FELLING OPPONENTS WITH YOUR STANCES

shaolin kung fu

Grandmaster Wong uses his Unicorn Step not only to fell an opponent but also to break his leg

The Unicorn Step is very versatile. Not only you can apply the Unicorn Step to frustrate opponents trying to throw you, but also you can fell them instead. You may also break their knees and ankles if you want to.

The Unicorn Step facilitates the rotation of your waist, which enables you to fell opponents heavier and taller than you, often without jostling with them. In Shaolin Kungfu you do not throw your opponents with your hands, you fell them with your stances!

Please click the pictures below to view the videos

Versatility of the Unicorn Step

shaolin kung fu

Steve attempts to fell Eugene using “Fell Tree with Roots”. Eugene neutralizes the felling technique with a Unicorn Step and is about to push Steve away, as in Basic Combat Sequence 13. But Steve has a firm stance, and reverses the situation using a Unicorn Step. Eugene also uses another Unicorn Step to prevent Steve felling him. Grandmaster Wong demonstrates using a variation to fell and subdue Steve.

Waist Rotation to Fell Opponent

shaolin kung fu

Eugene practices the technique just shown by Grandmaster Wong. Notice that as Eugene turns to a Unicorn Step, he deflects Steve's right hand to prevent him from striking. Notice also that Eugene does not use brute strength to fell Steve, who is bigger in size. Can you see the fine movement Eugene employs to fell Steve? It is rotating his waist to off-balance Steve. In other words, the throw comes from the rotation of Eugene's waist and not from his hands.

Neutralizing a Throw by Moving into a Stance

shaolin kung fu

As Andy moves in to attempt a throw, Steve neutralizes the attack by moving into a Bow-Arrow Stance. Isn't it amazing that you can neutralize a throw merely by going into your stance? Steve also guards the opponent with one hand and drives a leopard fist into his ribs with the other hand.

Good Stance for Successful Techniques

shaolin kung fu

Steve tries to hold Andy and flick him over his head with his leg by going down on his back to execute an over-head throw. Andy neutralizes the attack using “Bar the Big Boss”, followed by an elbow strike using “Black Crow Flaps Wings”, and fells Steve on the ground instead. A good stance is necessary to implement the techniques effectively.

Skillful Movement of the Unicorn Step

shaolin kung fu

Andy attempts to fell Steve with a low leg sweep, in a pattern called “Second Auntie Kicks Ball”. Steve neutralizes the attack with a skillful movement of the Unicorn Step, then fell Andy using the pattern “Fisherman Casts Net”.

Unicorn Step to Neutralize Felling Attack

shaolin kung fu

Here is another skillful use of the Unicorn Step. Andy applies “Second Auntie Kicks Ball” to sweep Steve's leg. Steve avoids the attack by using his Unicorn Step, then moves forward to fell Andy onto the ground and subdues him.

Unicorn Step to Break Opponent's Leg

shaolin kung fu

The Unicorn Step is more combat functional than what you probably think. After neutralizing an opponent's low leg sweep, you can employ your Unicorn Step not only to fell him but also to break his leg. Be careful of not really breaking his leg when practicing with a partner.

Reverse Showing of Ox's Tail

shaolin kung fu

Wuji attempts to throw Alex over the shoulder with “Farmer Hoes Rice Field”. Alex responds with “Reverse Showing of Ox's Tail”, felling Wuji backward. It is amazing that when an opponent thinks he can throw you over his shoulder, he finds himself laying on the ground instead.

Taming Tiger and Stepping on Snow

shaolin kung fu

Alex attempts to fell Wuji using the pattern “Felling Tree with Roots” as in our Basic Combat Sequence 13. With an almost effortless twist, Wuji fell Alex instead, employing the pattern “Tame Tiger Listen to Wind” with an added step on Alex's leg from the pattern “White Crane Steps on Snow”.

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

Felling Techniques using Stances in Shaolin Kungfu from Wong Kiew Kit on Vimeo.

LINKS

How to Think and Act as a Master

Click here for an Overview of the entire course

  1. Returning to the Basics
  2. Form, Force, Flow and Element of Threat
  3. Reviewing the Basic Combat Sequences
  4. Devising Strategies Using Combat Sequences
  5. Applying Strategies for Effective Combat
  6. Free Sparring with Prescribed Conditions
  7. Combat Sequences to Train Spontaneous Attacks and Responses
  8. Using Strategies and Tactics in Attack and Defence
  9. It is Heartening to see so Many People Using Kungfu in Free Sparring
  10. Felling and Gripping Techniques in Shaolin Kungfu
  1. How Sequence Training and Chi Flow Enhance Combat Efficiency
  2. The Tiger-Crane Set — Manifesting the Hard and the Soft in Shaolin Kungfu
  3. The Dragon-Tiger Set — Crystallization of Two Wahnam Traditions
  4. The Dragon-Form Set — Demonstrating that Softness Can be Very Powerful
  5. Shaolin Monkey Set — Symbolizing Spiritual Path from Cheekiness to Enlightenment
  6. Shaolin Five-Animal Set — Gist of Shaolin Forms and Essence
  7. Shaolin Pakua Set Set — An Exclusive Set Fit for Kings and Generals
  8. Combat Application pf Pakua — Sharing Secrets for Combat Efficiency
  9. Beginning to Learn some Monkey Tricks
  10. Refining Techniques in Combat
  1. Some Examples of High level Combat
  2. Collective Effort for Greater Benefits
  3. Can Sophisticated Kungfu Techniques be Used in Combat?
  4. Skills are usually More Important than Techniques
  5. One-Finger Shooting Zen — the Treasure of Shaolin Wahnam
  6. Raising Levels of Techniques and Tactics in Combat
  7. Bringing Combat Skills to More Sophisticated Levels
  8. Monkey Techniques are Flowing and Agile but can be Very Devastating
  9. Flowing with the Opponent's Momentum
  10. Beware of the Monkey Tricks
  1. Marvelous Techniques Beget Marvelous Techniques
  2. How to Raise your Level of Combat
  3. How you can Defeat your Opponents
  4. Employing Sophisticated Kungfu Techniques to Enhance Combat Efficiency
  5. Systematic Training is Essential for Combat Efficiency
  6. Raising Combat Efficiency from Basic to Advanced Levels
  7. Kungfu Philosophy and Swaying Willows
  8. Hands Pave the Way, Kicks to Clinch Victory
  9. Six Harmonies of the Double Tiger Claws
  10. The Amazement and Effectiveness of Monkey Kicks
  1. A Bag Full of Monkey Tricks
  2. Gentle and Flowing, yet Very Powerful
  3. Can your Responses still be Correct and Spontaneous in Real Fights?
  4. Incorporating Kicks into Combat Sequences
  5. Elaborate Patterns to Meet Complex Combat Situations
  6. The Benefits of Understanding and Applying Kungfu Philosophy
  7. Our Kungfu is a Training of Energy and Mind
  8. Ensuring Own Safety when Felling Opponents
  9. The Beauty and Profundity of Shaolin Felling Techniques
  10. Felling Techniques of the Dragon and the Monkey
  1. Felling an Opponent Without him Realizing What has Happened
  2. Pattern Analysis of the Tiger-Crane Set
  3. Tiger Patterns for Chin-Na, Against Kicks and Countering the Shoot
  4. Pattern Analysis of the Dragon-Tiger Set
  5. Revealing the Secret Tactic of Leak Hand
  6. From the Level of Techniques to the Levels of Tactics and Strategies
  7. Pattern Analysis of the Dragon-Form Set
  8. Effective Techniques for Fighting on the Ground
  9. Pattern Analysis of the Monkey Set
  10. Soft Techniques and Internal Force in Monkey Kungfu
  1. Interesting Monkey Patterns that are Deadly for Combat
  2. Pattern Analysis of the Pakua Set
  3. Pattern Analysis of the Five-Animal Set
  4. Variety of Techniques in Shaolin Five Animals
  5. Investigating the Combat Applications of Some Patterns
  6. Similar Patterns but Different Applications
  7. Effective Counters against Kicks, Grips and Knee Jabs
  8. Secrets of Skyward Cannon Punch in Continuous Attack
  9. Cannon Punch Towards Sky and Fierce Tiger Crouching on Ground
  10. Flowing Monkey Techniques against Powerful Tiger Claws
  1. Sophisticated Grips and Sophisticated Counters
  2. Breaking an Opponent's Elbow and Wrist
  3. Neutralizing Wrist Lock and the Three Harmonies
  4. Advanced Chin-Na Techniques and Counters
  5. Two Stories about Kicks
  6. How to Respond to Attacks Spontaneously and Correctly
  7. Can Beautiful Patterns and Flowing Movements be Effective in Combat?
  8. Linking Combat Sequences into a Set
  9. From Pre-Arranged Sparring to Combat Efficiency
  10. Crystalization of Combat Techniques from Past Masters
  1. Hei Sai or the Spirit of Energy
  2. Manifesting the Energy and Spirit of your Form
  3. Manifesting the Spirit of the Form
  4. Kungfu Practice is not just Physical Training but also Spiritual Cultivation
  5. Fluidity of Form, Energy and Spirit
  6. Shaolin Kungfu is Chi Kung and Meditation
  7. Revealing the Secrets of Shaolin Masters
  8. The Profundity of Shaolin Combat Application
  9. It is Easy to Fight against Boxers
  10. Avoiding a Boxer's Strong Points and Attacking his Weaknesses
  1. Some Effective Tactics against Boxers
  2. The Strategy of Not Allowing an Opponent to Escape
  3. The Strategy of Letting Trick Manifesting Trick
  4. The Strategies of Interception and of Striking Form
  5. Standardized Routines of Kick-Boxing Attacks
  6. Some Effective Counters to Kick-Boxing Attacks
  7. Felling a Kick-Boxer when he Kicks
  8. The Secrets of Two Tigers Subdue Dragon
  9. Shaolin Counters against Kick-Boxing and Karate
  10. Some Important Combat Philosophy and Principles
  1. It is Relatively Easy to Handle Karate Attacks
  2. Good Spacing When Executing Kicks
  3. A Variety of Taekwondo Kicks
  4. Effective Shaolin Counters against Taekwondo Kicks
  5. Trapping Legs and Subduing Opponents
  6. Making Expedient Changes to Surprised Attacks
  7. The Legacy of Sigung Ho Fatt Nam — Planting Willow in Front of Camp
  8. Having Fun in Throws and their Counters
  9. Sharing the Secret of Move Stance Change Step
  10. Some Unorthodox Felling Techniques Not Commonly Seen
  1. Felling Opponents with your Stances!
  2. Beware of Monkeys; they are Expert at Plucking Peaches
  3. Sophisticated Footwork and Leg Techniques of Monkeys and Gorillas
  4. Wrestling Throws are Found in Shaolin Kungfu Too
  5. Real Fighting is Different from Martial Sports
  6. Who Says there is no Ground-Fighting in Shaolin Kungfu
  7. An Incredible Secret of One-Finger Zen
  8. Understanding Muay Thai Fighting Strategies and Techniques
  9. Various Strategies to Counter Muay Thai Fighters
  10. Responding to Muay Thai Attacks Spontaneously and Correctly
  1. Avoiding Opponent's Strength and Attacking his Weakness
  2. Effective Ways to Counter Sweeping Kicks
  3. Effective Counters against Knee and Elbow Strikes
  4. Crouching Tiger against Grab Neck Elbow Strike
  5. Shaolin Kungfu for Combat Efficiency, Good Health and Spiritual Development

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