Video Clip Series: Strategy of Not Allowing an Opponent to Escape

STRATEGY OF NOT ALLOWING AN OPPONENT TO ESCAPE

The principle of “exploiting an advantage and not allowing an opponent to escape”.

Many martial artists must have experienced the following situation in their free sparring. Their opponent made a wrong move which gave them a good opportunity to defeat him But they were unprepared. So they missed the opportunity and the opponent escaped.

Past masters generalized these situations into a combat principle to help their students not to miss such opportunities. In Chinese (Cantonese) it is “tak sai pat siew yen”. Word-by-word it means “have advantage don't free opponent”. This principle of not allowing an opponent to escape when you have an advantage is a good strategy to use against Boxers or any combatants.

Please click the pictures below to view the videos

Safety First is More Important than Striking the Opponent

Peter intercepts the Boxer effectively and counter-strikes his face. But Grandmaster Wong warns that Peter has not closed the Boxer sufficiently. The Boxer may strike back. Safety First, rather than Striking the Opponent First, is more important.

Striking a Boxer from the Out-Gate

Adam executes a successful dragon-hand strike against a Boxer's vital point. But Grandmaster Wong says that the counter would be better from the out-gate instead of the in-gate. Do you know why?

Using the Correct Leg Mode for Best Advantage

Adam applies the improved counter against the Boxer, striking his vital point from the out-gate. But his leg mode is not ideal. Grandmaster Wong suggests that Adam strikes with his left hand in a right stance. Although a Boxer does not normally kick, in this position we need to be prepared for a kick by the opponent, in which case we can strike his kicking leg.

Employing a Side-Way False-Leg Stance

An even better choice is to use a side-way False-Leg Stance. What advantages can you find this counter has over the other counters? In combat we try to fight with the best advantages.

Monkey Technique against Bigger, Stronger Boxer

Nick uses Monkey techniques against a bigger, stronger Boxer. He strikes the Boxer's vital point using the signature Monkey pattern “Spiritual Monkey Emerges from Cave”. Grandmaster Wong provides further improvements.

Great Sage Looks at Way

Nick applies Grandmaster Wong's suggestions, and strike the Boxer using the pattern “Great Sage Looks at Way”. Grandmaster Wong explains some finer points

Kicking a Boxer Irrespective of How he Attacks

Charles also uses Monkey techniques against a Boxer. As the Boxer attacks, almost irrespective of how he attacks, Charles executes a kick, which is an excellent tactic against a Boxer. Grandmaster Wong asks Charles to exploit this advantage when the opponent is momentarily dazed by the kick, and move in with more strikes.

Don't Allow your Opponent to Escape

Grandmaster Wong shows some examples of how one can continue from an initial advantage. This is expressed in the saying “Tak sai pat siew yen” (Cantonese pronunciation), which means “When you have an advantage, don't allow your opponent to escape”. In free sparring and real fights, many people miss this opportunity.

Don't Expose yourself to Opponent's Counter-Strikes

Charles now follows the principle of not allowing the opponent to escape. But he makes a serious mistake. Do you know what it is? He exposes himself to the Boxer's counter-strikes. Notice the difference when Grandmaster Wong uses the same techniques against the Boxer.

Move in Swiftly for Opponent's Throat

Grandmaster Wong demonstrates another tactic of using Monkey techniques. Gently ward of the Boxer's jabs using the pattern “Spiritual Monkey Brushes off Leaves” to wait for a good opening. When it arises, move in swiftly for the opponent's throat using the pattern “Happily Pluck Peach”. You must, of course, ensure your own safety as you move in swiftly.

You can view all the videos above by clicking the picture or the caption below

Shaolin Strategy of Not Allowing Opponents to Escape from Wong Kiew Kit on Vimeo.

Grandmaster Wong’s Home Page

Special Shaolin Kungfu Course -- Part 92

16-22 April 2007