FELLING AND GRIPPING TECHNIQUES IN SHAOLIN KUNGFU

shaolin kung fu

Although the student is much smaller in size than George, he effectively throws George onto the ground


Many people mistakenly think there are few or no throws in kungfu. Actually there are more throws in Shaolin Kungfu than in arts well known for throws like Judo and Wrestling.

Throws are only one of many techniques to fell an opponent. There are other felling techniques where it is not necessary to hold an opponent first in order to fell him. On the other hand, felling techniques often incorporate gripping attacks too.

Another little know fact is that in arts like Judo and Wrestling, when the exponents throw their opponents, they do not pay much attention to the possibilities that their opponents may strike their vital spots like eyes, throat and groin during the throw. This is because these arts are sports where such drastic attacks are not allowed. But failing to realize this may result in serious injury in real fights where safety rules do not apply.

In Shaolin Kungfu, which is practiced for real fighting, it is very important to ensure you are safe before you attempt to throw your opponents. This video series show four combat sequences where felling and gripping attacks are used.


Please click the pictures below to view the videos


Throwing an Opponent onto the Ground

“shaolin

A student (he has asked his name not to be mentioned) and George review Combat Sequence 13, which incorporates gripping and felling techniquss using he pattern “Felling Tree with Roots”. Many kungfu practitioners have a mis-conception that there are little or no throws in kungfu.

Unicorn Step of Butterfly Palms

“shaolin

George neutralizes the student's gripping and felling attack using the pattern “Double Butteflies Flying Together”. It is the circular movement of the Butterfly Palms at the Unicorn Step that overcomes the attack, followed by a palm strike. Being merciful, George just pushes the opponent away instead of striking him.

Correct Leg Mode for Throw

“shaolin

George attacks with a Black Tiger, but hesitates after this move. He tries to throw the opponent using “Lead Horse Back to Stable”, which also incorporates gripping. But it is not effective due to a wrong leg mode. If he wishes to fell his opponent at this point, George should use “Fell Tree with Root”. To execute a “Lead Horse” throw effectively, George should force his opponent to retreat a step, which he later does.

Lead Horse Back to Stable

“shaolin

George attacks his opponent with continuous cannons, As the opponent counter-attacks using “Black Tiger”, Georges grips the opponent's arm and attempts to fell him using “Lead Horse Back to Stable”. The opponent neutralizes with “Hide Flowers in Sleeves” and follows up with a “Precious Duck”. George counters with “False-Leg Hand Sweep”. These movements constitute Combat Sequence 14, which is named “Lead Horse Back to Stable”.

Correct Movement of Single Tiger

“shaolin

George responds to the opponent's attack with “Single Tiger”. Grandmaster Wong explains that his “Single Tiger” movement is too large and redundant, and demonstrates how it should be done.

Why Isn't it a Good Throw?

“shaolin

Although the student is smaller in size, he fells George cleanly onto the ground using the Shaolin pattern “Farmer Hoes Rice Field”. But Grandmaster Wong says it is not a good throw. Do you know why? As a clue, the answer shows a crucial difference between a fighting art like Shaolin and a martial sport like Judo.

Preventing Possible Strike While Throwing

“shaolin

The student's throw shown in the previous video clip wasn't a good throw because George's other hand was free to strike him. The student should lock this free hand to prevent a possible strike, as shown in this video clip.

Farmer Hoes Rice Field

“shaolin

The student applies a shoulder throw using the pattern called “Farmer Hoes Rice Field”. George neutralizes the student's throw by rolling over the student's body and counters with a Tiger-Tail Kick. The student strikes the kick using the pattern “Save Emperor with Single Whip”. Grandmaster Wong explains that the student should use the Riding-Dragon Stance instead of the False-Leg Stance. This is Combat Sequence 15, named after the pattern “Farmer Hoes Rice Field”.

Importance of Coverage When Moving In

“shaolin

This video clip captures an important impromptu lesson. Grandmaster Wong demonstrates the counter to the student's shoulder throw. After this, the student moves in to attack but he is struck by Grandmaster Wong because he moves in too close without sufficient coverage.

Right Spacing for Powerful Push

“shaolin

As the student moves in to attack, George steps aside and pushes the student away using “Fierce Tiger Pushes Mountain”. George could have struck the opponent, but being merciful he merely pushes him away. Grandmaster Wong comments that George positions himself too far away for a powerful push.

Pushing from the Back Leg

“shaolin

Grandmaster Wong explains that the back foot should be placed near enough to the opponent to affect a powerful push from the back leg, and not from the shoulder. The student responds with a thrust kick, to which Grandmaster Wong counters with a Single Whip. This is Combat Sequence 16, named after the pushing pattern “Fierce Tiger Pushes Mountain”.

Fierce Tiger Pushes Mountain

“shaolin

Grandmaster Wong and the student demonstrates Combat Sequence 16, which is named after the principal attack pattern “Fierce Tiger Pushes Mountain”. In this situation Grandmaster Wong could strike the opponent, but pushing him away is merciful.


You can view all the videos above by clicking the picture or the caption below

Felling and Gripping Techniques in Shaolin Kungfu from Wong Kiew Kit on Vimeo.

LINKS

How to Think and Act as a Master

Click here for an Overview of the entire course

  1. Returning to the Basics
  2. Form, Force, Flow and Element of Threat
  3. Reviewing the Basic Combat Sequences
  4. Devising Strategies Using Combat Sequences
  5. Applying Strategies for Effective Combat
  6. Free Sparring with Prescribed Conditions
  7. Combat Sequences to Train Spontaneous Attacks and Responses
  8. Using Strategies and Tactics in Attack and Defence
  9. It is Heartening to see so Many People Using Kungfu in Free Sparring
  10. Felling and Gripping Techniques in Shaolin Kungfu
  1. How Sequence Training and Chi Flow Enhance Combat Efficiency
  2. The Tiger-Crane Set — Manifesting the Hard and the Soft in Shaolin Kungfu
  3. The Dragon-Tiger Set — Crystallization of Two Wahnam Traditions
  4. The Dragon-Form Set — Demonstrating that Softness Can be Very Powerful
  5. Shaolin Monkey Set — Symbolizing Spiritual Path from Cheekiness to Enlightenment
  6. Shaolin Five-Animal Set — Gist of Shaolin Forms and Essence
  7. Shaolin Pakua Set Set — An Exclusive Set Fit for Kings and Generals
  8. Combat Application pf Pakua — Sharing Secrets for Combat Efficiency
  9. Beginning to Learn some Monkey Tricks
  10. Refining Techniques in Combat
  1. Some Examples of High level Combat
  2. Collective Effort for Greater Benefits
  3. Can Sophisticated Kungfu Techniques be Used in Combat?
  4. Skills are usually More Important than Techniques
  5. One-Finger Shooting Zen — the Treasure of Shaolin Wahnam
  6. Raising Levels of Techniques and Tactics in Combat
  7. Bringing Combat Skills to More Sophisticated Levels
  8. Monkey Techniques are Flowing and Agile but can be Very Devastating
  9. Flowing with the Opponent's Momentum
  10. Beware of the Monkey Tricks
  1. Marvelous Techniques Beget Marvelous Techniques
  2. How to Raise your Level of Combat
  3. How you can Defeat your Opponents
  4. Employing Sophisticated Kungfu Techniques to Enhance Combat Efficiency
  5. Systematic Training is Essential for Combat Efficiency
  6. Raising Combat Efficiency from Basic to Advanced Levels
  7. Kungfu Philosophy and Swaying Willows
  8. Hands Pave the Way, Kicks to Clinch Victory
  9. Six Harmonies of the Double Tiger Claws
  10. The Amazement and Effectiveness of Monkey Kicks
  1. A Bag Full of Monkey Tricks
  2. Gentle and Flowing, yet Very Powerful
  3. Can your Responses still be Correct and Spontaneous in Real Fights?
  4. Incorporating Kicks into Combat Sequences
  5. Elaborate Patterns to Meet Complex Combat Situations
  6. The Benefits of Understanding and Applying Kungfu Philosophy
  7. Our Kungfu is a Training of Energy and Mind
  8. Ensuring Own Safety when Felling Opponents
  9. The Beauty and Profundity of Shaolin Felling Techniques
  10. Felling Techniques of the Dragon and the Monkey
  1. Felling an Opponent Without him Realizing What has Happened
  2. Pattern Analysis of the Tiger-Crane Set
  3. Tiger Patterns for Chin-Na, Against Kicks and Countering the Shoot
  4. Pattern Analysis of the Dragon-Tiger Set
  5. Revealing the Secret Tactic of Leak Hand
  6. From the Level of Techniques to the Levels of Tactics and Strategies
  7. Pattern Analysis of the Dragon-Form Set
  8. Effective Techniques for Fighting on the Ground
  9. Pattern Analysis of the Monkey Set
  10. Soft Techniques and Internal Force in Monkey Kungfu
  1. Interesting Monkey Patterns that are Deadly for Combat
  2. Pattern Analysis of the Pakua Set
  3. Pattern Analysis of the Five-Animal Set
  4. Variety of Techniques in Shaolin Five Animals
  5. Investigating the Combat Applications of Some Patterns
  6. Similar Patterns but Different Applications
  7. Effective Counters against Kicks, Grips and Knee Jabs
  8. Secrets of Skyward Cannon Punch in Continuous Attack
  9. Cannon Punch Towards Sky and Fierce Tiger Crouching on Ground
  10. Flowing Monkey Techniques against Powerful Tiger Claws
  1. Sophisticated Grips and Sophisticated Counters
  2. Breaking an Opponent's Elbow and Wrist
  3. Neutralizing Wrist Lock and the Three Harmonies
  4. Advanced Chin-Na Techniques and Counters
  5. Two Stories about Kicks
  6. How to Respond to Attacks Spontaneously and Correctly
  7. Can Beautiful Patterns and Flowing Movements be Effective in Combat?
  8. Linking Combat Sequences into a Set
  9. From Pre-Arranged Sparring to Combat Efficiency
  10. Crystalization of Combat Techniques from Past Masters
  1. Hei Sai or the Spirit of Energy
  2. Manifesting the Energy and Spirit of your Form
  3. Manifesting the Spirit of the Form
  4. Kungfu Practice is not just Physical Training but also Spiritual Cultivation
  5. Fluidity of Form, Energy and Spirit
  6. Shaolin Kungfu is Chi Kung and Meditation
  7. Revealing the Secrets of Shaolin Masters
  8. The Profundity of Shaolin Combat Application
  9. It is Easy to Fight against Boxers
  10. Avoiding a Boxer's Strong Points and Attacking his Weaknesses
  1. Some Effective Tactics against Boxers
  2. The Strategy of Not Allowing an Opponent to Escape
  3. The Strategy of Letting Trick Manifesting Trick
  4. The Strategies of Interception and of Striking Form
  5. Standardized Routines of Kick-Boxing Attacks
  6. Some Effective Counters to Kick-Boxing Attacks
  7. Felling a Kick-Boxer when he Kicks
  8. The Secrets of Two Tigers Subdue Dragon
  9. Shaolin Counters against Kick-Boxing and Karate
  10. Some Important Combat Philosophy and Principles
  1. It is Relatively Easy to Handle Karate Attacks
  2. Good Spacing When Executing Kicks
  3. A Variety of Taekwondo Kicks
  4. Effective Shaolin Counters against Taekwondo Kicks
  5. Trapping Legs and Subduing Opponents
  6. Making Expedient Changes to Surprised Attacks
  7. The Legacy of Sigung Ho Fatt Nam — Planting Willow in Front of Camp
  8. Having Fun in Throws and their Counters
  9. Sharing the Secret of Move Stance Change Step
  10. Some Unorthodox Felling Techniques Not Commonly Seen
  1. Felling Opponents with your Stances!
  2. Beware of Monkeys; they are Expert at Plucking Peaches
  3. Sophisticated Footwork and Leg Techniques of Monkeys and Gorillas
  4. Wrestling Throws are Found in Shaolin Kungfu Too
  5. Real Fighting is Different from Martial Sports
  6. Who Says there is no Ground-Fighting in Shaolin Kungfu
  7. An Incredible Secret of One-Finger Zen
  8. Understanding Muay Thai Fighting Strategies and Techniques
  9. Various Strategies to Counter Muay Thai Fighters
  10. Responding to Muay Thai Attacks Spontaneously and Correctly
  1. Avoiding Opponent's Strength and Attacking his Weakness
  2. Effective Ways to Counter Sweeping Kicks
  3. Effective Counters against Knee and Elbow Strikes
  4. Crouching Tiger against Grab Neck Elbow Strike
  5. Shaolin Kungfu for Combat Efficiency, Good Health and Spiritual Development

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