There are times when the only way to advance is to back up. It seems fitting that I am considering such a proposition while we spend a few days at this quiet retreat with its famous houses and the ghosts of world-famous visitors. I can hear the discussions of many seekers echoing through the acres of orange groves; a nice place to stop for a time and take a retreat. Read more →
May
22
2013
22
2013
May
17
2013
17
2013
Staying Fit with Wang Pei Sheng
Wang Pei Sheng Health Exercises click
We have a lot of new titles in Chinese to put up. Here is that internationally well-known instructor, Wang Pei Sheng. Unlike some of his more advanced material, this is a book of health maintenance and disease-warding exercises. As used to be the case in Kung Fu history (Wang is an expert in Taiji, Xing Yi, Bagua and Tong Bei) many martial teachers would suggest specialized,—one might even say custom-fitted exercises—for people who were not their own student necessarily, but needed a little help. This book came out of a series of Q & A with Wang’s responses both written and illustrated. All in traditional Chinese characters.
May
15
2013
15
2013
Precision and Poetry
If you are the kind of person who believes that what is said in poetry could be said a lot simpler and more to the point, then you are not going to like this article. Because my contention is the opposite: that there are analogies, similes, metaphors and other devices of communications that are actually the most efficient because they allow the finest degrees of shading. Read more →
May
13
2013
13
2013
Master Camp 2007: LiuHeBaFa
Another of the China’s Living Treasure series with an emphasis on LiuHeBaFa style. This DVD shows standing exercises and single actions movements from LHBF. George Xu helps with the translation as Yun Yin Sen shows his Primordial Qi gathering technique. Also George gives one of his insightful presentations on the topic of “quiet” in the martial arts.
From #25060 and the CLT catalog:
“This title focuses on the Huayue Xinyi Liuhebafaquan system, also known as “water boxing”. This system is from the Sung dynasty and older than taijiquan. On this volume Master Yun Yin Sen focus on the fundamentals and internal practice of this system. Although Master Yun demonstrates the entire form at the end of this title, this should not be viewed as a form instruction title. The content of this camp was to focus on the internal and external fundamentals of this Sung dynasty system. Master Yun came to the USA at the direction of the head of the Xinyiliuhebefaquan Association in Shanghai to disseminate this teaching
There are eight sections covering: standing forms, standing instruction, individual basics, ”Circulation of the Primordial Qi” form demonstration, “Circulation of the Primordial Qi” form training, “Circulation of the Primordial Qi” form with no sound with which to practice, demonstration of the entire Liuhebaquan form and a scroll of the qualities of this system. The “Circulation of the Primordial Qi” form is their qi internal training method. Practitioners of this system do not refer to it as qigong, however, although in the West in would fall in this category. This form is extremely useful for general health and not limited to the practice of this system. Master George Xu does the commentary and English explanations of this system.”
May
6
2013
6
2013
Featured Schools: Yau Kung Moon
Foster City: May 5, 2013
One day, Debbie and I decided to raid our collection of old Kung Fu Theater VHS tapes and convert them to digital so we could share on Youtube. One of these in particular, a demonstration of Yao Kung Moon style, has brought a surprising number of views. We even heard from Sifu David Louie, who was the guest and demonstrator on this particular KF Theater, who contacted Plum with a request for a minor change in the spelling of the style. His warmth and manners shone through his email and we decided to go up and visit him and his class. Sifu Louie cordially invited us to stay through the entire three-hour session at his residence in Foster City. During this time, I saw a fascinating cross-section of this relatively little-known style, with practitioners at different levels all training hard but, also, having a lot of fun. Read more →
May
5
2013
5
2013
Two China Masters Camps: La Honda
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Here is a offering from the China’s Living Treasure series with participating masters from arts such as Xin Yi Liu He, Chen Tai Chi, Lan Shou and LiuHeBaFa along with loads of drills and instruction on such diverse topics as XY Ten Animals, Reeling Silk practices, a Xin Yi power form, types of energy and, truly, the nature of “quiet.”
From #25061 and the CLT catalog: “Master Qian Zhao Hong is a member of Shanghai Wu Shu Association, Vice Chairman of Institute of Shanghai Pa-Kua, Vice Chairman of Institute of Shanghai Wu Dong Qigong. The majority of the content in this volume is taken from the first demonstration night at camp. It begins with Master Qian demonstrating the 250 year old Chan Ssu (spiral) taijiquan form followed by section explaining it. Master Xu continues with demonstration of the Chen taijiquan form performed with different intentions and continues with further explanations and applications. Master Qian performs the rare Fighting form from the 6 harmony/ 10 animal xinyi system. This is only the second and last time this form was performed in North America. Master Qian follows with the applications of the form with students. Master Xu demonstrates Lan Shou Chuan from and also demonstrates applications following with students. This title concludes with Master Qian discussing his history and martial theory responding from questions from students.”
May
4
2013
4
2013
Fun Stuff: The Golden Age of Kung Fu Theater
Anyone remember that great period on TV when Tat Mau Wong hosted Kung Fu Theater? Sifu would interview a different guest each week and then the teacher would go out on the floor and demonstrate his specialty. If you do remember, here it is. And if you don’t you are in for a treat.
So far…
Kung Fu Theater
Kung Fu Theater
Yao Gong Men performed by Sifu Louie
Sifu Lacey showing his Buck Sing Choy Lai Fut
Henry Look and his Guang Ping Tai Chi
Li Wing Kay shows Lau Fat Man’s Eagle Claw
NEW! Mckee Quan shares his Tibetan White Crane style
May
3
2013
3
2013
KW040: A new White Eyebrow book
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Once again, long time practitioner Tyler Rea has produced a training manual. This time his subject is one of those styles that you can research for a long time without finding much information: Bak Mei or the White Eyebrow system. This scarcity of information may be in part from the legend that Bak Mei was instrumental in the burning of the Shaolin Temple. But it is just as likely that there are few practitioners and the style has many “hidden hands.” Either way, Bak Mei is known for its tight, serious and fast hands, its sticky hands and its point attacks. In this new book Tyler explains many of the key concepts to the style and, for good measure, throws in an interesting section on the “Beggar style” of Kung Fu. Applications shown, no form.
Apr
28
2013
28
2013
The Yang style of Lu Gui Rong
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This is another strong production from One Hand Video. The master introduced here is Lu Gui Rong, a practitioner for more than half a century. His expertise in Yang and Wu/Hao styles is evident from his Tai Chi movement. In this stand-alone DVD he shows two good routines. The first is a series of “warm ups” all demonstrating the Tai Chi approach and not a re-hash of Yoga or some other borrowed actions. Next he gives a lengthy series based on Tai Chi’s famous Eight Energies and shows how to loop them continuously and how most of them work in application. I find that as my practice deepens the so-called basic moves offer more and more insight to the whole framework of the Tai Chi experience. Here is experience first hand.
Apr
21
2013
21
2013
Single Change Palm: from Pa Kua Chang Journal
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With the gracious permission of its publisher, Dan Miller, we reprint an article from one of our favorite Bagua resources: The Pa Kua Journal. This CD, available here, contains the entire run of this breakthrough magazine- over 1000 pages of interviews, source material, training tips, historical notes and a wealth of photographs of Bagua masters, greater and lesser known. We can never say enough good things about this treasure. I remember marveling at the quality and depth of the work with a perfect combination of translations from the Chinese and contemporary experts, wondering how many people were aware of this first-class reporting and information. Now you can have it at your fingertips. Here is a nice piece showing Sung Pao Kung’s instruction on the Single Change Palm of the Fu style …
Apr
16
2013
16
2013
Li Shu Wen, Spearman Extraordinaire
The Bear and the Tiger was one family. The Eagle and the Monkey (or some say the Snake) was another family. Once they had all been intermarried but at one point in history they split and lived in two villages: Mong and Luo. Read more →
Apr
13
2013
13
2013
Baji Quan Heritage–New Book!
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Probably the greatest number of Baji forms we have seen in a single volume. The author, Wang Shi Quan, studied under Wu Bin and concentrates on the Wu lineage of this great style of Kung Fu. Baji Quan is becoming better known every day. But, due to the rather thin line of heritage, Baji high level instruction is not easily avaiable. This book shows many forms—empty handed and with weapons—through pretty clear photography. A lot of photos and forms, somewhat a guide to Baji Quan.
Apr
11
2013
11
2013
Seminar in Santa Cruz: Blossoms in the Spring Qigong
For those of you in the greater Santa Cruz area, we are once again hosting a seminar on Blossoms in the Spring Qigong, a simple, meditative Qigong practice for healing and rejuvenation. This ancient Taoist Qigong is easy to learn but profound in its effects. It is suitable for all levels of experience and can be performed sitting, standing or lying down. We’ll learn the routine, practice together, drink tea, and explore the place of Qigong in Chinese medicine and healing. Our companion text and DVD are also available.
Taught by Narrye Caldwell, a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and 30 year practitioner of Tai Chi and Qigong. Narrye is a faculty member of Five Branches University with a private practice which includes classical Feng Shui, Chinese astrology, and shamanic healing, as well as acupuncture and herbology. Read more →
Apr
7
2013
7
2013
Two Areas of Special Interest
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We have a lot of new material coming for our Chinese division and I thought we would start with a couple of unusual items. First is a branch form of Shaolin. There is indeed such a branch as Shaolin “Word” style which uses key words to teach its concepts. And this form is “3 Roads 5 Words,” a pretty sophisticated set if the illustrations are any judge. So for those who like the slightly exotic or with a general interest….
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We also have a new combination book and DVD on a Northern region of China and its martial culture. This section of Hebei boasts many styles such as Pigua, Bagua, Eagle Claw Six Harmony and more. The book and DVD give representative forms of Baji, FanZi and Yang Tai Ji from YanZhao. (Just as an aside the Yang TC looks very close to my own Yang TC which was derived from Tian Shan Pai style of Taiwan. Very smooth, similar structure. There are many intersections in the world of Kung Fu.)
Apr
3
2013
3
2013
Indirect Thinking
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Yang Taiji The Untold Story by Jason Tsou and Arthur Schonfeld is not the easiest of Plum’s offerings. It is an in-depth breakdown on just exactly what is occurring in the martial art of Taiji. I believe that many of the principles explained are known—or should be—to most advanced martial practitioners. Seeing these ideas formulated in alternative ways, by different teachers can be fascinating. This is especially true of examples like those found in this text, because the authors have chosen to expound their ideas with an internally consistent and thorough approach.
Like the better martial arts texts, this one is good because it is generous. At the beginning level martial texts tell you what to do. At the higher level, like this book, they tell you what not to do and also where to look for some ideas that might make you think, “Hmmm!” as Arsenio Hall used to say.
For example, I read on page 28.
… If we look at any internal style, be it Taiji, Bagua, Xinyi, or a less popular style, a major criteria for judging its effectiveness is how indirect, or reaction, force is used and what training methods are employed to make practitioners effective in this usage.
Perhaps the best way to describe this process is to say that whenever one moves in Taiji, one consciously sends one’s energy in a direction that is different from the direction one plans to occupy. Through this act, a new force (the reaction force) is created. This new force is harder for an opponent to detect and therefore more likely to be effective when properly channeled. When a reader understands this concept, he understands what is meant when describing a martial art style as an “internal style.”
I think a lot of advanced CMA stylists would essentially agree with this description though many might use somewhat different terms. I want to focus on one very interesting point, namely that the place you are aiming your body to occupy in the opponent’s space is not the direction you expand in your sensing. How is this possible? Or, more basically, what the heck does it mean?
To help you understand this let me tell you one of my favorite martial sayings. I learned it from my friends in Judo: “Commit 100%, then change!” For some people this advice is an impossibility. Commitment for them is a straight line from “here” to “goal.” But you can’t win at Kung Fu, or basketball for that matter without the ability to change. As you enter an opponent’s space—driving home the efficacy of your technique—you must maintain a field of awareness with diverse options even as you advance single-mindedly. It is a funny feeling sometimes, like watching two computer screens where one version of the image is scaling up while the other is scaling down. You try to squeak through a crack in your opponent’s defense while simultaneously seeing a horizon of possibilities opening up.
That, I think, to be the meaning of this paragraph. Taking the idea of Yin and Yang seriously we can say that the more directly your crash through the opponent’s line of defense the more sensory information you must process. And, even as you find your goal, you must also alter your actions to express your new information. This is true of everything from checkers to high finance but few arts ask you to do it all alone to this depth while physically and mentally perfecting your movement. This is just one example of the “untold” reasons which make Kung Fu training, in all its forms, is so captivating to so many millions of people.
Apr
1
2013
1
2013
Drunken Style Staggers Back
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Neil Ripski has added significantly to his Eight Shadows Drunken Boxing collection. Two of his new offerings are a completely new form and a return visit to his Secrets of Drunken Style #1. In the first case we have the Drunken Dao (Saber) which he breaks down after giving some general instruction on the principles of the saber itself. The other addition is the kind of thing everyone who makes DVDs would like to do but we have almost never seen, namely he has added a new updated version of Secrets of Drunken Boxing #1 empty hand form . So, if you already have the previous incarnation and would like to expand your knowledge of this form or are just interested in the style and might want the “updated” teaching DVD, try this.
Mar
27
2013
27
2013
QA: Bagua Mud-Stepping
Dear Sifu Mancuso,
I have a few important questions as a novice practitioner of Ba Gua Zhang.
First, although one of the principal features of Bagua is Tang Ni Bu (Mud-step walking) why is it that when you watch the films of so many teachers, you do not see them doing this step? Please understand: I’m not questioning, or putting down, I just want to understand why, so often, I see raising the heel and dragging the “ball foot.”
I have also seen many teachers, in different styles, performing different forms of Bagua. I have no objection, I do not question, but I have a sincere desire to understand and understand them. ~A. S-H
Normally when I answer a question like this, I don’t tend to remind people that the following is my opinion. But this time it is important, that this is my own viewpoint.
The purpose of mud-stepping is to streamline every aspect of legwork. The question is not which variation of mud-stepping I practice, but what am I practicing? Let’s break it down. Any mud-step has three components: lift, glide and plant. If you know this, the only other thing you have to know is that every step in Kung Fu is a kick. Every kick in Bagua should be some form of mud-stepping. Bagua, and its sister, Xing Yi, promote the fastest leg actions in all of Kung Fu. They are close to the ground, highly direct, and almost invisible in application. One sign of a good practitioner is the intent he brings to his stepping practice.
So, paradoxically, what you are most likely SEEING is actually what you are NOT seeing: that the principles and benefits of learning and practicing the mud-stepping is already incorporated into the actions of the teacher. Lift, glide and plant are all evident, because the step is efficient in the Bagua manner.
Of course, if you are talking about keeping perfect heel while fighting, let me just comment that it is very cumbersome to move formally while doing applications. However, I think people miss the point. The timing on cocking the ankle just right, for the step, is very very difficult to do 100 perfect times in a row. But if the practitioner is using the correct muscles for the step, mud-stepping is a by-product you can eventually forget.
As far as variations among different Bagua Zhang styles, there must be 30! But each should be done with concentration and, frankly, despite visual differences, the principles remain the same.
I hope this helps! As a matter of fact, if you allow us, we would like to post this to our weblog as a question-and-answer (we would not use your name, of course, and would also change the question to not include any other names of teachers.) Please let us know if this is ok, as we feel many people will benefit from this discussion.
Yours in the martial arts,
Ted
Mar
25
2013
25
2013
Taiji, Xingyi, and Baguaquan Throwing
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Here’s a new, in-depth reference on how you use internal martial arts to throw an opponent.
Sifu Mark Small bring forty years of experience to the subject, freely quoting and siting many famous Modern Masters (as the title says). He shows a good argument for the similarities of the internal arts and some real insights into their application. He compares many movements and their execution, seeking principles and general concepts which can be used by any practitioner of these and related arts. We recommend this book for serious intermediate and advanced students. Throwing from the classic wushu standpoint.
Mar
21
2013
21
2013
Plum’s Newest! Bagua Eight Animals Book & DVD
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We are delighted to announce the arrival of the newest member of our Plum family: The Eight Animals of Bagua Zhang, by Ted Mancuso.
As mentioned in an earlier post, this initial seminar-only project circled ’round to become an expanded book and DVD package. Plum’s particular love for Bagua is not much of a secret; this is the 4th entry in our Bagua series (the first three being the two DVDs, “Bagua: The Art of Change”, plus the book, “Learning Bagua Zhang”.) This newest title offers a foundational routine for both those new to Bagua, and for those practitioners looking to expand their practice. The addition of the Qigong aspects of the Eight Animals, plus some basic pole work on the DVD should, hopefully, present teachings not otherwise widely available.
And to get you started (and because we’re Plum!) we have an introductory price on the package through April 15: the regular retail price of $39.95 for the book and DVD will be discounted to $27.95.
Oh, and if you order before Apr 15, Sifu Mancuso will autograph the book.
For more, and to order, just click the picture above.
Mar
17
2013
17
2013
Chen Pan Ling’s Tiger Crane version
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Photographed at the Fo Guan Temple in Taiwan, this form is derived from the well-known Tiger/Crane Double Shaped Boxing so often associated with the Hung style of Kung Fu. This is an entirely different form yet built upon the twin Tiger Crane energies in an interpretation from Chen Pan Ling through his son. There is a very long 42 minute sequence of Chen Yun Ching’s students group practicing the form. Translated English commentary. Breakdowns of movements with repeated sections and different camera angles.
Mar
14
2013
14
2013
Practice Your Perspectives
A grand-teacher of mine, Ed Parker, used to say that you had to look at each technique from three perspectives: your own; the opponent’s; and then someone watching the fight from some distance, like across the street. Read more →
Mar
12
2013
12
2013
Bagua Zhang’s 8 Animals: First the seminar, now the Book (and DVD!)
Let me be honest: what begins at Plum as a simple idea rarely stays simple.
Our simple idea was to offer some seminars on Bagua Zhang’s Eight Animals as a starting place for those in our area interested in this great practice. And we thought, “Hey! Let’s include a basic manual to aid the students after they’d left the seminar.”
It’s not our way to just ‘bang something out,’ so the basic manual turned into a larger project, Read more →
Mar
8
2013
8
2013
RARE! Pak Mei Tiger Fork by Ng Yiu, books For SALE!
Hi fellow Kung Fu practitioners,
I am in posession of 4 good to very good copies of Pak Mei Tiger Fork by Ng Yiu.
A very rare book out of print. Read more →
Mar
4
2013
4
2013
Chen Pan Ling’s Chun Yang Straight Sword
We have a number of new Chen Pan Ling style DVDs and will post them as we get a chance to review. First of the newest entrees is a very traditional sword set performed by Chen’s son, Chen Yun Ching. There are many versions of the Chun Yang and that, its precision and long history place it among other important swords such as the Kun Wu, the Wu Dang and company. Look for further developments such as advanced Tai Chi information and a rare Southern style set from this group.
Feb
28
2013
28
2013
Bagua Seminar
Last Sunday Plum conducted another Bagua seminar on the Eight Basic animals. What a great turnout! We met new people from locations as scattered as Sana Cruz, Calif., Portland, Oregon; and even Raleigh, North Carolina. It always seems a little daunting at the beginning to teach all eight animals but, by the end of the seminar, students were moving easily between Lion Snake and Bear. There’s a certain energy that occurs when a seminar “clicks” and this had it. It was nice to see a roomful of entwined palms and sepentine legs.
Feb
26
2013
26
2013
Excerpts from our Favorites
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One of our most popular books is the Xing Yi studies of Sun Lu Tang translated by Albert Liu and edited by Dan Miller. Sun knowledge and skill were supposed to be extra-ordinary even if his daughter reminds us that they grew exaggerated with time. Here’s a bit about a challenge Sun faced of international import…
Sun became very well know for his Taiji Quan methods and his ability to apply it. He was so well known that word of his skill had reached Japan. A famous Japanese martial artist was so determined to test Sun’s skill that he convinced the Emperor of Japan to send him to China to fight Sun. In 1921, the Japanese martial artist came to visit Sun and, speaking through an interpreter, said, “I heard that you practice a Chinese martial art method which uses soft to overcome hard. Well, I am hard! How do you want to fight me? I will fight with any rules or any weapons.” Sun turned to the interpreter and said, “Since he is a guest in our country, I will let him decide.” The Japanese challenger said, “I am going to use hard strength to take your arm in a lock and break it. Let’s see if you can use your soft energy to overcome that!” Sun, who at 5’7″ barely came to the Japanese man’s shoulder, was willing to give it a try. Concerned that Sun could simply move his feet and get away from the lock, or wiggle his arm out of the lock, the challenger said, “I want you to overcome this technique without running around.” Sun said, “I can accommodate you.”
Sun had the spectators move all of the furniture aside and cleared a space on the floor. He said, “I will lie here on the floor, your students can hold my feet, and you can apply your technique. I’ll even put my other arm behind my back.” Sun laid on the floor and the Japanese martial artist took hold of his arm. The interpreter counted, “One, two, three!” At the count of three Sun quickly pulled his free arm out from behind his back and applied a point strike to his opponent’s stomach. This point strike caused the Japanese challenger to loose his grip on Sun’s other arm and Sun hopped up. Sun struck a few other points on his opponent’s body and threw him into a bookcase. The bookcase fell on top of the challenger. The interpreter shouted, “You’ve hurt him!” Sun said, “He’ll be all right. Tell him when he gets up and catches his breath we can try it again.” His opponent, admitting defeat, refused to try again.
This week’s special! Use code below in the shopping cart to get a 15% discount on this book (expires Mar 5 at 11pm) Code: Favorites!
Feb
21
2013
21
2013
INB: Slapping Your Foot
Whap! The noisy authority of a hand meeting the top of a foot in one instant of explosive power and consummate timing; everyone in Kung Fu is familiar with that sound, the loud clap of the performer slapping her own foot just as it peaks in a high kick.
For instance, the slap is meant to be a high, distracting hand gesture coupled with the lower, truer foot attack. But why the stretched palm and fingers? Because, in at least one interpretation, the hand is meant to cover the opponent’s vision long enough for the kick to do its job. Read more →
Feb
18
2013
18
2013
George Xu Key Concept: Predation
For many years George Xu intended to write a book that would give the scope of his thoughts, learnings and insights into Kung Fu. Recently he decided that the DVD format would be a better delivery vehicle and starts off with this series of three DVDs from Lynchpin productions. These lecture/demonstrations/training selections give you a lot of ideas and a lot of training methods. George is attempting, and pretty successfully, to show movements and ideas which are equally relevant to any Chinese martial art (and probably any martial art, period). Not necessarily for everyone at any stage but for the seasoned practitioner or the seeker looking for some real insights into what this is all about, a valuable resource.
Feb
17
2013
17
2013
Lions and Monkeys and Bears, Oh My!
Just a reminder for those of you near to Santa Cruz:
Next Sunday, Feb 24, Plum offers the second of our workshops on Bagua’s Eight Animals. The 4 hour seminar introduces both the basics of Bagua Zhang, plus teaches a fundamental form, The Eight Animals, with additional discussions on Bagua Qigong.
And to top it off, it is the world premiere of Plum’s new companion volume to the seminar, which is provided as part of the afternoon’s activities.
If you’re interested, read more about the workshop HERE
Feb
11
2013
11
2013
The Passing of Fred Spencer
Long time friend of the Chinese martial art community, Grandmaster Fred Spencer passed away on December 18, 2012. Sifu Spencer was a strong advocate of Chinese martial arts and a highly knowledgeable practitioner of the Hung Sing Choy Lai Fut style as well as Yang style Tai Chi Chuan. He studied under Jew Long for ten years and then under members of the Chen Family and Fu Hang Ng. Not only was he a teacher but offered his judging expertise and insights for tournaments and had hosted his own TV show in the 80′s.
