SELECTION OF QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
DECEMBER 2024 PART 1

Shaolin Kungfu

Shaolin combat application

Question 1

Can we develop our own combat sequences and practice them once we master a set or should we restrict ourselves to the combat sequences that are taught by our master? Can there be more than one combat sequence for each pattern in a set?

— Bala, India

Answer

Combat sequences and sets were invented by masters.

There can be one combat sequence for each pattern in a set.

Question 2

I call you "Sigung".

Answer

I noticed that you called me "Sigung". Notice that those trying to be smarter than the teacher are not welcomed in our school.

I asked you to focus on the "Horse-Riding Stance". You have to learn the stances well before doing anything.

You are trying to be smarter than the teacher, which we do not like.

Taijiquan

Taijiquan combat application

Question 3

I intend to learn from "siheng" Leo.

Answer

Sifu Leo is a very good instructor.

Question 4

"Snake Basking in Mist" followed by "Hitting Vital Point" (front hand snake strike in bow-arrow stance followed by back hand snake strike in unicorn stance) in the third "Cross Roads at Four Gates" sequence. It is a variation of "High Patting Horse" in "Wudang Three Harmony".

Answer

"Majestic Cockerel Kicks Legs" and "High Patting Horse" in "Wudang Three Harmony" are attacks. "High Patting Horse" is used in horse-back fighting.

High Patting Horse

"High Patting Horse"

Question 5

"Double Butterflies Fly Together" are from various Shaolin sets.

Answer

"Double Butterflies Fly Together" is marvellous. It can be used in any attacks and defence. It is surprising that many people are unaware of its combat application.

Question 6

"Push Boat According to Flow" from various Taijiquan sets and Grasping Sparrow's Tail, and "Cross Road Hook Hand" from "Drunken 8 Immortals" can be considered variations of "Repulse Monkey" from "Wudang Three Harmony".

Answer

"Push Boat According to Flow" can be used to break an opponent's wrist.

Various patterns from "Grasping Sparrow's Tail" are wonderful. They put an opponent in a disadvantageous position.

Push Boat According to Flow

"Push Boat According to Flow" in "Grasping Sparrow's Tail"

Question 7

I've intentionally left out more obvious links to the Baguazhang, Taijiquan, and Xingyiquan that the "Wudang Three Harmony" set is derived from.

Answer

There are many attack and defence patterns in Baguazhang and Xingyiquan. It is a wonder that we have Baguazhang and Xingyiquan is our syllabus.

The "Strike Palm" in Xingyiquan, called "Golden Axe Strikes Mountain" in "Wudang Three Harmony" can be used in any defence and attack situation.

Question 8

What I find particularly amazing is that it doesn't seem to matter if I practice these other sets or not, I still see the connections. For instance, it has been years since I last practiced the "Wudang Taijiquan" or "Drunken 8 Immortals" sets.

I have also noticed that due to my background (in terms of what I've learned and practiced) as well as the way you taught the "Wudang Three Harmony" course, my own "Wudang Three Harmony" set is more a combination of Taijiquan, Baguazhang, and "Drunken 8 Immortals" than it is of Taijiquan, Baguazhang, and Xingyiquan.

Answer

You have become marvellous, a title I seldom use.

LINKS

Overview

Selected Reading

Courses and Classes