VCD Tong Bei Kung Fu 5 Element Tai Chi Style

First, be advised that all of these VCD's are IN CHINESE ONLY. In our opinion that doesn't matter much because the instruction is clear and the quality of photography very good. But we will not accept returns just because people didn't read... IN CHINESE ONLY. Given that, these are really tremendous deals for the money. Each of these special VCD's can be played on a computer for full enjoyment. Made for PC's they are also Mac compatible by downloading Quick time (for free) and any similar VCD player program. Also playable on most DVD players. For less than $10.00? Wow!

TONGBEI BOXING
(5 Element Tai Chi Through-the-Back Fist)

Demonstrator/Teacher Zhang Ji Zong is a 3rd generation inheritor of Tai Chi 5 Elements TongBei Fist. Aided by Wang Xue Qiang, 4th generation holder.

Tai Chi 5 Elements TongBei Fist was organized at the end of Qing Dynasty & establishment of Republic of China, about 100 years ago, by master Zhang Ce . Tong Bei itself is a very old style with a complex history, appearing and disappearing from the martial scene over the centuries. At one time it was considered one of the best styles in WuShu. Different branches, of which this is one, have split and banded back together especially for the last 150 years. This Tong Bei is quite authentic in its power generation following Tong Bei's traditional principles which are so widely accepted as to make them part of all Northern Fist. (Note: It is important to understand that while master Zhang has one VCD demonstrating Tai Chi Push Hands in this series that the TongBei VCD's are simply TongBei. "Tai Chi" (Great Extremes is here used much as "Wu Xing" as a technical, not stylistic term.)

About Tong Bei Boxing.

Click on pictures to see larger versions.

Tong Bei Kung Fu Fighting VCD#221 Tong-Bei Fighting Techniques
A Double VCD, see Main VCD for prices, Chinese Only

This is not to give the impression that Master Zhang doesn't demonstrate techniques on every VCD but this one is dedicated to the art of strike and counter strike. Fighting applications are shown along with counters and two person drills. You'll see a really interesting arm boxing exercise that includes leg boxing. In the case of this series the entire run of VCDs makes up the style. Many applications of TongBei's well known and beloved techniques. And a great deal of friendly energy between Master Zhang and his inquisitive students.
A Double VCD

Tong Bei Kung Fu San Shou VCD#222 Tong-Bei Practical San Shou
Five VCDs, see Main VCD for prices, Chinese Only

This series demonstrates 30 movements of TongBei usage. These VCDs show applications of the very applicable moves of Tong Bei which have been described as iron hands, thread wrists, leather whip arms, meteor fists, lightning eyes, snake body and drilling legs. In each case Master Zhang takes an essential movement and demonstrates how to perfect its specific energy along with practical applications. Tong Bei's strength lies in its use of body over limb. These are the key motions to express that. And, as always, we love the relationship between Master Zhang and his students as they engage in heated Q & A. This is a FIVE DISK set. If you think that five disks is excessive for 30 moves his examples are so thorough you could actual learn from them. Five VCDs.

VCD#223 Tong-Bei Fundamentals
A Triple VCD, see Main VCD for prices, Chinese Only

In styles like Tong Bei, or PiGua the fundamentals are absolutely necessary. They are, at root, unlike other forms of WuShu. This is a three disk demonstration of the basics of this famous and ancient system. Expect sore shoulders are they loosen up for "through the back" (TongBei) energy. This is a THREE DISk series.

VCD#224 Tong-Bei Shaolin 8 Step Linked Boxing
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

Passed on to lay people from Song shan Shaolin Temple and this is very popular among kung fu players. It can be played by one person or in a group fighting against each other. This form contains the Shaolin signatures of strong, clean movement with a firm heart. It is an inheritance of the TongBei system. The moves are simple and explained thoroughly in the tape. The form is short but with many changes. There are eight steps, seven techniques, three palm actions, four leg moves, two chin nah tricks, and other postures. It includes all the four combat techniques: kicking, beating, throwing and snatching. This disc introduces practice methods of the Shaolin Boxing, basic exercises and techniques for every movement and posture of Shaolin Eight-step Linked Boxing.

VCD#225 Tong-Bei Linked San Shou
A Double VCD, see Main VCD for prices, Chinese Only

LINKED SAN SHOU is one of the closest things you will see in the Chinese Martial arts arsenal to what are often called "techniques". Again, emphasizing the practical aspects of Tong Bei this VCD shows applications against an opponent but with the movements lined together for individual practice and yet for usage. Perfectly matching the energy of the forms this Double VCD shows Tong Bei usage and, at the same time, strategy. A Double VCD.

VCD#226 Tong-Bei Wild Horse Form
A Double VCD, see Main VCD for prices, Chinese Only

WILD HORSE RUNNING TO ITS TROUGH is the one of TongBei's most famous routines. It shows the style's characteristics of cold, crisp, quick and forceful. When practicing you should "stamp your feet noisily" , "push your strength", "the body like a monkey's", "walk quicker than a tiger" and "stand stable as a mountain" The Wild Horse form is lively and a good representative of TongBei's moves some of which actually resemble a spirited horse. Very loose spine motions direct power out to the arms. The interplay between Master Zhang and his student is worth the whole price of admission. These VCDs introduces usage for every action in the form. Taiji Five-elements Arm-through Boxing a formidable system and excellent for health. Any practitioner of the martial arts can benefit from TongBei exercises. A Double VCD.

Tong Bei Kung Fu Chuo Jiao VCD#230 Tong-Bei Shaolin ChuoJiao
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

Cross Training is nothing new, despite the magazines. Tong Bei is well-known for having many influences just as it influenced much of martial history. Here a feisty TongBei teacher, this fellow is lively if nothing else, shows the Penetrating Foot. As with much Chuo Jiao the kicks are everything and the form shown is more a series of movements. Chuo Jiao is now identified with Fan Tzi of Tumbling Boxing so expect a few cartwheels from Zhang's competent student. Is there a "Shaolin" style Chuo Jiao. The records say Yes indeed.

VCD#260 Tai Chi Yang Tai Chi Push Hands
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

These Push Hand Techniques are passed on from Yang Jian hou, the third son of the founder (Yang Lu chan), to Zhang Ce - founder of the Taiji Five-elements TongBei style - then to his disciple Zhang Yi qian and finally to ShihFu Zhang Ji zong. Yang Push Hands utilizes the 8 essential energies of T'ai Chi: shed (Ward Off) , parry, squeeze, press, elbow, rely (Lean) , poke and shoulder. True Push Hands develops "Listening" as one of the most important of T'ai Chi skills. In this VCD practice methods are detailed along with usage of Single pushing, Double pushing, steps fixed and free. It is rich in contents and precious for teaching!