Lift Hands Magazine Volume 14 June 2020 - The Multi-Award Winning Magazine of the Year 2019

volume 14

June 2020

Wudang Hand Weapons: The Original Da Shou Part 2 The Sword

Medical Implications of Combat T’ai Chi Ch’uan Part 2

Tony Pillage: The Unpublished Interview with

Tony Bailey Martial Equilibrium Part 2 Celebration and much more inside

Editor Nasser Butt

British Martial Arts Awards Magazine Of The Year 2019

perception realization activation action

Lift Hands

The Internal Arts Magazine Volume 14 June 2020

Editor

Nasser Butt

L’orso Solitario

Published by L’orso Solitario Books, Leicester, United Kingdom Lift Hands The Internal Arts Magazine Volume 14 June 2020 Editor Nasser Butt Copyright © by Nasser Butt, 2020 & Fa-jing Ch’uan Internal Chinese Boxing Schools Nasser Butt asserts the moral right to be identified as the editor & owner of this work.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the editor.

Waiver of Liability: The publisher assumes no liability for the use or misuse of information contained within this book. By purchasing or electronically downloading this publication, the reader hereby, waives any and all claims he or she may have now or in the future against Nasser Butt and Fa-Jing Ch’uan Internal Chinese Boxing Schools or its affiliates.

The points of view represented here are solely those of the authors’ concerned. You do not have to subscribe to them if you do not wish. Nor is their inclusion here necessarily an endorsement by Fa-jing Ch’uan Internal Chinese Boxing School or its affiliates.

Cover Photo (main): The Guild of internal Martial and Healing Arts Cover Design © Nasser Butt, 2020 Cover Art: Amy Faulkner Back Design: Copyright © Nasser Butt 2020; Photography: Marios Eleftheriou

lift hands

June 2020

5

contents

Editor’s Note

Page 9

The House of Mouse The Art of Amy Faulkner

Page 11

Martial Equilibrium Tony Bailey

Page 13

Erle Montaigue’s Mother Applications To The Small San-sau Peter Jones

Page 16

The Sword: The Wudang Hand Weapons Part 2 Nasser Butt

Page 19

Celebration - The Key To Adding More Into Your Training Colin Power Page 28 Tony Pillage: The Unpublished Interview Tony Bailey

Page 34

Introducing The Guild of Internal Martial & Healing Arts Colin Power Page 39 The Medical Implications of Combat T’ai Chi Ch’uan Techniques: Investigating Blunt Force Trauma - Part 2 Dr. Gregory T. Lawton

Page 49

20 Questions with Neil Kirkland

Page 63

Take Me With You Dr. Gregory T. Lawton

Page 70

Kobudo Kata Competitions: Some Facts Katherine Loukopoulos

Page 73

Grandmaster Brian Jones: A British Martial Arts Pioneer Neil Kirkland Page 84 The Energies of Taijiquan - Part 2 Nasser Butt

Page 90

Hadjios Valley Camp 2020 Details

Page 98

Peasant Talk

Page 105

Useful Contacts

Page 107

The Art of Louiseneige Be

Page 108

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9

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W

elcome to Volume 14 of the multi-award winning Lift Hands Magazine.

Here we are at the end of June, halfway through the year and the world is still in a partial lockdown - although we are slowly beginning to emerge from the ‘crisis’! I hope that this issue finds you all safe and in good health.

editor’s Note

Nasser Butt

Most martial arts dojos and schools are still closed, whilst some have taken their classes online. It is difficult to envisage when we will be able to return back to our traditional form of teaching.

This issue has been one of the more difficult to produce due to the fact that it has been difficult to interact with many people on a normal basis. However, through technology we have managed to meet and discuss the various themes and articles which now adorn these pages.

Once again, I must thank each and every person who has contributed to the making of this issue. We are fast becoming a formidable team of martial artist journalists providing an excellent source of knowledge from within our respective fields.

Whilst Lift Hands is and remains an ‘internal arts’ magazine, it is so wonderful to have so many of our brothers and sisters representing the various other branches of our martial family coming on board and contributing regularly.

We have a major scoop this month and for that I must thank Katherine Loukopoulos Sensei from the bottom of my heart. She has kindly agreed to make her book, ‘An Introduction to Ryūkyū Kobudō,’ available to readers of Lift Hands free of charge. So, if you wish to download your free copy from issuu.com, you will have to join our group page on FaceBook to receive your free download link. Simply search for the private group Lift Hands: The Internal Arts Magazine on FaceBook and request to join.

Please respect the copyright of Katherine Sensei and her colleagues and do not go re-posting the free link in other forums. It is disrespectful and dishonest.

Also, I’d like to welcome back ‘The General’ - Tony Bailey, who after a brief hiatus from public view, has returned with an exclusive - 'Tony Pillage: The Unpublished Interview’ and continues with Part 2 of his excellent series 'Martial Equilibrium’.

Finally, more so on a personal level, this issue sees the introduction to The Guild of Internal Martial & Healing Arts.

This has been a project in the making for some time now. It’s not just another group or association - it is very specific to the teachings of Erle Montaigue - the system as we [Peter Jones, myself and others] inherited it pertaining to the Old Yang Style, Wudang Boxing and Baguazhang specifically. As two of Erle’s most highly ranked students in the world, both Peter and I were approached by many others who had either trained under Erle directly or through his videos, asking us to provide them with a ‘body’ through which they could continue their practice knowing what they were getting was the genuine ‘good oil’. The Guild is our response to that call. It will become the depository of that knowledge for all those who genuinely wish to learn.

I look forwards to seeing you in September, hoping that by then we are finally able to return to doing what we do best - teach!

Stay safe, stay healthy.

9

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Sword

11

Martial Equilibrium Part II Tony Bailey

I

n my previous article, Martial Equilibrium Part 1, I was talking about intent and I left off with the following

statement: ‘Good technique is useless without the understanding and knowledge of when to and when not to use it.’

Let’s further examine that with some examples. There are many different aspects which can be conferred from this statement, but looking at the 3 main sections of this teaching, it talks of: 1. Having practiced a technique well enough so you can use it fluently without stopping.

2. Practicing it within the context of its use under real-time situations so you can get the timing of when and how to use it most effectively, in other words, Pressure testing.

3. The ethical aspect of whether it is morally right to use that technique for real, calculating the need to use it against the physical outcome it will have on the person you use it on.

1. Fluency When we first learn a technique, it takes a certain amount of time to gain fluency within that technique. That time is further augmented by both the inherent difficulty level of the technique as well as the student’s ability to understand and replicate what they have been taught. A large part of the responsibility here also lies with the teacher as, just because they are able to perform a technique, it doesn’t necessarily follow that they understand

13

how to effectively teach that technique to another person; understanding how to see from someone else’s perspective, or to be able to remember what it felt like for them to try mastering that technique when they were first learning it for themselves, might be something long forgotten. This is one of the practical reasons why repetition is so important in martial arts, as the maxim ‘practice makes perfect’ reminds us.

As an aside, practice doesn’t guarantee perfection, it improves perception and muscle-memory, so the maxim should really be ‘practice builds neuropathways’ but it doesn’t quite have the same ring, does it?

1. Pressure test Practicing a technique within the context of its use under real-time usage, requires several things; a realistic technique, a realistic attack and a realistic environment. I am very much a traditionalist at heart. I’ve also spent many years using techniques for real in the modern world and can truthfully say that many of the techniques I’ve used for real were very traditional, but there’s a great deal of traditional technique that just wouldn’t hold up to 21st century scrutiny and usage. There are many different reasons for that; the technique may have been an exercise or teaching aid and never meant for real time usage in the first place, or the expected attack and defence known when the technique was first devised is no longer the sum total of knowledge of a 21st century aggressor, either way, with lots of practice building and strengthening neuropathways, you’re more inclined to use what you know, so, make sure it’s a realistic technique. Fit for purpose. Short and direct, not extravagant and flamboyant or your attacker will think he’s in bullet time and have loads of opportunities to counter strike.

Make sure when you practice defending a punch to the head, that your partner actually aims for your head, not 6 inches to the side. Lastly, and most importantly, try to recreate the chemical and emotional minefield of confusion that operating under stress brings us. Those styles that don’t do any kind of contact spar training, yet expect to be able to use technique effectively in the real world are, sadly, misguided.

The more you practice your techniques under pressure; a non-compliant partner, maybe with distractions, noise, uneven flooring, enclosed spaces, at the point of exhaustion, the more likely it is to work when you need it to. So, any of these aids to training are worth their weight in gold in the preparation for real-time usage. I’m a big proponent of mental preparation. It’s hugely important and mustn’t be left out, but we’re talking about physical skills here, and physical skills need physical practice. The best practice at learning to tie your shoelaces, is to practice tying your shoelaces, not to attend seminars on the theory of tying a shoelace whilst never actually touching a shoelace! My friends, you can practice the art of fighting without fighting all you want, but the first time someone smashes you full pelt round the chops, I’m gonna bet, when you get up, you ain’t gonna feel like offering them your other cheek!

3. Ethics It’s within this last aspect that some will find themselves not paying enough attention during actual conflict and where bravado and ego become more visible. Using a technique for real means we have to pay particular attention to the possibilities for either; being able to extend that single technique into a combination if it doesn’t have the desired effect, or to stop after using that particular technique if it has achieved the desired effect. As Martial Artists, trained in some of the ancient arts of war, and as compassionate people belonging to the collective of the human race, it is our duty to check this last part thoroughly as, when under attack and depending on the severity of that attack, it is as much our duty to protect ourselves, as it is to also protect the aggressor from undue and excessive force, due to our own out of control ego. Now, many would disagree, saying well if they attack, they deserve whatever they get, but that’s just playground logic. Whilst little Freddy might very well have pushed John Jr first, would you legitimately stand there and allow John Jr to purposely break Freddy’s arm in return? It’s overkill, right? No acme of skill, just egotistical near psychopathic nastiness.

It is our knowledge of technique, the fact that we are trained to do this, which gives us the confidence to act and to be able to choose what to do and it is our intent and compassion which should stop us from going overboard.

Surely all would agree, it must be only the actions of an out of control, selfish, egomaniac who would continue to do more damage than is actually necessary in a situation of self-defence? That is without even looking at the illegality of such an act of overkill, or the fact that self-defence should be about affecting an escape, not standing ground, that’s fighting. . I’m not talking about turning the other cheek either, we have the absolute right to defend ourselves and even to act first in our own self-defence, we just need to ensure we do enough and not too much.

So, in this way, looking after the aggressor is actually looking after ourselves, by not giving in to that ‘Red Mist’ that would have us go too far and end up being morally worse than the aggressor.

14

When that punch is already on its way to your head, there’s a lot to think about in a split second isn’t there? That’s why it is easier to go the peaceful route and try to use other strategies to diffuse or change the situation before it gets to physical confrontation. But obviously, there are times when you don’t have a lot of time and you have to act. Believe me, having worked on the door for 3 decades and having some pretty hairy times, I am well accustomed to both worlds. Having experience of people so as to pro-actively pre-empt rather than re-act to something that has already happened is something for another time. Just to be clear, I’m not even talking about pre-emptive striking, but pre-emptive strategies as they can often stop a situation from falling into the realm of physical action.

When it comes to physical action, even though you act in self-defence, you still should be assessing whether what you are about to do is right for the circumstances (necessary and proportionate). That’s one of the reasons you practice things over and over again. You have to really know a technique inside out in order to help make the correct decision about whether to use it or not, in a very short space of time.

Paradoxically, you train until it hopefully gets to the point of Mu shin – empty mind. For many, that’s both the best and worst part of Ju Jutsu; learning so many different techniques and practicing so many different ways to use them and then to try to eventually put them all to the back of the mind and allow your sensitivity and experience governed by your good intent to dictate the correct techniques to use, rather than trying to individually select each technique as if following some predetermined Kata.

But, how do you choose a technique without consciously thinking about it and make sure that it is necessary and proportionate? There’s no shortcut, you need: a good teacher, lots of practice and good intent.

All this; fluency, pressure testing, ethics and good intent in physical technique, all of it makes up just one aspect of Mind, Body and Spirit acting as one, so succinctly immortalised in the words of Spiderman creator, Stan Lee: ‘With great power, comes great responsibility’.

(Although I’m pretty sure a dude called Sid said it before him!)

So, back to my original statement: ‘Good technique is useless without the understanding and knowledge of when to, and when not to, use it.’

It’s now not just a matter of whether I’m good enough to use the technique without making a mistake, or whether I’m quick enough to recognise the opportunity to use it, or whether the technique I choose to do will leave opportunities for a combination, but also, is it morally right to use that technique in the first place? Is it too much in comparison to the damage or potential damage that could be done to me by the attacker? Should another technique, less physically impacting be substituted or not?

In the UK, the Law (Section 3, Criminal Law Act 1967) tells us quite simply that in self-defence, the force we use should be ‘reasonable in the circumstances’ and later described as ‘necessary and proportionate’. But what is reasonable? What I think is reasonable and what you think is reasonable might be quite different.

Our intent helps us to use the technique and make it work, but just as we need physical standards to shape our skill, we also need a moral standard that helps us to choose the right technique in the first place. What are these standards and how do we know them?

We’ll look at this in the 3rd part of Martial Equilibrium.

15

Erle Montaigue’s Mother Applications To The Small San-sau A Brief Introduction Peter Jones

W

e are going to have a brief look at numbers 9 & 10 of Erle's mother applications.

Please remember when you are practicing your small San-sau, to separate the mother applications from the small San-sau. Always learn the small San-sau as it's meant to be done! These are Erle's add-ons to the small San-sau and when you are learning the mother applications - you must learn them as they are meant to be done. These mother applications are great training methods and also a great self-defence. Once you have learned and trained in them all, you can instinctively adapt to any situation.

In this issue I have attempted to draw the postures as I can't get together with my training partner to take the photos, due to the Corona virus lockdown. So, I hope the drawings will be ok. It's just something to go by.

Hopefully by the time of the next Issue normal service will have resumed.

Also, remember to always enjoy your training and hopefully your path will be a good one.

Ninth Mother Application Some of the points used: Gallbladder 1 [GB 1], Conceptor Vessel 22 [CV22] We start with you grabbing your partners head with your left palm, as the fingers of your right palm strike across the lift eye area of your partner [GB1], [Illustration 1] as your waist turns to the left. Now by keeping the move going you then strike the right eye area with the fingers of your right palm [Illustration 2] as your waist turns back to the right. Finally, your right palm rolls and turns upwards as the fingers now strike straight into the pit of your partner’s neck [CV22 point], [Illustration 3].

Illustration 1

Illustration 2

16

Illustration 3

Tenth Mother Application

Some of the points used: Triple Heater 12 [TH12], Heart 1 [H1], Gallbladder 20 [GB20] We start this one just after the double palm strike to the chest, [Photo 1].

After the last move in the small San-Sau [the hook of single whip], your partner’s right arm is already up, this is where we start the mother application.

You use the back of your right palm and strike under your partner’s right arm [tricep], [Illustration 4], then using your left hand, strike with a one knuckle punch straight up into your partner’s armpit [H1 point], [Illustration 5].

Now keeping the move going you will be doing two things - your right palm grabs his right wrist and does a pulling move and your left forearm strikes to TH12 point at the back of his upper arm in the horseshoe of the triceps [Illustration 6] - the momentum of that strike will bring your partner’s head down - now with your right elbow, strike straight down onto the back of your partners head [GB20 point], [Illustration 7].

Illustration 4

Illustration 5

Illustration 6

Illustration 7

Please remember that the applications in this article are dangerous and should not be attempted, they are for informational purposes only and to further your knowledge in the art of Taiji.

On a personal note, I hope that all my students in Taiji Pa-Kua Internal Fighting Arts are well and looking after themselves, and hopefully we can all get back to some normality soon, take care, peace out.

17

Introduction

I

n the realm of the warring arts, the sword should require no introduction!

According to E.T.C Werner in his historical work - Chinese Weapons - published originally in 1932 in Peiping [Beijing]:

The sword… is a lengthened dagger…

The Ku shih k’ao ascribes the invention of the single edged-sword [⼑ tāo] to Sui Jen Shih, the second of the San Huang mythical Emperors, who it says made this weapon by melting gold. The Erh i shih lu attributes the invention to Huang Ti [2698-2598 BC] and that of the huo tāo sword of Huo to Ch’ih Yu. The God of the Tāo was Ts’ang Erh. Tāo [⼑] is explained by tāo [到], to arrive, i.e., to arrive and kill whatever it touched. The blade, like a bee’s sting, was called feng, the body was called huan, being of circular shape, its covering [lit. “house”] was hsiao, explained by ch’iao, its “nature being stern,” and it “was used to wrap around the body of the weapon”. The mouth or opening of the “house” was called feng i.e. p’eng, to encircle. The lower part was called pi i.e. pei, low or humble…

Generally, the tāo was distinguished from the chien by having a single edge and being slightly curved. The chien was used when cutting deeply…

Ch’ih Yu made the two-edged sword [chien]… There were male and female chien as there were tāo…

Chien is explained as chien, to examine, in order to avert impeding danger; this weapon having occasionally been concealed in the sleeve during ceremonial observances.

The Sword The sword is usually the third of the hand weapons of the Wudang. However, I am placing it here as the second for convenience due to its dynamical [not functional] ‘similarity’ to the Hammer.

Just like the Hammer, the Sword teaches the practitioner the basis of the four primary energies - P’eng, Lu, Ji and Arn - and develops the concept within single striking hands! It teaches us how to use our forearms, the edge of our palm, the tips of our fingers, and the pisiform bone as an edged weapon - especially against the eyes, neck and throat - as we hack, slice, cut, thrust and even cudgel!

Just like Werner’s description above, the weapon represents both, the dāo and the jiàn, in its movements and execution.

All the principles discussed in the previous issue for the Hammer apply here too. If you are unsure or have not read the previous issue of Lift Hands [Volume 13], I suggest the reader to go back and consult that issue for clarification before attempting the current method.

I will simply go straight into the solo method followed by the two-person method. Readers are advised that the images are for illustrative purposes only and one should seek a competent teacher from whom to learn.

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The Solo Method

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Stand in a reverse Gōng Bù stance with your right leg forward and your left leg back. This isolates your hips, so that your primary movement comes from your waist. Your weight distributions are 70:30 percent in favour of the left leg. The hands hold the classic ‘old man’ posture - left hand p’eng and right hand hinge [Figure 1]. The right hand is held slightly yang.

As you start to bring your weight forwards onto the front foot, your waist turns to your left, causing your right hinge to bump across your centre as it changes state from yang to yin [Figure 2]. Your waist now turns back to the right, causing your right arm to rise in an arc, level with your head [Figure 3].

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

As your weight arrives forward, your waist snaps back to the left, causing your right hand to roll and cut downwards in arc - literally like a sword striking downwards at a 45 degree angle - [Figures 4 & 5]. This again conceals the skill of rolling and sealing!

The waist now instantly snaps back to the right once more, forcing the knife-edge of the palm to whip angling slightly upwards as it rolls sideways throat height, towards the right [Figure 6].

22

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

The waist continues its movement to the right as the right wrist loads [yin, Figure 7] and then suddenly snaps back to the left as the right palm becomes yang, extending the Lao Gong [Pericardium 8 - see Figure 11 for close up] point outwards [Figure 8]!

Figure 10

Figure 11

Finally, to finish, the waist continues its leftward motion as you simply fold your right arm across your centre [Figure 9]. The waist turns back to right, the right hand is yin, as if hooking something across the body. The weight moves back towards the left foot as the fingers of the left hand thrust forwards at throat height [this could also be a strike with the knife edge of the palm], [Figure 10].

The practitioners must note how the hands remain upon the centre throughout the method. It is the centre [waist] which is causing the hands to move and change shape. In order to achieve this your arms must be in a total state of soong!

The drill must be practiced until you can execute it in its entirety at a fa-jing level on the beat of one! As already mentioned previously, it must be practiced four ways.

Do remember that students were given one weapon per year to develop and master before they could go on to the next one. This means that there is more to this drill than meets the eye!

In the two-person drill overleaf, both practitioners must agree upon the purpose and the pace of their training, otherwise they will fail to learn the lessons which the drill will impart.

All transitions must be fluid. The whole body must move as a single unit - connecting from the feet through the waist to the hands and rooted. The energy sunk into the Tan-tien!

23

The Two-Person Method

A

B

To start the method B throws a straight punch with his left hand at A down the centre.

A bumps B’s forearm with his right hinge as he shifts his weight forwards onto his right leg, turning his waist to his left.

A’s waist snaps back to the left as the sword [Pisiform bone &knifeedge of palm] cuts down onto B’s Vagus nerve and continues rolling.

A’s waist turns back to the right causing the right arm to rise in an arc - lifting and loading the sword.

A’s waist turns back to the right causing the sword to roll and strike sideways, cutting across the throat into B’s Adam’s apple!

A’s waist instantly snaps back to the left causing the right palm to expand and strike Gallbladder 3 [temple] point at the side of the head with Lao gong [This is akin to the flat of the sword flexing and thereby bulging].

A’s waist continues to turn to the left as his right wrist turns yin and loads the right palm.

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A now folds his right arm across B’s left forearm and whips his waist once more to the right, opening up B and thrusts with a finger strike [left hand] into the pit of the throat or at Stomach 9, as his weight shifts back to his left leg.

B borrows the energy from A’s turn to the right and bumps A’s left forearm to his left, using his own right forearm, as he shifts forwards. The roles have now reversed and B continues to do the entire drill.

A Word of Caution The points and targets mentioned in this drill are for reference purposes only! They are extremely dangerous and at no point should any attempt be made to actually strike your partner!

Only the hinge component of the drill is permitted with reasonable power!

To develop power, each individual component of the strike can be carried out with a partner wearing strike mitts upon their hands.

25

Introduction We all have those bursts of motivation when we come up with a training program to beat all training programs and then the wheels fall off. Life gets in the way and you have a good excuse tinged with a hint of self criticism. You have done it again and this time you know that it will be harder to do the little amount of training that you previously did because you now feel like you have failed.

Task reminders and alarms on the phone don’t seem to work. Those post-it notes stuck everywhere are just messy and next to useless… you are not having any fun with your training, what little you are doing. Maybe it is time to give up and take up knitting. Does this sound familiar?

When I started martial arts way back when I had to ride my pushbike over a fair distance rain hail or shine to the Dojang and I rarely missed a training session. Even when I was a young father with business commitments and had to drive 6 hours each way to train with my instructor I rarely failed to do the journey. So why do I struggle to do a bit of self directed training and study? What is missing or different? I am still highly motivated to learn and study my art after many years but it doesn’t seem enough most days. What is the key to self-study if motivation is not the problem?

The answer according to Stanford professor BJ Fogg is that special feeling which he calls “Shine”. The feeling that you get when you are celebrating your wins. You know that feeling, the “Yes,” that double thumbs up or that cheeky grin when it feels oh so right. Celebrating more may be the key to doing more.

Now don’t get this confused with reward…it’s different in one key aspect. Reward is something that we promise ourselves in the future and celebrate is what we do in the now. When we train in a group we often celebrate…from the anticipation of spending time with “our people” to the group feel of participation to the occasional pat on the back from our peers. We love that feeling even if we tell ourselves a different story. We love that feeling we get from celebration however we may not dish it out to ourselves as much as we should. It’s not weak garbage that lessor mortals rely on but a great tool to add to your training.

Behaviour Design We are going to use research from behavioural scientist Dr. BJ Fogg to hack our behaviour to create tiny training habits which will grow into clusters of training habits. As with all new ideas it is best to start small and play with the concept before you pass judgement. We are going to use the Fogg Behaviour Model because it is easy to explain.

Behaviour = Motivation+Ability+Prompt Behaviour: Our behaviour can be anything you want it to be. Something you can do right now or at a specific time in the future. You can turn your phone off before bed or eat an apple for a snack but you can’t say that you are going to be better at training. It needs to be specific actions. This is not goal setting…I want to be Bruce Lee by next month. This is an action you can do right now. We are going to start small though and find the actions that will increase your home training not turn you into a movie star.

Motivation: Simply put it can be High, Low and anything in-between. You could be highly motivated to turn up to training because of the good looking new instructor but have low motivation to learning a new stick form because you always drop the stick in class and everyone laughs.

Ability: The behaviour could be easily doable or require a triple backflip. You may be able to do a triple backflip so it is within your ability but for most of us it is a bit out of reach. You need to match the behaviour with your ability in relation to your motivation.

29

• You are highly motivated to make the World cheerleading team and you can do a triple backflip so you practice this behaviour at every chance.

• Your motivation is low, you hate cheerleading but it is a family thing. You can do a triple backflip but you only do it when you are dragged along to training.

Prompt: Reminders can be anything from nagging emails, text messages, buzzing alarms, post-it notes to your child reminding you that you promised to go to the park. The most successful prompt we will discuss shortly but you have lots to go around and it doesn’t need an App. If any of the three elements (Motivation, Ability, Prompt) are missing the behaviour will not happen.

If you design a training session that involves learning a new form that you don’t really like and involves a technique that you can’t do then you are setting yourself up for failure no matter how many reminders you set on your phone.

We haven’t really talked about the magic of celebration yet but hang in there we need to first talk about the best prompt for your training behaviour and it does not involve a phone.

An Anchor to your new Behaviour An existing “Anchor” is what you need. An anchor is a habit that you already do like brushing your teeth or going to the toilet, taking your wallet out of your pocket, putting the kettle on and a million other things you do each day.

In my case I use coffee time for a few of my behaviours. It works like this…

After I do (Anchor) I do (New behaviour) Prompt / Anchor: After I put the stovetop coffee maker on…

Behaviour: I do a grounding qigong in the kitchen until the coffee brews Now you may think…Job done. Well, you are missing the most important thing that will get you to come back for more. You need to celebrate…

Think about it. You have just done 5 minutes of grounding qigong (or whatever you like) that you would not have done yesterday. If you have three coffees then you have done 15 minutes extra in a day. I think this is a reason to celebrate and you need to do it right now.

Celebration - The Magic Key Researchers suggest that if you fail to add the celebration component into behaviour design it will take longer for you to establish this new behaviour. Celebration can be left out once the behaviour is established but hey we should really celebrate more and often. The celebration can be at multiple points but must at least happen.

• • • •

pre-behaviour (anticipation) during the behaviour As soon as you finish the new behaviour If you have to fake the celebration the brain doesn’t really know the difference so pretend if you must.

A reward is not a celebration in this instance. Promising yourself a new sword if you do a month long push-up challenge doesn’t work as well as an immediate celebration once you finish your daily push-up session. So you need to do it right after the activity. Promising your dog a treat next week if they sit doesn’t work for them and it seems it doesn’t really work for us either.

Everyone has deep down their happy little celebration. It may be a fist pump or a simple little “yes” going off inside your head or that explosive happy dance. Our local news presenter always finishes with a little wink of the eye…he knows he has done a good job and he celebrates with a wink. You need to find yours…

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Common celebrations:

• • • • •

Say, “Yes!” With a fist pump Do a subtle head nod Cheeky grin Think, Nice!

Explore, your celebration shouldn’t be too hard to find and it can be internal

Combining Celebration with the simplicity of Tiny None of us need to fail when we can have “Tiny” successes instead…so don’t. The way to always succeed is to make it so easy that you can’t fail. You are going to set your expectations so low to start with it would embarrassing to your lazy arse not to give it a go. You are guaranteed to win every time and while you are at it you may surprise yourself and do a bit more. If not, then at least you have done more than nothing! Don’t start with a level of activity that could challenge you on a down day but a level that even on your slackest day you would consider.

Getting started with Tiny Habits We are going to make a few assumptions so you can get going with this right away.

• • • •

You are motivated enough to do some training by yourself You have the skill / knowledge / ability to do the activity you want to do You can do at least one rep of the thing you want to do (you can do more if you like) You are willing to find your celebration even if you are a grumpy person usually and your face may crack if you smile more than once a year

I am going to provide a few simple examples and you can come up with as many new habits in a day as you wish.

Simple Push-up challenge • •

Anchor: After I go to the toilet…

Behaviour: I drop to the floor and do 1 push-up or more (start with an easy number for you that you think is oh so easy and increase over time). If this is too much effort try wall push-ups or consider those knitting classes

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•

Celebration: Get up and give yourself a high five

Horse Qigong • Anchor: After I put the kettle on to make tea/coffee…

• Behaviour: I stand in a horse stance and do my grounding qigong until the kettle boils or a little longer • Celebration: When I finish I give myself a little nod…you did fine

Play Guitar • • • •

Anchor: After I sit down to drink my coffee…

Behaviour: I pick up the guitar and strum three chords or more Celebration: I have a sip of coffee and a little smile Repeat until coffee finished

So if you make three cups of coffee a day and you are working from home then it is easy to add this into your routine. This would mean that you did 3 sets of push ups, 3 sessions of qigong and you played the guitar 3 times without even having to make extra time.

Use your Imagination Introducing you to these little life hacks is so you can bring some celebration and fun back into your training.

Maybe you have forgotten the art of celebration and grind through your training sessions regardless. I was a little like this at one stage in my life until I woke up to the fact that the world is a happier place if you choose to celebrate the tiny things. Choice is the thing that we control and you too can wake up and celebrate.

You will need to explore the different anchors that you have in your life and there are many. Some anchors will go better with certain behaviours so play with matching them up rather than thinking it doesn’t work. You may have the anchor and behaviour matched up but find you don’t have the ability at that time to do the behaviour. Maybe you want to do the push-up challenge after you go to the toilet but don’t feel like dropping to the floor in a public toilet for example. I do many crazy different tiny habits and some stick and some don’t so I look for different combinations. Sometimes you think it is a great match but it just doesn’t seem to work out so try a different combination until you crack the code.

At the moment I am doing chin-ups while I BBQ the nightly meal because the chin-up bar is close by so every time I turn the meat I do some chin-ups or pull-ups. I have just started doing bridge extensions with a torso rotation on the kitchen floor while I wait for the coffee to brew because I was getting hip pain early in the morning. It engages my gluts and stretches out the front of my hip as well as works on my thoracic mobility but as it is starting to get a little colder in the morning I don’t know whether it will continue through winter. The guitar habit is mine and going very well and I am looking for an anchor to introduce Judo push-ups to my daily routine. Since working at home my previous anchor of taking my security swipe card off my belt at the end of the day has gone and so has my habit of 10 judo push-ups.

I have been using this behaviour design method for many years after I was fortunate enough to participate in one of Professor Fogg’s early email (online) workshops. My patients have benefited by the introduction of Tiny Habits into their rehabilitation programs and you can too. I strongly recommend the new book by Professor BJ Fogg.

Reference: Tiny Habits - the small changes that change everything (Virgin Books) BJ Fogg PhD

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What follows is a brief interview I did with Tony Pillage a few years ago, talking about how he started in and what he thought of, the martial arts world. This interview was never published. I went on to complete an interview with him on a completely different matter and this one has never seen the light of day, until now. Much of what is spoken of is known by those who knew him, but as it touches on recent topics I’ve been covering on intent and balanced training and because he was such an important and lovable character, just reading his responses on the page allows me to hear his voice again, and this is something I wish to share with everyone else.

Tony Bailey

TB: Over the past few years Mr P, you seem to have risen to almost celebrity status within the Martial Arts world.

Your thirst for knowledge has led to you training with many of the world's premier martial artists. A Martial Arts Hall of Famer yourself & SENI Martial Artist of the year 2008, you were recently graded to Renshi 4th Dan, by Joe Carslake and passed as JKD Instructor by Grandmaster Richard Bustillo – Bruce Lee’s training partner. What or who were your early influences in Martial Arts and why did you get started?

TP: Thank you kindly Mr Bailey! Well, I started again 10 years ago after a deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism nearly killed me. I needed to do something to change my lifestyle so when a knock on the door from a local karate school came it seemed heaven sent. Within months I had my own successful class and the rest as they say is history.

When I decided to leave this group I set up The Way of the Spiritual Warrior as I couldn’t stand the morals and ethics of my previous organization (GKR) and boy did the shit hit the fan!

I was lucky in that the first time I taught for them, I realised unquestionably that this is what I needed to do for the rest of my life.

I was fortunate that my wife Sarah supported me in this, which enabled me to train with the likes of Mo Teague, Gavin Richardson and Chris Rowen Shihan. However, it wasn’t until I stumbled across Russell Stuteley in Cyprus and you were teaching there too, that I truly realised where my own path in pressure points would ultimately lie.

TB: You have a very successful full time dojo in Coventry with 400 members and have proved that it is possible to run a successful martial arts business and maintain your integrity. What were your long-term ambitions within Martial Arts and did you ever envisage that one day you would be running your own full-time dojo?

TP: The goal was always to open a full time centre which I did after 3 years of running satellite classes everywhere from sports centres, church halls and even a pub dance floor. That was it really, I never envisioned the success and demand I have had for my own teaching.

TB: To what would you attribute your success?

TP: Simple really, being passionate in what I do, keeping my word and working damn hard over many years.

TB: Describe what Martial Arts means to you.

TP: Martial Arts is a medium in which people have the ability to grow emotionally, spiritually and of course physically. I have never been happier than when I share what I have gleaned over the years and the positive effect that this has on my students.

TB: We have been looking at intent, its importance and its effect on us. How important is it in the physical techniques that you teach?

TP: This is the problem and the cure in my opinion. Intent is the engine which drives the technique. It can never work without the mental process of wanting to hurt someone who wishes you harm. The problem is in finding the right way to teach technique without the final piece of the jigsaw being in place. I see so called masters, especially within the pressure point framework, hitting their students hard and sometimes it seems with a degree of malice, just to get the right impressive result in a seminar. The skill is making it work at a minimal effort i.e. 5-10% max.

This is something I have always been in awe of when I have had the pleasure of watching you on the mat. The level of control and awareness of your student’s safety has always been paramount. That is how the arts should be taught, not for the feeding of the teachers ego.

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TB: Can you give us an example of a method to get students to incorporate and use intent in their training?

TP: The only real time we use this is when we put on a “fast suit” and let them go in 100%. A lot of fun to be sure but a valuable if somewhat expensive training aid. The one we have would cost over £1000 and we have modified that to include American Football neck braces to ensure total safety. We have even used baseball bats with no harm befalling the volunteer inside!

TB: We’ve also spoken of the need for a balanced training or broad education in Martial Arts, studying different and complimentary subjects. How have you incorporated this in your school?

TP: I have always striven to teach the arts in a holistic manner. The kicking and punching side is of course predominant. However, for example within the Jeet Kun Do classes we always have time set aside at the end to look at Lee’s philosophy and the people who helped to shape his ideas…Alan Watts and Jiddu Krishnamurthy being especially prevalent. I couldn’t believe just how popular this part of the class would end up being. Every week I get asked as to what books the guys should be investing in. These are people who by their own admission haven’t picked up a book in years. That to me is an alchemy.

TB: What sort of effects have you seen in your students as a result of this approach?

TP: Beyond measure Tony. People are re-evaluating their lives and their position within their world and what they are capable of achieving. Their relationships around them grow stronger, their feeling of self worth has improved, their expectations from their time on earth have changed for the better. I could go on for hours on this… but look at the effect that writers such as Geoff Thompson have had on his readers. You can bet that a lot of them have never visited the philosophy section at Waterstones, but Geoff has invited them to look harder at their world as his martial arts credibility allowed them the space in which they didn’t feel stupid about exploring their psyche.

TB: What steps have you taken to keep your own training balanced?

TP: I don’t think I have to be honest. I find something that interest me and that I think would be useful and go off and explore. I have or will never set boundaries or a framework, which could restrict my growth. Also, me and balanced in the same sentence seems a wee bit of an anomaly eh!

TB: Haha! You are the most balanced, unbalanced person I know!

TP: Why, thank you kindly Sir. TB: You are also a Reiki Practitioner, why did you get into Reiki and how would you describe it to others?

TP: My Sensei Joe Carslake is a reiki master and has been kind enough to open the door to reiki over the past three years. It started with him helping an injury I had on my shoulder using reiki. When he attuned me, it felt as this was the equilibrium I needed…the yin to the yang of my martial arts.

I also look at reiki and my martial arts as a way of helping people. Probably more than anything that is the reason of doing what I do. As to describing reiki I really can’t explain, it’s like trying to describe a sneeze to someone who has never sneezed. I think it goes beyond a physical description. Throwing this one back at you…how would you describe it?

TB: – Yes, I know what you mean. Well, to me, reiki is a system whereby we use intent to part the curtains of stress and self-doubt which interfere with the individuals rest, recuperation and repair. When we do this, it allows us to kick start the body’s natural healing process.

TP: Marvelously put Mr B and I especially like the bit about parting curtains……

TB: Erm…..OK….My next question was, do you use Reiki with your Martial Arts students and if so, how?

TP: Only in healing injuries! The energy work for the physical martial applications comes from the breathing and associated work from the five-element theory and Qi Gong.

TB: What is your position on including alternative therapies into Martial Arts training?

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TB: What is your position on including alternative therapies into Martial Arts training?

TP: I think it’s a grand idea for many reasons and as far as I know many Samurai were skilled healers. It also makes sense that if I want to break someone into little pieces the knowledge of healing can in fact make this process easier.

TB: Yes, we have a similar viewpoint on this, hence why despite not taking to biology class at school, I’d often be studying Gray’s anatomy and suchlike, as a 14 year old in the library at weekends.

TP: A potentially homicidal geek in the making, I salute thee.

TB: Well, it makes sense doesn’t it, the more you know about the body and how it works, the more you understand how it doesn’t work and that is key to making our techniques work.

TP: Indeedy!

TB: In terms of putting the techniques into action, finding a way to safely practice at increased levels, do you think that competition fighting is still relevant in Martial Arts today?

TP: Of course! That’s the beauty of the arts, it has many houses and something to fit whatever your own particular needs are at the time. The young need that element of competition and testing themselves and we have successfully trained students at the dojo for competition. My own view is that it is not my own path… too bloody old probably.

In fairness I could have seen me competing in the cage if this option was available 20 years ago. I would have put money on the fact I would have been disqualified pretty quickly though.

TB: Well, knowing you and having seen the joy with which you apply the shock knife to unsuspecting students, leaves me in no doubt you’re right on that one.

TP: Haha! I like to touch and help as many people, in as many different ways as I can. It’s a gift.

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Too right. He had a gift.

• Tony Pillage became known to many as the consummate showman, yet there was more to him than that.

• He became known as someone who could easily dispense great pain with little effort, yet there was more to him than that.

• He became known as someone with an incredible and oft times wholly inappropriate sense of humour, yet there was more to him that that.

• He became known as someone who helped others, showing a great propensity for love and gave tirelessly of himself, yet there was more to him than that.

• He became known as someone who set an amazing example of fortitude and courage in his fight through cancer and yet there was more to him than that.

Through his own journey, Tony came to realise the importance of living your life completely, to enjoy life and spread joy to others. To search for equilibrium in our studies and to keep learning to become the best version of you possible. He did all that and much, much more and in my own humble opinion, he got closer to the ideal of what a true martial artist should be like, than many others I’ve come across over the years.

Thank you for the lessons and love my friend. See you in Valhalla xxx

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J

oin me as we have a virtual sit down with Nasser Butt and Peter Jones to discuss the new martial arts

network “The Guild of Internal Martial & Healing Arts” that they have founded. It is scheduled to open with the announcement in this edition of Lift Hands magazine so let us dig deep with a few questions from the very beginning and see what we come up with.

CP: Thank you for asking me to have a chat about your new project which I will call the Guild from now on to make things easy for the readers. I have trained with both of you previously and have found the experience enlightening to say the least. You both have a wealth of knowledge to go with the physical skill-set and we have many things in common, however the main thing is that we all share the common instructor in Erle Montaigue.

Before we discuss the Guild I would like to ask about your personal relationship to the martial and healing arts.

Pete I have known “of you” longer than Nasser through Erle, however we have only met of recent years. Let's start with you.

PJ: What would you like to know?

NB: I’m glad he gets to go first…

CP: Nasser your turn will come. Pete, you have already done a Q&A for Lift Hands Magazine (Vol 8, December 2018) so the reader can have a look at that for the long version of your background.

You are a Welsh boy proud and true having studied the internal arts (Taijiquan and Baguazhang) for many years mainly under the Erle Montaigue system and have been teaching for over thirty years now. As with most of us your life has had its ups and downs. These experiences have produced the person we know as Peter Jones and it is fair to say that you have invested a great part of your life in your art. Many people believe that we become an expression of our art and it is different for each individual. Some may explore the physical only and some look for the healing or even the spiritual aspects of their art. After all this time where do you find yourself and where are you leading your personal students. Can you describe the current path that you are travelling along and the focus of your training? Does it lean towards the physical or the healing aspects…How would you describe your current focus with some reflection on how you got here?

PJ: My Taiji & Pa-Kua training has always been Erle's system. Regarding my students, I would like to think that every time they come to class, that they learn something each time they're there, that being - physical, healing or spiritual. The path that I'm on, it's the same one my students are on, but only at a different time as I have walked that part of the path that they're on already. My training, yeah going good! With my focus you ask is it leaning towards physical or healing aspects? Throughout my training it's always been the same - healing, physical and spiritual. So, my path hasn't changed, only my understanding and for that I thank Erle.

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CP: Thanks Pete for that insight on your journey. I know that Erle always spoke highly of your knowledge and friendship.

Nasser as promised your turn has come… you have done a Q&A with Combative Corner (https:// combativecorner.wordpress.com/2018/05/15/10questions-with-nasser-butt/) and you have a habit of including snippets of your life in your articles, so we will only do a quick summary.

You are from an Asian background being born in Pakistan and raised in the UK and have even lived and worked in Israel, so we can say that you have a number of languages under your belt and enough stories to last a lifetime. You spent many years studying Wing Chun before turning to Taijiquan and Baguazhang under the Erle Montaigue system. You have a habit of “Studying” your art by pulling it apart and turning it inside out rather than just doing. So Nasser where do you find yourself at present in regard to the physical, spiritual and healing aspect of your martial art journey?

NB: You’ve done your research on me! [Laughs sitting back] Well, I’ll split the answer to that question into two parts: As Pete has already pointed out, in the Erle Montaigue System we were always taught all three aspects - the physical, spiritual and healing. So, in that respect I am totally in agreement with Pete’s answer - my own journey has never changed but my understanding - just like Pete has certainly grown over the years.

Having said that, I have spent the last 10 years focusing on the physical - especially as far as teaching my students and seminars have been concerned!

Taijiquan in particular, has suffered as a martial art. Its fighting prowess has been decaying for almost a hundred years. It is the Taiji community itself which is guilty of this. They, themselves, are guilty of having reduced this formidable fighting art - which once graced the imperial courts of China and the likes of Yang Lu-ch’an, who were coveted by lords, and every noble household - to a laughing stock! A dance!

It is high time that Taiji is placed back within the domain of the fighting arts. Whilst its health and rejuvenation powers are indeed worthy, we must realise that they are the result and by-product of the martial art!

Just like plants don’t photosynthesize with the intention of producing oxygen [it is their waste product] for other living organisms, so too, Taiji’s health benefits are a ‘waste’ product of its martial origins.

The clue lies in the name - Taijiquan - Supreme Ultimate Boxing!

For far too long charlatans and poor teachers have been getting away with it… hiding behind the health aspects and mystical energies with laughable fighting skills. Enough!

For this reason, after training in Erle’s 35 Weeks programme myself within his lifetime, I started the ball rolling with my own students after his death and it turned into a real eye opener for them.

When Erle was teaching the Fifth House - The Physical Side - he ended up producing around 19 Volumes [DVDs]… the reason being was due to my incessant questioning on the subject matter.

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We have records clearly stating that Yang Shao-hou’s training sessions used to end with blood being spilled.

So, we can see that the physical side is a critical and necessary component of our training - and by physical, I mean physical!

Hence, the reason why I am now focusing more on the physical aspects during seminars, classes and martial arts expos to show folk that Taiji is a martial art just like the rest - preferring to use the term Combative Taiji as opposed to simply Taiji or Tai Chi, and we have had great success and won awards!

CP: Nasser, as a close observer of your martial journey over many years it always humbles me … your dedication to studying your art and looking for answers where others may not even see a question. I envy your students…

Now let’s get down to business…we are here to talk about the “Guild of Internal Martial & Healing Arts”.

The term Guild is not often used when talking about a martial arts association or organisation, so why are you using it as opposed to association?

NB: Thanks for your lovely words Colin, but, as you well know, many of the ‘rabbit holes’ I have entered have been directly related to our weekly late night FaceTime conversations - so, it’s not just my own doing!

Regarding the Guild - the dictionary defines a Guild as: “An organisation [especially in medieval times] of persons with related interests, goals etc., especially one formed for mutual aid or protection - such as merchants or artisans, organised to maintain the standards of their craft…”

So, we decided to use the term “Guild” in order to reflect our goals - to preserve and protect the hard-won knowledge, and to maintain the standards of our art! It really was a no brainer as far as we were concerned.

CP: The use of the term “Guild” does make you stop and think for a moment and wonder if this is something different.

PJ: Good!

CP: OK…this leads me to ask Why? Why do we need another internal martial arts group and while you are at it we may as well discuss “What’s in it for me”? The question that most people want to know.

So to both of you, why start a Guild and what are going to be the benefits of joining your Guild?

PJ: The Guild is something that Nas and I have been thinking about for a while now, but it wasn't called the Guild at that time. We came up with the idea Guild in order to bring like-minded people together, and hopefully pass on what we have learnt - the good oil - from our teacher.

NB: As I’ve already said, the term “Guild” was originally used to describe a group of ‘master craftsman’ preserving standards and knowledge and that is the real purpose behind the Guild. To preserve knowledge.

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I will not shy away from stating that since Erle’s death, his knowledge and teachings have been abused and taught incorrectly by the present incumbents. Had this not been the case then there would have been no need for ‘another internal martial arts group,’ [by the way, this so-called internal/external bullshit is a discussion for another day]!

So, bearing all this in mind, Pete and I began to wonder how to preserve that knowledge to the best of our ability. Further, many people who had originally trained under Erle [including instructors] started contacting us [they were growing tired of not only incorrect transmissions but also egotistical claims from people who had hardly trained or had barely scratched the surface of the art], wanting guidance and corrections on how to learn?

As Pete has said, we decided to bring everyone together under an umbrella they could trust and where they could train with confidence knowing that they were getting the “good oil” as we had received it ourselves - the authentic Erle Montaigue System.

Further, we do not want the Guild to be seen as another association or organisation out to accumulate members for global domination or to make a fast buck - no! It will be a depository of knowledge and skill, and will be just as important if we have five genuine members or five thousand.

What’s in it for you? The benefits of training with the Guild are simple…

Erle Montaigue, Leicester 2010

system itself!

A wealth of knowledge from two of Erle’s most senior personal students and friends, [whose skills and knowledge were acknowledged by Erle, himself], who have almost eighty years of training experience between them - the vast majority in Erle’s

We have also made contact in China with the school of Master Wang Xin-wu through my mainland students in Shenyang. It was Master Wang - a direct lineage holder of the Yang family and the disciple of Grandmaster Fu Zhongwen - who tested Erle, alongside several other Masters before presenting him with his Master Degree in 1985. I have already been extended an invitation to visit China and will be making arrangements, liaising with my students in Shenyang - God-Willing - in the near future to visit and spend time with the school.

Through ongoing research - research which began in Erle’s lifetime with his blessings and contacts - we will offer the Guild’s members access to information as close to the source as possible, and not some half-baked made up codswallop! We are already consulting other students and schools of Yang Shao-hou’s line and cross-referencing information for authenticity.

Finally, there will be a team of instructors to help us - all primarily graded by Erle in the first instance, and/or graded by Pete and myself.

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CP: I know that you have been thinking of starting the Guild for some time. People have been asking you to give them an alternative for a few years now, however… Forgive me in saying this but for some people it may appear to be a response to the current COVID-19 pandemic…what I call a “Pandemic Project”. Everyone is popping up with new groups or online courses…taking the business online.

What do you say to those that think this may be a flash in the pan and once “normal” training starts that you will loose interest in providing content for the Guild?

PJ: How the hell can you really learn something as complex as Taiji online? You need to be with your teacher in a training hall, I'm a bit old fashioned on that one! What do you think Yang Lu-ch’an or all the old Masters would say?

We are no flash in the pan!

I have not lost interest in all the years I have been doing martial arts, and it will be no different with the Guild.

NB: I wholeheartedly concur with Pete’s answer.

Throughout the lockdown I am being asked daily to provide online sessions. I have thus far refused to do that.

Whilst I have no problem providing online guidance - and I have done that for my students - I believe that the essence of the arts cannot be taught online!

Regarding “content”… Pete and I have already been pouring free content into Lift Hands Magazine for the past 3 years. The magazine has amassed a global readership of over 18.5K and counting. I have already released the complete 12 Secret Houses of Yang as a book - the first time that this information has been placed in the public domain in its entirety. Remember we were told not that long ago that this stuff was made up… yet those studying Erle’s system [including members of the WTBA] have been buying the book like hot cakes! This alone will give folk a lifetime of study.

There will be more books and training methods to come from both Pete and I [including videos] - providing the serious practitioner with genuine resources with which to complement their training in a progressive manner!

Further, both Pete and I [Pete’s too modest to beat his own drum] were authorised by Erle to grade independently within his lifetime, with Erle recognising our grading as if he had done it himself. So, there will be a syllabus and grading system for those who wish to be graded and teach formally. However, this will not be easy. Gradings will have to be earned - they will not be given!

And finally, we will also have a meeting place on social media - most likely Facebook for all the Guild’s people.

CP: So we are all excited about joining the Guild…but first we must talk about the pink elephant [The World Taiji Boxing Association} that has been sitting in the room. Some of the readers who are members of the WTBA will have all sorts of things going through their heads at the moment in regard to the Guild and what it means to them.

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All three of us have previously been long term members of “The World Taiji Boxing Association” or WTBA for short. We are no longer members and we all have our own reasons for not being members. I still have contact with the Montaigue family on a personal level after the passing of the founder Erle Montaigue yet choose not to be a member of the WTBA. The older I get the more I realise that you have to make tough choices and sitting on the fence is not one of my skills…so I resigned from the WTBA rather than continue my association with an element that was going in a different direction than myself. Many members of the WTBA are great people and some state that they only stay on as members to get the benefits of discounted DVDs [Erle’s] and may not participate in other WTBA activities - like workshops.

Will the Guild be open to “active members” of the WTBA or will they be asked to make a choice?

PJ: We all have a choice as you know, but I wouldn't ask anyone to make a choice. The only thing I would say is that we wouldn’t want to confuse no one.

NB: Pete has given you a very diplomatic answer. I, on the other hand, will categorically state that the Guild will not be open to “active members” of the WTBA!

Look, the WTBA has some great people and there are still many whom we all respect and regard as good friends.

Further, as you have correctly pointed out, it has played a major role for decades in all three of our lives especially Pete’s. Even now, four years after leaving, every morning I wake up to emails in my inbox from current members of the WTBA asking questions and looking for corrections, and I always respond.

However, having said that both, Pete and I [as well as many other instructors and students who trained with Erle] are in agreement that the present WTBA is no longer teaching Erle’s system per se [Pete nods]. It’s a poor uneducated bastardization of his teachings. That is the reason why so many folk left the WTBA after Erle’s passing. Some did it openly, others quietly - but they left nonetheless. Others, as you have so astutely observed, only maintain a token membership with the WTBA in order to purchase discounted videos of Erle’s DVDs. As you, yourself know, I stayed with the WTBA for 6 years after Erle’s passing and Pete 7 years, before we finally, with heavy hearts, decided to move on - primarily because we did not wish to be associated with the downright false claims which were being made and neither with what was being taught. We said our goodbyes, wishing the WTBA the best [even keeping the doors of our respective schools open to all students without reservation] and tried to move on quietly without creating a circus. But, alas, it did not turn out as we had hoped…

So, we are teaching ‘differently’ to the WTBA - how and what Erle taught us - and if someone is actively training under the current WTBA, then there is no point them coming to us because we wouldn’t want to cause confusion or waste time arguing why, what they have been taught and practicing is wrong!

I have no doubt that this response will raise eyebrows leading to a ‘frenzied feeding’ in the various WTBA forums, but that’s not our problem!

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CP: So you are both saying that, “Active” WTBA members will be excluded…are there any other exclusions?

Say I am practicing a Yang style of Taijiquan or Wu or Chen….Why would I want to join the Guild if you teach different forms and would you have any exclusions?

NB: Let’s be clear - only “active members” of the present WTBA will be excluded!

By “active members” we mean anyone who is currently studying the present WTBA curriculum - whether it is through workshops, classes or distance learning through videos and online content!

Regarding practitioners of other Taiji family styles… if they come wishing to train with the Guild in order to improve their knowledge and learn the ‘Old Yang’ in particular then they are most welcome. I often confer with other Taiji family styles.

PJ: I don't mind anyone joining the Guild, just be respectful of what we are teaching in the Guild.

CP: While we are on the matter…will you have a probationary period for new members?

PJ: We have been thinking about this, I'll leave Nas to answer this one.

NB: He's keeping his answers short - isn't he? [Laughs!] Yes, there will be a probationary period of one year. We want to ensure that those wishing to join the Guild really do want to be a part of it and are not just signing up to another ‘group’!

CP: Now taking a 180 degree turn…can I join and who can join?

NB: No…your too old and make us think too much. [Ha Ha!] PJ: That’s right he is older than the two of us.

CP: Calm down you two these are the easy questions…and be nice to your elders even if only by a few years.

Now say you have someone apply for membership of the Guild and you don’t know them personally. How are you going to work out the Yes’s and No’s?

NB: Give us an example of a new applicant…

CP: To make it interesting we will call your new Applicant…Bob. Bob is a new wave type of guy…an all rounder. He does MMA now after doing Karate for a few months and Aikido for 6 months before that. His instructor also teaches Yang style Taiji and Bob has recently added that to his collection. He was thinking of adding Yoga for the spiritual/healing aspect but then heard about the Guild. He thinks the Guild would be really cool. He is looking to add more techniques to his collection of moves especially pressure point strikes.

Would Bob be a good applicant for the Guild?

NB: I know quite a few Bobs! [Laughs] PJ: What ever Bob is doing as long as he separates all his other systems when coming to our class and focuses on what we are teaching, than yes he would be a good applicant for the guild, and in saying that, we wouldn't want Bob to throw away any of his previous training either.

CP: OK that was fun…most instructors cringe when a student like “Bob” walks in the room. Pete I like the fact that you don’t want them to throw away anything… just concentrate on the stuff being taught in class at the time.

End of story…

I’ll give you another example…

Sarah has been studying Karate for 10 years and after the advice of her main instructor began Taiji 12 months ago on a weekly basis along with her 3 sessions of Karate. She is finding that she wants to explore the martial aspects

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of Taiji more along with the healing aspects!

Is Sarah better suited to being a member of the Guild?

PJ: Well I would say, hello Sarah welcome to the Guild hope you enjoy your training with us.

NB: Indeed, yes! She would be a good applicant!

CP: When we started I was thinking that the Guild was really for someone that was mainly interested in Taiji…now I’m thinking that the Guild could really be for anyone.

No matter where you are at present…no matter whether you have 30 years martial arts experience or none at all you could turn up to a Guild event or class with fresh eyes and go away with a great experience under your belt. It has made me think about all the possibilities.

Let’s tie up all the loose ends…

We have discussed the “Why” of starting the Guild and looked at the “What’s in it for me?”… You have outlined the general exclusion policy of the guild and we have had a fun look at new members. So we are at the pointy end…only a few quick questions to go.

How is the Guild going to work?

Do you have a set of rules or guidelines that members have to abide by and finally do I have to attend Guild seminars or workshops to remain a member?

Oh, and how much is membership going to cost?

Feel free to share the load when answering.

PJ: Yes, we do have rules and guidelines, and when new members join we will send them out everything they need to know.

NB: Indeed there will be rules and guidelines and as Pete has said - we will notify potential members when they apply. However, I may add, that we will be a work in progress - a benevolent dictatorship - and if something needs changing for the betterment of the Guild then we will not hesitate to change it!

As for costs… there will be no costs to join. Our purposes is not monetary. For those wishing to train and teach under the Guild it will be important that they attend seminars and classes. Both Pete and I will be teaching in the UK, Europe and other parts of the world - so attending a seminar shouldn’t be too difficult!

CP: I think we have enough to get an idea what the Guild is about and the general direction you both want to take it to start with…

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A few dot points [correct me if I’m wrong] to help the reader and me:

• The Guild is free to join • 12 Month probation to see if you like each other • Open for anyone that wants to leave their baggage at the door and learn the Erle Montaigue system as you both received it

• Active members of the WTBA need not apply! They may be considered if they truly just want to learn the Guild way or if they hold WTBA membership purely for buying Erle’s DVDs at discounted rates

• The Guild is being run by Nasser Butt and Peter Jones [from now on known as “The Benevolent Dictators”] • To remain members of the Guild you must participate in the Guild [It doesn’t sound too hard to comply with this rule]

Have you any last words or ideas of what the Guild could be in 5 or 10yrs time?

NB: The Guild is merely a tool through which we hope to pass the authentic “good oil” onto the next generation of practitioners in order to preserve critical knowledge! So, if we have managed to produce good instructors and preserve the said knowledge, as well as had fun along the way - then we will have achieved our aim. What happens beyond that will be up to the next generation.

PJ: That's a good one… Well I'd like to think that the guild would be growing from strength to strength, and all our students are enjoying the journey with us.

CP: Thank you for opportunity to have a virtual chat about the Guild of Internal Martial & Healing arts. I wish you both all the best and will be interested in doing another chat once the Guild gets going and matures.

PJ: Thank you for talking to us and yes, we will do another one soon.

NB: Thank you Colin! Indeed we will have another chat and maybe next time Pete will do more of the talking [Laughs]!

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Photo by Anne NygĂĽrd on Unsplash

...and foolishly I asked, “How will I know when I am a master?”, and the answer came, “When you have mastered all aspects of your life as a man, a husband, and a father, as a citizen, and in all things as a true servant of humanity. Then will you be a master.”

Scent of a Forgotten Flower

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art 1 of this series on The Medical Implications of Combat

Tai Chi Chuan Techniques, Investigating Blunt Force Trauma was an introduction to several techniques which included sealing the blood, sealing the breath, displacing the bone, bone fractures, and gouging or hooks and the significant medical consequences of these techniques.

Liu Jin Sheng is the co-author of the book Chin Na Fa which was written in collaboration with Zhao Jiang. The first edition of the book was issued in July of 1936 as a manual for the Police Academy of Zhejiang province. Liu Jin Sheng stated, "...if you are in command of this technique, you can sway the destiny of the enemy. You can kill your enemy, cause unbearable pain, tear his muscles and sinews, break his bones or make him unconscious for some time and completely disable him to resist. Even a woman or a physically weak man who mastered this technique can curb a strong enemy. This technique demands deftness and skill, not brute force.

It is necessary to train oneself daily to make the body flexible and nimble, but "hardness" must be hidden inside this “softness."" (1) Once again, I have found my central theme in a book written by a former martial arts master because I fully attest to Liu Jin Sheng’s statement.

It is not often that I find myself in total agreement with a martial arts author, but Liu Jin Sheng’s statement on Chin Na is both accurate and brilliant. I remember first reviewing and purchasing this book in the Peking Book Store in Evanston, Illinois in 1976.

Photograph 1

Every martial art that I have studied over the last six decades has contained Chin Na (“Devil’s Hand or Poison Hand”) training to a greater or lesser degree and the knowledge of the instructor was largely dependent upon the depth of their training. I found that American black belts who had trained in Korea, Japan, or Okinawa during their one or two years of military service in those countries had limited exposure to, and training in, Chin Na but that native born black belts from these countries had extensive training and expertise in Chin Na (even though they used different terminology). My first Kenpo instructor (1963) was highly proficient in Chin Na but he was a US Army Ranger tactical combat instructor who received part of his training at the Kodokan in Japan.

Chin Na means to seize, catch, stop, or immobilize and can be within itself a separate and complete martial art system or simply a group of techniques within another martial arts system. Virtually every Chinese martial art that I have studied Tai Chi Chuan, Pa Kua, Hsing Yi, Shaolin Long Fist, and Kempo/Chuan Fa, have all included Chin Na. Chin means to seize or trap and na means to lock or to break. Chin Na is the father and mother of Jujitsu, Judo, and Aikido. I was introduced to Judo in 1962 by a police officer who taught me the three “forbidden” strikes of Judo that would be applied to a downed opponent, a blow to the throat, the solar plexus, and the groin.

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The following is a general description of traditional Chin Na technique categories: 1. "Fen Jin” or "Zhua Jin” (dividing the muscle/tendon, grabbing the muscle/tendon) - Fen means "to divide,” zhua is "to grab" and Jin means "tendon, muscle, sinew". They refer to techniques which tear apart an opponent's muscles or tendons.

2. "Cuo gu" (misplacing the bone) - Cuo means "wrong, disorder" and gu means "bone". Cuo gu therefore refers to techniques which put bones in wrong positions and is usually applied specifically to joints.

3. "Bi qi" (sealing the breath) - Bi means "to close, seal or shut" and qi, or more specifically kong qi, meaning "air". "Bi qi" is the technique of preventing the opponent from inhaling. This differs from mere strangulation in that it may be applied not only to the windpipe directly but also to muscles surrounding the lungs, supposedly to shock the system into a contraction which impairs breathing.

4. Dian mai" or "dian xue" (sealing the vein/artery or acupressure cavity) - Like the Cantonese Dim Mak, these are the technique of sealing or striking blood vessels and chi points.

5. "Rou dao" or "rou shu dao" (soft techniques) which generally refers to the techniques deemed safe for sparring and/or training purposes.

I find this list limiting in that some books on the topic of Chin Na for Tai Chi Chuan practitioners and other martial artists omit blunt force trauma to certain vulnerable organs such as the liver and information and techniques specific to major nerve tracks and nerve plexuses of the autonomic nervous system.

I stated in Part One of this series that knowledge of human anatomy, not metaphysical anatomy, but detailed human anatomy was important to a well-trained marital artist. Many early martial artists were farmers who acquired their knowledge of human anatomy not from books, but from the raising and slaughtering of animals for meat. The well-trained martial artist should be very familiar with the human skeletal system and bony architecture, muscle formation and structure, the placement and composition of major body organs, as well as, the anatomy of the nervous and circulatory systems. The competent application of Chin Na is based upon how to attack and destroy these anatomical structures and how to inflict damage to body organs located within body cavities such as the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis.

Chin Na is a far older than many martial arts, including Tai Chi Chuan. The first known written record of this Chin Na dates from the Spring and Autumn period of the Warring States era (475 – 221 BCE). Historically, martial artists have trained in Chin Na, evolving and perfecting their skills and contributing to the compendium of martial arts knowledge. Chin Na is based upon more than technique and requires expert abilities in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology or body movement. Knowing how the joints move and in what directions and to what degree is known as the science of kinesiology and range of motion (ROM). In Chin Na when applying fen jin or cuo gu the martial artist will move a joint into a position that is beyond the kinesiological ROM and this will result in destruction of the tendon, ligaments, and joint capsule. This causes great pain and destroys the function of a joint. We will cover these Chin Na attacks in greater detail in the next part of this series.

Chin Na has been and continues to be the most effective method and tactical martial art for Chinese military personnel and police officers. In the military Chin Na is taught and used to maim or to kill, in the law enforcement branches it is taught and used to control civilians and criminals with the least amount of damage to the individual possible.

In our school’s curriculum we teach Chin Na on the military model. We also teach these principles: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Situational awareness and intuition Razor sharp focus and concentration Pre-emptive attacks when necessary Strike without hesitation Escalate the attack until the attacker is no longer a threat Remain alert and protect yourself and others

The state that our school is established has a “First Strike” law which means that if a person reasonably believes that their personal safety or life is in danger, they can strike preemptively to protect themselves or others. An example of a legal preemptive first strike against an attacker would be if an attacker stated, “I am going to kill you," you would be within your legal rights to use any means possible, including defensive weapons, to stop the attacker. You do not have to wait to be assaulted.

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We teach many Chin Na applications that come directly from the Tai Chi Chuan, Pa Kua, and/or Hsing Yi forms but we caution students to keep their use and application of these techniques simple. A few well honed and practiced techniques a student feels competent in executing are far better than an encyclopedic knowledge of techniques. In addition, we train our students to literally act in the “blink of an eye”. A blink of an eye is about 300 to 400 milliseconds. There are 1000 milliseconds in each second, a blink of an eye takes a bit more than .33 of a second. We train students using a stopwatch and some of our Chin Na techniques take only .25 of a second to execute.

We train students according to their physical and psychological capacity. A physically frail student will not be able to execute techniques that require strength against a large opponent, or a student may not be psychologically capable of performing a technique such as an eye gouge which may lead to blindness. There is no point in teaching or learning techniques that will not carried out with expertise and decisiveness should the need arise.

In Part One I introduced a few simple concepts related to joint “breaks’ (Cuo gu or tsuoh guu), “seal the blood” choke (Dian mai or dian xue), sealing the breath (Bi qi or bih chi), and “eye gouging”. If you have not yet read that article, I encourage you to do so because the material in this article will make more sense to you. In Part One I included several images that illustrated the techniques that I described in the article. The images included the application of High Pat on Horse for the purpose of breaking (fracturing) several bones in the face including the zygomatic, nasal, and maxilla. I want to expand upon that information with a breaking technique for the mandible.

Photograph 2. The Mandible

The mandible is susceptible to fracture in several locations and in the area between the thumb placement in Photograph 2. It is also susceptible to dislocation and fracture at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Photograph 3 shows the common mandible fracture sites. Note, that I am suggesting blunt force trauma at two common fracture sites that together account for 50 to 60 percent of all mandible fractures.

The temporomandibular joint is a synovial joint which means that it has a joint capsule, an inner disc, synovial fluid in the capsule, and it is richly innervated with sensory and motor nerves. Blows to the mandible and directly to the TMJ frequently result in dropping an opponent to the ground and/or unconsciousness. The mandibular nerve (third branch of the trigeminal nerve) provides the main nerve supply of the temporomandibular joint. Additional innervation comes from the masseteric nerve and deep temporal nerves. The anterior division of the auricular nerve sends branches around the TMJ. This rich neurological innervation is what makes attacks to the mandible an effective location for knocking an attacker out. (2) Photograph 4 shows the pathways of the major nerves that innervate the TMJ. Photograph 3. Mandible fracture sites (Source: Wikipedia)

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Photograph 4. By Henry Vandyke Carter - Henry Gray (1918) Anatomy of the Human Body

I previously recommended High Pat on Horse for breaking bones in the face and I am now suggesting both High Pat on Horse and a Descending Fist (Hammer Fist or Fist Descends from Heaven). When using Descending Fist, the fist, like High Pat on Horse, is moving downward from above the contact point into the point on the mandible. The striking surface on your hand is located at the lateral edge of the knuckle of the fifth metacarpal (little finger). The fist is held loosely (Tai Chi Chuan fist), and the side of the knuckle contacts the mandible or the other suggested contact points on the face as are illustrated below in Photographs 5, 6, and 7.

Photograph 5. Striking point for zygomatic bone fracture.

Photograph 6. Striking point for zygomatic bone fracture.

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Photograph 7. Striking point for zygomatic bone fracture.

Photograph 8 below demonstrates the application of an upward palm heel strike directly to the angle of the mandible. This is one of the “knock out� points on the jaw. Photograph 9 shows the exact location and contact point at the angle of the mandible.

Photograph 8. Upward palm heel strike to the angle of the mandible.

Photograph 9. The angle of the mandible!

Let’s review Chin Na from the context of attacking acupuncture points and/or meridian pathways. In Part One of this series I stated that the ability to reliably break bones, and I gave an example of the clavicle, are not supported by statistical evidence gleaned from the combative sports and were therefore in my opinion unreliable. Since I teach self-defense to victims of rape, incest, and domestic abuse I will not teach techniques that I do not feel are reliable or that my students will not be able to execute consistently. My opinion regarding attacks to acupuncture points and meridians is similar - they are not reliable or consistent.

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Many acupuncture points, and I am writing as both a martial artist and an acupuncturist, while they may inflict temporary pain on an attacker are not reliable as a means of immediately incapacitating an attacker. Pain is not a reliable method for stopping attackers. People have different pain thresholds and pain tolerance levels; endogenous endorphins and the hormone adrenalin are natural pain mediators in the human body. An attacker may be intoxicated by alcohol or street drugs and their ability to withstand pain even severe pain may be very high. I do not recommend attempting to rely upon pain to stop an attacker. What we teach in our school are techniques that result in total incapacitation.

For example, a wrist lock with thumb pressure applied at Large Intestine 4, while potentially painful, has different effects on different people. A new student may cry out in pain and a seasoned fighter or drugged attacker may care less. In our kumite training we teach low “cut” kicks to and through the leg with an attempt to make bone on bone contact with Spleen 6. Spleen 6 is one of the more sensitive acupuncture points on the human body, but once again a fighter conditioned to pain may be only mildly annoyed by a kick to this point.

Acupuncture points are not “pain generating” they are points through which chi is thought to pass. Nerves, nerve endings (nociceptors), nerve trunks, and nerve plexuses are pain generators. Chances are the acupuncture point that you may believe is the cause of incapacitation sits on top of a major nerve, a bundle of sensory nerves, a nerve trunk or plexus. Or perhaps the point is located over an airway or a major blood vessel. The carotid artery, like most major blood vessels is richly innervated with nerves and contains baroreceptors in the carotid sinuses and aortic arch which are a part of the vascular system’s auto-regulation in the setting of hemodynamic (blood pressure) changes. Carotid artery injuries caused by blunt force trauma often cause thrombosis (blood clots/stroke) and delayed neurologic deficits and are associated with death in forty percent of the victims who experience this trauma. (3) Striking a specific acupuncture point on a cooperating student in a martial arts class, training seminar, or video is easy, but hitting an acupuncture point on a mugger or during a street attack with any accuracy or effectiveness is very difficult. As Mike Tyson said, “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”

In your Chin Na or Dim Mak training you may have been trained to attack acupuncture point Stomach 9 to stop an opponent. Stomach 9 is located on the neck, lateral to the Adam's apple, on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), where the common carotid artery pulsates. This is one of the acupuncture points, Stomach 9, that is responsible for the mythology of Dim Mak delayed death strikes. It was even implicated in the death of Bruce Lee who died as a result of cerebral edema thought to related to pain medication that he was taking. There are numerous documented deaths related to blunt force trauma to the carotid artery (remember the death rate for this injury is forty percent). The normal progression in blunt force trauma to the carotid artery is damage to the artery that causes swelling of the inner muscular walls of the artery resulting in a stoppage or serious reduction of blood flow to the brain and the formation of a blood clot(s) (thrombosis).

Photograph 10. Gray’s Anatomy Common Carotid Artery

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Also, in Photograph 10 you will see the Vertebral Artery running parallel to the Common Carotid Artery. The Vertebral Artery because of its circuitous route through the cervical vertebrae is subject to “traumatic dissection” (ruptured and torn) if the head is bent backwards (hyper-extension) and the neck is rapidly and violently rotated (hyper-rotation) past the point of normal range of motion. Photographs 11 and 12 show the anatomical skeletal model posed in cervical flexion and flexion with hyper-rotation.

Photograph 11. Hyperextension of the head and neck.

Photograph 12. Cervical hyperextension and hyper-rotation of the head.

Let’s discuss the brachial stun. The brachial stun is so named because some people are of the opinion, and one theory exists, that a strong blow to the brachial plexus temporarily overwhelms and confuses the nervous system resulting in neurovascular shock (a stun) which can cause an attacker to drop to the ground, render the attacker unconscious or disoriented and confused. There are numerous well documented examples of the effectiveness of the brachial stun and it is taught by many military units and police training academies. I have taught and applied the brachial stun to probation officers and police officers in law enforcement and tactical training classes.

There are at least four different theories regarding how the brachial stun effects the human body physiologically but no good medical studies that examine how it works in a physiological sense. Opinions on how the brachial stun works include: 1. Sudden overload due to compression and stretching of the sensory nerves of the brachial plexus nerve trunks located in the neck.

2. Sudden overload of the Great Auricular Nerve and its branches located by and around the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle. (See photograph 13.)

3. Sudden stimulation of the baroreceptors of the Common Carotid Artery causing a neurogenic vasomotor response with a drop in blood pressure.

4. All the above.

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For what my professional opinion is worth, I lean towards theory three listed above and possibly theory four, all the above. Regardless of how it works, the brachial stun is effective. In reviewing research on the brachial stun, it became evident that many martial artists are confusing the anatomical location of the brachial plexus with the anatomical location of the carotid baroreceptor and many practitioners are attacking both areas at the same time.

A well-executed penetrating blow to the carotid baroreceptor location on the neck would, at the same time, contact the auricular nerve and possibly the superior trunk of the brachial plexus. I have seen and experienced “pure” blows, properly executed, to the inferior trunk of the brachial plexus repeatedly fail to “stun” an opponent, especially an opponent with a well-developed upper trapezius muscle.

The brachial plexus is a network (plexus) of nerves (formed by the anterior ramus of the lower four cervical nerves and first thoracic nerve (C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1) and is therefore located from the middle region of the neck downward towards the base of the neck. Some martial arts instructors demonstrate a brachial stun applied above the fifth cervical vertebral, on the upper aspect of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, below the ear and the angle of the mandible. The brachial plexus, as is explained above lies below this striking point.

Photograph 13. Illustration of the path of the Greater Auricular Nerve overlying and around the SCM muscle.

There are several ways in which to strike the side of the neck where the SCM muscle, the carotid baroreceptors, and great auricular nerve are located. Various types of palm and forearm strikes are commonly used in striking this area. At our school we teach the forearm strikes using either the ulnar or radial bones of the forearm to strike this area of the neck. Photograph 14 below demonstrates the use of the ulnar bone of the forearm. Several Tai Chi Chuan postures allow for the application of a brachial stun including Commencement (as is found in San Sau training), Partition of the Wild Horses Mane, Brush Knee and Twist Step, and Ward Off.

Photograph 14. Position of the ulnar bone used in a brachial stun.

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Blunt force trauma is the leading cause of death of individuals from age one to fifty-five in the United States and results in 100,000 deaths per year. In reviewing research on knockouts that occurred in street fights and how they were accomplished the palm heel strike to the mental aspect of the mandible (chin) was a potent source of consistent knockouts, but so were any form of hand attack to the mandible that was executed with sufficient force. In our training program we discourage punches to the head in favor of open hand or palm strikes to the head, face, neck, and throat. We recommend not punching to the face and head because of the risk of fracture to the bones of the hand.

A strike to the mandible can cause temporary paralysis or seizures, mild concussion, and unconsciousness. The mandible acts as a lever that can relay the force of a blunt force trauma to the back of the brain (medulla) where the cardiac and respiratory mechanisms are regulated and controlled.

The five major physiological causes of knockouts that we teach in our program include: 1. Direct brain trauma and concussion.

2. Blunt force trauma that causes a disruption of the function of the central nervous system via an overload of the autonomic function of the peripheral nervous system.

3. Termination of regular blood flow in the neck and to the brain.

4. Blunt force trauma to a body organ such as the abdomen or liver.

5. Trauma to any other part of the body that causes a disruption of the function of the central nervous system via an overload of the autonomic component of the peripheral nervous system.

The anatomical location of the chin, jawbone, or mandible is a potent location for rendering an attacker unconscious.

Of course, for an individual to be capable of defending themselves from attack they need to have some degree of physical and aerobic conditioning. Of all the many martial arts Tai Chi Chuan is supreme at maintaining the health of the human body provided that the practitioner does not destroy their health through bad health habits.

Tai Chi Chuan is an excellent choice for individuals looking to maintain their health over their lifetime and it is even more beneficial when it is combined with Dao Yin and Chi Kung exercises.

Some forms of marital art, specifically those that involve extreme methods of training and full contact fighting result in early trauma to the musculoskeletal system and the autonomic functions of the central nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system regulates body process that occur without conscious effort. The autonomic system is the part of the peripheral nervous system (sympathetic/parasympathetic) that is responsible for regulating involuntary body functions such as heartbeat, blood flow, and breathing. Fighters that compete in “reality” based sports contests are considered “washed up” by the age of thirty to thirty-five. Arthritis is common among practitioners that use practice methods that cause sustained repetitive stress and strain to the musculoskeletal system and Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases risk increases by twenty-five to thirty-three percent in sports with head trauma such as mixed martial arts. In a study entitled, “Dangers of Mixed Martial Arts in the Development of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy” the following was reported: “A systemic review and meta-analysis of the epidemiology of injuries in MMA revealed that head injuries accounted for the highest distribution of injuries by anatomic region, with data ranging from 67.5% to 79.4% [19]. The authors also found that the injury pattern in MMA was quite similar to that of professional boxing, unlike other combat sports such as judo [20] or taekwondo [21], where blows to the head are outlawed. It is concerning that head injuries account for the highest proportion of injuries sustained by the competitor during the bout, and this became even more worrying after video analysis of 844 telecasted UFC MMA bouts revealed that about 90% of TKOs were a result of repetitive strikes. When the TKOs secondary to repetitive strikes were examined further, the 30 seconds before match stoppage was characterized by the losing competitor being hit by a series of multiple strikes to the head that increased in frequency [22]. Few would argue that when a contestant experiences a KO, he would meet the criteria for concussion, which is a type of traumatic brain injury.” (4) Some mixed martial artists have been publicly critical of Tai Chi Chuan and other internal or “Kung Fu” martial arts systems. I do not concern myself with their negativity or the controversy because it has been my experience that only a rare few MMA fighters last beyond a few years in the sport. Their injury rates from training and fighting are so high that few have either the genetics or the luck to sustain long-term training.

When I attend martial arts seminars, training camps, and gatherings it is evident that too many aging traditional martial artists and instructors (by their fourth or fifth decade of life) are physically deconditioned and they are

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exhibiting the clinical signs of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and musculoskeletal disease. These conditions are not the result of normal aging but rather the result of poor lifestyle behaviors and addiction to food, alcohol and drugs. A mature martial artist does not have to be ready to compete in the ring or Octagon, but they should personify a healthy mind, emotions, body, and spirit and be physically capable of executing the techniques that they teach regardless of their age.

In Part Three of this series on, The Medical Implications of Combat Tai Chi Chuan Techniques, Investigating Blunt Force Trauma, we will investigate the techniques and methods of destroying the architectural integrity of the body’s joints.

About the author: Gregory T. Lawton, D.C., D.N., D.Ac. is a chiropractor, naprapath, and acupuncturist. He is the founder of the Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts and Sciences where he teaches biomedicine, medical manual therapy, and Asian medicine. Dr. Lawton is nationally board certified in radiology, physiotherapy, manual medicine, and acupuncture. He was the vice president of the Physical and Athletic Rehabilitation Center which provided physical therapy for professional athletes, Olympians, and victims of closed head and spinal cord injuries.

Since the early 1960s Dr. Gregory T. Lawton has studied and trained in Asian religion, philosophy and martial arts such as Aikido, Jujitsu, Kenpo/ kempo, and Tai Chi Chuan.

Dr. Lawton’s most noted Asian martial art instructor was Professor Huo Chi-Kwang who was a student of Yang Shao Hou. References: 1. Shaolin Chin Na Fa: Art of Seizing and Grappling, by Liu Jin Sheng, Shan Wu, Shanghai, China, 1936 (Copyright Andrew Timofeevich 2005).

2. Essential Clinical Anatomy of the Nervous System 1st Edition, Kindle Edition, Paul Rea, 2015, Copyright Academic Press, London, United Kingdom.

3. Perry MO, Snyder WH, Thal ER. Carotid artery injuries caused by blunt trauma. Ann Surg. 1980 Jul; 192(1):74-7. doi: 10.1097/00000658-198007000-00013. PMID: 7406566; PMCID: PMC1344809.

4. Lim LJH, Ho RCM, Ho CSH. Dangers of Mixed Martial Arts in the Development of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(2):254. Published 2019 Jan 17. doi:10.3390/ ijerph16020254

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T

he first time Neil and I sat down

and had a proper chat was during the Health & Healing Seminar organised by Tony Bailey at Way of the Spiritual Warrior in 2017. To be honest, since that day we have never looked back.

Neil invited me into the fold of Adaptive Martial Arts UK & Ireland and through it introduced me to a host of people whom I have genuinely come to adore from the heart - Christine, Carl, Amy, Uncle Brian and the entire gang training down in Cambridge - as well as giving me a chance to work with such a worthy and noble cause.

Further, he introduced me to one of the craziest and most genuine martial artists I have ever come across - Robbie Woodard, a proper bloke - and my ribs have never stopped aching from laughter.

I have the utmost respect for Neil, his skill and his experience. His work with Adaptive Martial Arts UK & Ireland is a reflection of his selflessness and passion, and dedication to helping those in need. What’s more, he does it in a way which gives dignity and respect to all whom he reaches out to - a genuine heart and someone whom I am proud to call brother!

LH: Neil, you gorgeous man, it is great to have you here at Lift Hands, Please tell our readers a bit about yourself.

NK: My name is Neil Kirkland and I am the Founder and Chief Instructor of Adaptive Martial Arts UK and Ireland.

It was 1979 and I was a small kid who walked funny and inevitably was bullied at school, so my Mum encouraged me to do something about it. It wasn't as easy as it is now to find a club back then especially one that was willing to teach someone with a disability but I found a small club in my hometown and started training. I found my life’s passion in that small club and went on to train with other clubs and with some of the worlds greatest Martial Artists.

I went to work as a doorman, then went on to run pubs this was the change that Martial Arts had made in my life, as I said, I was this scrawny kid who limped to working the doors and then being headhunted by breweries to sort out some of their trouble pubs.

In 2012 I started to form Adaptive Martial Arts UK and Ireland with the blessing and advice from my instructors Brian Jones and Robbie Woodard, I’ve grown and learned a lot since then and the association has become well known which fills me with incredible pride.

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LH: Thanks for that Neil! Hand on heart, your achievements with Adaptive Martial Arts and how you have bought some of the best martial artists from around the country and the world, to teach this amazing group of young people is incredible to say the least! The inclusivity that you have provided in what is otherwise an exclusive and egotistical world, speaks volumes about you and what drives you, and long may this success continue.

Well, if you are ready for your questions, let us begin - If you could have personally witnessed anything, what would you want to have seen?

NK: The building of the great pyramids or one of the other wonders of the world just to marvel at how those ancient civilisations achieved those amazing structures.

Neil with Grandmaster Brian Jones & Robbie Woodard

LH: If you had to leave earth on a spaceship and take 4 people with you, who would they be?

NK: The simple answer would be my children as I’ve got 4 that works out perfectly and I don’t upset anyone.

The sensible answer would be a farmer, a soldier, a builder and a doctor to start a new civilisation.

LH: In what ways are you the same as your childhood self?

NK: Still love fun and silliness, still want to see the magic in the world and believe the good in people.

LH: What animal best represents you and why?

NK: The bear, he can be seen as a gentle soul, deeply protective of those he cares for and loves. But will quite happily rip your head off if you piss him off.

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LH: What is your greatest strength or weakness?

NK: I second guess my decisions and worry about the outcomes, instead of trusting my gut and instincts.

LH: Do you trust anyone with your life?

NK: Yes several people, people who have proven themselves time and time again and I know that when push comes to shove will have my back.

LH: How do you want to be remembered?

NK: As someone who inspired people who didn’t have a champion to become the best version of themselves LH: What have you always wanted and did you ever get it?

NK: I always wanted a Katana, I did get one a few years ago which gave me a lot of pleasure.

LH: Do you know your heritage?

NK: Absolutely! If a tree has strong roots it doesn’t fear the wind.

Neil teaching at the martial arts expo Kaizen 2019

LH: Are you still learning who you are?

NK: Always, I feel you should discover something new about yourself everyday. We grow through self discovery.

LH: What, if anything, are you afraid of and why?

NK: I’m afraid that people will doubt the integrity of what we do, it’s most important to me that the martial arts we teach and the grades we give to our students with additional needs are seen as genuine.

LH: What is the most memorable class you have ever taken?

NK: The first time I worked with a young man with Downs Syndrome named Joe and he taught me more about myself as a teacher in that one class than the thousand classes I’d taught before.

LH: What book has influenced you the most?

NK: Martial arts wise, it would be American Freestyle Karate by Dan Anderson, Life in general it would be, The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living by his Holiness the Dalia Lama.

LH: What ridiculous thing has someone tricked you into doing or believing?

NK: My brother told me the slime from common or garden snails was deadly when I was very little.

LH: Who or what has been the greatest influence in your life?

NK: I’ve been very lucky, I’ve had some amazing role models and guides in my life all of whom I’m very grateful to as they created the person I am today. But my greatest influence was and always will be my dad.

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With close friend - The Late Tony Pillage

LH: What is the craziest thing one of your teachers has done or made you do?

NK: I’ve trained with Robbie Woodard for twenty years on and off, can you imagine some of the crazy stuff I’ve had to do. Ask him about the naked rose run!

LH: I dread Robbie’s answer! When did you screw everything up, but no one ever found out it was you?

NK: I’m not that lucky, if I screw it up I always get found out but I believe we should accept our mistakes and learn from them.

LH: If You had to choose to live without one of your five senses, which one would you give up and why?

NK: Smell, although it can provoke powerful memories and emotions, I think it’s the sense we utilise the least.

LH: If you could select one person from history and ask them one question - who would you select and what would the question be?

NK: Genghis Khan, what deep down drove his ambition?

LH: How would you describe your art in ten words or less?

NK: Practical, simple, effective and Adaptive!

LH: Neil Kirkland, it has been a pleasure talking to you. Thank you for engaging with our readership and I hope that we get to see you on a more regular basis in these pages, and give my love to the gang in Cambridge, and a kiss to Robbie!

NK: It has been an honour and thank you. As for kissing Robbie…

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35

Take Me with You Dr Gregory T. Lawton

Brush my hair See, it is my crown.

Caress my face See, it is my light.

Look at my eyes See, they are gems of my soul.

Touch my lips See, they are guardians of truth.

See, these are all but parts of me.

But Me, I gave myself to you That you might richer be, And I no poorer be.

Remember, when you accepted me You locked me in your heart And promised to take me with you, Wherever you may go.

About the author-

Kindly reprinted with permission from: Soul of the Night Sky (Draft), Copyright 2019 Dr. Gregory T. Lawton

Dr. Gregory T. Lawton is an author of many books, most of them in the area of health science, but also in the genre of Asian martial arts, philosophy, poetry, and prose. Dr. Lawton is a passionate award winning artist and photographer who finds his artistic and creative inspiration in nature, and who frequently attributes the source of his images and writing to the 19th century Persian Prophet, Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Baha’i Faith, and the 13th century Persian poet and Sufi Mystic Jalāl ad-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī. Dr. Lawton has been a member of the Baha’i Faith since 1970 and embraces the Faith’s principles related to the promotion of world unity and peace.

Muyblue Productions 2040 Raybrook Street, SE Suite 104 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546 616-285-9999

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Lift Hands would like to thank Katherine Loukopoulos Sensei for providing this exclusive book free of charge to our readers. To get your download link please visit and join our group page on FaceBook: Lift Hands: The Internal Arts Magazine

Basic History There are different theories about how Kobudo developed on Okinawa: I. II. III.

Kobudo developed out of the inhabitants necessity to defend against bandits and attackers.

The Satsuma Clan placed a ban on carrying weapons against the defeated Okinawan military.

Consequently, Kobudo developed as an alternative means to defend against the abuses of the Satsuma Clan with whatever means possible.

A less popular theory is that Okinawans who engaged in trade and / or traveled to China came in contact with foreign teachers and experts from whom they learned some of the skills.

Schools which continue to influence Okinawa Kobudo 1.

Hoshin Ryu

The Founder of Hoshin Ryu was Masakazu Miyagi (no relation to Goju Ryu Founder Chojun Miyagi). He taught on the peninsula of Motobu, in the town of Toguchi.

Masakazu Sensei taught the great karate teachers Kanyei Uechi, Shinyei Kyan, and Heisaburo Nakamura.

Most popular kata are Kunishi Bo which was created by Shinkishi Kuniyoshi, Shushi no Kun, and Choun no Kun. 2.

Yamani (Yamane) Ryu

Yamani Ryu was founded by Masami Chinen Sensei who taught Bojutsu privately in the town of Tobaru located in Shuri.When Masami Chinen Sensei passed away, his school ceased to exist. However, some of the kata were preserved by Seitoku Higa Sensei of Bugeikan and by Shugoro Nakazato Sensei of Kobayashi Shorin Ryu. Chinen Masami Sensei named his school in honor of his father Sanda Chinen. His father was known as ‘Yamani Usumei’ or ‘Yamane Tanmei’.

Sanda Chinen Sensei learned from his father Chinen ‘Pechin,' and from Shichiyanaka Chinen. Chinen ‘Pechin’ had learned from Sakugawa ‘Satunushi’ while Shichiyanaka Chinen learned from Soeishi Sensei.

The tradition of Yamani Ryu was continued by Chogi Kishaba Sensei who was instructed by Masami Chinen Sensei. Chogi Kishaba Sensei was a direct student of Chojun Miyagi Sensei, and who personally introduced his student to his friend Masami Chinen Sensei.

3.

Uhuchiku Kobudo

Uhuchiku Kobudo was taught by the Buddhist Sect Shingon of the Monastery Somontosan Dempo, Kyoto, Japan.

On Okinawa, Uhuchiku Kobudo was taught by Shinyu Isa Sensei who was a Buddhist Monk at the Temple of Futenma Kannondo, in Ginowan City.

The roots of the school are in Sanda Kunagusuku (Kinjo Uhuchiku or Kani Usumei). Two prominent teachers are Shosei Kina and Moden Yabiku. Moden Yabiku is of the Ryu Kyu Kobudo.

4. Ryu Kyu Kobudo The Ryu Kyu Kobudo Hozon was founded by Moden Yabiku Sensei, and was directed by Eisuke Akamine Sensei.

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Moden Yabiku Sensei learned Kobudo from Chinen Sanda Sensei of Yamani Ryu, and from Tawata ‘Pechin,' as well as, from the famous Kanagusuku Sanda Sensei. Shinken Taira Sensei was a Kobudo student of Moden Yabiku Sensei.

Akamine Eisuke Sensei was one of those teachers who sustained that Kobudo was used against the Satsuma Clan, and developed new kata after the invasion of the Clan.

5. Matayoshi Kobudo Matayoshi Kobudo, as it is commonly known, is officially named Shadan Hojin: Zen Okinawa Kobudo Renmei (Okinawa Federation of Kobudo). It was systematized by the great Shinko Matayoshi Sensei who learned from Gushikawa no Tiragwa (Higa Tanmei) and from Jitude Moshigwa Lire who in turn, was a student of Matsutaru Ire. The son of Shinko Matayoshi Sensei, Shimpo Matayoshi Sensei, currently heads the organization.

Some great teachers who studied with Matayoshi Shimpo Sensei were: Kenyu Chinen, Seisuke Adaniya, Seikichi Odo, Shinsei Omine, Kenichi Kinjo, Takahashi Kinjo, Shusei Maehiro, and Kanei Katsuyoshi.

Tournament Kobudo Kata Acceptable on Okinawa

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It is the duty of coaches and teachers to obtain well in advance the rules and requirements for competitions. As the rules vary from event to event, they are just as important as the technical expertise of the competitors.

Here is one example of a tournament event and the competition requirements:

Kobudo Trivia 1.

In a competition, is it correct to execute a Bo Kata using a Jo?

Answer: No 2. Does Okinawa Kata with a single Kama exist?

Answer: No they don’t.

3. What is the approximate length of a Bo? Answer: 1.80 Meters 4. In competition, is it permitted to execute a Bo Kata with an aluminum Bo? Answer: No, it is not permitted.

5. Does Okinawa Kata with a single Tunfa exist?

Answer: No, it does not exist.

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6. Which is the oldest Kobudo School of which we do have references?

Answer: Yamani Ryu 7. Was every School of Kobudo created by the peasant classes exclusively?

Answer: No they were not.

8. Which is the oldest Bo kata among Sakugawa no Kun, Shushi no Kun, and Matsu Higa no Kun? Answer: Sakugawa no Kun. 9. In a traditional Kata, is it normal to throw the weapon in the air?

Answer: No, it isn’t.

NOTE: This is in reference to the Bo Kata classified as acceptable traditional kata for competitions. Some Sai Kata contains throwing techniques at the conclusion of the kata. A round piece of wood is placed on the floor as the designated target.

10. The fall of a weapon is penalized with a disqualification. In Duo Kata, what if one competitor drops the weapon, while the other competitor does not?

Answer: Both competitors are disqualified.

11. Is it normal that a traditional kata contains movements without Bunkai?

Answer: No, it is not.

12. What is the minimum weight requirement for a Bo to be used in competition?

Answer: 900 grams.

13. Is it possible for a Bo to have ends thinner than the rest of the Bo? Answer: Yes, it is possible.

14. Should a kata begin and end at the exact same spot?

Answer: No they do not need to start and end at the same spot. However, if there is a Duo Kata performance, both competitors need to finish identically.

15. Can the movements of a Bo kata be the same with the movements of an Eiku kata?

Answer: No they cannot. For practice, one can execute an Eiku kata with a Bo, but not in competition.

16. Is imbalance penalized?

Answer: Yes, it is.

17. Is a competitor penalized for looking to the ground?

Answer: Yes, the competitor is penalized.

18. Is Katana considered a Kobudo’s weapon?

Answer: No, it is not.

19. Are there different measurements of Sai?

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Answer: Yes, there are.

20. Can a plastic or metallic Jo be used for a kata completion?

Answer: No, it cannot.

21. What is the approximate length of a Jo? Answer: 1.30 Meters.

22. Can a plastic Sai be used in a Sai Kata competition?

Answer: No, it cannot. Sai are always metal.

23. Can talc powder be used?

Answer: No, talc powder cannot be used.

24. Is there Chinese influence in Kobudo’s kata?

Answer: Yes, there is.

25. Is the School of Matayoshi Kobudo the oldest?

No, it is not.

26. In the event of a draw, what must the competitors do?

Answer: Perform a different kata.

27. When a competitor indicates a little doubt, how it must be penalized?

Answer: Penalties are listed and explained in tournament rules‌ read them carefully 28. Can plastic Tunfa be used?

Answer: No. Only wooden Tunfa may be used.

29. Is it compulsory to wear a white Karate Gi in competition?

Answer: No, it is not. However, the competitor needs to find out what is the permitted color of the Karate Gi for that particular competition.

30. Is Naginata a traditional Okinawan weapon?

Answer: No, it is not.

31. Does Kumite Kata exist?

Answer: Yes, Kumite Kata exists. They are known as Bo vs. Sai Bunkai, Bo vs. Bo Bunkai, among others. In the dojo Kendo Gear or ingeniously handmade gear for protection are used by practitioners in order to engage in free style Kumite.

32. Why does Kobudo look like dancing?

Answer: To hide its offensive character.

33. Among Yamani Ryu, Hushing Ryu, and Motorbus Ryu, which school reserved their teachings strictly for family members?

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Answer: Yamani Ryu. 34. Are feet positions relevant in Kobudo?

Answer: Yes, they are just as important as the movements.

35. Do all the kata have a stipulated rhythm?

Answer: No, it depends on the school, and on the interpretation of the movement(s).

36. Did Matayoshi create any Kobudo kata?

Answer: No, he did not. He only adopted the kata that he learned.

37. 1. Are there different types of Eiku kata?

Answer: Yes there are.

38. Would we consider a traditional kata with continuous jumps and turns?

Answer: No, we would not.

39. Which kata would be considered as the best between a kata with a little imbalance and a kata without strength?

Answer: The first kata would be the winner.

40. Does Matayoshi have a Kula Kata?

Answer: Yes he did study the Kula.

41. What is the minimum number of movements in a Kobudo Kata?

Answer: There is no set number of movements.

42. Can an Artistic Kata lack Bunkai?

Answer: No. An Artistic Kata must have its own Bunkai.

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43. How do we evaluate an Artistic Kata?

Answer: We evaluate the kata based on speed, acrobatic movements, and correct techniques.

44. Do the weapons of an Artistic Kata need to have special characteristics?

Answer: No they do not.

45. Which of the following reasons explain appropriately the origin of Kobudo? a. Kobudo was created by the military for fighting against the abuses of the Satsuma Clan. b. Kobudo was created by the peasants to defend themselves against criminals and bandits.

Answer: Both of the above two reasons are possible.

46. Are there kicks in a traditional Kobudo Kata?

Answer: No, there are no kicks in traditional Kobudo Kata.

47. Is the Shikodachi stance in Ryu Kyu Kobudo different from the Karate Shikodachi stance?

Answer: Yes, it is.

48. Is the Kobudo Neko Ashi stance different from that in Shotokan, Shito Ryu, Japanese Goju Ryu and Wado Ryu? Answer: Yes it is. All of Neko Ashi stances are different from modern karate styles.

49. Who is considered the Father of Ryu Kyu Kobudo?

Answer: Taira Shinken.

Handmade weapons are prized possessions! It takes a long time and hard work in order to create a Bo, but it is better than a purchased one from a manufacturer. One’s soul is tied to the weapon‌ but that is a topic for a different article.

Kami Un Ten Eisho, the oldest living weapons maker at that time, ensured a perfect fit!

October 26th, 1993

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If not handmade, there is always SHUREIDO… global meeting place of karateka… on Okinawa.

Katherine Loukopoulos Bubishi Team Austria 2020 June 10

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How to order your copy: Click on the link provided, or copy and paste into your browser. https:// www.peecho.com/ print/en/677092 The website takes you directly to the page to order the book.

1. Which size do you like? Select the size.

Next…

2. Would you like color? Select the color. Next…

3. How many copies would you like?

Discount and Pricing. Next…

(There is a discount pending on the number of copies.)

4. Where can we ship your order?

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82 Photo by Nasser Butt

T

rying to write an article about Grandmaster Brian Jones is tough! Because so many people know him better

than I do and there are many more stories out there. So I can only write from my personal experience and tell the history that I know of the man I came to call ‘Uncle Brian’.

The very first time I ever met him, he was introduced as Grandmaster Brian Jones and he turned to me and said, “My mother christened me Brian and you can call me Brian.” This was what I came to know about this great man, that he was a deeply humble man despite all his achievements and the knowledge he possessed. He didn’t want the spotlight many in this industry crave, so his achievements have often gone unrecognised.

So here’s a potted history for those of you who may not have heard of the man who was definitely one of the UK’s martial arts pioneers.

Brian's martial arts journey started around 1950. London at this time was a seed bed for many far eastern teachers to spread the martial arts westward. Brian started with Judo under Sensei Fugi, his main teacher, but also trained under other early Japanese Judo teachers, including Sensei Kenshiro Abbé, practicing Aikido also.

During the 1950s Brian studied Wado-Ryu, Karate under Professor Tatsuo Suzuki. During the late 50s - early 60s, while in military service, he studied Tai Chi Chuan and probably other Arts under Master (Dr) Leong Fu, who was an encyclopedia of Chinese fighting arts. During the 1960s he was the first occidental to learn Wing Chun under Master Greco Wong.The story goes that whilst walking past a Chinese restaurant, near London’s Drury Lane. He saw a young man performing intriguing techniques from a then unknown martial art. He walked over to him and asked what he was doing, but the man simply turned around and disappeared into the restaurant.

However, the ’strange’ moves he had seen, remained embedded in his mind. Meanwhile Brian had achieved his Second degree in Wado-Ryu and was still training in Judo, Tai Chi and Kuntao, but he had been captivated by the flowing movements he’d seen, and so Brian returned to the restaurant and sought out the young man he had seen performing there earlier. Again, the man refused to engage in conversation with Brian and left the room, but as stubborn as Brian could be, he followed the man downstairs into the cellar, where he unexpectedly saw a group of Chinese men training in this strange martial art.

Brian Jones with Greco Wong

Bravely, he asked if he could join in and be instructed but was quickly informed that he was not welcome and they didn’t teach westerners, although the young man did introduce himself as Greco Wong, a student of the Grandmaster of Wing Chun Kung Fu - Yip Man in Hong Kong.

But Brian didn’t take no for an answer and kept going back to the restaurant for many weeks, until finally Wong agreed to show him some moves. From then on Brian became a regular student in these ‘hidden and secret’ basement classes, and with that he became the first English student to be taught the system of Wing Chun in Great Britain. At this time, he also trained under Master (Dr) Cheng Tee Hong.

During the 1970s a young man entered his dojo and changed Brian’s perception of what really worked in a fight. This man was Rene Latosa, who introduced him to the Filipino martial arts of Escrima, [mainly weapons based] - he was very impressed with Latosa’s effortless use of sticks, knives, machete or anything close to hand - and the empty hand fighting style ‘Kadena de Mano’. After long and intensive training, Brian would be the first to receive his full instructor-ship in Escrima in Great Britain.

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He also trained in boxing at the Thomas A Becket Gym, over the pub of the same name, in The Old Kent Road. Brian's wife said, during the first several decades of knowing Brian, he was out most nights training, learning and teaching.

That’s an impressive resume of martial arts by anyone’s standards, but even more impressive is that most of this was achieved before we in the UK had even heard of Bruce Lee! I used to love sitting with Brian while he told tales of his training and of the adventures and scrapes he’d had in the martial arts world. It was like getting scraps from the master’s table, you were grateful for what you got, but these were scraps of gold and lessons in themselves.

With Rene Latosa

Brian has taught many, many students over the six decades he was active in the martial arts, and several have gone on to become well renowned in their chosen fields.

Brian would tell you honestly and sometimes brutally, what he thought about your training, choices, attitude or anything else he’d noticed was amiss. But he would also guide, encourage and help you to be the best you could be and that’s one of the greatest lessons he ever gave me.

When I decided to go on my own path and start Adaptive Martial Arts UK & Ireland, I went to Brian and Robbie Woodard to ask their permission and get their blessing, which may seem quite old fashioned and traditional but it’s the way it had to be. So I went up and nervously asked if I could start an organisation which specialised in teaching people with differing abilities Martial Arts, which Brian responded to with a chuckle and said, “About bloody time, will you ever fuck off and do it, you’re getting on my nerves!”

With Brian Jones with Robbie Woodard

I knew then I had his blessing and his support. Brian used to try to attend as many of our gradings as he could and he graded each of the students not taking into account their various disabilities, but looking at how they were using their abilities to learn, grow and improve.

There was no easy path, but it was the individual’s path and each grade was awarded on merit and with integrity.

He was a massive supporter of the association. He was our figurehead, coming to all our events and being a huge source of guidance right up until he passed in 2019. But most of all he was a dear friend and teacher, who was deeply loved and is sadly missed but who lives on through the passing on of his knowledge.

Thank you to Master Ricky Crofts for clarifying some of the history.

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The Energies Author’s Note: In the second part of this article on The Energies of Taijiquan, I will continue giving brief descriptions of the main energies. I have left the introductory comments published in Part 1 below to avoid repetition.

Outlined below are the basic descriptions of the energies - which I’ll be serializing over the next few issues. I have not placed them in any specific order, [although, obviously some would be learned or developed before others], I have pretty much listed them as they exist in my notes. My teacher taught eclectically and my notes reflect that and our conversations - but that does not mean that there is no order!

Further, in some instances, I have added a bit of extra detail, although not in all cases, to give the practitioner food for thought with reference to their form and what it may mean. I was not spoon-fed by my teacher - I was nudged and cajoled by my teacher to work things out systematically and logically through progression.

Establishing connections between the various threads of one’s training is critical. If you are unable to establish connections and or identify common threads then you may well fall short in skill! This is not the fault of the art nor of the teacher - provided, he or she, have taught you correctly - it is the fault of the student of not having practiced or trained diligently, or progressively!

The entirety of Taiji’s Long Boxing is based upon The Thirteen Dynamics repeating themselves endlessly and ceaselessly, linked via transitions and transmutations leading to a higher understanding.

Finally, the list below is not definitive, nor exhaustive. Different schools may use different terminology to describe the same thing, or may even interpret it differently. You do not have to subscribe to it. It is simply a record of what has been passed down in our line descended from Yang Shao-hou and like all mighty rivers there will be many tributaries, and side branches! ************ Before proceeding onto the next group of ‘energies,’ I’d like to advise the readers to familiarise themselves with The Treatise of Wang Zongyue - also, sometimes, referred to as Great Pole Boxing: The Theory.

Wang’s treatise is essentially the ‘bible’ of Taijiquan and any serious practitioner who does not repeatedly turn to this document for the entirety of their practice will be at a loss.

Not only does the treatise give us the precise rules for our practice and development as a beginner - it evolves with the practitioner as his or her understanding develops further. I will give a brief example using the passage below: The Great Polarity without poles is born: Of negative and positive it is the mother - In motion it divides, In stillness, it unites.

It has neither over-reaching nor falling-short: Following contraction it proceeds to expansion. When men are hard, I am soft - This is called “running” [yielding]; When I go along and men are turned - This is called “sticking". Move fast and the reaction is fast, Move slowly and the reaction is slow. Though the metamorphoses be ten thousand, One principle pervades them. From familiarity with the moves, one gradually awakens to understanding power. From understanding power, one by stages reaches spiritual enlightenment. Without long application of effort One cannot thoroughly penetrate it…

The words here are not necessarily cryptic. They are actually straightforward, although translations may vary according to the translator, the overall message is the same.

What we are being told in a nutshell is that we must understand and utilize the movement of yin/yang - the positive and negative, or the active and passive - and that in motion or movement they become distinguishable and in stillness they return to being indistinguishable!

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Whilst the basic ideas described above are straightforward, in time the ‘fine print’ gradually comes to the fore.

For instance, when Wang tells us that: When men are hard, I am soft - This is called “running” [yielding]; When I go along and men are turned This is called “sticking”.

Whilst this clearly introduces us to the concept of hard and soft - i.e., never meeting force on force [yielding] and coarse and smooth [sticking] - it further deepens our understanding and introduces us to the large man’s fighting method [hard] and the small man’s fighting method [soft].

It is not my intention to go into the details of the two fighting methods here… suffice to say that all martial arts teach this concept - yet most folk will fail to understand or see it. It is for this reason, you’ll often hear seasoned martial artists boast how they have removed all the ‘useless’ methods from a system because they don’t work!

It’s not that the methods don’t work - it’s because the practitioner has failed to understand these fighting methods and failed to distinguish between the two, and in most cases thrown the baby out with the water!

Further…

Move fast and the reaction is fast, Move slowly and the reaction is slow.

Again, on the surface this straightforward, i.e., if he moves fast, respond quickly, and if his movement is slow, follow leisurely… or, learn to respond with the appropriate speed! Fast and slow compliment each other and this is how we learn to feel our opponent’s changes between motion and stillness.

However, the fine print, again, takes us to another level - do as your opponent is doing! In other words, if your opponent attacks, attack them back - do not block - let your attack be your defence! Of course this is easier said then done - but then isn’t this the reason why we spend years training?

The reason for giving the above two examples is simple - to make the practitioner aware that when we discuss the energies, there is more to them that meets the eye and that each active/passive scenario is multi-layered and that no one singular energy is ever used alone in Taijiquan.

Sticking Sticking is the energy of staying forwards and not coming away and means ‘to lift up high’ [see in conjunction with Adhere below] - i.e., we do not disconnect from our opponent no matter what - in movement we are like glue. This is the most fundamental of energies practiced in Da Shou [Joining/Striking Hands]. We fix to one part of our opponent and stick to them close and tight, and whatever the movement, we do not move from this surface. Further, it is not just the fingers and the hands that do the sticking - the whole body must stick from foot to head and skin to hair, developing a sensitivity that allows us to lure in and control our opponent.

Its skill is revealed in the circle of the practitioner during Da Shou. The higher the skill of sticking, the smaller the circle!

Adhere Adhering means to stay and be attached.

This has to be seen in conjunction with sticking [see above]. Again, the concept is to remain inseparable by being fixed to one point on the opponent and not moving from it - like taking a sticky, glutinous root on this point - regardless of what changes occur.

To adhere is to attack! Its energy is referred to as replenishing. Adhering is used to destroy the opponent’s root and/or balance. You must follow your opponents motion regardless of speed for it to be truly effective.

Connect Connecting has a two-layered meaning… to give yourself up and not separate from the opponent and to stay connected to yourself. In other words, your own body stays connected from head to toe - without any breaks whilst you let go of yourself to stay connected to your opponent’s energy.

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Further, in retreat we have ‘pulling’ energy. By connecting to your opponent you can extend their energy to the inside of your own circle allowing you to grab and pluck, causing the opponent’s centre to rapidly shift forwards.

Follow Following means to follow him wherever he goes.

In terms of entering, this has the energy of Àn - pressing or striking energy. It is essentially the converse of connecting, whereby you now extend your own energy into your opponent’s circle and strike!

Moving with awareness, or innateness, cannot be achieved without understanding the concepts of stick, adhere, connect and follow, and neither can the skill of identifying energies! All these skills and what follows are developed through Da Shou - both single and double.

Listening Listening energy does not relate to the ears [although it perhaps should do - since so many students fail to hear what they are being told], it relates to the sensitivity of the skin covering the entirety of the body and the hair [the hair level is a skill of the more advanced practitioner].

Listening cannot be developed without the skill of sticking - this is a fundamental rule - and we cannot identify without listening.

Listening simply means to wait for the opponent to express their energy. You wait for the slightest movement and move first by following.

The skill of listening to your opponent’s energy is no different to understanding language and speech - you must pay attention to what’s being said. However, listening in this instance cannot be achieved before first understanding the Cornerstones [See Lift Hands Volumes 1 & 4] of Taiji and the difference between power and force.

The bones are the origin of force and it can become clogged or stuck in the upper back from where it cannot be issued, power on the other hand comes from the sinews - from where it can extend the length of the limb and can be issued. This can be visibly demonstrated through the application of p’eng when executed by someone with poor understanding of the principles. Often such a person will become stranded mid-action, as their upper back tightens causing their own energy to be raised! This is just one of the reasons why a beginner is given the Three Circles qigong. The essence and or ‘secrets’ of any art are always given to the novice in the beginning - it simply takes years of study to realise this simple fact!

Power is invisible and round, whereas force is square and noticeable. This is perhaps the most fundamental difference between what are referred to as ‘internal’ and ‘external’ arts for those who understand - the force of the external is visible, whereas the power of the internal is concealed - like lead wrapped in cotton! It is not seen before contact, nor does it exist after - it is only felt in-between! It is the Three Circles qigong which helps develop and plant the seed of ‘roundness’ in the novice, as well as help them attain soong.

Power is smooth and quick, force is slow and coarse! The smoothness of power allows the practitioner to stick to the coarseness of force in an instant - much like velcro!

Force is scattered and floating - it is not rooted - power is concentrated and sinking in contrast, and force is blunt whilst power is sharp!

I’ll expand a bit further by bringing the practitioners attention back to p’eng jing.

P’eng jing is the key to understanding the Thirteen Dynamics and learning how to separate the subsequent energies. Without understanding that the so-called eight primary energies [see Part 1] are all manifestations of p’eng and that we only call them by different names because of the ‘difference in appearance,’ students will fail to even grasp the basics of Taiji - p’eng jing is and always remains the root!

In all dynamics and in every transition, p’eng jing is the foundation to drawing out the internal power.

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The human body must obey the stringent rules which govern flexibility in motions. Theses rules govern all movement and when understood fully, p’eng jing will manifest correctly in each posture.

Each joint of the body must be linked together one by one like the back of a bow and evenly sustain the bending across the entire structure! In order to create a bow’s back in the human body, each joint must make a smooth curved line [see Photo 1 below].

This is a vast subject and requires an entire series of articles in their own right. I will, however, simply use Photo 1 to explain the arm bow alone without reference to the leg or body bow.

Hopefully, this will also help the diligent student to understand the complete Three Circles Qigong [all 16 postures] and the qigong of combining the internal/external energies [through the linking of each joint].

Shoulder

Bow’s Handle Spine

Shoulder

Bow’s Back

Bow’s Back

Wrist

Power Band: Encircling Front & Rear of Chest

Wrist

Photo 1 - Showing the bow of the arms

First we must understand that the two upper arms are connected below the shoulder and above the elbow, and are suspended in a line [like a suspension bridge] with the idea of a correlative connection [across the power band front & rear]. When the upper arms hold this connection - we have p’eng jing. We see the bow appear between the two. The energy of the bow is collecting energy - rolling and releasing in p’eng jing - so that the bow is ready to fire!

The rules [surprise, surprise] are no different to how we hold our posture during practice of form or qigong, thereby permeating into our entire training methodology.

1. Stand like a level balance… The body must be centred.

Unobstructed draw up the crown’s power… The head as if suspended from up above. When the head is suspended, it contains p’eng jing. Let the breath sink to the point beneath the navel… this is lower p’eng jing. Now, when the bow bends, we will have equal flexibility on both sides.

2. The shoulders must sink, thereby tightly connecting the action of the bow’s back to the spine. This gives the arm bow greater completion and strength [power band].

3. Sink the elbows. This adds to the flexibility of the bow [making it greater] and allows communication with the hands via the joints.

4. The wrists are straight, causing the bow to curve. Without this, the flexibility cannot be passed down to the hands. It is for this reason that in qigong, during form practice etc, we are constantly told to be aware of what our wrists are doing. The correct position of the wrist is the key to p’eng jing.

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Photo 2 - The posture ‘Spear Fingers Pierce To Rear’ from the first third of Old Yang Style Taijiquan showing the bow of the arms!

The form is littered with such postures to help the practitioner understand and develop p’eng jing.

Each posture adds its own subtleties as we advance towards higher levels, each reinforcing the root of p’eng jing in everything.

I have deliberately digressed here to show the diligent practitioner how and why we must establish connections.

P’eng jing, as stated in Part 1 of this article is sometimes likened to the antennae of an insect - a sensor - with which we listen!

The concept, skill and development of the bow of the arms and thereby understanding the nature of p’eng jing occurs throughout the Old Yang Style from the outset [Photo 2], it is for the student to pay heed to what is being taught - it is a key to understanding reeling silk.

Identifying Once we learn how to listen, we can now begin to identify. Identifying energies cannot be achieved without the skill of listening, and likewise, without the skill of identifying - there will be no yield! This not only requires a good teacher, it also requires long diligent practice - otherwise your training in Da Shou will merely be an exercise in churning milk!

If your listening skills are poor then you will fail to identify energies and in the realm of combat we are talking about a split second to identify and respond - the difference between life and death.

The four mistakes of crashing, collapsing, coming away and resisting are common amongst beginners for they have not yet learned the skill to identify. Even after achieving the cursory skills of identifying, these mistakes will still exist…and it is usually at this point that students start to get ahead of themselves trying to reduce measurements when their listening and identifying skill are still not highly tuned - thus, taking themselves further away from their destination.

When you can evade, counter, switch, turn, lure, retreat, etc., with skill and be able to deal with your opponent at will - genuine identifying can be claimed. Once you have begun to identify genuinely the subtleties and skills of high, low, open, close, bending, extending, movement and stillness - the active and the passive - can be understood, and now we can begin to develop the skill of reducing measurements. This is natural progression.

The skill of identifying falls into two categories: 1. Identifying your energies 2. Identifying the energies of your opponent Identifying your own energies gives the practitioner the skill of being able to counter-balance with the passive aspects of one’s own body.

Identifying your opponent’s energies correctly without thought and adapting to them without any hesitation or error is the skill of attaining the Grand Polarity…

From familiarity with the moves, one gradually awakens to understanding power. From understanding power, one by stages reaches spiritual enlightenment…Negative does not leave positive. Positive does not leave negative. When positive and negative complement each other, this then is understanding power. After understanding power, the more practice - the more skill. Quietly learning and experimenting, One gradually arrives at following what the heart desires.

Yielding When men are hard, I am soft - This is called “running" [yielding/evading];

Yielding is commonly described as, to evade your opponent’s major force in order to prevent any resistance between the two [yourself and the opponent].

Now, whilst the description of yielding - given above - is true, it is also incomplete, at least from a martial view!

Evading is ‘soft’ and is defensive, and yet it must still conceal p’eng jing, otherwise you will not be able to transit smoothly from soft to hard [adhere, attack], thereby producing stiff movements.

Evading is called draining energy.

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If you can transit smoothly and easily from hard to soft against someone whose energy is not smooth and easy coarse - you drain that person’s power. Through this skill of yielding and adhering you can regulate, control and even anticipate your opponent’s energy.

It is directly linked to the Four Mistakes [see above] and also requires the skill of listening and identifying - for if you are not able to listen, you will fail to identify or recognise the attack and any yielding will be rendered useless! It is a whole body movement - not just the limbs or hands!

The term zǒu jìn [⾛ 勁] translates into yielding energy, however this requires a further breakdown or decomposition of zǒu.

Although generally speaking the term translates to walk/to go/to run/to move away or from - in other words, to give way to pressure or force, or an argument - it is also used as, to change [shape, form, meaning]!

Now the above decomposition is critical in developing our understanding of the term zǒu jìn or yielding energy.

There are many stupid practitioners of Taiji who think that when attacked, all they have to simply do is to move out of the way of the incoming force and keep doing it until their opponent tires out! Yes, you have read that right! And it is exactly these imbecilic ‘masters’ who will get their asses whooped in a matter of seconds by even average fighters - let alone highly trained ones!

There is an old Italian proverb: “He that deceives me once, it’s his fault; but if twice, it’s my fault.” Or, more commonly as we know it: “Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.”

It would appear that these ‘geniuses’ of Taiji are not familiar with the above proverb - that it wouldn’t take long for their opponents to figure out this plan - but I digress - let’s get back to the subject in hand!

Yielding is rooted directly in the Taiji Classics.

Suddenly conceal, suddenly reveal. Left is full, then left empty. Right is full, then right insubstantial.

From the moment of first contact, we listen to and identify the source, pressure and direction of the attack and instantly ‘empty’ that side [change shape through movement]. If the pressure appears on both sides - we instantly sink or contract one side [change shape through movement] to achieve the same result!

Bearing all of the above in mind, the full definition of yielding, from a martial perspective [as opposed to a translator’s definition arguing over semantics], should read as: To evade your opponent’s major force by changing your own shape through movement [hard to soft] - and thereby, changing the shape of your opponent’s attack [draining energy] - in order to prevent any resistance between the two, thus placing you in an advantageous position from where to continue your own attack [soft to hard].

In other words - Check mate!

Yielding does not mean to run around aimlessly trying to evade your opponent’s force only to re-invite an attack again and again, in the hope that he will tire out or give up, or simply fall away. That is just plain stupid and deserving of a beating!

By changing yourself, you have brought about a change to the meaning of your opponent’s attack. Now, it is critical to understand this - I do not attempt to physically change my opponent, I bring about a change in him by changing myself! In combat, as in life, the only person we have control, or mastery over, is ourselves - not our opponents! Thus giving Wang cause to state: Men don’t know me, I alone know men. The irresistibility of the hero’s progress is surely entirely achieved through this.

The Energies of Taijiquan [Part 3] will continue in the next volume - Lift Hands Volume 15, September 2020.

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Fa-jing Ch'uan Internal Chinese Boxing Schools are pleased to announce our fifth annual T'ai Chi Ch'uan Camp on the sun-drenched island of Cyprus in November 2020 Based at the scenic Hadjios Valley Resort in Mazotos - a couple of kilometres from the pristine beaches off the Mediterranean coastline this will be a great opportunity to learn one of the most ancient Chinese martial arts, renowned for its health properties, on the island of Aphrodite over 3 days.

The camp includes: Qigong Old Yang Style T'ai Chi Practical Training Methods For Health/ Martial Arts Self-Defence Whether you are a novice or already have some experience and would simply like to brush up on the foundations, or have ever wondered how the art is used as a system of selfdefence - then this will be the perfect way to get a great insight into T'ai chi Ch’uan (Taijiquan).

You will receive a minimum of 5 hours/day of training under instruction over 3 days.

Date: Friday - Sunday 6-8 November 2020 Training will begin at 12pm Friday.

Cost of training: 210 Euros for those registering by Wednesday 1 April 2020. (The cost will rise to 250 Euros for those registering after this date.)

Cost of Accommodation: 150 Euros/Villa based upon a minimum of 3 nights (Fri/Sat/Sun) at Apollo Villas. Each additional night is 40 Euros for those wishing to extend their stay or arrive earlier. We have negotiated an exclusive special rate with Apollo Villas, allowing you to spend three days in luxury at an incredibly low price!

Please note, although partners and family are welcome, accommodation will be prioritized for those training as this is a busy time of the season!

Each villa is selfcontained and has two bedrooms and can sleep up to 4 people sharing.

All villas are fully furnished, including a functional kitchen as well as a washing machine

and fridge. Full Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort at no extra cost.

Meals: All guests will find a basic ‘Welcome Pack’ upon arrival at their villa for making their own breakfast , etc.

For lunch and supper we have negotiated a special rate at the local Mazotos Tavern - based in the centre of the village, where Bambos and his family serve up the most delicious traditional meals with a wonderful friendly service!

Alternatively, folk are free to make their own arrangements or even cook in the villa, buying produce from the local high street, if they so wish.

Participants will be expected to arrive on site by Friday (6 November) morning latest or Thursday* evening 5 November 2020) earliest and depart Monday 9 November or after the final training session on Sunday, unless they have extended** their stay in advance and are departing later depending upon flights.

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*/** These will incur additional charges.

All accommodation costs must be paid in full at the time of registration. (PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE NONREFUNDABLE.) Nearest Airport: Larnaca (15 km from resort).

Information for local carhire services is available upon request.

Please contact Nasser Butt for further information and registration: Tel: +44(0)7792242150 Email: explosivefist@gmail.com Visit our website for further information on what we teach: www.fajing-chuan.co.uk Website for Hadjios Valley: www.apollovillas.com/ hadjios-valley/

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On Sparring and Competition in Taijiquan It has often been argued whether there should be sparring and/or competition in Taijiquan as per the external styles?

We already have the answers to that specific question and what sparring and competition consist of!

Yang Zhaoxiong, called Mengxiang, later called Shaohou, and called “Great Teacher” by the succeeding generation, was born in the first year of the reign of Emperor Tongzhi [1862].

Once he was seven years old, he trained in the Taiji boxing art. He had an unyielding personality, enjoyed throwing people, and was an expert at sparring. Having been taught by his uncle [Yang Banhou], his skill was also at the highest level.

His boxing set was small and hard, the movements fast and heavy, and he always strived for compactness. He was also thus when teaching people, and because he so enjoyed attacking, his students often could not endure it, and therefore he taught very few.

He had a truly deep skill in regard to the energies of borrowing, stiffening, severing, and traversing emptiness, but unfortunately he was not willing to teach many people, and so those who comprehend what he was doing are rare.

He died in the eighteenth year of the Republic [1929]. He had one son, named Zhensheng.

*Taiji Compiled: The Boxing, Saber, Sword,

Pole and Sparring

by Chen Yanlin 1943

SPARRING – which is the fourth stage and divides into two types: 1. To sharpen the ability to apply each Taiji Boxing posture, two partners oppose each other [in a choreographed sequence]. For example: when person A attacks person B with DOUBLE WINDS THROUGH THE EARS, B upsets it with DOUBLE-HAND PUSH, or when A attacks B with ROLLBACK, B upsets it with BUMP. As the two people continuously trade attacks, if they oppose each other only within the context of making pretty movements, it will

bear no resemblance to transforming an opponent’s attack into a counterattack sent back to him. If you do not train in this way, then you will not understand the practical function of each Taiji Boxing posture, and your solo set will only amount to a solo dance.

of weapons is also thus, yet is even more arduous than the study of boxing.

COMPETITION This comes out of learning sparring, through which you have gained experience and made progress, and with further hard work you will then attain the level of competition with a firm enough grasp of what is going on that even if you encounter an opponent stronger than yourself, he will be unable to defeat you, unless it is by accident. Therefore sparring as a stage of training truly is the final phase of martial practice, and indeed the ultimate purpose of it. If a martial arts practitioner does not learn to spar, then he will never be able to compete, much less actually fight, for in an emergency he would not be able to suddenly obtain the necessary skills. This is why Westerners slander Chinese martial arts as “solo dancing”. Below I attempt to state my views regarding competition:

2. The two-person set described above entirely has to do with prearranged postures which both partners have to drill together to complete the set. The second type of sparring is not like this. Both partners go without prearrangement, no choreography at all. They each get into a posture of readiness, then begin attacking: sometimes slow and sometimes fast, sometimes high and sometimes low, sometimes straight and sometimes round, sometimes punching and sometimes kicking, both responding to each other freely.

On the whole, there are a couple of constant fighting patterns. There is the round pattern, as in person A going through the center while person B moves away to attack from all sides, and then there is the straight pattern, in which both people go directly back and forth, as in you attack and I go back, and since I am retreating while you are advancing, this makes a duel along a straight-line. During competition, it is most of the time nothing more than these two patterns.

Competition within the training is called “sparring”, whereas within a contest it is indeed called “competing”, and within actual conflict is called “fighting”. Their names are different, but their function is the same: a struggle to determine winner or loser. We all have the same five senses and four limbs, and although we have different natural gifts, we have the same innate intelligence as well. I am able to see the opponent and he is also able to see me. I am able to strike the opponent and he is also able to strike me.

Therefore ability to succeed lies in both method and skill. If I have method but no skill, it amounts to having nothing at all. If I rely solely on skill but have no method, this is like “the blind cultivating blindness” and would be a futile effort. There are three key components to method & skill: determination, quickness, and precision.

When two opponents cross hands, it is called “joining”. When joining in combat, there are estimations of degree, which are wholly indicative of the other person’s daily training regimen. For instance, is his energy long or short? How accurate are his fists and feet? What is the magnitude of the power he issues? Such refining comes about entirely from doing the pushing hands and large rollback exercises.

This section of the training is entirely a matter of practical skill and can be considered the final stage.

For those in this stage, you will not succeed unless you are in a constant state of hard training. Beginners should be sparring with instructors, and the instructors should always allow the students to do the actual striking. For such instructors, this is called “feeding” with kicks and punches [i.e. performing restrained attacks to give the student the chance to learn how to defend against them].

1. With determination, I can seize the offensive. I will be able to get my hands to where I send them, be able to express with all of my power, and be able to defeat the opponent. If on the other hand I am timid of mind, whatever I do would easily be rendered useless.

2. Quickness has to do with when we both issue at the same time. As soon as he issues, I issue sooner. If he issues short, I issue long. If he issues soft, I issue hard. If he issues vaguely, I issue with determination. And thus I am victorious.

3. Precision is the most important. If I send out a leg or hand technique without precision, then even if I am determined and quick, it would be of no use.

If the teacher does not feed the student, the student will be unable to get the knack, although this is for teachers the most difficult and arduous form of instruction. One issue is that the opportunity is hard to come by in which sparring occurs when the spirit is as burgeoning as it should be or there is nobody around distractingly watching, and it necessary for the teacher’s body to receive strikes, inevitably entailing some pain. Another issue is that some teachers will keep students from completing their study, becoming traitors to their profession, and some will even forbid students from winning against their teacher for fear that he may lose his status and livelihood. For this reason, teachers are often not willing to teach, but really they have no choice but to bear with it. This is just the way it is in the study of boxing arts. The study

Huang Yuanxiu **The Skills & Essentials of Yang Style Taiji Boxing and Martial Arts Discussions 1936

*/** Brennan Translation

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