One Hand Video: China's Living Treasures Series

It's been decades since it started. This series was one of the first high quality presentations of CMA in the video format. Often hidden among rip offs—the less-than-inspired efforts of Ohara and Unique, and other un-noteworthy efforts—the One Hand Video series lives up to its name by recording true "Living Treasures," one of the foremost being the famous George Xu, a practitioner of truly superior quality.

See more of George Xu's work

See more of China's Living Treasure DVDs

 Shanghai Ching Wu Association Demonstration - DVD#25004
Instruction - 48 min. See a clip of this set.

DVD#25009 6 Harmony & 10 Animal Hsing-I Chuan (Part 1)
Instruction - 60 min.  See a clip of this set.

"This tape focuses on the Six Harmony / Ten Animal Hsing-I Chuan martial art system of China. It features Master George Xu (Xu Guo Ming) of Shanghai. The particular form of this system taught on this tape is the Two and One Half Ba set. The tape is divided into five parts. It begins with the entire form and proceeds with sections on basic training exercises, form repetition (repeated slowly three times with teaching narration), applications of this particular form, and concludes with the complete form . The narration deals with theories and principles of this system."

DVD#25010 Chen Tai Chi: Lao Jiao Form (Part 1)
Instruction - 60 min.  See a clip of this set.

"This video focuses on Chen style, the original tai chi chuan system of China. Featuring Master George Xu of Shanghai teaching the first form of the Chen style. The program is divided into four parts: 1) the entire form (14 minutes), 2) basic training exercises, 3) the first two sections of the form repeated three times with narration. At the end of each section the individual section is repeated with the names of the movements, and 4) the entire form (all four sections)."

DVD#25011 Chen Tai Chi: Lao Jiao Form (Part 2)
Instruction - 87 min.  See a clip of this set.

"Part two continues with form instruction. The focus of the form taught on this title is the second half of the first set (Sections Three and Four). The title is divided into the same four sections as its companion tape Volume Ten"

DVD#25012 Dragon Pa Kua Chang   (Part 1)
Instruction - 51 min.  See a clip of this set.

This title focuses on the Dragon Pa Qua Chang martial art system of China. It features Master George Xu of Shanghai teaching the first half of the "Eight Linking Palm " form of the Dragon system. The title is divided into six parts. It begins with the entire form and proceeds with sections on footwork basics, hand movement exercises, form repetition with teaching narration, applications, and concludes with the complete form.

DVD#25013  Taoist Eight Immortals Sword
Instruction - 60 min.  See a clip of this set.

"This tape focuses on the "Eight Immortals" martial art system of China. It features Master George Xu of Shanghai. The particular form of this system taught is the double edged sword. The tape is divided into six parts. It begins with the entire form and proceeds with sections on basic training exercises, form repetition, applications, sword techniques and principles, and concludes with the complete form."

DVD#25014 Pao Chui-Cannon Fist Chen Taiji
Instruction - 87 min.  See a clip of this set.

George Xu of Shanghai teaches the second form of this system. Divided in three parts:
1) the entire form ,
2) sections on basic training exercises, and
3) the form repeated slowly three times with narration. At the end of each section, the individual section is repeated with the names of the movements.

In One Hand DVD grouping this is Part Three of their general Chen style videos. This is a self-contained, complete in itself tape on the Second Chen Tai Chi Form - Pao Chui or "Cannon Fist." As is typical of George Xu's work the Reeling Silk Energy here is very strong, the movements very lively. George may be one of the very few who has come to the Western world and yet increased his skill and knowledge. He is a top notch semiarian and brings great teachers to the West. His own Kung Fu is high and this Cannon Fist is typical of him.

DVD#25018 Chen Chin Na-Joint Locking (Chen Taiji part 6)
Instruction - 63 min.  See a clip of this set.

"The Chen styles is especially known for its "chin na" (grabbing and joint locking). Master George Xu of Shanghai teaches these techniques from the first solo form of the Chen style tai chi system...."

#25019 Bear and Eagle Fight  (Part 2)
Instruction - 60 min.  See a clip of this set.

#25021 Dragon Pa Kua Chang   (Part 2)
Instruction - 71 min.  See a clip of this set.

"This title focuses on the last four palms of the "Eight Linking Palm " set of the Dragon Pa Qua Chang system. The title is divided in- to six parts: 1) basic training 2-5) form repetition sections on the Tiger, Eagle, Unicorn and Chicken palms. In the form repetition, a group of movements is repeated from each palm sequence three times before continuing to the next group of movements. Master Xu performs the individual palm continuously at the beginning and ending of each animal, and 6) applications, This is the companion tape to Volume 12."

#25022 Yang Tai Chi Chuan (Part 1)
By Sifu Ye Xiao Long
Volume 22 Section One
70 min. See a clip of this set.

“This tape features 67 year old Master Ye Xiao Long of Shanghai. He began the study of martial arts, when he was 10 years old. As a recognized master in Shanghai, he has studied with the famous Yang stylist Fu Zhong Wen, and practiced tai chi chuan for over 30 years. Additionally, he has also practiced push hands, two man training, and free form fighting with his kung fu brother Hou Bing Quan, the famous fighting coach of Shanghai, who was a student of the legendary Chen tai chi stylist, Chen Zhao Kui. Master Ye demonstrates the form, basics, and form repetition of the first half of the form.”

#25023 Yang Tai Chi Chuan (Part 2)
By Sifu Ye Xiao Long
Volume 22 Section Two
61 min. See a clip of this set.

“Master Ye Xiao Long demonstrates some advanced stretching technique basics, and form repetition of the remaining half of the 108 movement long form. Additionally, at the beginning and end of the tape he demonstrates the complete long form at two different training speeds. Master Ye is noted for his flexibility and internal strength. At 110 pounds, he has remained undefeated at push hands during a lifetime of challenges.”

#25024 Push Hands   (Part 1)
Instruction - 51 min.  See a clip of this set.

"Master George Xu and a student demonstrate basic push hand principles. Master Ye Xiao Long and Master Xu then perform a variety of single and two handed push hand exercises emphasizing the "eight gates" of tai chi chuan: "peng" (ward off), "lu" (roll back), "chi" (press), "an" (push), "chou" (elbow), "lieh" (split), "tsai" (pull down), and "kao" (shoulder strike), as well as, the "Ta Lu" or four corners exercise." See 25030 for the second part of this series.

"On this title the training drills of Wu style tuishou (push hands) are presented. It begins with a brief introduction followed by the areas of study of the self practicing method, single hand operation with fixed steps, the double hand operations, the 13 basic manipulations, and concludes with a demonstration section with various partners. In the instruction segments of this title detailed close ups of the movements are included." See 25024 for part one of this series.

DVD#25031 Taiji Power Stretching, Spiral Training Fundamentals
Instruction - 72 min.  See a clip of this set.

"In order to maximize the benefit of tai chi practice you must develop the qualities of Taiji discussed in the Classics. These underlying principles of practice such as, open and close, empty and full, center equilibrium, apply universally to all styles of taijiquan. Master George Xu has divided the study of these qualities and others into five specific training drills. They can be practiced in their entirety, or customized to suit the individual practitioner's needs.

25031 focuses on Power Stretching and Spiral Training. In the Power Stretching section the drills emphasize, extending opposing parts of the body, to open the joints facilitating unobstructed flow of the qi. In the second section on spiraling, or silk reeling energy is addressed. The drills are intended to focus the practitioner on moving qi internally to open and close the different parts of the body, consistent with Chan Ssu Chin or silk reeling cocoon theory."

DVD#25032 Taiji Standing Postures, Qigong  Fundamentals
Instruction - 61 min.  See a clip of this set.

"This DVD continues with two sections on internal training, standing postures and taiji qigong. Practice of the standing postures in Section Three is used for internal endurance training focusing on structure, developing "rootedness" and filling the entire body with qi.

Taiji practice is composed of external and internal training: the physical elements of the form combined with the flow of qi in the body. The practice of the physical form addresses the external aspect containing elements, such as, structure, stance, correct movement, weight distribution. Taiji qigong in Section Four addresses the internal aspects, such as, qi flow, using the mind to move the energy, energy to move the body. Taiji practice should contain both aspects."

DVD#25033 Taiji Peng Jin Training  Fundamentals
Instruction - 58 min.  See a clip of this set.

"The following drills are for the purpose of developing Peng Jin. Peng is ward off. Jin is issuing power. In order to use taiji for self defense this teaching is essential. It teaches the practitioner how to issue power from the "Eight Gates" of tai chi, the four cardinal directions of the circle and four corners of the square of the tai chi form. Peng/ward off, Lu/roll back, Chi/press, An/push, Chou/elbow attack, Lieh/split, Tsai/pull down,, and Kao/shoulder strike. They can be practiced as a group or individually.

Generally this is referred to as peng jin training. Peng is also used to describe an internal spring like quality of taiji, and this title deals with jin or power issuing training of all eight gates not just peng or ward off. These drills isolate each of the eight jins for practicing. In addition to self defense, these exercises are very useful for push hand practice."

DVD#25041 WU/HAO TAIJIQUAN - (Part 1)
LONG FORM SECTION ONE
72 MINUTES
See a clip of this set.

"Taijiquan is evolutionary from the point of view that it has been modified by various masters over time. If it was Master Lu Gui Rong's journey of the internal martial arts has spanned over 50 years. He is a master of Wu (Hao) taijiquan, Yang taijiquan, and Dayan (Wild Goose) qigong. His Wu/Hao taiji lineage is traced from Wao Shou Ru, who was te\he grandson of Hao Wei. Zhen. Hao Wei Zhen's teacher was Li Yi Yu,nephew of the creator of the style, Wu Yu Xiang. The 96 movement long form that is demonstrated first is derived from this branch of taijiquan. The first section (movements 1 -24) is also demonstrated twice at the beginning and end of the form repetition segment. The five form movement groups are performed four times each before moving on to the next group."

DVD#25042 WU/HAO TAIJIQUAN - (Part 2)
LONG FORM SECTION TWO & THREE
INSTRUCTION - 72 MINUTES
See a clip of this set.

“This second 64 Movement form deals primarily with the "pre natal body" and addresses problems you were born with or genetically inherited from your parents. Having dredged the channels in the first form, the 2nd 64 Movement form is designed to clear the channels to absorb Qi, expel turbid Qi and restore organ balance.” Taught by the instructor himself.

DVD#25043 WU/HAO TAIJIQUAN - (Part 3)
LONG FORM SECTION FOUR
75 MINUTES
See a clip of this set.

"Master Lu Gui Rong concludes the instruction of the 108 movement form with eleven groupings of movements performed three times each before moving on the the next group. The entire third section (movements 58-108) is performed at the beginning and end of the form repetition section."

DVD#25046 Wild Goose Qigong (Da Yan)
Second 64 Movement form - moves 1 to 42
67 min. 
See a clip of this set.

The second 64 Movement form deals primarily with the "pre natal body" and addresses problems you were born with or genetically inherited from your parents. Having dreged the channels in the first form, the 2nd 64 Movement form is designed to clear the channels to absorb qi, expel turbid qi. and restore organ balance.

DVD#25047 Wild Goose Qigong
(Da Yan)  
 Second 64 Movement Form - Movements 42 to 64
Internal Five Elements Form
77 Minutes
See a clip of this set.

A very full form with many Qigong movements and a special emphasis on meridian washing, a traditional Chinese medical Qigong practice. This is the second half of this more energetic Wild Goose style. Pure Qigong, but notably traditional stuff. The structure of this half is a group of moves repeated four times. The 5 Elements form combines stillness with self-patting as an awakening technique.

Our Comment: May postural changes. This does not resemble a martial form not is it supposed to. Said to be the product of the Li family, DaYan is nonetheless a deep and thorough, especially compared to some of the light weight routines out there. A Qigong like this you adopt as a hobby.

DVD#25048 Pao Chui  
Cannon Fist Part One – Sections 1 & 2
58 minutes
See a clip of this set.

Another excellent performance by George Xu. Without moving his hands separately ( a Tai Chi no- no) Xu manages to express a tremendous range of twists and un-twists. His movements are expressive and much more resemble a traditional flavor to the moves themselves than is commonly found nowadays. Some previews of Bagua Zhang and Yang style at the back. Please don’t expect perfect pronunciation from Sifu Xu. 

The second Chen taiji open hand form. Its lineage of Chen Zhao Kui, son of the famous Chen taiji master Chen Fake. This form balances the slowness, softness, and stability of the first form with swiftness, hardness, jumping, and stomping. The individual sections are performed at normal practice speed at the beginning and end. The volume concludes with both sections one and two performed a normal practice speed with movement names. 

DVD#25049 Advanced Chen Family Pao Chui Cannon Fist (Part 2)  
77 minutes. 
Cannon Fist Part One – Sections 3 & 4
See a clip of this set.

"This volume continues with sections three and four. There are four groupings of movements in each of the form repetition segments with the specific section demonstrated at the beginning and end of the groups. Also, both sections three and four, as well as, the entire form are demonstrated at normal practice speed continuously. The volume concludes with Ten Combination Circle Drills drawn from the form designed to develop the circular motion of the dantians as the originators of external movements."

DVD#25050  Chen Tai Chi Broadsword
Instruction - 59 min. See a clip of this set.

"There are many different Chen broad sword forms. This particular one is from Chen Zhao Kui, son of Chen Fake, the famous Chen stylist. Master Xu learned this from Ma Hong, who studied with Chen Zhao Kui. It is composed of 23 movements. The beginning of the volume contains 10 basic exercises. Each drill is demonstrated, explained and repeated two times. The next section of form repetition is broken down into the 3 sections of the form. Each of the form repetition segments is bracketed by the specific section performed continuously at normal speed. The volume concludes with the entire form performed at normal practice speed with movement names."

DVD#25057 & 25058 & 25059  George Xu's Predator Series
Instruction - around 59 mins each.
$49.95 each or 10 % off for ordering two or more.

See a clip from this series

Every CMA instructor worth his salt is trying to “figure out” the key components of this ancient art we share. Some, a few, are deeply invested in this search for principles and have spent years clarify and distilling. Two examples of this type instructor are Adam Hsu and George Hsu. Here is a new lecture/demo series by George Xu that shows his insights and explanations for some of the most fundamenal ideas in Chinese Martial Arts.

25057 Predator Part One: This DVD is the first of George Xu’s three-part explanation of what he calls “predator” aspects of CMA. In this first installment he concentrates on the actual applied energies used in CMA combat such as “Counterweight Tan Tian,” “Earth Reaction Force.” George is not alone in this, many instructors are trying to boil CMA down to its essence but this is without a doubt some of the best representations of this search available. Like looking at a beautiful physics formula, his exercises are deceptively simple and, with his own brand of explanation, surprisingly potent. As you progress in martial arts its is instruction like this which really has staying power.

25058 Predator Part Two: concentrates on the 14 Tan Tians and the “Tree Man” concept. Xu starts with an explanation of the uses of the Dan Tian right off the bat better than most you will hear. His Tree Man principle is a discussion of dynamic rooting. What makes many of these concepts so interesting is that they are some of the most basic movements you were taught at the beginning of your career, such as arm circles, but they are now functional and even important because they are taught properly. From my standpoint there are no “warm up” moves in true Kung Fu. Warm ups are necessary for movements that extend beyond the normal, like dropping into the splits. George’s movements are the same actions he uses to fight, they remain organic. All reveal methods to involve the Dan Tian dynamically into your practice.

25059: Predator Part Three: concentrates on the ideas he has learned from his many associations with living masters. Some of these are simple to understand and will take you the rest of your life to master. “Replace External with Internal,” “The Physical Must be Dead,” “Loosen the Shoulder to Hide the Root,” Quoting Masters like Wu Wen Wei (XY) and others George also adds his own enthusiasm, explanation and interpretation of these valuable insights.