SOME APPLICATIONS OF THE PLUM FLOWER SABRE
Students at the Plum Flower Sabre Course in Frankdurt, Germany on 17th September 2009 not only learn the saber set but also its combat applications and philosophy. Some of the applications, including how to use a saber to counter a spear-thrust, are shown in the video series below.
1. Practicing Sabre-Force
Just as in unarmed combat, one must have force to use the saber competently for combat. The video clip here shows one of the ways to develop some saber-force.
2. The Formidable Spear
Here are some formidable attacks of a spear against an opponent using a saber.
3. Deflecting and Countering a Spear-Thrust
Deflect a spear-thrust and counter with a chop.
4. Deflecting on the Right and on the Left
One can deflect a spear on the right and on the left.
5. Fierce Tiger Descends Mountain
This pattern that chops an opponent's hand as he attacks with a chop is called "Fierce Tiger Descends Mountain".
6. Rain Washes Clear Sky
This pattern, which is used to deflect a chopping attack of a staff, is called "Rain Washes Clear Sky".
7. Snow Flakes Cover Head
Another effective pattern to deflect a chopping attack of a staff is "Snow Flakes Cover Head".
8. Letting the Staff Glide Off
Use deflecting movements of a saber to let a staff glide off in its chopping momentum before counter-attacking the opponent.
9. Deflecting and Counter-Attacking
This is the tactic of "defence-cum-counter", deflecting an attack and counter-attacking immediately..
10. Deflecting a Horizontal Sweep
A horizontal sweep of another saber is deflectd. Notice that it is not a block.
11. The Most Formidable Weapon Attack
A spear-thrust is regarded in kungfu circles as the most formidable weapon attack.
12. Some Intricacies of the Spear-Thrust
Here are some intricacies of the spear-thrust.
13. Using a Spear as a Dagger
When in short range, a spear may be used as a dagger.
14. Countering Holds on the Spear
How would you counter if an opponent holds the shaft of your spear?
15. You Do Not Block a Spear Thrust
You do not block a spear-thrust, which can be dangerous. You deflect it safely.
16. Counter against Pulling and Thrusting
What should you do if your opponent pulls back his spear and thrusts you again as you try to deflect it?
17. A Sophisticated Counter
Here is a sophisticated technique to overcome the pulling back and then thrusting of an opponent's spear. This pattern is called "Rain Washes Clear Sky".
18. Receive Wind Chop Tiger
This is "Receive Wing Chop Tiger", deflecting and counter-attacking immediately.
19. Green Dragon Shoots Pearl
Dodge a horizontal sweep, then thrust out the saber with the pattern "Green Dragon Shoots Pearl".
20. The Tactic of Defence-Cum-Counter
After deflecting an opponent's attack, move forward to chop him. This is the tactic of "defence-cum-counter", which is frequently used in the saber application.
21. No Defence Direct Counter
This is the tactic of no "defence direct counter". As an opponent moves in to attack you with a chop of his staff, you move in diagonally to chop his arm.
Combat Application of Shaolin Plum Flower Sabre from Wong Kiew Kit on Vimeo.