PATTERN ANALYSIS OF THE DRAGON-FORM SET
It is incredible but true that if you are skillful you can apply just one pattern to counter any attacks!
Dragon patterns are graceful and flowing. If other martial artists, especially those used to rough fighting, criticize us saying that our kungfu is too graceful and flowing to be effective for combat, we should feel complimented rather than angry.
It was a fact that great masters in the past were graceful and flowing, yet very powerful and combat efficient, and we are blessed to have similar attainment. Others who believe otherwise can keep their opinions.
Paradoxically, many secrets are revealed in these video series, which are actually meant for our own students, but others may enjoy them if they wish. In this video series, the secret in applying only one pattern to counter any attacks is revealed. The pattern shown here is “Swimming Dragon Plays with Water”, a signature pattern in the Dragon-Form Set. An example from “Green Dragon Shoots Pearl” is also shown.
Lohan Asks the Way
Peter and Adam perform the Dragon-Form Set. After the force training section using “Double Dragon Emerges from Sea”, they move to the next pattern, “Lohan Asks the Way”, but in a Bow-Arrow Stance. Grandmaster Wong asks them to demonstrate a combat application of the Lohan pattern.
Swimming Dragon Plays with Water
The next pattern is “Swimming Dragon Plays with Water”, which is a signature pattern in the set. There are many beautiful applications with this pattern. Adam and Peter shows one of them. Adam grips Peter's arm with two hands, and Peter releases the grip and simultaneously counter-attacks using this Swimming Dragon pattern.
Striking Opponent when his Attack is just Spent
“Swimming Dragon Plays with Water” is a very versatile pattern. Here, Peter applies it to counter a kick. However, his initial movement is incorrect as it is too hard. Peter corrects it and flows with the opponent's momentum, striking the opponent when his kick is just spent.
Flowing with Opponent's Kick
Grandmaster Wong reveals the subtle movement of the “Swimming Dragon” pattern. It does not block the kicking attack, but flows with the kick. Hence, little effort and strength, but much skill is needed
Adjusting Spacing to Strike Opponent
If the opponent drops his leg forward after the kick, as shown in the previous video, you strike him as he leans forward. If he is too close, you may have to move a small step backward to attain ideal spacing. If he has good balance, you move your body slightly forward without moving your feet, to strike him.
Swimming Dragon against any Kicks
“Swimming Dragon Plays with Water” can be used against any kinds of kicks. However, Peter's counter against Adam's round-house kick is incorrect as it goes against the attacking momentum. Peter should move to his left side according to the attacking momentum as he counters. His counter against the side kick is good.
Against Side Kick and Round-House
Grandmaster Wong demonstrates the spacing and mechanics involved in countering kicks with “Swimming Dragon Plays with Water”. After the side-kick has past, shift the body forward to strike the opponent, taming his leg with the other hand. If you strike him while he executes a round-house kick, his kick may break your arm. Hence, you have to move following the direction of the kick as your strike.
Changing Steps to Counter Round House
Instead of moving to your left as an opponent executes a left round-house kick, you can move back to avoid the kick, change steps and move forward again to strike the opponent with a dragon-hand. The crucial point is not to block the kick. Just let the kick pass.
Green Dragon Shoots Pearl
In the Dragon-Form Set, after “Swimming Dragon Plays with Water” is the pattern “Green Dragon Shoots Pearl”. This is another very versatile pattern capable of countering almost all attacks. Here, Peter demonstrates its use against a backward throw.
Pattern Analysis of Dragon-Form Set from Wong Kiew Kit on Vimeo.
LINKS
How to Think and Act as a Master
- 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