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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 Quicktime (for free) and any similar VCD player program. Also playable on most DVD players. For less than $10.00? Wow! |
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Hong Style Boxing The
famous Shaolin style is also known in China as HONG. This particular
style of HONG is from Shan Xi (Western Mountain0 province. In this
case Hong means "red." This Shan Xi style is said to have
originated a very long time ago. We know it was being practiced
during the time of Emperor Dao Guang (1821-1851). What is really
outstanding about the series is that though the style is "hard"
it resembles what has for centuries been the tone and pace of "real
Shaolin" far more than many other supposedly representative
Shaolin styles. The movements are energetic but sophisticated. as
far as unadulterated Long Fist with the spirit and meaning of the
martial preserved we rank this series being higher and more forthright
than many of the other VCDs we sell as in the general Shaolin Family.
The only problem is that are no applications. But as faras strong
classical Kung Fu forms this new series is one of the better we've
seen so far. Click on pictures to see larger versions. |
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A
good, strong saber set that is by no means a beginner's form. Weapons
sets tend to emphasize certain aspects of each weapon. This set
is built around the sabers "Bao" or wrapping moves. Where other
sets are content to have the player wrap the sword around his body
this set has many of the wraps performed while the body is turning,
jumping and spinning. Definitely in the top echelon of more difficult
and, we think, rewarding saber forms in our VCD collection. |
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A
really good short stick set with emphasis on the "whip" designation.
This set is not entirely but mainly done with the "inverted" hand
grip where the stick extends from the bottom instead of the top
of the hand. Complex but very practical with tight fast stick work
and a lot of changes such as passes under the arms. Very clean,
fast and brisk. |
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This
is a short staff set or a "whip" set. Great emphasis is placed on
rear butt poles alternating with wide whipping actions. Since the
stick is short the hand changes are many and varied. One section
resembles the whipping jumps of the famous Five Tigers staff. |
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Yao
Zi Ru lin Quan. A complex set with true Shaolin energy. The instructor
seems a little portly but his movements are fluid and powerful.
This is a smart, fast set with Long Arm strength and some quick
hand combinations. Not too difficult but definitely for someone
with speed and strength.
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"Small"
can mean all sorts of things. In this it implies fewer moves, but
also covering less ground. But this is still a sophisticated set
unlike many of its "Shaolin" brothers. Multiple strikes all sandwiched
in between a kick and planting the foot on the ground characterize
this "Small" version of Hong Quan. Good solid performance of a Long
Arm set with explicit and rapid hand changes. |
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Though
this is a Long Fist form it is a little tighter than others in the
series. Unusual angles of attack. The practitioner moves, takes
a poses then executes multiple actions. Much is done between kicking
and putting the foot back down. Definitely a Shaolin style form
but almost with some Southern Shaolin energies mixed in. An advanced
version of Hong Quan. . |
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A
line set like Tan Tui but much more complex. Lively and powerful
with some Xing Yi like movements and Long Fist actions almost as
extended as Pi Gua. Compared to the series that is presently being
shown as "Shaolin" this is one of a series of sets that shows what
Shaolin evolved into, not what was at its beginning. Most people
are unaware that Shaolin was NOT a famous style until the Ming Dynasty.
Which, do you think, brought it to prominence: it's primitive beginning
or its evolved form? |
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A
very good Big Saber set based on the Four Directions. Strong clean
moves. The begging portion of the set is done in a surprisingly
small amount of space but then the set travels a bit. No around
the back flowers and very few show stopping moves but the set is
powerful and actually more interesting and formally structured than
most Big Knife forms. Definitely in keeping with the good quality
of the rest of the series. |
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A
major form of the Hong Quan. Complex whipping hand strikes, long
kicks, variations on changing positions with an emphasis on alteration
and major angular deviation. Imagine Mantis without the hooks and
animal characteristics and you might have an idea. Each form in
this series raises the stakes on the previous one for complexity
and stuffing more and more moves into a single body action. This
is definitely one of the advanced representatives of the style.
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A
very respectable double "nunchaku" set. Chinese in structure but
using most of the major moves of the weapons. This one definitely
covers some ground and includes a ground roll into the famous ground
spinning flower where you pass the weapons under your body as you
roll. A very good double weapon set with just the right mix of unusual
and strong, basic movements. We assumed every knows that the Okinawan
Nunchaku originated in China. |
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Side
steps, sitting stances, and unusual shifting horse stances characterize
this Long Arm set known as Hawk Stepping. Many fast hand combinations
but they take a second place to the emphasis on footwork with back
crossing steps, stances shifts, side steps and some truly unusual
angles. But, as with the rest of the series, solid performance and
strong technique.
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This
is a sampler with all the sets represented in the series plus a
few. Of note is the addition of the Hong Spear and the Meteor. This
VCD starts out with warm ups and stretches by a young boy. Not essential
but it encourages you to try the splits before watch the rest of
the forms. |
