Combat v35i04

ESTD.

MASTER

1974

THE BEST IN MARTIAL ARTS COVERAGE

JEREMY

YAU

Guardian of Lau Gar XL IN MARTIAL ARTS Silvio Simac tells you how!

Is there a correct way to do it?

9 77095 5 95 1 085

TEACHING TODDLERS

Vol. 35 No. 4 £3.50

The core behind effective kicking!

APRIL 2009

STABILITY TRAINING

04

Getting to grips with Muay Thai

WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK

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COMMENT When Kung Fu came to the UK shores and as the Bruce Lee boom was about to take place there was one style that grabbed the headlines and opened its doors to a huge audience. An audience that would see first night classes enrol 600 plus students and have another 600 the following week! Sadly, those days have gone but the single style that led the way was Lau Gar and where ever they opened their doors, the people would flock to fill the rooms provided, whatever the size! The man that stood, and still stands at the helm of the Lau Gar organization is Master Jeremy Yau and as it’s been a long time since we touched base with him, we caught up with him to find out just what he’s been up to. The interview was conducted by Alan Neald, one of his own long time students and provided by the Lau Gar Guardians. As always, your comments would be welcomed.

Whilst the credit crunch continues and the general news on the TV is all about doom and gloom, it’s been a refreshing change to hear that virtually ALL the people I have spoken with, over the last month in particular, are experiencing an upturn in both their club members and the amount of people making enquiries on the whole.

TLP001/02

However, if we were to look back over the last 35 years, whenever there has been a problem with the economy, martial arts has boomed. Now, whilst this is very interesting, it can, I believe be explained quite simply.

Just consider the fact that when you train, you release a set of chemicals that make you feel good. The fact is, that compared to most other hobbiest activities, (joining your local gym, swimming club, golf club etc...) Martial arts classes are by far cheaper than the alternatives. And, finally, martial arts clubs offer the chance for you and your family to do what you enjoy together as a family unit.

There are of course other issues such as the cost of the equipment you need to buy, in order to take part, is in comparison very cheap, take golf for instance or even football where a decent pair of boots will set you back at least £100.

What I’m trying to say is that, on top of all the natural benefits that martial arts has to offer in the form of instilling self respect, respect for others, courtesy, etiquette, good manners, confidence as well as the ability to defend oneself, (qualities that cannot collectively be found in any other sport/hobby). Is it any wonder why we are called upon in a time of need and although it seems to be the case anyway, you should all be out there right now, offering your services to a nation that needs your input.

After all if you don’t let the public know you’re there, you really can’t blame the recession for empty classes, can you.

Oss.

KAP001/01

COLUMNISTS

4 COMBAT WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK

Mike Finn Dan Docherty Michael Tse William Sanders Simon Hazeldine Dr. James Fisher Anton Van Thomas Chris Samuel Keith Gilliland Dan Green Don Heatrick Brian Dossett Andy Hopwood Andy Bryant John Graden Nino Bernardo

Sean Viera Paul Allen Richard Dimitri Helen Stranzl Mark Cortnage Kerry Louise Norbury

CONTRIBUTORS Paul Burkinshaw Matt Sylvester Frank Mensah Tom Hibbert Patrick Rault Carl Fisher Mic Clark Rob Nutley

Neville Wray Jim Fung Leon Dogan Peter Lewis Paul Hennesey Iain Abernethy Alfie Lewis Iain Armstrong Julian Dale Danny Guba Richard Thomas Rhee Ki Ha Steve Proctor Neil Holden Gavin Mullholland Ross Iannocarro Cris Janson-Piers Jeffet Jenkins

CONTENTS

16

VOLUME 35 NUMBER 4 APRIL 2009

REGULARS 7 -

MARTIAL ARTS NEWSLINE

22 -

LETTERS

24 -

COMBAT FILM

36 -

UNLOCK THE SECRET OF SHAOLIN MOTIVATION With Shifu Yan Lei

48 -

MIKE FINN - Magic of martial arts - Part 8

54 -

THE NEGOTIATOR - By Aran Dharmeratnam

64 -

XL IN MARTIAL ARTS - With Silvio Simac

70 -

MUAYTHAI COLUMN - With Bob Spour

72 -

LESSONS FOR THE CAGE - By Gavin Mulholland

76 -

CHATTERBOX - With world champion Kerry-Louise

80 -

THE FORMS FORUM - With Joe Hallett

90 -

CALENDAR

PUBLISHER/MANAGING DIRECTOR Paul Clifton

EDITORIAL TEAM 0121 344 3737

SENIOR DESIGNER Mark John Davies 30

ADVERTISING/SALES Julie Davies (0121) 356 7616 HOW TO GET WORK PUBLISHED To have your submission published in COMBAT couldn’t be easier. Supply your written material either on disc (ASCII), typed or on audio tape.

Send it together with a covering letter and some good quality photo’s (digital photographs must be 300dpi) to the Head Office (address below).

124 - CLUBS DIRECTORY & CLASSIFIEDS SECTION

NEWS ITEMS For all news related items, simply mark your envelope “COMBAT NEWSLINE” and together with a photograph (if required) and a covering letter, send it to: COMBAT, Head Office. or E-Mail: combat_news@martialartsinprint.com

FEATURES 16 -

MASTER JEREMY YAU

By Alan Neeld & Rash Patel

29 -

MEN OF WAR COMPETITION

30 -

TEACHING TODDLERS MARTIAL ARTS Is There a Correct Way to do it?

34 -

DIANE YOUDALE Martial Arts Would Benefit FRom Ballet Lessons

40 -

FU CHEN SUNG - The Northern Tiger

42 -

CHOREOGRAPHING YIP MAN An Interview with Master Leo Au Yeung

50 -

WHY HEMA? Mark Davies and ‘The Riddle of Steel’

56 -

THE WORST CASE SENARIO Intelligent Strategy & Clever Power in an un-winnable situation

60 -

STABILITY TRAINING For Effective Kicking

86 -

THE WON - Watford Open National 2009

94 -

KARATE’S SILVER FOX My Good Friend Roy Fox 6th Dan

96 -

THE LAST KARATEKA

42

110 - STUART RIDER Keeping it Real!

116 - TANG SOO DO

By Master David Allerton 120 - FROM BEGINNER TO BLACK BELT AND BEYOND Back to Basics... Putting it All Together With Movement & Breathing

CALENDAR If you have a forthcoming event that you would like published in COMBAT Calendar. Send your entry, giving dates, times, and contact numbers, to “CALENDAR” COMBAT Head Office.

HEAD OFFICE: COMBAT, 135 Aldridge Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham. B42 2ET. Tel: 0121 344 3737 Fax: 0121 356 7300 E-Mail: combat.magazine@btclick.com

CLUBS DIRECTORY Advertise your club, school, group, Association or classes for just £5.00 per word for 12 months!, Simply layout your details (using the current advertisers as an example) including a good example of your logo/emblem if required and send it together with a cheque to the Head Office. Please mark the envelope “Clubs Directory” or E-Mail: combat_clubs@martialartsinprint.com

48

ADVERTISING DETAILS If you would like to advertise in COMBAT write or telephone the Head Office to obtain details, deadline dates and costs.

DISCLAIMER COMBAT is published by Martial Arts Publications, Regent House, 135 Aldridge Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham. The publishers reserve the right to reject editorial and/or advertising material as they see fit.

The Publishers accept no responsibility for the return of unsolicited material. However, the Publishers will endeavour to return such matter providing that it is accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope.

Any material accepted by the Publishers shall be revised or altered should the Publisher deem it necessary to do so. The act of submitting manuscripts and/or materials shall be considered an express warranty that such material is original and in no way infringes upon the rights of others. It is expressly forbidden for any part of the magazine to be reported whatsoever without the permission of Editor / Publishers. The views or comments expressed in these pages are not necessarily those of the editor or Publisher. Distribution by COMAG, Tavistock Works, Tavistock Road, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 7QE.

100 - RESPECTING WHAT IS OLD; CREATING WHAT IS NEW With Chris Denwood 104 - KUMITE From Start to Street

GRAPHIC DESIGN Kevin Thompson

86

Visit us online at:

www.combatmag.co.uk or www.karatemag.co.uk or www.taekwondomag.co.uk WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK COMBAT 5

BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BCS001/08 BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM

CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL

SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS

LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD

BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM

CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL

SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS

LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD LTD

BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM

CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL

SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS

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LAU GAR KUNG FU & KICKBOXING

Lau Gar Kung Fu & Kickboxing

Chief Instructor Mike Lavender Teaches at: Kendal Leisure Centre, Burton Road, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 7HX

SUNDAY’S WEDNESDAY’S & THURSDAY’S Also classes in Poulton nr Blackpool & Lancaster Other local instructors include:

Monday-Bradwell Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday Porthill Tel: Derek on 07801376886 or Email derek@derekmatthews.wanadoo.co.uk

Now Enrolling Childrens 1st lesson free

Steve Mattison, Jade Morris, Bruce Simms & Darryl Cribbens

Brian Swales - Scotland - www.dumfriesandgallowlaugar.co.uk Brian Patterson - Annan (in Scotland) Darryl Cribbens - Penrith (nr Carlisle) Jeff Ackers - Kirkham (nr Blackpool) Sean Donnelly - Barrow in Furness Senior Instructor Robert Kanski - Southport

Newcastle-under-lyme Stoke-on-trent

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Mike Lavender (07767) 844939

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Situated close to newcastle town centre Established for over 20 years A friendly and safe atmosphere Kung fu for all ages vist our website www.kung-fu.name get fit and healthy learn to defend yourself Beginners always welcome Build your confidence

MASTER

Jeremy Yau Article By Lau Gar Guardian Alan Neeld

For over 35 years Master Jeremy Yau has been teaching Lau Gar Kung Fu in Great Britain to students from all walks of life. Based in Birmingham, at the British Kung Fu Association headquarters in Digbeth, his philosophy and teachings have permeated far and wide, with Lau Gar clubs now present in every major city in Great Britain and many, many more throughout the towns and villages of the country.

Lau Gar History Lau Gar Kung Fu is derived from a form of Chinese boxing practiced at Kuei Ling Temple situated in Guang Xi province in West China. It was learned from a monk on retreat from that temple by the Master ‘Three Eyed Lau’, a Tiger hunter, whom we honour as the founder of our style. The style subsequently became very popular over a large part of South West China.

The fighting techniques of the style are based upon the movements of the five Shaolin Animals, Dragon, Tiger, Snake, Leopard and Crane, with the mental training and fighting strategy being derived from Buddhist philosophy. Particularly important in this respect are the concepts of change (impermanence) and emptiness (void).

Classified as a ‘Southern, hard, external’ form of Kung Fu, Lau Gar specialises in short fist techniques, executed from firm stances, and also in excelling in stick

work. Such classifications are useful only in comparing the style with another, say Tai Chi Chuan, which may be classified as ‘Northern, soft, internal’, specialising in long fist techniques, and has more to do with the order in which the training proceeds.

Like all Shaolin derived systems Lau Gar has a significant internal content to its training, as well as ‘soft style’ techniques, though these require significantly more practice to master as the power that makes them effective is not of the obvious (external) type. Other elements of Lau Gar training include Body conditioning, Chi Gung, Chi Na as well as Tai Chi and meditation.

The many weapons of the Lau Gar system include Broadsword (Darn Do), Dragon Broadsword (Kwan Do), Butterfly Knives (Woo Dip Do), the 7ft pole (Darn Kwan), Eyebrow Pole (Tsai may Kwan), Spear (Ying Churn), Trident (Par) and Cane Shield (Tang Pai).

About Master Yau Born in Hong Kong in 1942 (the year of the horse), he came to Great Britain in April of 1961 at the age of 19.

Fluent in English, having had a very good education as a child in Hong Kong, he soon found work in one of the many Chinese restaurants in London and began to settle into life in a new country.

Whilst having to work to earn a living, Kung Fu training for Master Yau was everything. Unable to find an instructor in England to compare to his master and Grandfather Yau Luk Sau, he soon realised that to develop and hone his skills further he had only himself to rely on. Daily he would move the tables and chairs to the side of the restaurant where he worked and spend hours practising his Kung Fu. This type of work and daily life went on for some years until eventually Master Yau found himself living and working in Birmingham where he finally had the opportunity to start his own full time club.

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British Kung Fu Association

Summer Course 2009 at the

Pinda Leisure Centre, Moor Lane, Eastfield, Scarborough On Sunday 26th July to Saturday 1st August 2009 inc.

This year’s Summer Course will be held in the Pinda Leisure Centre, Scarborough.

To secure a place on this course, which will be conducted by Master Yau, please forward a deposit of £40 - together with a completed application form to the address below. Alternatively you may pay the full cost, £110 if you wish. All members that produce a current BKFA licence wil get a discount of £30. In any event full payment must be made one week before the course begins. All Lau Gar students with orange sash or below will be upgraded when they finish the full training course.

If you require further details of the training, or receipt for your deposit / payment, or accommodation list, please enclose a S.A.E. For your convenience an application form is included (COMPLETE IN CAPITAL LETTERS PLEASE).

Please send your applications to;

Mr. J. Yau, British Kung Fu Association, Glover & Burley Building, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6BH. (No recorded deliveries please) Name in Full .................................................................................................. Age ................................

Address .................................................................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................ Post Code ................................

Male/Female .............. Tel No. ...................................... e-mail ............................................................

What Grade ...................................................................... Accom. List (please tick) YES

■

NO

■

Deposit £.................................................... * Cheque/PO ....................................................................

I understand that all monies paid are not returnable. Licence must be produced before training commences.

Date .................................................... Signature.................................................................................. * (Please make cheques payable to Mr. J. Yau.) BKF002/05

To read the rest of this article why not take out a subscription by calling +44 (0) 121 344 3737

The British Kung Fu Association In 1972 The British Kung Fu Association was launched

by Mike Haig and in 1973 Mike invited Master Yau to become Chief Instructor. With world-wide interest in Kung Fu soaring, primarily due to the popularity of the Bruce Lee films at the time, The British Kung Fu association quickly grew, and soon gained a reputation for producing world class martial artists and tournament fighters.

Throughout the 1970`s and 80`s practitioners of Lau Gar, from the British Kung Fu association were taking their Lau Gar skills and techniques to tournaments throughout the country, winning trophies, invariably Gold medals, at every major event, much to the annoyance of the martial artists from the various other styles, who to that point had dominated the tournament circuit in Great Britain.

For Master Yau, being a winner in Great Britain alone was just the beginning. Regularly he would escort the B.K.F.A`s fighting squad to tournaments abroad, where very soon European and World titles were being won and brought back to the B.K.F.A. headquarters,in Birmingham.

In early interviews Master Yau was often asked why a traditional style like Lau Gar did so well in competition. To which he simply replied “I don’t know”. However, the truth is, if the opposition couldn’t see it for themselves, he certainly wasn’t going to tell them.

Master Yau`s Training Master Yau`s personal training started when he was only three and half years old. As the grandson of Grand Master, Yau Luk Sau, training in Kung Fu was not an option for the young master. It was expected of him, he had no choice in the matter, as what his grandfather said, on this, or any other issue had to be obeyed.

Unlike the modern training venues of today where top martial artists practise, the place where Master Yau learned his skills was the Yau Village Hall.

This was a small structure comprising of only supporting struts and a roof with an open space in front which in turn was surrounded by a small wall. Here, as well as the family home, Master Yau trained.

Every night following school he would gather with his family and friends to practise. Training would last for up to 3 hours a night, 364 days a year with just one day off, and even then he would be expected to participate in a demonstration for Chinese New Year.

During a typical training session, techniques would be shown to the young Master and other students training at the time. They would be expected to work hard, and practise diligently; any slacking was dealt with severely. However, Master Yau recalls “as a young boy if my grandfather turned his back we would sometimes try and skive a little, but woe betide us if he caught us”.

Day after day, week after week, the young master trained hard to improve his knowledge and technique, regularly during these training sessions he would be hit resulting in injury. Like all good martial artists these injuries / bruises would be treated before training re-commenced. (Injuries such as bruises are seen to interfere with the flow of Chi around the body, and as such should be treated and not be ignored).

Unlike modern day training where much of a martial artist’s time is spent practising sets / forms, in Master Yau`s time there was a great deal of emphasis on the development and perfecting of individual techniques. Each move would be practised, applied and re-applied in many, many different ways before moving on to another...

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Traditional Lau Gar Kung Fu Keith Thomas (Chief instructor & Guardian) 6th degree Teaches at: Stocktonâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;on-Tees Mobile (07906) 785232 www.chinesehealtharts.co.uk KTO001/01

Lee Downey

Robin Sunley (3rd Degree) Teaches at: Guisborough (07976) 259510 www.sun-ley.co.uk

(1st Degree) Middlesbrough (07764991218

Carl Sims (3rd Degree) Teaches at: Brighton East Sussex (0771) 7303078 www.brightonlaugar.co.uk

For Further information on any of the above Contact Keith Thomas (07906) 785232

Brian Nelson Senior Instructor & 3 times world champion in Lau Gar Kung Fu. Teaches at: North Wales - Shropshire - Cheshire

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Northern Dragons Martial Arts Academy Full time centre in Accrington east Lancashire open 6 days per week Teaches Lau Gar Kung Fu, Chen Tai Chi, Kickboxing, Torite Jutsu & Chi Kung Steven Burton (guardian)

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letters

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135 Aldridge Road, Perry Barr, B’ham B42 2ET. FAX: 0121 356 7300. E-MAIL: letters@martialartsinprint.com

END OF AN ERA...

DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE HEADING TO OKINAWA! Dear Editor, After reading Garry Levers article about travelling to Okinawa to learn karate I was keen to write a response.

In March of 2007 I travelled from China where I was learning kung fu to study karate in Okinawa. Okinawa is certainly a unique and magical place, and I enjoyed my time there immensely. I only I planned to stay six months but returned last September. However, of es purpos the would be quick to advise anyone travelling there for I studying karate to seek out proper guidance before they embark. going were nt crossed paths with several people who it was appare to leave the island extremely disillusioned because that had take the plunge too quickly.

I would certainly not try to and deter anyone from travelling to Okinawa, on the contrary. It is a place like no other. It is a , subtropical paradise, with sandy white beaches, delicious cuisine just are that history, culture and the friendliest people in the world part of its appeal. But I would hope that anyone would heed my warning that Okinawa, purely in terms of karate experience, proved a largely unrewarding and very expensive experience for me and several others I met in my time there.

Okinawa offers a wealth of karate and martial arts. There are to some 400 dojos on the main island itself and I was lucky enough have to ble visit a large number of them. But, it is extremely advisa In one in mind before you arrive, preferably on a recommendation. the addition, letters of introduction are advisable too. Despite number of dojos, and the history of the island, it can prove extremely challenging to locate a Sensei who speaks English and is willing to take on a beginner.

Also, unlike in China and Thailand, anyone travelling to Okinawa should be aware, that unless prior arrangements have been made before travelling there, they may find themselves very limited in the number of hours of tuition that they will be able to get. It wasn’t long before I realised how spoilt I had been in other places by the fact that I could be coached for more than just a couple of hours a week.

Finally, I would warn anyone that the karate community in Okinawa is deeply fractured by historical grievances, gripes and politics. It can be quite startling and intimidating if you plan on visiting a couple of dojos before settling on one as I did. You may find yourself unwelcome in one dojo by virtue of being seen training in another the week before and subjected to interrogation.

I would implore anyone not to make the mistakes I did, they are easily avoidable. It’s simply a matter of doing your homework before you leave or making sure you have good contacts there. I certainly don’t regret going to Okinawa. But with all the will, enthusiasm, find commitment and means in the world this won’t guarantee you will karate. for a what you are looking for if you have set out to Okinaw Kindest regards Luke Bart

22 COMBAT WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK

Dear Editor, I am writing to you to let you know how saddened I was to hear about the closure of the company Battle Orders. I remember when I was in school requesting a battle orders catalogue by (post) after buying a copy of Combat magazine, which would have been about 26 years ago. I still remember the excitement that catalogue brought me, showing all my mates in school and planning what I was going to buy. Even though I haven’t spent as much as I would have liked to over the years, every purchase I have made I have treasured. As you can imagine I no longer have most of the purchases I have made as the law has changed things like shuriken, butterfly knives, swords etc. have had to be disposed of. As a still practicing martial artist I found it almost impossible to believe when I entered the Battle Orders web site to find out that they were closing down.

My thoughts go out to all the staff who I’m sure feel a great loss for an excellent business that is closing not because of the “credit crunch” but because of ever stricter laws on the key products they sold. As they say all good things come to an end even when you never expect they ever would. Kindest regards to all at Battle orders and I hope everything turns out OK for your future.

Lee Ralph.

ICE “IN CASE OF EMERGENCY” Dear Editor, Here is something I thought was a great idea and thought it worth while passing on.

Most of us carry a mobile phone with names and numbers stored in its memory. If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn’t know who to call.

The following advice was provided by the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, the ICE‚ (In Case of Emergency) Campaign aims to rectify this, the concept of ICE‚ is catching on quickly. All you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name ICE. The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents there were always mobile phones with patients but they didn’t know which number to call, he therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognised name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialling the number you have stored as ICE. For more than one contact name, simply enter ICE1, ICE2, ICE3.

Scott Walker

THE LONG HAUL - FIGHT FIT Dear Editor, Some people train for the long haul, others dabble here and there and some are course/seminar goers.

Ultimately the last two fail on many if not all aspects of their training. Fight fit is the long haul. If you are serious about your martial art training then you need to be fit or building on your fitness to get you through a session.

Those that train in Daigaku Karate Kai are not necessarily into the fight scene, though we do have a number of students that have gone down this avenue...and are winning. If you walk into a DKK dojo and you’re serious about training then you will ultimately get fit, probably fitter than you’ve ever been in your life.

Sustaining that peak is another matter but if you keep the training up you will maintain a very high level of fitness. So, how is it different to going to a gym or body pump class?

Fitness comes in many guises.

The fitness you will need is to endure a session, grading, a real confrontation or competition, be it a semi-contact or NHB event. Though each area is quite different there should be a core training regime.

Many a time there have been students that have reappeared after some time out, maybe after Christmas, and these students really

feel it. There needs to be an underlying regime that trickles away in the background, otherwise, especially as we get older, it is harder to get back to that last plateau of fitness. This isn’t the time to rest off; in fact it becomes even more important to push oneself harder. If you stop in your thirties or forties you will look back as someone, probably now unfit, kicking yourself for not continuing your training.

As Chief Instructor of DKK (Bristol), I have students in the adults clubs ranging from 16 to 45years old. I have to keep up with and realistically be better than the majority. I’m sure there will be a time to slow down, but at 41 this is by no means the time. If I’m not teaching and training at a club then I am training at home....wife permitting! This is the long haul. To keep the fitness alive on all levels I am interested in a variety of training methods to put into the fight fit pot.

I look at power training, plyometrics, isometric training, conditioning, movement, speed, timing, weights and Tabata, and other High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and so the list can go on. I expect my students to supplement their training, as I do, outside of classes maybe using the above and bag work, running etc.

The essence of training is to keep it alive, change the work outs, and keep pushing oneself. To train on a regular basis there needs to be a good level of fitness. If one is serious about training within DKK then it has to be with commitment, there can’t really be any other way. I guess it’s similar to yoyo dieting, it’s never sustainable. I’m always trying to better myself so I expect it from my students, and it is them that reap the benefits. So many of them would not be able to envisage where they are now from where they started. Sadly there are many that do not have the commitment or mental strength to continue. What’s needed is the mind set to get through the hard training the continuous knocks and bruising; the strong mind set will get most through. Many forget it is a

combative system and the realisation that it is going to be hard is enough to put some off. If it isn’t hard, if there isn’t a huge essence of realism then it isn’t really a combative system. The students that do stay are strong, not just physically but also mentally. It’s not easy to step into a ‘cage’, a grading and sometimes a session.

Whatever you are working towards it is hard graft but again, those that stay, those that endure, belong to a group of people that have a sense of belonging of wanting to adhere no matter what is put in front of them. It is a group drawn together through sweat, buckets of it, often blood and many bruises, but a good understanding of mechanics, strategy, and technique. Stepping inside a DKK Dojo is just the first step.

Dan Lewis 5th Dan Chief Instructor (Bristol)

VIEWS FROM THE WEB...

How important is Qigong in your training?

As one ages it seems to me Qigong is the most important aspect to Chinese martial arts......

Any views to this statement?

Taoist I agree with you. Unfortunately, your training does have to change as you get older. The rigours that you inflict on your body through training take longer and longer to recover from the older you get. You can't reasonably expect to do in your 50's and 60's what you quite happily did in your teens and 20's - something will give eventually. The training I do now is significantly different from when I started training in Lau Gar kung fu in 1975. I'm 54 and I do more handwork now than legwork and my physical workouts are low impact/high repetition.

Graham2007 Yepp I certainly know how you feel my mind is willing, its just that the body says no. You dont really think it would happen to you when you are younger lol FuJau

HAVE YOUR SAY! The letters pages of Combat are not the only place that you can have your say.

Whether you’ve got an axe to grind, or just an anecdote or tale about your personal journey in the martial arts, we’re interested in your opinions.

Please visit the forums at www.combatmag.co.uk to start talking with other martial artists from around the globe about anything and everything martial arts!

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Teaching Toddlers

Martial Arts The technical standard of martial arts practitioners in the West is extremely high indeed, from the modern combat sports like Kick-Boxing and Ultimate Fighting to the more traditional arts of Karate, jiu-Jitsu, etc British martial artists have made their mark the world over and are acknowledged by all as being ranked among the world’s best. However, the elite athletes and technicians referred to above are just that: Elite - exceptionally skilful individuals at, or very near, the peak of performance standards.

Most of us may never reach that exalted status, a lot of us wouldn’t even want to. But, does that mean we shouldn’t join a club, and get a buzz out of training at our own level?

Of course not! Martial Art training has something for everyone, and should be readily available to anyone who wants to give them a try.

To teach all kinds of people however, takes a special skill. A skill that is completely separate to having technical ability. And that skill is called “Teaching ability” because it’s a fact that being good at your subject doesn’t mean you can teach your subject, any more than being able to drive a car makes you a good mechanic.

Background

Not all martial arts instructors

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choose to teach very young children (4-6 years), as they know it will prove an extremely demanding task.

They are, of course, quite correct in this assumption!

It requires a special set of skills, and the author would certainly advise against such an endeavour unless the instructor concerned has undergone some form of specialist training to be able to deal with the complexities involved.

However, it is important that instructors continue to refine their teaching ability as this will help improve performance and maintain good practice in quality assurance throughout. So they are to be encouraged to seek out and undergo such training. In the meantime, here are some of the “basics” to be going

on with: To be able to teach a toddlers class, the instructor will need to understand something about child development, and structure the classes in such a way as to compliment and reinforce this.

Child development has four main aspects, and these are as follows: * Physical * Intellectual * Emotional * Social Collectively, these are known as “PIES” (nice easy way of remembering them!)

Physical Development A pre-school child will have already begun to act independently, they will be able to change into their own budo-gi, and use certain equipment efficiently. In addition, they will have good levels of balance and agility, so you can reasonably expect them to be able to perform kicks, breakfalls and throws.

However, it must always be remembered that they are STILL DEVELOPING, so extensive care must be taken to avoid any and all activities which might have an adverse effect upon their delicate frames (Joint locking, strangles /chokes, rolling over objects, striking hard objects, certain types of exercise, etc).

Intellectual Development The young child’s mind is like sponge when it comes to soaking up information. They love learning new things, and the instructor will need be careful in not taking them “too far, too quickly” because the mind, just like the body, can be overworked and strained.

So make sure that here are regular periods of work (learning) and rest (play) Generally, Toddlers tend to learn best by “doing” (kinaesthetic) rather than too much listening (auditory) or watching (visual). That is to say that although it IS still important that the instructor does continue to both demonstrate and explain what they want the class to be doing, much more emphasis should be placed upon the doing, simply because this is an “active” learning style which requires energy and participation, rather than the more passive ones of sitting still while looking and listening to the instructor while trying not to fidget, pick-noses or fall asleep!

These young learners will already have developed good problem solving ability, so the instructor shouldn’t immediately rush in to correct any minor mistake s/he has noticed (unless some aspect of safety is in danger of being compromised) Rather, they should allow them some time to try and work it out for themselves, as that way they will get a far greater sense of achievement which, in turn, is good for their levels of confidence and self-esteem...

To read more articles like this make sure you get the next issue of Combat available from WH Smiths & all good newsagents WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK COMBAT 31

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Here at magazine we have 10 copies of the new DVD & a 19” HD Ready TV to give away To be in with a chance of winning one of these amazing prizes just answer the following question: Who is the star of ‘Men of War’ a) Steven Seagal b) Dolph Lundgren c)Jean Claude Van Damme Email your name, address and answer to: menofwarcomp@ martialartsinprint.com

Fu Chen Sung The Northern Tiger Fu Chen Sung was born in 1881 in Ma Po village in the Sun Yan County of Honan Province.

Ma Po village was close to the village of Chen Gar Kow, where Tai Chi was originally developed.

By Derek Frearson

Fu Chen Sung

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Hired Teachers

Lee Brothers

The people of Ma Po village established a martial arts academy and hired two well known masters to teach there. Chen Yuen Shee of Chen style Tai Chi was one of them and Ga Fung Ming who taught Pakua was the other. The Young Fu Chen Sung trained hard under these two teachers. Later he had the opportunity to learn Pakua from the great master, Chen Ting-Hua. He was taught without reservation by these men and made rapid progress over the years. He then travelled across China seeking other teachers and eventually became a body guard-cum-security man; a common undertaking by Kung Fu men of the time.

In 1916, Fu was hired by General Lee King Lin (Lee the “God Sword”). Lee was master of the Wudang School. A martial arts contest was held in the army barrracks and after many fierce contests Fu was declared champion and promoted to platoon commander.

General Lee’s brother was a famous fighter named “Lee the God Spear”; he was said to be able to pin a fly to a pane of glass with his spear, without breaking it. Fu was challenged to a friendly bout by the spearman Lee and after a fierce encounter a draw was declared.

Afterwards both the Lee brothers and Fu became close friends, exchanging technical information.

Wushu Institute The central Wushu institute was founded in Nanking in 1928 and Fu was hired as head instructor. A National Wushu tournament was organised. Wong Tak Yuan represented the Sichuan province; he had defeated over 20 opponents. Fu now aged fifty was asked to fight him. Wong’s nickname was “Charging Fists” which was his speciality; he could smash rocks and mark iron with his hands. After ninety rounds Fu defeated Wong. Later Master Fu took part in an exhibition of martial arts at the National Academy of Peking.

Five Northern Tigers In the later part of 1928 five renowned northern masters were invited south. They were popularly known as the Five Northern Tigers.

Master Fu went to Canton and took up a post at the Army Command HQ, University Security Dept. When the Japanese captured Canton in 1938 Master Fu left the area and travelled around teaching the Chinese troops. After the war he returned to Canton and taught at the YMCA.

The Legacy At this time Master Fu began to combine all his knowledge and developed the Fu style of Tai Chi, Fu style Tai Chi Sword, Leung-Yi [Harmonised opposites boxing], Pakua dragon palm, Weapons and many other forms.

On April 26th 1953, in the evening, the Stadium of Canton Cultural Park was packed and all roads leading to it were filled with people, streaming to see the famous Master Fu Chen Sung demonstrate the Pakua dragon palm. Master Fu was called back for encore after encore by the cheering audience. perhaps the strain of this experience and the prolonged efforts were too much for the old master, because five days later he passed away with inflammation of the brain.

After trying to sort out Master Fu, Tiger Yim fled. He returned though with his four sons, armed with weapons. The first son attacked with a pole but Master Fu disarmed him and he punished the other four attackers by injuring their feet.

On another occasion bandits surrounded the village. Master Fu charged out at them with his spear and killed dozens before the rest fled in terror. Went more bandits took the village Master Fu asked the leader to bring out his best twenty men; if he could defeat them then the rest of the bandits should withdraw. The bandit leader agreed; Fu trounced the lot of them and the village was saved.

Fu used his famous” Hurricane Palm” technique.

The Successors Master Fu Chen Sung had four children: two sons Fu Wing Fay and Fu Wing Che, and daughters Fu Qown Sou and Fu Mun Sou. His wife, madam Ho, was also learned in Kung Fu. Master Fu Wing Fay became a worthy successor to his father.

Because of his father’s relationship with the brothers he was able to inherit the Wudang system; he also mastered Yang style Tai Chi and many other styles. He divided the Fu style into three stages and the Wudang sword techniques into five stages. He also improved the Tai Chi and Pakua systems of his father. He has held many prestigious post in China and has the unique status of owning his own gymnasium. His best known student in the west is Master[Madam] Bow Sim Mark, now residing in the U.S.A

The Legend Many amazing stories heve been told about Master Fu’s fighting prowess. I would like to recall a few of them. On returning to his village one time Master Fu found that a Kung Fu master known as Tiger Yim was bullying the locals.

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Choreographing

Yip Man

By Phil Hobden

An Interview W ith Master Leo Au Yeung

Master Leo Au Yeung is one of the UK’s leading Wing Chun practitioner and teacher. Last year he was invited, by the producers, to choreograph the fight scenes for the movie of legendary Wing Chun pioneer Yip Man called Ip Man, alongside genre legends Sammo Hung and Donnie Yen. Of course Yip Man’s most famous pupil was legendary martial artist and actor Bruce Lee who studied under him from 1954 to 1957. In the years since Bruce Lee’s untimely death Wing Chun has become the pre-eminent form of Chinese Kung Fu practiced today.

Combat sat down with Master Yeung to discuss Chinese Kung Fu, Ip Man and working alongside genre legends.

tial arts, which really helped when making the comparison between Wing Chun and other styles.

Who were your influences growing up?

Tell me about your involvement with the project?

LEO AU YEUNG: When I was young Donnie Yen and Jackie Chan influenced me most. As I got older Bruce Lee became another influence on me as he was more of a martial artist come movie star, rather than just a movie star.

LEO AU YEUNG: I stayed in China for nearly two months, and was responsible for coaching the actors and stunt men in Wing Chun. They had to appear to fight like a Wing Chun expert, in the movie. I only had three weeks to train them up, which seemed impossible in the beginning but fortunately most of them had been doing martial arts for more than 10 years so they picked things up really quickly. At the end of this intensive course they had all achieved a decent standard in the art.

After that I spent the rest of my time co-ordinating with Sammo Hung on choreography for the many fighting scenes in the movie. Our biggest challenge was how to make Wing Chun look good on the screen, as you know most Wing Chun movements are very small and complex.

Sometimes we have to exaggerate the movements to made it look better on screen. Of course we still had to keep the essence of Wing Chun. In the end we spent over 7 days to choreograph just 3 mins in the movie.

How did you get into martial arts originally?

LEO AU YEUNG: I had always liked martial arts from when I was 4 years old, however I didn’t know which style to choose or where to start. I was confused and did not know what to do until I met my uncle who had practised Wing Chun for years.

I showed interest in learning kung fu and he introduced me to Wing Chun and suggested that I learnt from Grandmaster Ip Chun who was one of the best known Masters in Hong Kong.

So that’s how I began my Wing Chun training.

How did you get involved in the Ip Man project?

LEO AU YEUNG: One of the Ip Man movie investors is a Wing Chun enthusiast and also a good friend of Master Kwok. His intention in making this movie was to demonstrate the ‘real’ Wing Chun to the rest of the world. For this reason about one year ago he asked around to see if there was anyone people could recommend to him to choreograph the Ip Man movie. He was looking for someone who had a very good understanding of Wing Chun and was able to demonstrate the art in a more traditional manner. Master Kwok straight away thought that I would be the most suitable candidate, because he was truly confident of my ability in Wing Chun, believing me capable of representing him to choreograph the movie. Also I know a wide range of mar42 COMBAT WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK

What was it like working with legends like Sammo Hung and Donnie Yen? LEO AU YEUNG: I only meet Donnie very briefly but the impression he gave me is that he is very passionate about martial arts and is a very professional action actor.

Sammo is a very easy going and humorous person. He was just like a ‘big brother’ to us, he always made sure that he looked after his crew. For example he would always buy us breakfast in the morning, in order to keep us warm.

Sometimes he would ask his wife to cook something on the night before and he would bring it to us in the next day.

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It is difficult for a student to pick a good teacher, but it is more difficult for a teacher to pick a good student Yip Man

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Moreover, he was always one of the first to arrive on set, setting a good example for the rest of the crew. I really respect him and it was a pleasure to work with him.

How about his ability behind the camera?

LEO AU YEUNG: In terms of the Sammo’s capability using a camera and choreography, I do not think anyone could doubt that he is one of the top action directors out there. However, the most difficult bit was how to choreograph something very special and unique for the audience, as you know nowadays most people has seen a lot of action already, it is not easy to create something no one had seen it before.

How influential was Yip Man to Chinese martial arts?

LEO AU YEUNG: Firstly, Yip Man was a great Wing Chun master and you can see from his pictures, he was not a very big guy, yet he was still able to defeat a bigger opponent. Due to that he was really able to demonstrate the accent of Chinese Kung Fu. You don’t have to be massive in size to become a good fighter, it is more important to know how to use your body effectively.

Secondly he was the first person to bring Wing Chun to Hong Kong and in the last thirty years Wing Chun has become one of the most popular martial arts, a lot of people are doing Ip Man Wing Chun worldwide. He was also the teacher of Bruce Lee and I think everyone knows how Bruce influenced Chinese martial arts, a lot of people do Chinese kung fu because him.

What’s your favourite martial arts film?

LEO AU YEUNG: Quite a few really but if you really push me I would say all Lau Kar Leung’s movies, e.g. The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, My Young Auntie and Mad Monkey Kung Fu etc. Of course the more recent one is Ip Man.

Jackie or Jet? LEO AU YEUNG: In my opinion they are both good action actors but I have not seen them fighting in real life so I don’t know how good they are and which one is better.

What’s the best fight scene you have ever seen?

LEO AU YEUNG: I have to say one of the fighting scenes in Ip Man, where Donnie fights one against ten Japanese.

If not martial arts what would you have done?

LEO AU YEUNG: I don’t really know because without martial arts I would be a different person. May be I would just be like most people stay at home playing Xbox etc.

You run a martial arts school in London. Tell me more...

LEO AU YEUNG: The objective of our school is to teach first-rate traditional Chinese kung fu. I only teach kung fu to a small group of people, because I believe quality is more important than quantity, especially in Wing Chun. For me half of an inch difference is dead or alive. I pay attention to every single detail, even if one finger is out of place it is a mistake to me. I always tell my students it does not matter how many years you have been training, it is more important how correctly you train. I do not teach martial art for living, this means I don’t need to run my school like a business or factory, my first priority is to train my students, not to increase the numbers at the school.

In wing Chun it is important to have correct body structure and arm position, it just takes an inch out of position to have a negative impact on a student. In larger classes you don’t have the opportunity to notice or correct this and over a period of time the fault becomes a habit with the student.

This flaw becomes apparent when the student goes onto Chi Sau, where there is more opportunity for an opponent to hit you. I find it sad, when I Chi Sau with some Wing Chun practitioners, who have trained for years, only to find they have not even covered the foundations properly.

With thanks to Master Yeung. You can find out more about Master Leo Au Yeung at www.chinesekungku.co.uk.

IP MAN is available on Import DVD from HKFlix.com priced $14.95 and should be out in the UK later this year. photo from Ip Man the film

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BUNBU SERIES

By Mike Finn - Leading World Authority

Martial Arts I

look at the illusion of trick. By way of example, there are a few skilful exponents who can thrust their fingers through a pine board, others

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perceives the truth), most can not discern the illusion from the real event. In this article I will deal with suggestion and hypnotism, both of which fringe the borders of magic and martial arts.

In both cases people are easily seduced into not perceiving what is really happening.

When I teach martial arts, I believe that that student is beginning a journey of self exploration, each one, by trial and error, unlocks truths within themselves. The training (with guidance) perfects their techniques, and experience hones their potential to towards perfection. Many students never perceive the reality, that the technique is only a vehicle, the real power rests with them. Students often leave when they reach a stagnant period in their training, never realizing that this often occurs when the mind and body are assimilating information on a more subconscious level. The instructor is a guide, if a student does not see the bigger picture, the instructor can influence their perception of it, but there comes a point where influence gives was to coercion. This coercion can often have unhealthy undertones, for example, when the instructor wants the student to stay, for his own financial reason, for the prestige of the club, or for some personal ulterior motive outside the well being of the student. In my opinion it is better to let the student leave, rather than cross the line at this point. However, some instructors

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n writing about magic in martial arts I have kept an open mind, but since early times it is an undisputable fact that many classical ryu have used magical rituals. Such renown systems as Katori Shinto Ryu used divination and cast spells. This aspect of combative studies has been a part of fighting skills and warfare that date back beyond the Assyrian and Babylonian era some 3000 years ago. Even the die hard sceptic must wonder why something that has no validity whatsoever, has lasted for so many generations.

There is a difference between Magic and conjuring, the latter is a trick or deception that appears to be magic. In martial arts both concepts play a role, but in this article we will

The training (with guidance) perfects their techniques, and experience hones their potential to towards perfection

Can the minds of martial arts students be influenced enough to lose sight of reality?

This article deals with these issues

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put the wood in the oven to dry out the water content, then appear to thrust the fingers through the board, but on contact, use the knife hand, the speed masks the split second change. In both cases the onlooker is impressed (only the sharpest eye

Finn sensei (right) with his Kendo teacher senator Yano (left) at the government dojo in Japan. Learning comes from the student, kmnowledge from the teacher

Part 12

The Magic of

Teaching martial arts is a serious responsibilty, the student is in the hands of the instructor and that position must not be abused

instantly demoralized, enough to turn the winds of war. Some samurai gave accounts of Ninja clearing a 10 foot

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his power and presence, to the extent that they assisted in the killing of a particular man and assisted in the disposal of is body.

These are matters of fact, not fantasy.

Magic in the martial arts can take many forms, both real and imagined, I will continue to explain the actual process of hypnotism and suggestion in the next article, so that the reader will be better informed and I hope circumvent any potential risks in martial arts.

Article By Michael Finn (see club directory Or www.elite-int.com)

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and organizations go well beyond that line. It is at this point the substance of this article begins.

We are all the product of life conditioning, which often begins on a conscious level, for example: brushing our teeth, dressing, using the toilet, stopping at red traffic lights, in time, this repeated behaviour becomes ëhabití on a more subconscious level. Without going into the complexities of this subject, it is reasonable to say that, as much goes on behind the scenes as it does in the open. Take for example watching television: we just sit in front of the screen and enjoy what we are watching, however, in the background, subtle technology is bringing the signal to the television, complicated electronics are making the picture and sound possible, and at the studio a multitude of technicians and others are producing the programme you are watching.

Even imperceptible aspects of the programme can affect our emotions in some way. For instance, we are seldom aware of the subtle role music plays in creating moods of excitement, sorrow, happiness, and other emotion, while watching a drama or comedy. Even the fact that the sound increases when advertisements come on, escapes the notice of many. Our lives are a long collection of experiences, from which our individuality is formed, but like watching television, there is a lot more influencing us than appears on the surface. It is the grey area of our perception that is often the target for control by hypnosis or suggestion. These principles were often used by Ninja and similar fraternities to great effect.

The Ninja were masters at seducing the mind of the enemy, they spread false rumours, found weaknesses of the mind to entice favours, and manipulate others consciousness to serve their ends. Because of their subtle subterfuges, both samurai and ordinary folk alike, believed them to possess supernatural powers. During the siege of one castle, there was a superstition, that if the north gate of the castle moved by itself, it heralded defeat. The Ninja exploited this by concealing an agent, then at the appropriate moment forced the gate to move. The result was that many were

Some samurai gave accounts of Ninja clearing a 10 foot wall in a single leap wall in a single leap, often a spring board was concealed in the shrubbery of the castle to effect this feat.

However, many samurai only believed what they saw, not how it was achieved. Which brings me back to the second paragraph of this article.

In modern time there have been a number of incidents where martial arts students have been seduced by hypnosis and suggestion. One case I dealt with involved an adolescent and pre-adolescent class. The teacher used hypnosis and suggestion to secure inappropriate relationships with a number of his students.

He first took them to a level of exhaustion during training, from which they were more susceptible to suggestion. He further use specific verbal methods and massage, which allowed him to create certain perceptions in their mind and this led to his inappropriate actions. In another case the master used various methods of illusion to gain the confidence of some mature and powerful male students. Over time they were coerced into believing absolutely in

Marial arts is not like needle work, a technique must be proved to be effective. This often involves pain, but the line is crossed when the point is proved by injury. A teacher can influence a student, but when unhealthy coercion is used another line is crossed

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AMA Amateur Martial Associations

AMA is the largest Martial Arts Organisation in the British Isles. It is the Governing Body for over 6,000 clubs and 90,000 members. Most of these have been with us for over 35 years. We must be doing something right!

Join the AMA now and get the best national and international recognition, the best access to courses and competitions, national and world-wide.

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CLUB AND COMPETITION GRANTS ALL STYLES WELCOME CLUB AND COMPETITION GRANTS CRB CHECKS (Criminal Record Bureau clearance) AMA is affiliated to:

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ITF - International Taekwondo Federation SKGB - Scottish Karate Governing Body

WKEA - World Kali Escrima Associations World Pencak

Sole mandate GB

EKF - English Karate Federation

WCJJO - World Council Ju-Jitsu Organisation

WKF - World Karate Federation

To see national AMA listings of over 13,000 instructors/clubs on the web, type: www.bt.com/thephonebook then in ‘business’ type: martial arts and town For an information pack without obligation, call us, alternatively you can fax or post the coupon to the address below.

AMA001/07

Tom Hibbert MBE, FSMA - AMATEUR MARTIAL ASSOCIATIONS 66 Chaddesden Lane, Chaddesden, Derby DE21 6LP Name: Address:

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BEA001/10

The worst

case scenario Intelligent strategy and clever power in an un-winnable situation What are your motivations for learning martial art? To get fit, lose weight and build self confidence? To become a better fighter? Or to prepare for the worst case scenario? one confrontation, often against someone using the same “style” and adhering to the same basic rules. As such the techniques and mindset trained are in keeping with this. For example, many of the grappling arts excel in one-on-one (especially ring rules) fights. However, the skill

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What can I do in such a situation?

First, and most importantly, I have to exit as quickly as possible. I have to move fast out of the vicinity and keep moving. Standing still and slugging is a recipe for disaster. Environmental awareness, an understanding of relative body position and how to get between people and use humans as shields will be highly advantageous.

The environment itself can be used as a weapon - if you live in an urban environment you are surrounded by concrete, sharp corners, brick walls and moving vehicles, all of which can be used as weapons.

Secondly, upon contact with an opponent, the ability to press the attack by moving forward into him and short circuiting his defences to my counter attack will increase my chances during engagement...

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Personally I couldn’t care less about my weight and I know that I’m never going to be the best fighter in the world.

But what if I run into the worst case scenario?

The fundamental question facing martial artists is what kind of fight are you preparing for? The type of fight being prepared for will determine both fighting strategy and tool development.

A “fair” one-on-one fight, either in the ring or in the street, will usually produce a clear winner and a loser.

A fight between one person and several others will have a more ambiguous outcome, with the odds stacked heavily against the lone individual. One person fighting a large group of armed assailants will have very low odds of survival. In fact in the latter, worst case scenario, escape and survival itself will be the best that can be realistically hoped for.

Many martial arts systems and training methods encourage the practitioner to think of a fight in terms of a winnable, one-on-

Self-defense is only an illusion, a dark cloak beneath which lurks a razor-sharp dagger waiting to be plunged into the first unwary victim

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- Wong Shun Leung

sets that the grappling arts promote may not be best suited to dealing with multiple, possibly armed, assailants.

I prefer to think of a fight in terms of multiple armed assailants and thus an un winnable situation that I can at best survive with minimum injury to myself.

To read the rest of this article why not order a back issue, for details call +44 (0) 121 344 3737

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Stability Training for effective kicking

2 Part

In the first part of this article, I introduced and emphasised the need to improve stability and balance in and around the core (abdominal and spinal) muscles; this in turn will offer you a stable platform, from which you can kick. For this follow up article I will expand on this subject by focusing attention on the deep stabilisers and mobilisers of the hip, knee and ankles; through practice you will note increased balance, flexibility (without additional stretching), reduced muscle strain (particularly the hamstrings) and increased power (strength and speed) through increased muscle activation and co-ordination.

Exercise Sequence To help organise your training, I have adopted a ground-up approach; this highlights the need to work from the ankles, up to the knee and then up again to the hips. This approach follows the path in which load or shock is transmitted when kicking an opponent, bag or landing during a kick i.e. during a front, turning kick - the load/shock flows from the foot into the ankle, knee and hip before entering the abdominals and spine. It is essential you develop a thorough grounding in the exercises as noted in pt1 in order to reduce spinal stress by dissipating any shock throughout the core and body.

Tempo

Overview of timing for exercises

As noted in pt 1, the need to control the speed which you perform each exercise is essential. This is emphasised (in the programme below) by a series of numbers which highlights the pace (in seconds) that you should perform each part of an exercise - for further information refer to Jan issue of Combat for pt 1.

Stability exercises for ankles, knees and hips Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a common mistake for athletes and non-athletes alike to introduce stability training as part of a rehabilitation program; this typically entails a number exercises using a the wobble board, Reebok step, BOSU or (worst case scenario) a stability ball.

My concern (In some 90% of the cases) is simple: if you are unable to stabilise on a flat and stable surface, how can you stabilise if you are recovering from injury? Instead you will simply reinforce rigidity, which in turn may lead to an oversensitive injury prone, joint/muscle.

The aim of the following exercises is to pre-habilitate your joints and surrounding muscles, while you have a degree of stability and physical awareness of your strengths and weaknesses. The benefit of Prehabilitation is injury prevention or/and increased recovery during the rehabilitation stage; once you are satisfied with the increased levels of stability you can then progress to a basic

maintenance program. Incredibly, the need to perform lower-body training on an unstable surface may (even when injury free) be counterproductive as we are rarely on such a surface. Should such exercises be introduced you need to first develop stability in a stable environment before progressing to an unstable one. For this reason all of the following exercises are performed on a flat hard surface with shoes removed. As with most stability exercise it is common to see people hold their breath as they concentrate, to help relax, keep breathing through each repetition.

The aim of this article is to emphasise the need to improve/maintain stability before any injury occurs; in-turn this will increase activation of the surrounding muscles and eventually your ability to perform a more effective kick. As mentioned all of these exercise may be progressed to an unstable platform such as a wobble board, however you must first develop a foundation of stability on the ground before considering such exercises.

Exercise

Duration/reps

Tempo

Rest

Ankle stability 1

60 seconds x 15 reps

Up 2, hold >60, down 2, repeat

30 seconds

Ankle Stability 2

>30 seconds x 15 reps

Up 2, hold >30, down 2, repeat

30 seconds

Ankle Stability 3

>15 seconds x 15 reps

Up 2, hold >15, down 2, repeat

30 seconds

Hip stability 1

>15 reps x 15 reps

Up 2, hold >15, down 2, repeat

Rest while performing exercise on opposite side

Down 4, hold 1, up 2

45 seconds

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Ankle Stability Set up * Begin in an upright position, feet hip width apart and knees slightly bent (soft), your chest and head held high. * Slowly bend your left knee to 90째 Action * While your knee is bent, focus on the movement in your ankle, as it rocks left to right: your aim is to control any fast movements by SLOWLY compensating to the opposite side in order to counteract any imbalances. * While stabilising through your ankle you also need to focus on the position of your pelvis and upper body as you maintain a level pelvis and a straight and up-right spine. * Hold this position, progressing up to 60 seconds * Repeat on other leg Notes * All movements should be performed very-slowly, the typical cause of loss of balance is over-compensation (in other words, you cause your own imbalance by trying too hard and to fast) * To improve upper-body sway, place your finger tips on a nearby wall or on the open palm of a partner; the aim to use this as a pressure gauge (and not a support) as you place more pressure on your fingers, slowly stop and move (counter-act) in the opposite direction)

Progression - Ankle Stability 2 Action * As with image 1, however this time close your eyes * Focus you mind onto the actions within your ankle; you will note how keen your focus is on every minute change in your foot and ankle. Take advantage of this heightened-perception by compensating appropriately - trying to hard will lead to overbalancing * Repeat on the other leg Notes * The typical response is to over-compensate and fall over, so perform all counter-active responses in slow motion. * Keep breathing at all times as the concentration levels typically leads to breath holding

Ankle Stability 3 Set up * Begin in an upright position, feet hip width apart and knees slightly bent (soft), your chest and head held high. * Slowly bend your left knee to 90째 Action * Perform a calf raise while on your supporting leg * Repeat on other leg Notes * To reduce cramping and fatigue, you may adjust the height of your heel from the floor, however the aim to keep it raised, while maintaining stability and balance for up to 15 seconds * Keep breathing and hold an upright posture at all times * Use a wall, partner to help gauge improve your awareness * Cramping in the base of the foot may indicate tightness, to reduce or eliminate such problems, please refer to foot massage instructions in the January and February issues of Combat

To read the rest of this article why not order a back issue, for details call +44 (0) 121 344 3737 WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK COMBAT 61

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XL IN MARTIAL ARTS

By Silvio Simac

Weight Training Vs Martial Arts No journey is too long or too hard once you find what you had been looking for!

Each journey, each step begins with a thought process so start by thinking positive.

Think BIG and work hard and you will achieve HUGE !

In early 1965 Bruce Lee emerged in superb physical condition. At the age of 13 Bruce Lee began to study Wing Chun (Kung Fu) under Master Yip Man, Bruce trained arduously and continuously on a daily basis so that by the time he reached his 20’s he appeared to be in a great shape as most will recall from his early movies.

On our quest for personal excellence we seek for teachers, books and personal trainers. Those sources can provide a guide but the ultimate truth lies within each individual. Wisdom starts with a question.

To find those answers one should note the numerous sources (both

technical and through personal observation) Bruce Lee employed in his research and seek to follow this scientific pattern of problem resolution. The greatest talents that Bruce Lee brought to realizing his dream were intelligence and curiosity (hand in hand, a powerful combination), dedication and perseverance (stick to activeness even in the face of intervening obstacles), and focus (enjoying the journey as much as the thought of arriving at the destination).

Bruce’s martial art, Jeet Kune Do, which is an all-encompassing approach to living life at the pinnacle of developed potential, naturally

includes training the physical body to achieve peak performance.

It is fascinating that more than a quarter of a c entury has elapsed since Bruce Lee’s passing in July 1973 from a cerebral edema yet people are still talking about the physique of a man who stood five feet, seven and a half inches tall and weighted around 135 pounds.

Martial artists to this day continue to revere his physical dexterity, power and speed as well as the genius he displayed in bringing science to bear on the world of unarmed combat. Moviegoers are impressed with the man’s animal magnetism and the fact that he single handily created a new genre of action film. Opening the door for the likes of Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger who followed in his footsteps.

Weight Training Vs Martial Arts.

East Meets West, martial Arts merge into Martial Science. Body building luminaries like Lou “The Incredible Hulk=E 2 Ferrigno, Rachel McLish, Flex Wheeler, Shawn Ray, Lenda Murray, Dorian Yates and Lee Haney all pay homage to the impact Bruce Lee’s physique had on their bodybuilding career.

One of the reasons for the difference in musculature between the typical bodybuilder and Bruce Lee was 64 COMBAT WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK

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that Lee’s muscles were not built simply for the purpose of show, as were many body builders but above all he was concerned with FUNCTION !

The standards of technical excellence in martial arts are based on the evolution of traditional techniques. However, many of the training methods that were used in the past would be unacceptable today.

Although much of the current state of martial arts is firmly rooted in history, their continued development and credibility depend upon a willingness to adopt new practices and methods.

So, what are these functions of muscle? What are the components that make a sports person complete? What makes a Complete Martial Athlete?

This has been referred to as the “S” factor. * Skill * Speed * Strength * Stamina * Suppleness * “P” sychology

You see where I am coming from?

From the S - Factor we can identify the different components that are required in different ratios to different sports. Each of the S-Factors should be included in any training session, irrespective of their degree of importance. Ignoring one or completely taking it out of the equation is like pulling a component out of a transistor radio. No matter how small or insignificant it may seem, the radio will cease to work.

Sport in the 21st Century has evolved to a higher level of performance than ever imagined by our

predecessors. Sports performance today is a result of many variables, not least of which is greatly improved strength and conditioning programs.

Creating a stronger, faster, more powerful body is the priority of most athletes and coaches.

Strength training is an accepted part of training for most sports. In a quest to use the best form of strength training, coaches as well as sports scientists have closely examined the sport of weightlifting. After all, weightlifters are among the strongest, most powerful athletes in the sporting world.

To read the rest of this article why not take out a subscription by calling +44 (0) 121 344 3737

I see many martial artists who put most of their time, commitment and focus into developing their skill. It is crucial to have the skill, however, you=2 0may have the driving skills of Michael Schumacher but if you are driving an old, rusty 1.2 litre vehicle, you don’t stand much of a chance of completing your race. This is when you take your car into the garage to make some alterations, install a bigger engine, twin turbo injection, new exhaust etc, etc....

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LESSONS FOR THE CAGE

By Gavin Mulholland

Taking the Back t should really go without saying that wherever the nature of a fight, and wherever that fight goes, one of your primary objectives should be to obtain positional advantage over your opponent.

In Goju-Ryu Karate terms this comes in the form of the second Kata. The first Kata (Gekisai Dai Ichi) is all about how to attack and smash opponents. The second kata (Gekisai Dai Ni) teaches you to get positional advantage through footwork, evasion and body movement before unleashing that attack.

Positional advantage is not limited to the martial arts - it is crucial in any form of combat - armed or unarmed. To the Air Force positional advantage is often about establishing control of the skies over an intended battlefield, or indeed country - hence the Battle of Britain in WWII, and more recently the overwhelming display of superiority in the skies over Iraq before and during operation Desert Storm. To the Army, positional advantage is about taking the high ground or forcing he fight to happen where you want it to.

Examples would be the battle of Monte Casino in 1944, or the legendary Spartan battle of the 300 at Thermopylae in 480 BC. In Naval terms, positional advantage is about positioning of vessels for blockade purposes, or positioning ships in such a way as to bring maximum firepower to bear on enemy vessels.

Examples from history would be the German blockade of the Scheldt between September 1944 and November 1944, effectively denying the port of Antwerp to all allied shipping; or Admiral Nelson’s stunning defeat of the Spanish and French fleets at the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. At Trafalgar the combined French/Spanish fleet lost 22 of their

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33 ships while the Royal Navy lost none of their 27 and it was all down to Nelson’s brilliance in obtaining positional advantage over a superior enemy force.

I’m at risk of turning this article into a history lesson so I’ll stop there but hopefully the basic message is clear - obtaining positional advantage over your opponent vastly increases the probability of you winning the fight.

And possibly the most advantageous position you can get in the Cage is for you to be on your opponents back, so we are going to look at one way this might be achieved.

Let’s assume that you have both hit the ground and during the scramble you are now both on your knees and facing each other in a loose clinch. As soon as you can (this position will be very transitory and will not last for long) reach across your body with your right hand and take hold of your opponent’s right elbow.

Pulling his right arm across your body, start to move to his right side as you pull him further forward.

Strike your right arm into his throat as you move your left hand to press down upon his back.

Swing your left leg over his body as you place your right hand in the crook of your left arm. Work both

feet in over his thighs to secure your hooks and stretch him out with your legs by driving your hips towards the floor. Constrict to obtain the submission.

On of the most common mistakes of all submission work is people attempting to apply a technique from an unsuitable position. Apart from not working, this simply alerts your opponent as to your intentions and so destroys any advantage that you might have had in the first place. A lot of people work on the actual mechanics of submission techniques. Fewer people spend time working on the delivery strategies that enable you to get that technique to actually work for real in combat. Work out and set up some training drills where you only fight for position irrespective of actual techniques.

As a basic rule - always fight for position first, technique second.

Gavin Mulholland is the author of the number one bestselling book, Four Shades of Black - The Traditional Path to Building the Complete Fighter. He is joint Chief Instructor for Daigaku Karate Kai and the Chief Instructor for DKK Fighters based in Central London.

DKK can be contacted via www.goju-karate.co.uk or directly on 07976-411-901.

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By Dave Ryan

THE WON

Watford Open National 2009

The WON competition, held again this year at Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre, proved to be a huge success.

Once again the numbers exceeded expectation, with clubs from all over the country in attendance.

Including, amongst many, Storm Kickboxing Academy and WCKA from Wales, London Predators, MAD DOGS, and Airborne from Liverpool.

Daveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own Club, Watford Freestyle Kickboxing were well represented with many amongst them fighting competitively for the first time. The WON is fast proving to be a good competition to break in any novice fighters, as the atmosphere on the day is fabulous and this seems to give all of the competitors a lift.

Dave and Becky also have the knack of attracting many Clubs that are not seen on the usual circuits, which gives fighters a boost as they find themselves facing opponents that are an unknown quantity.

There were so many outstanding performances on the day, that it has been difficult to choose who to men-

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tion. All sections this year were well represented, but I think that a special mention should go to Daniel Beeston of MAD DOGS, who came away triumphant in both the Boys -140cm Coloured Belt Semi Contact and Light Contact categories, after having to fight his way through five rounds in each to take the winners trophy from Jake Morgan of Storm Kickboxing Academy in Semi Contact and Korben Ward of MAD DOGS in Light Contact. One to watch for the future I think!!

Matthew Richardson of L.K.A., also had to fight his way through five rounds to lift the winners trophy in the Boys Novice under 9 Years section, where he triumphed over his own team mate, Conna Wilson in Semi Contact. Ria Davidson from Kaison, lifted the winners trophy in the Girls -160cm Light Contact category, after a close fought match against Jay Newth from Storm

Kickboxing Academy, but Jay managed to take first place in the Semi Contact Category, beating Shannon Weir from South East Academy.

The Open Weight Categories saw record entries this year. The Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s section was particularly well represented with the final being contested between Michael Page, from London Predators and Dave Hughes from Hughes Shorai.

It was a fabulous contest with Michael Page lifting the Winners Belt and taking the Prize Fund. The Ladies Open Weight saw last years winner, Lorraine Hughes, from Hughes Shorai beaten by Beverley Sturzaker from NSKA, in the opening rounds. Beverley then went on to the final where she met Tara Billingham from CMA. After a hard fought contest, Beverley triumphed, taking home both the belt and prize money. Congratulations to both Michael and Beverley.

To read more articles like this make sure you get the next issue of Combat available from WH Smiths & all good newsagents WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK COMBAT 87

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