I'd like to take a moment to welcome Liz to our team at Plum Blossom. Liz started part-time with us this February helping out at the front desk. Liz has a stellar personality, and since her son Zach has been training with us for 5 years now in: Kids Kung Fu/BJJ, Adult Kung Fu and BJJ, Tai Chi, Monster-Fit, and workshops; she's well versed in all that we do.
Liz believes wholeheartedly in the overall mission and goals of Plum Blossom Fitness Martial Arts and wants to help others achieve the goals and positive influence that her son has. If she hasn't already met you, feel free to stop by the front desk and say hello. Welcome to the team Liz. We look forward to working with you!
If you aren't familiar with the team, visit our website here.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
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
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
Monday, February 18, 2013
Way of the Mantis Workshop
Way of the Mantis Workshop
March 2nd - 1 to 3 PM
(Right before Adult Belt Ceremony/Graduation)
The Praying Mantis, a fierce predator in the insect kingdom that hooks, grabs, and topples it's opponent; then shreds them apart on the ground. 350 years ago, Wong Long studied the way of the Mantis and indoctrinated it's superior fighting methods into his Kung Fu.Enter the world of the Mantis, and become the bug. In this rich and historic workshop, Master Brown will lead you on a journey into the 'Way of the Mantis'. Learn some of the Mantis Kung Fu fighting techniques, holds, counters, and more, in this action packed workshop. All skill levels welcome.
Kids Kung Fu students may attend if they are Orange Sash or above. Don't miss it - SIGN UP TODAY
Kids Kung Fu Sword Workshop
Praying Mantis Saber for Kids
March 2nd - 9:30 - 10:30am
The Saber is considered the Tiger of Kung Fu weapons. It’s ferocious and vicious attack methods are why it became one of the more popular weapons in China and used across all styles of Kung Fu. Learn to wield this mighty weapon, becoming a whirling dervish with this blade in your hand. Workshop is scheduled right before the kids graduation/belt ceremony. Saber must be purchased separately. Call, email, stop by the desk, or click here to SIGN UP TODAY
School Vacation Update
All classes are on as scheduled this week. It's a good week to get in some extra training!!!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Monster-Fit Classes Expanded
Good News Everyone,
Tuesday and Thursday Monster-Fit classes have been full to capacity this year. We started out the year by opening up the Mon/Wed morning 'Instructor-Only Monster-Fit' time to all members (10:30AM to 12PM). A couple people have started regularly attending this time, which is nice to see.
With the increase in attendance for Tue/Thurs night's Monster-Fit, we've decided to make one more shift to help more of you get your training time in. We're converting all Fit-Kick classes (offered Mon/Wed - 5:45 to 6:30 PM) to Monster-Fit classes.
We're looking forward to the new schedule and hope to see more of you on Mon/Wed nights.
Saturday, February 09, 2013
Open Mat
We hope everyone made it through the storm OK?
OPEN MAT today at 4-5PM. Come in and roll, work on your forms, work out...whatever you like.
Friday, February 08, 2013
Storm Cancellations
Hey Everyone,
The weather is getting worse and I am told there is a "Driving Ban" after 4pm today. We don't want any of you getting arrested trying to get to class. ;-) I've also seen an increase in accumulation predicted - now 3ft.
All classes are cancelled this evening (Friday). As of now all of Saturday classes are cancelled. If something changes in the morning, we may have an open mat session in the mid afternoon for those that want to train. This is weather and safety permitting of course.
Stay safe, stay warm, and if any of you need help, speak up and we'll do what we can to lend assistance.
Master Brown
The weather is getting worse and I am told there is a "Driving Ban" after 4pm today. We don't want any of you getting arrested trying to get to class. ;-) I've also seen an increase in accumulation predicted - now 3ft.
All classes are cancelled this evening (Friday). As of now all of Saturday classes are cancelled. If something changes in the morning, we may have an open mat session in the mid afternoon for those that want to train. This is weather and safety permitting of course.
Stay safe, stay warm, and if any of you need help, speak up and we'll do what we can to lend assistance.
Master Brown
Saturday, February 02, 2013
Return of the Tai Chi Tiger - Aftermath
Awesome Tai Chi Tiger workshop today. Great to see all of you there that attended. Fun times working the applications and breaking down the detail for Embrace Tiger, Tame Tiger, Retreat Astride Tiger, and Bend Bow Shoot Tiger. Stay tuned for an upcoming workshop on Tai Chi Snakes and Cranes.
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