SELECTION OF QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
OCTOBER 2023 PART 1
Chi Kung State of Mind
Question 1
Joel and I thoroughly enjoyed reading your emails together and we have learnt so much especially the importance of not overtraining as you kindly keep emphasising.
— Parveen, Wales
Answer
The articles I wrote are very significant.
It is very important that we must not over-train.
Remember that what is "low" to us is "high" to other people not in our school. Our chi kung and kungfu take years. It is estimated that what I practiced was more than 10 times a normal student takes in his or her practice in my student's days.
We should "save the world"; it isn't a burden. We can help by reminding new students that they should enter a chi kung state of mind, or else they may be performing a gentle, physical exercise with external chi kung forms. It does not contribute to good health because they haven't entered into a higher level of consciousness.
Wales is a nice country. Many years ago we were at the coast shouting at Joan, whom I am keen not to lose, yet she left the school.
Question 2
I'm currently working on the Shaolin 36 Leg Techniques.
— Sifo Leo, Shaolin Wahnam Wien, Austria
Answer
I thought you would attend. You are one of my favorite students.
The "Shaolin 36 Leg Techniques" are wonderful, especially if the exponent is on the ground. I didn't use them much; without false modesty, my techniques are sufficient especially after learning from my third sifu, Sifu Ho Fatt Nam of the southern Shaolin Monastery.
Question 3
Normally you would choose using White Tiger Prescents Claw and White Crane Flaps Wings for the sets you create? Why did you choose the greeting of Sigung Lai Chin Wah's lineage for the Shaolin 36 Leg Techniques?
Answer
You would have noticed that in many sets from Uncle Righteousness using the "White Tiger Presents Claws" and the "White Crane Flaps Wings", are the norm. Sets from Sifu Ho Fatt Nam use "One-Finger Shooting Zen".
My first sifu, Uncle Rightousness, and my third sifu, Sifu Ho Fatt Nam, are the kungfu most used in Shaolin Wahnam.
Greetings of Uncle Righteousness
Question 4
What is the difference between White Crane Steps on Snow and Reverse Thrust Leg Technique?
Answer
The difference between "White Crane Steps on Snow" and "Reverse Thrust Leg Technique" is that one is frontal and the other is backward. "White Crane Steps on "Snow" is frontal, whereas "Reverse Thrust Leg Technique" is backwards. In both kicks, the foot is used as a target.
In "White Crane Steps on Snow" the target is the opponent's knee or leg. We tempt the opponent to use the Bow-Arrow Stance, which is a common stance, then step on his knee or leg. In "Reverse Thrust Leg Technique", when an opponent is behind us, we reverse thrust kick an opponent.
In "White Crane Steps on Snow", it is correct to use it as in the "Essence of Shaolin" as you indicated in your picture. But sometimes the hand is used to "close" an opponent in "one against two".
Question 5
Reverse Horse Spring Kick and Dragonfly Plays Dots Water are also quite similar. Is it correct that the difference between those two patterns is the point of contact, i.e. the heel or the sole of the foot respectively? Is there also a difference in the movement of the hands?
Answer
In "Reverse Horse Spring Kick" the heel is used. In "Dragonfly Plays Dots Water" the sole of the foot is used. Both are quite similar in application.
You are correct in saying that the difference between these two patterns is the point of contact, i.e. the heel or the sole of the foot respectively is used.
The hands are important in "opening" the Full Nelson Hold, considered by many as "unbreakable". It is also important to turn around and thrust two fingers or a willow palm into the opponent.
Question 6
The Clutch Kick and the Leg Sweep appear similar too. What are the main differences between those two?
Answer
The "Clutch Kick" actually uses the sole of the foot, and the "Leg Sweep" uses the leg. But in the demonstrations where the two patterns are shown, the leg is used.
Dragonfly Dots Water
Question 7
When applying the Throat Kick Swallow Flying through Clouds, would we thrust our toes forward or is it more like a snap kick?
Answer
When applying the Throat Kick, "Swallow Flying through Clouds", we would thrust our toes forward and it is more like a snap kick. Both actions are needed.
Question 8
When performing the Floor Sweep Immortal Sweeps Floor, should the hands be on the ground as in Iron Broom Sweeping Leg of the Taming-Tiger Set?
Answer
When performing the Floor Sweep, "Immortal Sweeps Floor", the hand should be on the ground as in "Iron Broom Sweeping Leg" of the Taming-Tiger Set. But sometimes the hand can be off the ground.
Question 9
Am I correct that the close secret of the Nail Kick is to kick the groin or the huyin from behind?
Answer
Yes, you are correct that the "Nail Kick" is to kick the groin or the "huyin" from behind. Sometimes the back is kicked.
Question 10
Is the ideal point of contact in the Mandarin Drake-Duck Leg Technique the inside, the edge or the sole of the foot?
Answer
The ideal point of contact in the "Mandarin Drake-Duck Leg Technique" is the inside, the edge or the sole of the foot whatever is convenient.
Question 11
And another question regarding water. Is it applicable for medical purposes?
Answer
By charging water with good energy, we can use it for medical purposes. I recall that when I was operating Shaolin Wahnam Clinic, Sungai Petani, Malaysia more than 40 years ago, I did that to overcome diseases of those who were small.
Water could be charged with energy if we keep water bottles inside the room we practice chi kung. Practicing chi kung is a good thing. It is one of the best things to do.
Do you mean that bad energy is emitted when we practice chi kung? If bad energy is emitted, like when a person is very sick, we should not have water bottles nearby.
Many apartments and houses in the West have the kitchen and the living room combined. If sick people practice there, the water in the water bottles could be affected
Leg Sweep
Question 12
Does this philosophy apply to regions near the equator, like in Malaysia where the climate stays nearly the same during the year?
Answer
This philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine affecting energetic changes, applies to regions near the equator, like in Malaysia where the climate stays nearly the same during the year.
In fact I was wondering whether "facing the south" had any effects.
LINKS
Selected Reading
- Chi Kung State of Mind and Chi Flow
- Walking About Before and After Chi Kung Practice
- Shaolin Kungfu against Western Boxing
- Combat Application of Taijiquan
- Fighting Multiple Attackers Holding Weapons