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22 Apr |
Joints - Part 1 - The Power Generator Karate, Kosonken, Techniques, Training
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In order to understand my earlier article about Oneness and subsequently other parts of it; the understanding of power generation from joints, especially elbows, is utterly crucial and cannot be disregarded.
Joints are important to our movements and acted as a power transmission center along the transmission lines of our limbs. In martial arts, especially internal system such as Wing-Chun, punching power is generated from elbows. Wing-Chun is mimicking many animals and among them are mainly crane and tiger. Crane being the foundation and essential form of Wing-Chun, it is also one of the three main animals in Uechi-ryu. (more…)
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21 Apr |
Oneness - Part 1 Karate, Kata, Kosonken, Techniques, Training
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My training on Okinawa has opened up a totally new dimension of understanding in karate techniques. As we all know, karate derived from Chinese kung-fu. Old grand masters of various Okinawan schools went to China to learn. When they brought back the knowledge, they blended what they had learned from China into their aboriginal martial arts and became karate during the mid of last century.
I learned about Ikyuro or oneness or moving stance / striking together at the same time for deep impact. Locking at specific joints and contraction of muscles at specific areas during striking is essential to generate sharper and more powerful impact. This has to be performed with good stance.
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1 Apr |
The true meaning of martial arts training Training
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Whilst many people engage in martial arts training, many of them neglect or not knowing the true meaning of training. It is very difficult to teach younger children about the philosophy of training but the older people tends to refuse or ignore the importance of training philosophy.
As a karate instructor for more than a decade of coaching and teaching experience, I have observed many different human behaviors in children, adolescent and even adults. I have very hard working students and also very ignorant and “lazy” students. Lazy not in terms of physically lazy but in mentally and attitude wise. Lazy in terms of seeking short cuts to achieve black belts as their peers do. I had students who trained with me and at the same time trained in other martial arts. With me, they had only achieved 1 grade higher then white belt for one year of training but they had achieved junior black belts in the other. They started their trainings in karate and other martial arts almost the same time. Black belts they are but yet can they kick or punch like black belts.
Two factors influenced the younger students.
- Parents attitude in transferring their responsibilities to 3rd party in their children’s physical and mental education.
- Ignorant parents and their egoism to see their children achieving some standards, in this case, black belt as their peers or neighbors’ children do.
I have parents who are very concerning about their children’s progress. But none of them consistent enough to stay concerned throughout entire year. They become concerned when grading test is approaching. This attitude reflects onto their children subconsciously.
While older children and older adults are easier to train (but not much easier then the younger children), I have formulated some training-playing methodology to help my younger students to train. I called it cognitive training. I will let them play a simple game of jumping, for instance, to help them develop muscles on their legs and hips. They usually enjoy the games very much.
As to older students, especially adults, explanation of bio-mechanism is crucial but always not taken seriously by most adult students. Only a few will absorb my explanation and apply into their training.
I wrote a similar but not identical article here. It is about learning to use the muscles.
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10 Feb |
福建少林拳（转载） Chinese, Training
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福建少林寺是南派少林拳的正宗发源地，创立于唐代，毁于清朝康熙年间。福建少林寺位于福建福州市福清的东张镇九莲山，现于重建中。福建福州少林拳，广泛流传于福州，长乐，福清，永泰，闽侯，蒲田泉州，厦门等地，并流传广东，浙江，江西等省，并经华侨流传香港，新加坡，澳门，日本，缅甸，泰国，马来西亚，台湾，美国，韩国等国家，地区。
福建福州少林拳继承了北少林拳的精髓，吸收民间和行伍中流传的各种拳法，仿效飞禽走兽，家畜家禽，鱼虾等动物的觅食，飞翔，搏斗，跳跃等动作，又综合吸收《易经》，经络学，气功理论，逐步发展为内外合一，内外兼修的实用性技击性强的南派少林拳法。
福建福州少林拳动作精简迅疾，巧狠并行，刚柔并济，身法敏捷，勇猛刚劲，多短打近攻，套路简捷朴素，富有阳刚之美。
福建福州少林拳以阴阳，五行相生相克，喻手法，身法，讲究精，气，神，意，劲，手，眼，身，法，步的配合，要求劲力节节贯穿，筋，肌富有弹性，每一拳一脚都着眼于实战搏击，福建少林拳头顶项稳，紧臀松裆，含胸拔背，沉肩坠肘，步实身正，搏击交手时虚实兼用，巧狠并施，连防带打，以柔克刚，以刚克柔，不封即缠，不刁即裹，不扣即搂，严密紧凑，快速连贯，拳不空发，手不空回，使对手陷入步步挨打的被动局面.
福建福州少林拳很讲究劲，’劲’可分为’内劲’，’明劲’，’刚劲 ‘，’柔劲‘和’暗劲’（福州方言即短劲，寸进）。’内劲’是意识支配’内气’行至身体某一部位，气经骨缝肌肤，通过肢体屈伸辗转与肌肉收缩而形成，在外形上使人明显见到发力效果谓之’明劲’。
1，暗劲 ；暗劲重意，拳掌在短距离内震颤骤然施劲，触物即刚，神凝气沉，功蕴于内，随意而达，劲力莫测，也叫寸劲，
2。刚劲是由丹田产生气，力随气意在肢体一处爆发产生的力，也叫弹簧劲
3。柔劲是全身骨节，肌肉及内脏器官严密配合，含蓄活跃于体内又能随意集中于一处的一种韧劲，也叫橡胶劲。
福建福州少林拳注重双桥（福州方言，即手腕到肘关节的前手臂叫桥手）”基手”（福州方言也叫”摇基”或”摇桥手”，分为单基手，双基手）训练，不同拳种有不同”基手”锻炼”方法。”基手”练封，缠，刁，扣。搂等福建少林特有的双桥技法。通过”基手”长期锻炼培养出良好的听劲。”懂劲”既桥手的敏锐触觉，感觉到对手力之轻。重，浮，沉，去，留，洞察到对手的意图，及时根据对手的动向与变化，做出准确快捷打击或反击。
福建少林拳原宗拳法，器械，暗器是少林三进拳，少林梅花四十六式和一百零八式梅花拳，三十二式少林八步连环拳，四门刀，棍杖，梅花刀，二月剑，断门枪-飞镖，飞石等暗器。
福建少林拳继承原宗少林拳法而发展了少林五祖拳，少林看店拳，金狮罗汉拳，八宝门硬气功（已传广西，现掌门人莫文丹先生），花锁门（已传广东，现掌门梁光喜先生）象形拳有：虎形拳，鹤拳，豹拳，龙拳，蛇拳，象形的混形拳：咏春拳（蛇鹤双形），金猴鹤拳，虎鹤双形拳，此外，还有南派少林拳特有的血脉点穴法。
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9 Feb |
Tiger Blogging, Training
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The tiger (Panthera tigris) is a mammal of the Felidae family, the largest of four “big cats” in the Panthera genus. The tiger is an apex predator and highly adaptable ranging from the Siberian taiga to grasslands to mangrove swamps.
In the culture of many Asian countries, the tiger is the symbol of beauty, bravery and power. In some Chinese martial arts, particularly southern Shaolin tiger boxing style or Kosonken mimics the movement of the tiger. The Kosonken techniques are as direct, short and powerful like the tiger. The techniques include grappling, pressing, pulling, tearing and striking. These techniques are applied directly to vital points on the body and as well as the limbs.
Kosonken applies short explosive energy in the techniques. The short explosive energy helps to conserve energy with effective motion economy. The adversary has no hints and unaware of the sudden shock of application of energy creating surprises and leaving the adversary more vulnerable.
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9 Feb |
Wa-uke Training
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Wa-uke or circular block is the most versatile and most frequently used in Uechiryu karatedo. It is one of the secret techniques in Uechiryu. Simple by the look but it takes months or years to learn the correct method and to understand its concepts and applications. My previous research incorporated concepts from Taijiquan and Aikido into wa-uke. The keys of understanding and realization of wa-uke are change of momentum during different stages of maneuver, timing, contact points, triangulation and changing of stance. By applying the different concepts, wa-uke is not only a block but also grappling, throwing and taking down. Wa-uke is effective for mid- and close- quarter contact (CQC) fightings.
Repetitive practice of wa-uke together with the understanding of its fundamental concepts and applications, a simple technique becomes a secret technique. Complemented by the understanding of the concepts from Kosonken (tiger style boxing), this secret technique becomes more devastating and deadlier.
My research continues to unlock more secrets of Uechiryu and Kosonken as the time goes by. At the mean time, while waiting for more new exciting discoveries, let us practice this simple and yet secret technique.
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8 Feb |
迈向新旅程 Chinese, News, Training
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过去几个星期里，我们忙于开拓新的方向和崭新的面貌。我们现名为馬来西亞上地流-虎尊拳研究会。我们已成为一个独立的团体，专于研究，学习和锻炼冲绳上地流空手道和中国南派少林虎尊拳。
我们的上地流空手道练习除了根据古派上地流同时也混合其它新派上地流。考试需求和练习皆以古派上地流为主。
虎乃上地流空手道中三大动物之一。我们形成一小组专注于研究和学习虎尊拳。虎尊拳里的虎形技巧和上地流空手道的甚相似，并且在补足多方面的技巧如“虎爪”，身体调理和强化。大体上虎形打法属短打近攻，动作讲求精简迅疾。当中有扯、撕、扭、压等手法。
我们特地挑选农历正月初二（二OO八年二月八日，20080208）来宣布这消息，意味着新旅程的开始。首个练习将于二月十一日开始。往后我们将在各学习阶段掺插一些新的虎形技巧。在此恭祝各位春节快乐。假期愉快和开心练习。
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8 Feb |
A New Direction News, Training
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As for the past weeks, we were charting a new course and a new face lift. We are now called The Malaysia Uechiryū and Kosonken Kenkyūkai (馬来西亞上地流-虎尊拳研究会). We are (become) an independent body focusing in researching , studying and training of various Uechiryū and the Chinese Tiger Style boxing (虎尊拳).
Our Uechiryū training is based on old-style Uechiryū. A blend of modern styles Uechiryū will also be incorporated into our training but the old style training remains as our main focus and grading requirement.
Tiger is one of the three major animals in Uechiryū. We form a small team dedicated in researching, studying and training of Chinese Tiger Style boxing. The tiger techniques in the Chinese Tiger style have many similarities but make a good complement in various areas such as tiger claw striking, body conditioning and strengthening. Generally the strike is short and direct. There are pulls, tears, twists or presses upon contact with the adversary.
This announcement is made coinciding with the 2nd day of Chinese New Year (February 8, 2008 or 20080208) to signify the beginning of a new direction. Our first training will begin on February 11. We will incorporate more new tiger techniques along the way in stages. We wish you a Happy Chinese New Year. Enjoy your holiday and happy training.
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1 Feb |
Dōkōkai closed for CNY News, Training
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Next Thursday (February 7 & 8 ) will be the Chinese New Year celebration. Today dōkōkai conducted the last training for the Pig year and the dōkōkai will be closed from February 4 to 10. The first training of the Rat year will begin on February 11. Time as usual.
There will be a simple CNY celebration party at the dōkōkai after the training. We wish everyone a Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year. Enjoy your holiday and indulge yourselves. See you on February 11!
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1 Jan |
Nikainen-undō News, Training
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We had nikainen-undō from 2330 to 0015 hours to celebrate New Year 2008. Nikainen-undō is a training bridging two years, signifies training a year into another new year, seeking progress continuously with devotion.
The nikainen-undō was graced by teenager, adults and parents. The training ended with certificate ceremony. Congratulations to your promotion. We wish everyone Happy New Year 2008, best of health, a prosperous and successful new year.
Teo is promoted to hatchi-kyu
Ong is promoted to roku-kyu
Allison is promoted to go-kyu
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30 Dec |
Happy New Year News, Training
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Tomorrow, the training will begin at 2330 hours (December 31) till 0015 hours (January 1, 2008). This training signifies the continuous training and seeking of perfection, from a year into another new year. I wish all happy training and non-stop devotion in perfecting your skill. The dōkōkai will be closed on January 1st and training will resume as usual on the 2nd.
Happy New Year 2008!
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24 Dec |
Christmas Greetings News, Training
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We wish all Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous Happy New Year 2008. May you and your family be in excellent health and happy training.
The dōkōkai will be closed from December 24 till 26. Training will resume on the 27th. Enjoy your holiday.
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17 Aug |
Training at Zakimi Dojo Kata, News, Training
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Adrian Senpai and students from Nagahama Shibu Dojo performed together for Toyama Sensei (Judan Hanshi) in Shubukan (修武館) Dojo at Zakimi.
Adrian Senpai is the first Malaysian to visit Uechi-Ryu Zankai’s Honbu Dojo at Zakimi. He was thrilled by his visit and saw for himself his own eyes a typical traditional Okinawan karate-do dojo and the legendary Toyama Seiko Sensei, Judan (10th dan) Hanshi.
This is Adrian’s second visit to Zakimi dojo during his first visit to Okinawa. His performance also received approval from Toyama Sensei to bring Uechi-Ryu Zankai knowledge back to Malaysia and spread and preserve the ancient arts of Uechi-Ryu empty hand.
Students introduced themselves to Toyama Sensei.
Adrian (right far back corner) and Nagahama Shibu Dojo members performing Seichin kata to Toyama Sensei.
Back row from left, Sumako Senpai (Godan), Fumiya Senpai (Nidan) and Adrian performing Seiryu kata to Toyama Sensei.
Adrian’s solo performance of Seisan kata in front of Toyama Sensei.
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10 Jun |
Demo rehearsal Training
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The demo team was at the Mahkota Parade for rehearsal yesterday. We were there by 2200 hours and trained until 0100. Hopefully our sweat will pay off today. And best wishes to the demo team for a good performance later today.
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24 May |
Busy life Blogging, Life, Training
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I have been away from this blog since April. Life has been busy these days. I am trying to bridge work, training, transition, demo and family together. It certainly is a handful.
Training for transition is being conducted with careful planning and most of the students were not aware of the transition until they have been informed a couple of weeks ago. When they received their new gomon last week, they were surprised and excited. I am happy to see the transition is bearing fruits. Thanks to my working experience while I was working as a consultant in transition to Ada (see my blog here).
The preparation for demo has some hitches. The preparation training coincides with school’s mid-term exam following a 2 weeks break starting tomorrow. What a wrong timing!
The rest, I have been tied up with work, family and not so much of my training. I got the chance to train a little when I teach the class.
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29 Apr |
Without seeking acclaim Blogging, Life, Training
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Sensei sent me the Rosenthal Translation of Tao Te Ching (Chapter 3):
By retaining his humility,
the talented person who is also wise,
reduces rivalry.The person who possesses many things,
but does not boast of his possessions,
reduces temptation, and reduces stealing.Those who are jealous of the skills or things
possessed by others,
most easily themselves become possessed by envy.Satisfied with his possessions,
the sage eliminates the need to steal;
at one with the Tao,
he remains free of envy,
and has no need of titles.By being supple, he retains his energy.
He minimizes his desires,
and does not train himself in guile,
nor subtle words of praise.
By not contriving, he retains
the harmony of his inner world,
and so remains at peace within himself.It is for reasons such as these,
that an administration
which is concerned
with the welfare of those it serves,
does not encourage status
and titles to be sought,
nor encourage rivalry.Ensuring a sufficiency for all
helps in reducing discontent.Administrators who are wise
do not seek honors for themselves,
nor act with guile
towards the ones they serve.
Here is the original text in simplified Chinese:
老 子: 「道 德 经」 : 第 三 章
不 尚 贤 ， 使 民 不 争
不 贵 难 得 之 货 ， 使 民 不 为 盗 ﹔
不 见 可 欲 ， 使 民 心 不 乱 。是 以 圣 人 之 治 ，
虚 其 心 ，
实 其 腹 ，
弱 其 志 ，
强 其 骨 。常 使 民 无 知 无 欲 。
使 夫 智 者 不 敢 为 也 。
为 无 为 ， 则 无 不 治 。
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