SEVEN-STAR STANCE AND SEVEN-STAR FOOTWORK
How would you use the Seven-Star Stance to counter a shoot?
Question
I have learned a version of the Seven Star Set before in the past while visiting Yunnan province of China (learned provisionally, rather than learned adequately!)
One aspect of the Set was noticeable at the time: it seems suitable for a smaller and weaker opponent (such as a female) versus a larger and stronger opponent.
One aspect of the Set seems noticeable with the benefit of hindsight: the footwork and Seven Star stance seem particularly useful for countering wrestling shoots and throws.
Please can you confirm or correct these observations, and discuss these aspects of the Set if applicable.
Sifu Andy Cusick
Answer
The Seven-Star Set is a rare art though it is well known but little seen by those knowledgeable in kungfu history. The next time we meet, you should demonstrate to me whatever you can remember about the set, and I shall comment on its benefits for both kungfu application and daily living.
Although the initiated have heard of the Seven-Star Set, though they may not have seen it, even amongst them not many know it is suitable for a physically weaker and smaller sized opponent again a stronger and bigger sized one, and of course less know why it is so.
A great Taijiquan master, Wang Zhong Yue, commented that there was nothing unusual for a physically stronger and bigger sized person to defeat a physically weaker or a smaller sized opponent. But if the case was reversed, i.e. a physically weaker or smaller sized person defeated a physically stronger or bigger sized opponent, then the art was great.
Many people know that it is possible for a physically weaker or smaller sized exponent to defeat a physically stronger or bigger sized opponent, though they may not know how. Taijiquan and Wing Choon Kungfu are two arts famous for this achievement.
This achievement is possible due to two factors, namely internal force and mechanics. If you have much internal force, which does not depend on muscular strength, size and gender, you can defeat an opponent who may be physically stronger and bigger in size. Even if you do not have internal force, by employing body mechanics you also can defeat an opponent who is physically stronger and bigger.
Taijiquan makes use of both internal force and Taijiquan mechanics. Wing Choon Kungfu, being an external art, makes use of Wing Choon mechanics.
A principal factor in both Taijiquan mechanics and Wing Choon mechanics is waist rotation. But the use of waist rotation in these two arts is quite different.
However, judging from the performance and appearance of Taijiquan and Wing Choon practitioners today, it seems that many of them do not employ internal force or the mechanics of their art to enable a physically weaker or smaller sized exponent to defeat a physically stronger or bigger sized opponent. Most Taijiquan practitioners today in Pushing Hands do not use internal force or waist rotation. Many Wing Choon practitioners today develop big muscles and use mechanical strength.
Personally, I find Seven-Star mechanics even more sophisticated and effective than that in Taijiquan and Wing Choon Kungfu! The body mechanics in all these kungfu styles are quite different, though the one used in the Seven-Star Set by all initiated practitioners is also used by high-level Wing Choon masters. The movement of the mechanics is so subtle that most people may not realize it, and, of course, it needs much skill to perform it perfectly.
The footwork in the Seven-Star Set and the Sever-Star Stance are agile and useful for combat. Congratulations for your sharp perception that they are particularly useful for countering wrestling shoots and throws. Most people may not realize their combat application.
I spent many months just practicing the Seven-Star footwork and the Seven-Star Stance, and nothing else. In my ignorance at that time I did not know their usefulness. I thought my sifu could have just taught me the Seven-Star Set. But I was a good student. I did what my sifu told me to. With hindsight I realize that the practice contributed much not only to my combat efficiency but also my physical and mental agility.
We shall, of course, learn and practice the footwork and stance, and other important aspects of the Seven-Star Set. Those attempting wrestling shoots and throws will be surprised at the ease and efficiency of the counters. I am happy to have an opportunity to transmit this well-known but little-understood set to deserving students.
Footwork is important in this deadly Seven-Star counter against a kick
The above discussion is reproduced from the thread 10 Questions on the famous and legendary Seven-Star Set (七星拳)
LINKS