Video Clip Series: Some Important Combat Philosophy and Principles

SOME IMPORTANT COMBAT PHILOSPHY AND PRINCIPLES

It is important in kungfu philosophy and principles to respond spontaneously and correctly

Some important combat philosophy and principles are explained in this series. While attacks may come in countless way, if he understands combat philosophy and principles, a skillful Shaolin practitioner can prepare himself to handle all of them! He should also know how to exploit advantages when they arise and make modifications in his planned sequences according to the changing movements of his opponents.

Please click the pictures below to view the videos

Shaolin Kungfu is Not just Hard

It is a common mis-conception to think that Shaolin Kungfu is just “hard”. Notice that Molly's effective defence and counters against Eugene's attack are “soft”. Grandmaster Wong also reminds Molly to take advantage of her favorable situation if she manages to catch an opponent's kicking leg.

Taking Advantage when Opponent's Leg is Caught

There are many ways you can take advantage of the situation when you have caught your opponent's leg in your hands. You may kick at his groin, dislocate his ankle, break his leg or merely throw him onto the ground. You should practice these counters beforehand so that when the situation arises, you can apply them without hesitation.

Be Prepared for Opponent's Possible Counter-Strikes

Grandmaster Wong advises Molly not to be too close to an opponent so that he cannot strike her when she tries to fell him. If she has difficult in felling the opponent, she could drop the leg and strike him. Molly should also be prepared for the various possible counter-strikes the opponent may make, so that if he makes them, she can respond spontaneously.

Spontaneous and Correct Responses from Specialized Sets

We can respond spontaneously and correctly to an opponent's random attacks because we have been trained to do so. In the basic training, when an opponent executes a punch, we spontaneously and correctly respond with “Single Tiger”. Here we choose the relevant responses from our specialized sets.

How we Can Respond Spontaneously and Correctly to All Attacks

In theory, attacks can come in countless ways. But in practice the great majority of attacks can be classified into a few broad categories. Hence, once we understand and are able to respond spontaneously and correctly to these categorized attacks, we can do so to all attacks.

Counters to Typical Karate Attacks

Molly responds spontaneously and correctly to typical attacks from a Karate exponent, posed here by Eugene. She can do so due to her systematic training. Grandmaster Wong reminds Molly to executes her counter-attacks continuously, without hesitating between attacks.

Fierce Tigers Push Mountain

Eugene initiates with two kicks, followed by a thrust punch. Molly avoids the kicks, lean on the punch, and counter with “Fierce Tigers Push Mountain”, pushing the opponent away. Alternatively, Molly may strike the opponent with her double palms.

Modification in Planned Sequence

Here, before Molly moves in to push away Eugene, Eugene adds another punch. Molly just has to ward off the additional punch and continue with her planned response. Such a step is called a modification. With practice the modification can be executed fluently.

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

Some Important Combat Philosophy and Principles from Wong Kiew Kit on Vimeo.

Grandmaster Wong’s Home Page

Special Shaolin Kungfu Course -- Part 100

16-22 April 2007