SHAOLIN MONKEY SET
Manifesting the Majesty of the Monkey God, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven
Not many people may know that the specialty of Grandmaster Ho Fatt Nam, one of the two Patriarchs of our school, is the Shaolin Monkey Set. This set symbolizes the spiritual path of the Monkey God, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, who has special significance in Grandmaster Ho Fatt Nam's lineage.
This set is extremely effective for combat as well as for developing qualities like agility, fluid movement and mental freshness that are very useful for daily purposes.
Grandmaster Wong did not learn the complete set from his teacher, Grandmaster Ho Fatt Nam. In his many years with his teacher, Grandmaster Wong saw the complete set only once, as Grandmaster Ho Fatt Nam very rarely showed the set even to inner chamber disciples. But being a fast learner (Grandmaster Wong was reputed to be able to learn a kungfu set after seeing it performed three times), the Monkey Set stayed in his memory. Nevertheless, Grandmaster Ho Fatt Nam taught Grandmaster Wong many amazing techniques from the Monkey Set.
Grandmaster Wong also learned another Monkey Set, which was also the specialty of another kungfu master better known by his nickname “Four-Eye Cheong”. Four-Eye Cheong saw the potential in Grandmaster Wong after seeing his kungfu performance, and sought the permission of Grandmaster Wong's teacher at that time, Uncle Righteousness, to specially teach Grandmaster Wong. Nevertheless, Grandmaster Wong did not get to learn this Monkey Set directly from Four-Eye Cheong. Much later after Four-Eye Cheong had passed away, realizing the high value of the Monkey Set, Grandmaster Wong learned it from a disciple of Four-Eye Cheong.
The Shaolin Monkey Set here contains the essence of these two Shaolin experts, Grandmaster Ho Fatt Nam and Four-Eye Cheong.
Starting the Set by Rolling Out
Unlike all other sets, the Monkey Set starts by rolling out, not by giving the salutation pattern. Why is this so? My answer, and it is a good one, is that was the way my sifu, Sifu Ho Fatt Nam, did. However, I didn't ask him why. You can have some intelligent guesses. So long as the answer is justifiable, it can be accepted. There are a few formidable kicks even in these few patterns.
Important Patterns for Combat
This video clip includes a few important Monkey patterns, like “Spiritual Monkey Brushes Leaves” and “Spiritual Monkey Emerges from Cave”, which are often used in combat. Do you know how they are used?
Manifesting the Spirit of the Set
Grandmaster Wong shows Nick how to express the spirit of the Monkey. Manifesting the spirit, not just performing the forms, is very important. The spirit of being playful as well as agile is discernable here.
Laughter is Common in Shaolin Wahnam
Laughter is a common feature in our Shaolin Wahnam training. Notice the fluidity of Nick's movements. They are also powerful, being charged with flowing internal force.
Kicks are a Forte of the Monkey
Kicks are a forte of the Monkey, and they are very tricky. Obviously Monkey kicks are very different from Taekwondo kicks or Bruce Lee's kicks.
Ape Patterns for the Big and Strong
The Monkey Set is normally for small-sized persons, but, in line with yin-yang harmony, there is also something for the big and strong, as in the Ape patterns shown here. Making relevant sounds is part of the pattern requirement.
From Cheekiness to Majesty
The Monkey Set starts with cheekiness and completes with majesty, symbolizing the spiritual path of the Monkey God, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, who provides the inspiration for this set and who has great significance in Grandmaster Ho Fatt Nam's lineage.
Shaolin Monkey Set from Wong Kiew Kit on Vimeo.
LINKS
- Returning to the Basics
- Form, Force, Flow and Element of Threat
- Reviewing the Basic Combat Sequences
- Devising Strategies Using Combat Sequences
- Applying Strategies for Effective Combat
- Free Sparring with Prescribed Conditions
- Combat Sequences to Train Spontaneous Attacks and Responses
- Using Strategies and Tactics in Attack and Defence
- It is Heartening to see so Many People Using Kungfu in Free Sparring
- Felling and Gripping Techniques in Shaolin Kungfu
- How Sequence Training and Chi Flow Enhance Combat Efficiency
- The Tiger-Crane Set — Manifesting the Hard and the Soft in Shaolin Kungfu
- The Dragon-Tiger Set — Crystallization of Two Wahnam Traditions
- The Dragon-Form Set — Demonstrating that Softness Can be Very Powerful
- Shaolin Monkey Set — Symbolizing Spiritual Path from Cheekiness to Enlightenment
- Shaolin Five-Animal Set — Gist of Shaolin Forms and Essence
- Shaolin Pakua Set Set — An Exclusive Set Fit for Kings and Generals
- Combat Application pf Pakua — Sharing Secrets for Combat Efficiency
- Beginning to Learn some Monkey Tricks
- Refining Techniques in Combat
- Some Examples of High level Combat
- Collective Effort for Greater Benefits
- Can Sophisticated Kungfu Techniques be Used in Combat?
- Skills are usually More Important than Techniques
- One-Finger Shooting Zen — the Treasure of Shaolin Wahnam
- Raising Levels of Techniques and Tactics in Combat
- Bringing Combat Skills to More Sophisticated Levels
- Monkey Techniques are Flowing and Agile but can be Very Devastating
- Flowing with the Opponent's Momentum
- Beware of the Monkey Tricks
- Marvelous Techniques Beget Marvelous Techniques
- How to Raise your Level of Combat
- How you can Defeat your Opponents
- Employing Sophisticated Kungfu Techniques to Enhance Combat Efficiency
- Systematic Training is Essential for Combat Efficiency
- Raising Combat Efficiency from Basic to Advanced Levels
- Kungfu Philosophy and Swaying Willows
- Hands Pave the Way, Kicks to Clinch Victory
- Six Harmonies of the Double Tiger Claws
- The Amazement and Effectiveness of Monkey Kicks
- A Bag Full of Monkey Tricks
- Gentle and Flowing, yet Very Powerful
- Can your Responses still be Correct and Spontaneous in Real Fights?
- Incorporating Kicks into Combat Sequences
- Elaborate Patterns to Meet Complex Combat Situations
- The Benefits of Understanding and Applying Kungfu Philosophy
- Our Kungfu is a Training of Energy and Mind
- Ensuring Own Safety when Felling Opponents
- The Beauty and Profundity of Shaolin Felling Techniques
- Felling Techniques of the Dragon and the Monkey
- Felling an Opponent Without him Realizing What has Happened
- Pattern Analysis of the Tiger-Crane Set
- Tiger Patterns for Chin-Na, Against Kicks and Countering the Shoot
- Pattern Analysis of the Dragon-Tiger Set
- Revealing the Secret Tactic of Leak Hand
- From the Level of Techniques to the Levels of Tactics and Strategies
- Pattern Analysis of the Dragon-Form Set
- Effective Techniques for Fighting on the Ground
- Pattern Analysis of the Monkey Set
- Soft Techniques and Internal Force in Monkey Kungfu
- Interesting Monkey Patterns that are Deadly for Combat
- Pattern Analysis of the Pakua Set
- Pattern Analysis of the Five-Animal Set
- Variety of Techniques in Shaolin Five Animals
- Investigating the Combat Applications of Some Patterns
- Similar Patterns but Different Applications
- Effective Counters against Kicks, Grips and Knee Jabs
- Secrets of Skyward Cannon Punch in Continuous Attack
- Cannon Punch Towards Sky and Fierce Tiger Crouching on Ground
- Flowing Monkey Techniques against Powerful Tiger Claws
- Sophisticated Grips and Sophisticated Counters
- Breaking an Opponent's Elbow and Wrist
- Neutralizing Wrist Lock and the Three Harmonies
- Advanced Chin-Na Techniques and Counters
- Two Stories about Kicks
- How to Respond to Attacks Spontaneously and Correctly
- Can Beautiful Patterns and Flowing Movements be Effective in Combat?
- Linking Combat Sequences into a Set
- From Pre-Arranged Sparring to Combat Efficiency
- Crystalization of Combat Techniques from Past Masters
- Hei Sai or the Spirit of Energy
- Manifesting the Energy and Spirit of your Form
- Manifesting the Spirit of the Form
- Kungfu Practice is not just Physical Training but also Spiritual Cultivation
- Fluidity of Form, Energy and Spirit
- Shaolin Kungfu is Chi Kung and Meditation
- Revealing the Secrets of Shaolin Masters
- The Profundity of Shaolin Combat Application
- It is Easy to Fight against Boxers
- Avoiding a Boxer's Strong Points and Attacking his Weaknesses
- Some Effective Tactics against Boxers
- The Strategy of Not Allowing an Opponent to Escape
- The Strategy of Letting Trick Manifesting Trick
- The Strategies of Interception and of Striking Form
- Standardized Routines of Kick-Boxing Attacks
- Some Effective Counters to Kick-Boxing Attacks
- Felling a Kick-Boxer when he Kicks
- The Secrets of Two Tigers Subdue Dragon
- Shaolin Counters against Kick-Boxing and Karate
- Some Important Combat Philosophy and Principles
- It is Relatively Easy to Handle Karate Attacks
- Good Spacing When Executing Kicks
- A Variety of Taekwondo Kicks
- Effective Shaolin Counters against Taekwondo Kicks
- Trapping Legs and Subduing Opponents
- Making Expedient Changes to Surprised Attacks
- The Legacy of Sigung Ho Fatt Nam — Planting Willow in Front of Camp
- Having Fun in Throws and their Counters
- Sharing the Secret of Move Stance Change Step
- Some Unorthodox Felling Techniques Not Commonly Seen
- Felling Opponents with your Stances!
- Beware of Monkeys; they are Expert at Plucking Peaches
- Sophisticated Footwork and Leg Techniques of Monkeys and Gorillas
- Wrestling Throws are Found in Shaolin Kungfu Too
- Real Fighting is Different from Martial Sports
- Who Says there is no Ground-Fighting in Shaolin Kungfu
- An Incredible Secret of One-Finger Zen
- Understanding Muay Thai Fighting Strategies and Techniques
- Various Strategies to Counter Muay Thai Fighters
- Responding to Muay Thai Attacks Spontaneously and Correctly
- Avoiding Opponent's Strength and Attacking his Weakness
- Effective Ways to Counter Sweeping Kicks
- Effective Counters against Knee and Elbow Strikes
- Crouching Tiger against Grab Neck Elbow Strike
- Shaolin Kungfu for Combat Efficiency, Good Health and Spiritual Development