Video Clip Series: Strategies of Interception and of Striking Form

STRATEGIES OF INTERCEPTION AND OF STRIKING FORM

The tactic of “striking form when there is form”

If you are skilful and forceful, a good tactic or strategy, depending on how you use it, is to intercept a Boxer's attacks and counter-attack. Sifu Anthony shows some excellent examples in the first part of this series.

In the second part Grandmaster Wong demonstrates an excellent strategy against Boxers known in Chinese (Cantonese) as “yau yeng ta yeng, mou yeng choui ying”. Word-by-word it is “have form hit form, no form chase shadow”. When a Boxer attacks you, strike his arm. When he retreats, strike his head or body.

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Tactic of Interception against Boxers

In earlier videos we use the tactics of deflection, of closing and of kicking against Boxers. Here, Sifu Anthony's tactic is different. He intercepts a Boxer's attacks. He uses the tactic of interception. Great skill, especially in timing and spacing, is needed in effective interception.

In-Gate Position in Interception

Interception can be used against any Boxer's attacks. Notice that the exponent takes the in-gate position, in contrast to the out-gate position in the tactics of deflecting and of closing shown earlier.

The Principle of Long against Short

Sifu Anthony makes good use of the principle “Long against Short” in his counters against Boxers. A Boxer's movements are relatively short-range compared to the Pa Kua techniques employed by Sifu Anthony here.

Giving Boxers No Chance to Strike

The Boxer has no chance to be near enough to strike Sifu Anthony effectively. As soon as he moves in, he is struck by Sifu Anthony's longer hand thrusts or kicks. Here, the Boxer's speed and agility, which are his strong points, are quite futile.

Striking the Form when there is Form

Grandmaster Wong demonstrates another very effective tactic against Boxers. It is the tactic of “striking the form when there is form.” You employ your arm as if it is a powerful steel whip.

Mechanics of Body-Movement and Footwork

The mechanics of body-movement and footwork are important when using the principle of striking form against a Boxer. Our stances give us a huge advantage over a Boxer's bouncing about.

Using Arm like Steel Whip

Use your arm like a steel whip. As a Boxer attacks, strike his arm with your steel whip. If he dodges, strike his head or body. Good body-movement is important. This is also like an elephant using its trunk. Hence, such techniques are widely used in Elephant Style Kungfu.

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Shaolin Strategies of Interception and of Striking Form from Wong Kiew Kit on Vimeo.

Grandmaster Wong’s Home Page

Special Shaolin Kungfu Course -- Part 94

16-22 April 2007