequence smoothly as if they were one long pattern. Initially he does not use force; the focus is on fluidity. When the movements are fluid, force can be added.
Fludity of Form, Energy and Spirit in Shaolin Kungfu 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