The Martial Arts of
SUN LU TANG

Sun Lu Tang is one of the most famous instructors of the martial arts in the 20th century. His writings alone have made him a cornerstone of much research. While most of the reviews in the west have been audlatory some of his themes have come to criticism. Nonetheless Sun was important and influential enough to develop what must be considered a comprehensive style all his own. In these VCDs we have the rare and historically significant chance to actually see his daughter, Sun Jian Yun, performing and teaching the work of her father's lifetime. We also have a major instructor, Deng Fu Ming, of the style demonstrating the constiuents which comprise the Sun legacy.
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Sun Style Bagua and Xing Yi: Sun Lu Tang was one of the most influential teachers of the Twentieth century. An expert in Taiji, Xing Yi and Bagua he just about single handedly promoted the term "Internal martial arts" for better or worse. Here is a very interesting and down to earth series of his Xing Yi and Bagua teachings from Deng Fu Ming, an inheritor. There is a delightful practicality and hominess to his applications which are he performs on each VCD.

What is the usage hidden in the five key movements of Xing Yi? This is one of the best examples answering that question which we have seen to date. Instructor Deng Fu Ming moves and thinks like a martial artist. In a series of none too gentle applications he shows Xing Yi as it should be shown: that is, a series of very simple movements which hide a multitude of applications and responses. He also changes moves spontaneously as he talks giving us a valuable insight into the way a Xing Yi artist would fight. Check this title out in DVD

People often want applications with their VCD demonstrations. This series, based on Sun style Xing Yi, is exceptional in the precision of the details regarding usage. The instruction break down is also quite details with many fine points on posture and alignment. Instructor Deng has a well refined sense of angles and timing for fighting. His hands are quite fast, as befits a Xing Yi artist.
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Also a student of Liang Feng Xiang, teacher Deng here shows the famous 12 animals of Xing Yi. As with other VCD's in this series, the details of usage and instruction show a real understanding of martial thinking. The movements are quick, clean and mean. The rather simple looking actions are Xing Yi are shown to contain all the key concepts of even the most sophisticated martial experience. A good representation of general XY principles. This is a Double VCD.Check this title out in DVD

Sun style Bagua is shown. Not so much a form as a verbal explanation mixed with a spontaneous demonstration of what it means to “link palms.” There is also a section on usage that gives a good representation of the applications locked within the form. For at least fifteen minutes teacher Deng moves through various postures while explaining the key points of Sun Lu Tang style of Bagua with emphasis on the differences between XY and BG palm formation, what is meant by continuous change, etc. Next he demonstrates key points of form with his disciple. Finally they lightly spar and show applications with an emphasis on Bagua’s special characteristics. Check this title out in DVD

Another classic Xing Yi practice shown with attention to detail and in a completely non-dramatized manner. Teacher Deng gives extensive applications are the end of the VCD.

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Xue Pian Saber is from Sun Lu Tang.
This is one of the most awkward looking sabers in our repertoire but also one of the more solid. The movements are completely unlike tournament performance sets. Actions emphasize blocking and striking instead of twirling and rolling. The second half of the VCD has a lengthy section on applications where Deng and his disciple spontaneously spar and show key points and applications as they come up. Check this title out in DVD

To some this may seem strange (another meaning to “Qi” the title of the set) but Deng’s performance is anything but smooth and finished which suggests a familiarity with the weapon beyond that of someone who just does the set. When you see a form where, rather than mindlessly continuous, the movements look considered, organic and even difficult for the performer there may be a chance he is actually doing the form and its many tasks, not smoothing them over. The set itself is interesting, with unusual movements and some solid basic. Deng then demonstrates spontaneously with spear vs. spear showing key points of usage for dozens of applications. Check this title out in DVD

The “Pure Yang” sword is a famous Xing Yi weapons form. This version is compact, straight forward and without the floaty posing of so many glazed over editions. As with other VCD's in this series, teacher Deng takes almost half the disk to demonstrate sword usage. The lessons are spontaneous with Deng identifying the skills involved with each ad lib response. Very instructive. fight.Check this title out in DVD

This is the sword in the Bagua style developed by Sun Lu Tang himself. The entire series is shown, along with breakdowns. Then the teacher demonstrates, with the aid of a disciple, spontaneous attacks and defenses in the Bagua fencing manner. As he goes through the sallies he identifies the basic strokes which come up during the mock combat. An interesting approach that gives a "feel" for usage.