SiMen (Four Gate) Boxing

This is a newer style of martial arts growing out of the Shaolin Style. The emphasis here is on functional not pretty though there are some unusual weapons such as the double spear demonstrated. Demonstrator: Zhao Zhanjun.

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VCD#836 Four Gates Four Gates Spear
About an hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

Though the VCD cover shows a Double Headed spear this disk is really on the single headed Long Spear. A good fierce set is shown though, to our eyes, not of the skill level associated with the Double Headed spear in this series. Then some applications are demosntrated with both partners circling one another and pretty spontaneously attacking and defending to show the use of the spear. Applications are higher level than performance - a good thing.

VCD#837 Four Gates Two Part Stick (Nunchacku)
About an hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

A pretty respectable Kung Fu style two part stick set. Based on the Four Gates the set is essentially a Tan Tui like series of lines with ninety degree turns. This pattern is also used as a structure for practicing basics. Applications are shown with some nice moves and some interesting interpretations.

VCD#838 Four Gates Four Gates Cane
A Double VCD,VCD pricing, Chinese Only

Many applications are shown with this instrument. Basic actions are given with angles and variations. The form represented is interesting. There is very little pretense of "fluidity" or "grace." Harkening back to technique oriented forms every action is self defense oriented. It is almost like a series of movements just strung together. Intent and application of power are very evident here. A Double VCD

VCD#839 Four Gates Steel Whip
About an hourVCD pricing, Chinese Only

A good, solid version of the chain whip. The movements are strong and classical. The pace fast. No applications are shown.

VCD#840 Four Gates Double Headed Spear
A Double VCDVCD pricing, Chinese Only

The Four Doors style seems to enjoy and employ the twin headed spear. The set here is longish with many changes. The basic stances is horse, used often to emphasize the sudden reversals of the directions. The spear changes quickly from front to back and, consistent with its construction, the thrust and pokes are actually quite short. Jabbing with speed, changing directions, quick actions and aroudn the neck shots highlight this fast and changeable set. A Double VCD

Consistent with the flavor of this style a very fierce and fast form. This is a series of prearranged movements but in a manner that suggests spontaneous actions. Not like most forms with long lines of moves the two practitioners circle one another making "passes" then continuing with the circling. Applications mostly good with the occasional block between the legs and such. Not too often do we see the double spear much less in a two person form.

VCD#842 Four Gates 10 Road Tan Tui
About an hourVCD pricing, Chinese Only

This Spring Leg routine is pretty much the classic with some more unsual versions in the last three roads. Applications are shown for many moves with a simple and straight forward explanation. Useage tends to be a little longer than with the 12 Road, kicks and punches are direct and immediate. A good, strong presentation.

VCD#843 Four Gates Shaolin Boxing
A Double VCD, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

What if a Kenpo man invented a Chinese Martial form? It would be composed of techniques, right? This fierce form is just that. A sequence of discernable phrases of movement, that is to say techniques. They are all demonstrated with applications. Many of the basic gambits, block then punch, grab and twist are common but the instructor takes a number of them further than is generally shown. Very clear applications and lively counters. A Double VCD.

VCD#844 Four Gates Meteor Hammer
About an hourVCD pricing, Chinese Only

Classified as a "soft" weapon the Meteor or "Comet" is not an easy instrument to master. The softness causes all sorts of random reactions from that do not always follow the commands of the player. Thus the meteor is also a "listening" act as well as a performance. This is a good, strong presentation of the weapon. It's lots of fun to do the Meteor, we can say from experience. But we do suggest making a foam one with a tennis ball of something before trying to master the weapon. This one can hurt.

VCD#845 strong 12 Road Tan Tui
About an hourVCD pricing, Chinese Only

In the Four Door style the 12 Road Tan Tui is considered more emphatically self defense oriented. This pretty much is represented by the appllications shown along with the form. The moves are somewhat simpler per road. There is a lot of emphasis on Fa Ching. Applications shown are direct and, in the spirit of either Tan Tui, basic but not simple. We have to admit we rarely see a Tan Tui we don't like. But some are more "serious" than others. This is one of the serious types.