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!

Sun Style Bagua and Xing Yi

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.

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..

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.

The famous Xing Yi set of “mixed skills” is here shown in a very straight forward, unadorned version. Teacher Deng has progressed to the point where his responses are spontaneous and appropriate so, at the end of the instructional phase, he has his disciple attack randomly and, through his responses, shows the simple yet deep fighting skill contained within the style.

In the world of Kung Fu there are many two person sets. The majority of them are mediocre down to ridiculous (though a heck of a lot of fun). An Shan Bao, a well known XY form, is one of the most realistic and rational, especially for boxing skills. The hands are fast and immediate, eschewing the wasted motion of so many paired forms. How do you show applications for a duet form? Teacher Deng goes over the form after it is demonstrated showing key points to the application of the moves. Contrary to what one might think, the evident movements of the form are insufficient for understanding even a two person set if explanation is lacking.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.