Go 'Lean' - The Art of Shoulder Strike (Kao)

Kao (pronounced Coww) is the often overlooked and under appreciated principle in two popular Chinese Kung Fu styles. This principle is defined in the Tai Chi 13 Principles, as well as the Tang Lang Quan (Praying Mantis Boxing) 12 Principles - the hard and fast tenets that define these styles.

Kao translates as 'Lean', or specifically "depend upon; lean on; near; by; against; to support" (mandarintools.com). In Tai Chi circles it is often referred to as Shoulder Strike. The character for Kao is exactly the same in both styles when you review the old texts. This makes sense as both styles rely heavily on stand-up grappling where leaning and shoulder checking is common.

As mentioned, in Tai Chi, Kao translates as 'Shoulder Strike' or 'Lean' for some. In Mantis Kao is translated as Lean. It is actually both but at different times. Striking with the shoulder, or leaning to effect a take down.

How can striking with your shoulder be a major principle in a style? Sounds a bit silly right? I remember thinking so myself at one time. "What is the point of that?", I said. "You would be destroyed trying to pull that off". Yes, and No. On the one hand if you tried to pull off a shoulder strike at long to mid range with your opponents hands ready to maul you, then yes, you would be punished severely for this transgression.

However, if you are in close range, controlling your opponent, where Tai Chi and Mantis heavily function, the game changes. When your opponent is controlling your arms, or your arms are occupied controlling theirs, then you have certain limitations on what you can and cannot do. This is where Shoulder Strike becomes increasingly valuable.

When we look deeper at the application of the moves we have to consider the range in which these styles predominantly function. Here are a few scenarios where Shoulder Strike is used:

Scenario #1 - I am tangled up and my opponent is grabbing my arms and has them crossed in front of me. I cannot strike, I cannot move backwards, and I cannot use knees or kicks because I am too close to go to one leg which would compromise my root. Here Kao is used to drive into my opponent striking them in the torso with the shoulder to create distance. Once I have created distance between myself and my opponent I can either free one or more of my arms, or now apply a knee strike or a kick.

Scenario #2 - Another application is the take down. This is evident in over the knee style throws as found in Mantis Boxing's Beng Bu or Crushing Step Form. Again functioning at close range but this time you step behind the opponents lead leg shooting your elbow or arm across the chest. Shoot deep enough to get your shoulder in front of them and then twist the waist into the forward leg driving your shoulder backward to toss them over your knee.

Scenario #3 - In Tai Chi we have a move called Wild Horse Parts Mane. This move uses the shoulder to strike the elbow of your opponent. Using ward-off to deflect the opponents punch/push/grab attempt, you grab the wrist and pluck the arm sideways. At the same time step forward driving your shoulder into the opponents elbow for the break. Again this is used in a mid range position while 'adhering', 'sticking', and 'following' your opponent.

Scenario #4 - Countering. Kao is used predominantly to counter the effects of the Mantis or Tai Chi pluck, and the Roll Back (Lu) principle in Tai Chi. Coiling and using the body in quick stepping and direction changes, the shoulder affords you opportunities you might otherwise be missing or gives you an exit from an otherwise bad position.

These are a few of the manifestations of Kao that describe it's potential and usefulness. In the solo version of the Tai Chi form it is difficult to see Kao. Often the applications are countering someone using Kao against you after you have countered or neutralized their attack. Without seeing the application of the attacker side, or understanding the when, where, and how of Kao's function, it is exponentially difficult to understand. Once the principle is examined in and of itself, it becomes evident how effective it can really be.

Clearly the founders of these two styles realized the importance of this move and rightfully placed it in the list of main principles. When properly understood and placed, Kao can be a valuable tool when playing Tai Chi (Supreme Ultimate Boxing) or Tang Lang (Praying Mantis Boxing).

Originally published 6/27/09