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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 Quick time (for free) and any similar VCD player program. Also playable on most DVD players. For less than $10.00? Wow! |
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Xiao Yao Style Kung Fu The first chapter of that essential and delightful collection of Taoist writings known as the Chuang Tzu is called "Xiao Yao." Xiao in this case might be considered "aimless" or "boundless" admittedly different concepts. Yao might be translated as "distant." But the real idea here is closer to the "boundless wandering spirit" of Chuang Tzu's own teachings. There are many styles that claim this Taoist inspiration. And many of them look like vague dance routines by the Chinese equivalent of ersatz hippies. But here we have a lively style executed by a man of years. There's one thing you have to say, this many has practiced. His movements are loose and powerful. The excution of power is almost effortless. His body is happy with angles unfamiliar to most. Definitely worth a look. Want to see a customer review of this style? Demonstrator: Hong Wei Duan is a 12th generation inheritor of Xian Yao Men. Click on pictures to see larger versions. |
Definitely an essential and representative form even if it suggest evil spirit or wind. Think of a cross between Tong Bei, Drunken fist, Wu Dang and Tong Bei. Now mix in a little Southern like, say, Liu He Mantis just for fun and you will have some sense of this style. To our mind this is one of the best of the sets. An older performer but just filled with vim and vigor. |
This palm is slightly "harder" and more firm than Feng Mo. The changes in direction are quick and seem almost spontaneous. Kicks vary even more. |
In this palm master Duan wears black. The movements are considerably shorter with palm changes and dropping shots that might resemble Wing Chun or BaGua. Also the PiGua speed is missing with the form down slowly and methodically. An interesting contrast to the earlier forms.
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Everyone in Kung Fu circles is familiar with the Eight Pieces of Brocade as a seminal (no pun intended) Chi Kung system. Here is the characteristic Chi Kung practice of the Xiao Yao system. Everything is done in "real time" and you can go right along warming up. This is MARTIAL Chi Kung so be warned there will be kicks, energy will move and some effort will be required. |
This is also a Chi Kung like form but it partakes of the Yin side of the style as Duan is, once again, dressed in black. Slow movements much more controlled than in VCD 884. Soft but concentrated actions.
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The hammer headed cane. Nice set with turning and twisting movements. Soft yet firm. Said to have health preserving the self defense is also evident. Not for your grandad if he's never trained before but, if you have experience, it may make you the alpha type of the nursing home. |
A long sword and a medium sized set. The "carefree" aspects of the style reflect in movements that make this resemble "drunken" sword from time to time. Definitely consistent with the "flavor" of the style. |
If you have been in the martial arts for some time strange things warm your heart. The saber had a certain vigor to its performance and to see and aged practitioner like Duan showing the essence of this weapon is great fun. Not a pretty set but a good one with hacking and cutting movements that look like the saber should look. |
An eyebrow length stick with short steps and many turning back movements in which the reverse end of the staff is used to poke the opponent behind the player. Learnable. |
You have to be careful with this one. There are more Gong Li forms in WuShu than even "Feng Mo." This one looks nothing like the typical Gong Li Quan (Gong Lik Kune) of, say, 7 Star Mantis. Many turns of direction and quite a number of fast sweeps. This is the last one of the series so you can quess its relative difficulty compared to the other hand forms. |
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Basically everything represented on all the other VCDs in this series. No instruction of course and each form is repeated in slow motion. A good over all view of the style. We always recommend these surveys if you just want to see what Xiao Yao or any other style is about. |
