HOW TO RESPOND TO ATTACKS SPONTANEOUSLY AND CORRECTLY

shaolin kung fu

Eugene responds spontaneously and correctly as Steve attacks him with a kick


How would you train so that your responses in free sparring or real fighting are spontaneous and correct? Many people may be surprised to find out that an excellent way is to practice kungfu sets with sequences of combat applications!

Most people today practice kungfu sets for demonstration. This has never been one of its functions in genuine, traditional kungfu, though kungfu sets performed with force, speed and elegance are beautiful to watch.

Participants at the Special Shaolin Kungfu Course did more. They composed their own sets from the combat applications they had worked out with their sparring partners. Such training contributes much to their thinking and acting as Shaolin masters.


Please click the pictures below to view the videos

Meaningful Observation of Kungfu Sets

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Do you know what Steve is doing? If you do, your observation of someone performing a kungfu set will be more meaningful. Here Steve is performing the beginning part of the combat application set he has formulated with Eugene from working out various combat applications using patterns from their Dragon-Tiger Set. Do you know the combat applications shown in the video clip?

From Fighting to Patterns to Sets

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Here Steve completes the combat application set of his Dragon-Tiger Set which he started in the previous video clip. This is one important way how kungfu sets came about. Steve links together the patterns in his Dragon-Tiger Set which he has used for combat to form a set. Realizing this will reveal the ignorance of those who say that kungfu patterns cannot be used for fighting. In reality, fighting occurred first. Effective combat movements were stylized into patterns, and then patterns were linked to form sets.

Training for Real Fighting

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Eugene and Steve perform a sequence of combat applications. You can see that these patterns are from the set Steve demonstrated in the earlier video clips, or more correctly the set is formed from these combative patterns. Some critics may say that this combat sequence is choreographed, whereas real fighting is random. This may be true, but combat sequence training is not real fighting — it is training for real fighting. You train to respond to certain combat situations spontaneously and correctly.

Would your Responses still be Spontaneous and Correct in Real Fights?

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In combat sequence practice you train, for example, how to respond spontaneously and correctly when an opponent attacks you, as shown in this video clip. Will you be able to respond spontaneously and correctly if the opponent attacks you randomly instead of in a sequence as shown here? You won't if your training stops here. You can if you progress systematically to other stages of the sparring programme.

Why do you Link Patterns into a Sequence or a Set?

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The uninitiated may think that George is performing some patterns from his Dragon-Form Set for demonstration. The initiated knows that he is linking patterns he has used for combat into a coherent sequence which will contribute to the formation of a set. Do you know the rationale of doing this?

Being Cost-Effective in Combat Training

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George is adding more combative patterns to be linked into sequences which can then be formed into a set. One important reason for doing this is its cost-effectiveness in combat training. By performing this set, George not only will not forget the combat applications he has worked out, he will also be able to perform them more effectively when the needs arise.

Responding Spontaneously and Correctly

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If an opponent attacks him with a Black Tiger, as demonstrated by Daniel here, Georges does not have to think of what to do. He can spontaneously and correctly respond with “Golden Dragon Shoots Tongue”, which is a formidable counter. Daniel too does not need to think of what to do. He responds spontaneously and correctly with “Swimming Dragaon Plays with Water”. They can do so effectively if they have practiced this well, and also possess the necessary skills.

Why do you Practice Kungfu Sets?

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Hence, kungfu sets are not composed for demonstration, though as a bonus they are also very beautiful to watch when performed with force, speed and elegance. Kungfu sets provide an effective mean to practice combat applications so that participants can apply them efficiently when needed.

Importance of Stances in Combat

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Daniel's response to George's counter is correct but not picture-perfect. By improving on the stances, the combat effectiveness of the responses is much enhanced.

Finer Points of Combat Efficiency

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Daniel enhances the effectiveness of his responses by improving on his stances. His combat effectiveness can be further enhanced by adjusting the angle of the response. These are finer points of combat efficiency that cannot be learnt merely from a book.


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

How to Respond to Attacks Spontaneously and Correctly 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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