Blog

Punching

Basic Exercise - Punching While Shifting to Either Side in a Forward Stance The following is a root practice and needs to be done every day. Zhang Xiang San was fond of saying that if we could do a good punch then the rest of our kung fu would be good also. There are...

Body Mechanics and Structure

Body Mechanics and Structure

The need for proper body mechanics cannot be overlooked. The general rule is that when the body is in alignment then the chi will flow. If we violate proper structure then turbid energy will create restrictions in the proper flow of chi. The first place to establish...

Gun, Zuan, Zheng, Gou – Rolling, Drilling, Striving, Encircling

Gun, Zuan, Zheng, Gou – Rolling, Drilling, Striving, Encircling

Gun, Zuan, Zheng, Gou - Rolling, Drilling, Striving, Encircling The terminology is borrowed from the Ba Gua system. These four words are used as a reference for variations of Jin (force). There are four separate energies, which flow sequentially from the inside to the...

Open/Close-Expand/Sink

Open/Close-Expand/Sink

BASIC EXCERSIZE # 1 - OPEN/CLOSE- EXPAND/SINK Starting from a comfortable horse stance spread the arms out to the side with the palms up (fist or open palm) aimed away form the body. The forearms should be horizontal at the level of the waist. Concentrate on sinking...

Six Harmonies Explained

Six Harmonies Explained

The purpose of Six Harmonies is to establish the conditions needed for conscious movement. In order to understand what those conditions are we need to understand what is required to function harmoniously. There are physical aspects to this and there is an energetic...

Kun: To Tie, Bind or Wrap

Kun: To Tie, Bind or Wrap

BASIC EXERCISE #4- KUN- TO TIE, BIND OR WRAP  Kun energy is highly sophisticated. To develop this energy requires extensive practice. Six Harmonies Praying Mantis draws heavily from this kind of energy. There are particular exercises, which can help one to develop...

Lion Playing with the Ball

Lion Playing with the Ball

BASIC EXERCISE #3- SHI ZI WANNONG ZHI QUI- LION PLAYING WITH THE BALL This is a practice, which has many variations within many styles of Chinese martial arts. It requires both internal and external principles. This exercise starts with the practitioner standing in a...