Creating a Western Family Internal Boxing System

[ANGELSGYMSINGH]

The way of the warrior does not include other Ways, such as Confucianism,
Buddhism, certain traditions, artistic accomplishments, and/or dancing. But
even though these are not part of the Way, if you know the Way broadly you will see it in everything. Men must polish their particular Way . . . When I apply
the principle of strategy to the ways of different arts and crafts, I no longer have need for a teacher in any domain. (Musashi, Singh, p.18)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MtcHHj64BA

The Spritual Warrior seeks to become a concealed vessal for the Ten Thousand things of Heaven and Earth. The character clues to this potential is that the adept is dutiful, diligent, direct and deferential. It is said that the Chinese community of Martial Art instructors expect students, with this character, to produce much skill with very little direct guidance. However, the student with this potential is intensely, observed.

The teachers will teach you the basics and guide you to master them through providing a work ethic standard. Then they stand back and watch you perfect yourself through copying their way of expression. Later they watch you gain the ability to grow to meet challenges and then diminish from notice so as to gain more discipline and spiritual gifts through stillness. They wait until they see that their interpretation of has evolved into you way of interpretation; however, the essence of correctness is not lost in the translation. It is then that they know that a potential Master has been born. They know that several tens of thousands of hours directed towards becoming a spiritual warrior.

Ten thousand seems to be the universal number concerning the goal of developing expertise. Ten thousand hours of meditation, research, annotation, practice, conditioning, failure and success is the key to progressing to the point of expertise. Let us break this down terms of time. One will have to train 2 hours a day, five days of the week, for over ten years to attain expertise in Taiji Quan. If one doubles ones training per day to four hours than it would take five years of unrelenting effort. Each day missed is a reminder to the practioner that any break in regimen is a setback requiring a re-doubling of effort.

This is an ego cleansing process of self-discovery that places great importance on ones capacity to learn. A teaching analogy would be that they expect you to build a chair after slowly teaching you to build one chair leg. Applying this analogy to my own martial art experiences would signify that my first book described how I finished the other three chair leg. This book describes how I am finishing the seat. The work to complete this task has revealed to me the importance of seeking traditional Form and Function, Martial and Spiritual practices. It has also brought me to understand the meaning of the phrase “authentic Taiji Quan, Kung Fu”.

What the phrase signifies is the evolution of Asian lineage Taiji Quan Kung Fu within and amoung the lineage families of Chen, Yang, Wu, Wu Hao, Sun and Li. There is great value in researching and trying to replicate these ethnocentristic lineages of martial and spiritual, form and function. The value is tangibly validated when the practices help one become a peerless boxer. However, the late great Master Bruce Lee - a Wu Shu, Taiji and Wing Chun practitioner who created his own style called Jeet Kun Do, was correct in his assessment of Martial Arts being a sincere reflection of ones self-expression.

Self-expression on a cultural level separates Eastern and Western methods of internal skill development while at the same time linking them together. The link comes from a single ability central to find self. To self-express one must know onesself. This is accomplished through the ability to acutely, listen. Through this ability one learns what is within and how to apply that knowledge to hear what is communicated to us from without. This ability accompanied the need for self-expression with regard to the lineage founders of my internal boxing roots and to listen to the fighting spirit that comes from my Western Martial Art roots.

MMA, our modern interpretation of Greek Pankration is also steeped in ancient tradition but the forms are lost to all but the most researched and diligent. The choreographers of the movie Troy are the most notable Martial Artists who give us some possibilities of the capabilities of the Greek Warrior through the exploits of Achilles. In the West we have salvaged through recorded Greek accounts of great Olympians as far back as 648 BC, the tactics and techniques of allegedly unbeatable Warriors namely Arrhichion, Dioxippus, Polydamas of Skotoussa and Theagenes. From the mythical ancestry of Herecles and Theseus these warriors who integrated, what we in modernity call, Boxing, Kickboxing and Wrestling give the Modern Western Warrior the foundation and legitimacy of no-holds combative skills that are truly, fearsome. But what is very interesting is that the specific forms that teach how they became so prodigious is missing even as these tactics and techniques and even some strategies have survived. While this is true what is also true is that internal pugilism existed for Pankrationists as their fighting prowess and healing knowledge grew so did the methods for passing knowledge from teacher to student.

Pugilistic forms called cheironomia (χειρονομία, grappling) and anapale (αναπάλη, striking) were used to prepare Fighters for functional combative training. “The decision to remain standing or go to the ground obviously depended on the relative strengths of the athlete, and differed between anō (Grappling) and katō (Striking) pankration styles. However, there are indications that staying on one's feet was generally considered a positive thing, while touching the knee(s) to the ground or being put to the ground was overall considered disadvantageous. In fact, in antiquity as today, falling to one's knee(s) was a metaphor for coming to a disadvantage and putting oneself at risk of losing the fight, as argued persuasively by Michael B. Poliakoff.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pankration#cite_note-ReferenceA-2, Aug 2010 ).
 
Again a traditional system master tells us that Mastery of the Martial Arts is an individual endeavor that requires evolution and self expression to be aliving art of value. Since the book is written in english and sold specifically to the West it is likely that he did not mean it only for Asians...

Those who learn without using their gong-fu at the initial stages have to bring all their resilience to bear to re-develop their skills gradually so that they can attain the level of wisdom of Confucius. As the saying goes, "Initial difficulties are followed by abundance." This means that one's gong-fu must be exercised according to Mencius' advice: "It should be a matter in which you open your mind and make your heart sincere. Do not ignore your duties; do not rely on the assistance of others. This way, you will be able to restore chaos to order and extend this order to other things, working out a model for your true behavior." As a result of deeds accomplished by methodical application of the purest gong-fu bestowed to you by heaven and revealed internally, the dim and obscure way of the past will transform to brightness and clarity. Dedicated use of this approach will definitely lead to modest maturation of your skills in three years and significant mastery in an additional nine years or so, after which you will be able to quit' practice, as boxing becomes your second nature. By this stage, your body will move without consciousness of footwork, your spirit will lead the arms with unerring precision until the end of your days. Take my word for it. One who works persistently will realize all dreams. (Xin, pg. 195) ‪San Shou Training (Intermediate): Wu Water Boxing Basic Form‬‏ - YouTube

After reading this quote from the "Illustrated Explanation of Chen Family Taiji Quan". I realized the worth of my ideas concerning the building of a Western Family System of Martial Arts. The East should be thanked and revered for their contributions and transmissions of Martial Art refinement and skill. Their cultural contributions have rightly been assimilated into Western cultures while Asians themselves have only acculturated themselves to our ways of Martial culture. I think that should continue but not relegate the Western potential to interpret their wisdoms and institute a Western way of Internal Pugilism. With the apparent effectiveness of MMA it is time to reinstitute a more complete system of Pankration with the knowledge transmitted from the East. Our inner teachers are awakened thanks to the East’s sharing of lineage and in accordance with their own treatise the Tao must be a living doctrine expressed by all of humanity in its diverse beauty. Homogenous and ethnocentric statements like “Authentic Kung Fu” are derived from xenophobic perceptions of reality and are only appropriate to publically present when one is unbalanced by the power of change.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnCG6FzU9A4

Does this mean that there are Western Masters of Martial Arts that are as knowledgeable of Internal Skills as the Eastern Masters? No it doesn’t. Does this mean that the West will become as adept in building internal skill as the Eastern ones but through a integrated means of technology and borrowed wisdoms? Yes it does! So begin your journey with traditional Asian Martial Arts. But complete your Journey with the aid of an inner teacher that will not hold back knowledge when you are ready to possess it or speak in in a language that will force you to learn fluent Madrin for you to decipher a culturally encoded significance. This has already been done for us through the openess of a few Asian Masters and their brilliant Western Apprentices.

It is now time to walk on our own instincts. Refine ourselves by learn from our own mistakes and while taking advise whenever and wherever it is given manifest our own internal style that accompanies our very potent style of Modern Pankration. . As stated in the beginning of this book, I am an Internal Pugilist. I am not alone and my way is not the only way but it will make me and others Peerless Boxers in the way that is stated in ancient Taiji treatise. Master Wang states that if we stray but a little we will miss the goal, but he was making a cultural reference. He was talking about having faith in the developmental process of internal skill. In the pursuit of such skill one must have patience in oneself and faith in ones training method and not try to sidestep the process. The Master later goes on to reveal that after several years one is free to evolve one’s own way. I believe the East is the Yin and the West is the Yang and as the Master says we compliment each other when harmoniously integrated. I believe both cultures are ready for that integration and acceptance of each other’s potential :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfW4HpH1Fa4

Excerpts from the Treatise on T’ai Chi Ch’uan
attributed to
Wang Tsung-yueh (18th Century) as
researched by Lee N. Scheele
Within yin there is yang. Within yang there is yin. Yin and yang mutually aid and change each other. Understanding this you can say you understand chin. After you understand chin, the more you practice, the more skill. Silently treasure knowledge and turn it over in the mind.
Gradually you can do as you like. Fundamentally, it is giving up yourself to follow others.
Most people mistakenly give up the near to seek the far. It is said, “Missing it by a little will lead many miles astray.” The practitioner must carefully study. This is the Treatise.

So what do you think> Did he all cultures or that only Asian lineage kung fu systems could be authentic?

[ANGELSGYMSINGH]

Purpose: When the Combat Athlete composes a shadowboxing form of transiitioning postures that originates from his/her own most effective moves they will be reinforcing their best offensive and defensive techiques. When they add to this form based on lessons learned from defeat in sparrring or competition they will become an expert on how they overcome adversity. When they evolve this shadowboxing form to reflect the techniques they imagine will work and prove the effectiveness of their creation, they will be masters of themselves and their Martial Art. The Combat Athlete must codify their own best offenses and defenses in a form and refine that form in sparring and then in combat. The highest level of martial arts fighting is found in the asthetic beauty of execution. The science of such a practice is guided by the Five Character Secret:

Calm Mind (Knowing your enemy), Continuous Breathing (Uninterupted Air intake and expulsion), Unified Agility (Hands and Feet arrive together), Intrinsic Strength (Proprioception & Sunstantial/Insubstantial movements), Concentrated Spirit (Focused Intent).

The Art of Martial Science is found within the reinforcing efforts of Fighters who create and pass down their own method of fighting. Arguably, in the history of any lineage martial system this observation has been the reason for evolving the transmission of a traditional method; Not to change it but to make more effective for learning or fighting. One of the most important guides in the dreation and execution of Neijia forms is found in Master Li's Five Character Secret a guide which can be found with more explanation in a book at this link: 404 Looking for Something? on the Features Page.

Video Examples of Form and Equipment Evolution:

1. Pugilistic Power Training in Form - Pugilistic Power Training: World Health and Fitness Expo - YouTube

2. Wuwater Basic Form Evolution - San Shou Training (Intermediate): Wu Water Boxing Basic Form - YouTube

3. Breath work Form - Wuwater Tigerboxing: Prenatal Breath, Posture & Transition Regimen - YouTube

4. Western Tai Chi Chuan Wooden Dummy - Internal Pugilism: WTCC Wooden Dummy Prototype - YouTube

Abstract: Martial Art Forms are asthetic tools that aid in teaching, self expression. The teleological view of Martial Science Form Creation is that sincere, self-expression is intrinsic in purpose. Arguably, this final cause in human nature is what makes it science in conception and art in expression. Bruce Lee, in a 1960's review stated that Martial Arts is defined as an example of sincere, self-expression. This qualitative analogy belies the fact that he believed the liberating process of Martial Science would lead to form being formless. Reaching this level of skill would be an arduous task and he practiced the science of 10,000 Training Hours in the effort to enhance performance enough to make thought a reality. But when this goal is finally realized the art becomes life and life becomes the art. As the person grows in life so does his/her art: Such is the way of Jeet Kun Do. As he or she evolves in life then so does their art. Martial Art forms are more than just a reflection of strategic and tactical dogma. It is the evolving expression of the Life-Skills of the Martial Arts Adept. You must use form to perfect the knowledge gained from giving, taking, getting up from and looking for another ass-whoppin or you are only bathing your ego in your own BS:Such is the way of the Illusive & Internal Pugilist ...

Introduction: Repitition, using the 10,000 Rule, is the guide to perfecting any mental, physical or emotonal challange. Functional, Directional and Dimensional Form construction is how the legends of Greek, Persian and Asian fighting systems were able to pass their fighting knowledge to future practitioners. In this effort these great warrior scholars passed on more than a system of combat, they passed on a gift of their understanding of the mental, physical and emotional (spiritual) of life seen through the eyes of a warrior. It was expected for these ideas to be a baseline of principles to be expounded upon by worthy adepts. A worthy adept is one who is relentless in the search of defining him/herself through the teachings of martial science while preserving the ancient principles that spawned its creation. Long lasting lineage systems exist through the evolution of martial science, refinement of close quarters combat technique and the cultivation of the adept. Forms are how that knowledge is transfered as a process of martial science with the ultimate purpose of protecting, refining and cultivating the Martial Artist. Arguably, lineage systems are not soely based on tradition. They are based on evolution. They are not based on group concensus. They are based on individual effort to complete the command echoing deeply in the recesses of the soul... searching for the spirit of the warrior: To know yourself and be true to that knowledge. We are talking deep so lets get profound: The Western origins of our fighting lineage is a reflection of a Greco-Roman cosmology that likened human behavior after the Belicous animation of their Gods. The Gods reflected a synthesis resulting from conflict and this state of existance realized a universe in constant flux. Warfare was a state of devine worship and thusly religion and combat were not only inseparable in their cosmology it was celebrated as a consort to governance. Areguably, with limited degrees of difference and context this is true of most civilizations since the Bronze Age. An aspiring adept in the Western Culture will embrace this concept in order to become a Master of the 10,000 Things of Heaven and Earth. The Form or as the Greeks called them The Pyrric is the tool of refinement and cultivation that stands as a testiment of that adept's mental, physical and emotional potential for Martial Prowess .

I. Studying tradition and intercultural methods of fighting begins this quest for self knowledge. Such a quest is in full gear when the Spiritual warrior makes that knowledge his own in expression and style. With this type of thinking Form training does more that reinforce successful methods of fighting. It becomes a benchmark for the evolution of your own understanding of yourself: The Key to understanding the enemy of learning which is the fear of change. Building a form that reinforces your best combative techniues is a lesson in the evolution of your understanding of self and an expression of individual growth. Such growth is meant to extend sentient life and ones connection to others living life both great and small, weak or strong, human or animal.

II. In 2007 I was the Master of Angel's Gym, a 2000 sqft warehouse space that was really nothing more than an oversized garage for people to learn find, give, take and get up from mental, physical and emotional ass-whoppins. Taiji Quan, Yoga, Boxing and Kickboxing were standard disciplines practiced at the facility. I had already learned to merge aspects of all four of these disciplines to have an advantage over youthful but limited-experienced opponents. With time I could manage negating the effectiveness of Competitive-level Pugilists.

III.The key was replicating success in form training and reapplying lessons learned and practiced in conditioning drills. Standard training sessions had progressed to 20 mins of core-building, strength and flexibility exercises using the palates ball (The Ball Hundreds), 20 mins of Linear, Circular & Stationary Heavy/Two-ended Bag Work, The Wooden Dummy, 20 Mins of sparring (Lead-hand/Foot, Body/leg-only, Everything) and 30 min Taiji/Qigong Form or Yoga (Saturdays). The reputation for unique standup striking prowess attracted Antonio Duerson to apply for a job as assistant trainer. His ability and credentials were the best in town for Boxing, Kickboxing, Grappling and undeground, Mixed Martial Arts competition. His was the idea that anything done while standing can be done on the ground. This became a philosophy that, I too, believed was possible.

IV. It was a time when everyone came to Angel's Gym to learn this sweet fusion of Taiji Quan and Boxing/Kickoxing Function. Most thought that any middle-aged man who had my skills and conditioning was simply a freak of nature. The truth was that I meditated, performed Taiji Quan and sparred for over 50 hours a week in 2006 until I was injured with a torn achilles tendon. Then all I could do was Taiji Form which later I had to apply to Boxing & Kickboxing because I could not get into a caste: I had to work to keep the facility open. This was time spent doing an absorbinate amount of meditation, Taiji and Qigong Form, Boxing and researching Taiji Quan and Boxing treatise. This synthesis of applied method is how I began fusing disciplines. People saw how I could handle and teach people to handle almost any style that opposed them in sparring. But more than that, how to do it in an efficient manner that structured a movable offense and defense that seemed to operate at the same time. They wanted to know how to fight like I was fighting. I had to find a way for them to do this. Later with more exploration and applied theory of the treatise I found that a mastery of breathing was a must to achieve true and everlasting internal power. Almost relearning an old skill and improving upon it I was able to eliminate my need for heart and colesterol medication by 2011. Remodulating my traditional expression of kung fu form was a boi part in my success in this endeavor.

V. I had found out by 2008 that the Yang Taiji Quan and Kun Tao Silat forms that I had learned did not serve me well in a direct transition to funtional sparring. However, Taiji Quans 13 methods of Stand-up Grappling and Seven Stars of Stand-up Striking did apply well to the basics of offensive and defensive fighting. I had to find a way to replicate sparring successes through applying those methods to Boxing and Kickboxing. First, I had to change the Taiji form postures to replicate my inside-swarming fighting style. To do this I had to understand Taiji Quan's 13 Methods and overlap them with my own rules of combat. After a sparring match where I sucessfully opposed two very accomplished, younger and professional (Heavyweight) pugiists I proved to myself that my own personal rules of combat were ubiquitously valid. I over lapped the the 13 Taiji Quan methods with Singh's 13 Rules. This is how the Boxing Form and Kickboxing Form was inspired and a City Boxing and Regional Kickboxing (Male/Female) Champion was produced. By 2010 with the help of my assistant and student Antonio Duerson, who had high-level Grappling Skills, 25 more contenders and Champions were produced at the city, state and regional levels of amatuer competition and Professional competition. MMA, Wrestling and Grappling disciplines that had competitons were also a part of this winning trend as grapplers came to the gym to learn Singh-style pugilism to enhance their ability to withstand punishment without significant injury and become more aggressive.

VI. This was possible because the style produced an inherent spirit of "scrappiness" contained within an elegant form that would later include Wu (Box-style) Taiji Quan and evolve into the Internally Pugilitic family system known as Wuwater Tigerboxing. This style is nothing more than the Combative side of Western Tai Chi Chuan (WTCC) and as such produced a new tool to train masters and students: The WTCC Wooden Dummy. The question begs asking, why create a form? Is it because one does not understand the traditional form applications? For some perhaps but for others it is because through the hard work of trying to understand and perfect traditional forms the inner teacher is revealed.

For example in the WTCC Book 1 (Illusive Pugilism) The rules of Strategy and Tactic follow the traditional 13 Methods of Taiji Quan and Singh's 13 Rules of Fighting. In the revision coming out in 2013, there is a further and more succinct integration of Eastern and Western methods grouped as Ofensive and Defensive Methods:

13 Offensive Methods (Merging Taiji Quans 1st 6 Methods with the Seven Stars): Wardoff, Rollback, Press, Push, Split, Grasp, Head, Shoulder, Elbow, Hand, Hip, Knee, Foot.


13 Defensive Methods (Merging Eastern Elemental Steps with Western Boxing Movements): (All movements are Sunken, Circular, Spiriling, Centered and Rhythmic)Earth (Stationary), Metal (Forward), Wood (Backward), Fire (Traditional Right or Strongside), Water (Traditional Left or Weakside), Air (Up and Down), Block, Parry, Duck, Pivot, Circle,Slip &Trap , Bob&Weave.

In my experience a fighter who can master all of these skills is a very formidable opponent. If the fighter is also trainined in pugilistic skills that are conditioned to give and take punishment without significant injury then one might call such a fighter a "peerless boxer". Such a perspective is definitively Western but does hold a common theme when one views the Shaolin Tao of Chan Buddhism and compares it with the treatise of Mendoza or the lineage books of Western Pugilism called Boxiana, Fistiana, Vollstandiges Ring-Buch and others too numerous to mention. The idea of a Supreme Ultimate Fist has a Western vartiation that was scientific in emphasis and internal in regimen that began in Greece.

In my research I have found that the term "authentic", underscoring the disciplines of any long-standing Martial System, is another way of saying Asian-made. That is not to say that the Asian ways are not proficient and effective. I mean to say that any martial system that employs the 10,000 rule of perfecting strategy and technique and is constantly evolving to meet the needs of its practitioners is proficient. Every Asian system coming from the Shaolin or Wudang institutions have evolved their functional prowess. They did so through creating a form, and appropriate conditioning exercises that replicated and reinforced the mental, physical and emotional state that one used successfully in competitive of combative fighting. These forms alchemically and kinetically promoted Balance, Technique, Accuracy, Resiliance, Speed, Replication, Force and Fluidity: Moreover, the personal flare of the innovator guided by their Inner-Teacher. So the question is answered only to beget another... given a similar need and martial training experience, how does one create a form?

VII. To answer this question the idea of why must be summarized: Form is shadowboxing and is recognized as the observable measure of ones profociency and effectiveness in functional sparring or combat. Unarmed methods of fighting must first come from combative applications where life and death against a well trained opponent have proven those methods effective. Such methods are refined through competitive application. Form helps one refine and cultivate the mental, physical and emotional state that allows techniques and strategies to be successful. If one is trained by a competent Trainer, meditates one ones breathing to enhance self (Mind, Body, Spirit), performs enough relentless research, interdisciplinary martial practice and understands the mechanics of sword, shield and spear technique and strategy one is ready to create a form.

VIII. The sword teaches one to strike properly. The sheild teaches us to block properly. The spear teaches us to evade properly. The Science of Pranayama is the most assessable treatise to learn how to meditate properly. The 13 Methods of Taiji Quan refined by the 9 Songs of Small Circle Taiji Quan, cultivated by Liuhebafa/Wuiji.Taiji/Bagua/Wuxing doctrine and relentlessly reinforeced through the conditioning of the Seven Stars (Head, Shoulder, Elbow, Hand, Hip, Knee, Feet) of Striking are the most assessable literature resources to perfect strategy and technique. Sparring is the safest way to validate effectiveness. The 10,000 hour of training rule is the only way to ensure proficiency. If all of these things are being done, either with these exact tools and references or similar ones, one can be called an adept. The term Kung Fu is a good term to use to describe all of this because it implies the concept of hard work to achieve skill. Form creation, practice and application is how such skill is observably measured to indicate ones level of proficiency. I remember performing my form before and during and after each sparring event. I remember my abilities growing and my intentions becoming palpable when percieved by opponent's. So keeping all of these ideas in mind, lets outline how one would make a form:



1. Make Combative Rules - Translate ancient traditional treatise rules into contemporary language rules you and your students can understand (See book, The Art of Western Tai Chi Ch'uan, Chapter 3). Every founder of every martial lineage has done this and been called a genious for the effort. The truth is that the initiative to do this was born from a necessity to transform clarity into action and action into art without straying from core concepts. Modern efforts that exemplify these observations are American Gojo, Jeet Kun Do, American Kempo, American Kickboxing, Brazillian Jui Jitsu and more. Everything has a lineage so don't let that "Authentic Style" crap misguide you as every one of these styles are connected to a lineage system.

2. Apply Meditative Wisdom - The Eastern treatise of the Vedas, Chen, Feng, Wang, Li and Wu must be integrated with the Western Treatise of Mendoza, Chausson, Price, Lewis This wisdom teaches that all forms and functional application must follow a simple guidline: Sunken, Soft, Circular, Rythmical (Meditation) and Arythmical (Combative). Each form you create must have a specific purpose. each forms purpose comes from the experiences one has manifested through reflective contemplations on breathing, offenses, defenses, health and healing. It is not uncommon for a system to have a foundational form (Short length meditative, breathing, basic technique & conditioning), a combative short or fast form, a basic weapons form and an all-inclusional or Long Form. More refined systems have a meditative, combative and weapons form. More cultivated stsyems have but one long or all-inculsional form and a Weapons Form. The Wuwater Tigerboxing System has evolved to have an Elemental Form (Long,Meditative, Healing), a Sword Form and a Combative (Short) Form that teaches armed and unarmed combat-specific posture applications.The Brass-Rings and Double Trident or Sai can be used in this form.

3. Standardize Postures - Break-down every defensive and offensive action into sequential steps that lead to a static posture. The foundational posture is your pugilistic stance which must returned to after every offensive and defensive tactic or technique. Your stance is the mountain that is easy to see, difficult to find weakness and nearly impossible to breakdown. Your stance is an upper and lower body posture that is refined and cultivated learning through the experience of striking and grappling pain, how to prevent it. Transitions from posture to posture should be disected into a maximum of four part movements with the movements reduced to movements . The objective is to build proprioception. An example of such postures can be found through this link: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150550490464962.386179.18123014961&type=3#!/media/set/?set=a.10150550490464962.386179.18123014961&type=3

4. Standardize Movement - The foundation of movement is described by weight distrbution emphasis which has it all on one leg of the other without either leaving the ground. This is called substantial (weighted) and insubstantial (unweighted) movement. This must be mastered first in a stationary leg stance. Cresant-moon shaped foot patterns that maintain position but change lead foot must be mastered next. There are 3 general upper and lower body movements that teach one to defend: Stationary, Linear and Circular. There are 4 basic directional movements (Begining the first posture faceing South in accordance with Fu Xi's pre-birth Trigram) that teach one to attack while aligning the magnetic forces of the body with the earth: Forward, Backward, Left, Right. There are 5 primary Dimensional movements which teach one to evade: Up, Down, Around, Spiral and Instantanious or Explosive. General movements teach functional method. Directional movements teach the application of Functional method. And, Dimensional moements teach the perfection of Functional method. Foundational Forms should contain general movements. Meditative forms should teach directional movements. And, Combative Forms should teach dimensional movements. With these definitions we can analyze traditional forms and gauge their complexity and usefulness in training for functional application. We now can name forms that we view a Functional Form, a Directional Form, a Dimentional Form or a combination of all of them. The more ubiquitous a form the more movement patterns are found within it. The Dimensional form should be the most useful and indicative of individual skill. As such the dimensional form will have at least Four geometric patterns: Square, Circle, Triangle, Sphere. When you begin to make a form to reinforce your successful sparring or combat skills your ability to make the form by these standards will give you an idea on the level of your knowledge of Martial Art concepts and possible comparative proficiency. An example of postures being added to movements and thos movements being applied in striking can be found through this link: http://apps.facebook.com/youtubebox/video.asp?uvid=12380517&ref=profile-tab

5. Constantly Evolve the Form - When you begin making a form it really helps if you have learned a traditional form or rather several traditional forms. If not, then succes in this endeavor would be based upon your knowledge and proficiency of basic striking and grappling, offense and defense. You must first start with you favorite offensive and defensive technique. Then think of an experience where you have used the technique. Next, recount how you could have made the technique more effective. Then decide if the technique is functional, directional or dimensional. If it starts out functional in experience imagine it directional to evolve it. If it is directional then imagine it dimensional to evolve it. Transitions between the functional, directional and transitional technique must flow even in the changing of directions or they will not be efficiently fluid. Hard movements are linear and soft movements are circular; however, strength must be found within the technique: Transitions not seen but felt secure seession of hostility by an opponent. Fluidity minimizes effort and energy and maximizes endurance and stamina efficiency. But make sure you understand the rudimentary aspects of form or shadowboxing at its highest level.

A. Breathing is the begining of any functional, directional or dimensional form. The highest description of this aspect I have ever read is from Wu Mengxia in his treatise "Taiji Boxing". Basically he believes that one should be familiar with micro-cosmic orbit breathing which circulates the mental focus of inhalation sensations from the penerium up the spine and to the roof of the mouth where the tip of the tongue is touching. Then the sensations from exhalation follows the center-line of the body downwards and back to the source of inhalation sensation. This process is accompanied by deep abdonminal breathing which hyper-stimulates nerve bundles/clusters called ganglia along the centerline front and connected to the back of the body. The capillaries corresponding to these nerve bundles are opened to thir full potential thus allowing for the greatest possible ammount of oxiginated blood to feed the body. The greater the focus, caused by repeated practice, the greater the ability to control autonomic reflexes to include neoepinefrin the preferred hyper-strength adrenal product because it does not degrade performance after use. This is the process that many call building Chi, Qi, prana or lifeforce harnessing. Mantak Chai uses the analogy of driving on flat tires as opposed to riding on filled tires. Next the breath sensation runs the course of the technique called Eight Paths Meditation or leading the breath through the extraordinary meridian pathways. This pathway is where the energy collected through proper breathing can be stored to aid the liver-blood ready the body for action. When the conscious mind knows how the body works and has a technique for coordinating thought and respiratory process... well.. thats when magic happens. When a person stands still before form movement this is what he/she should be doing. The classics call this Sinking the Qi or Playing in the Cinnebar fields. When a person is moving breathing through the nose only is the preferred method but form is not how one learns perfection. Perfection is an archetypal notion. Form and Shadowboxing teach us what to do when we make a mistake. Given this guidline we must always ask ourselves: Are we training the form or shadowboxing an opponent that we can defeat or the opponent that we know that without training we can not defeat? With this notion in mind remember that a skilled advasary will tax our breathing skill. In fact that is his/her first task if they know the encounter will be challanging. In these situations you will be taken from your game and lose concentration on your breathing. That is when you use the method of recovery found in my book, The Art of Western Tai Chi Ch'uan. I call this active breathing responces in combative situations. Some peope are natural at this even with out training but for the lesser naturally gifted of us, it is in training that we will become theor equal and superior. This is how I have been able to stay with younger athletes in combat athletic encounters. One must study the subject of breathing hard or fall to the skilled adept. This is the pretext to creating your own form.

B. We need an example for building a form. Lets take a Strikers approach to constructing a form. The basics for designing the physical expression of offensive striking are with the head, shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, knee and foot. Blocks and parries are basically executed with any of these striking tools but with the inclusion of the lower arm and leg. In attack or defense the foot and hand move together and arrive together even if the movement is highly refined through silk-reeling skill. Non-contact defensive movements are executed through ducks, slips, pivots and semi-circular slides. A sprawl incompasses all of the techniqes mentioned and is the best weapon against the takedown (It must in some manner be a part of a form. In Asian fighting it is the posture snake creeps down in the grass. In MMA a variation is the Leg/Spread Guard with Over/under or pancake control of the opponent's arms).

C. The counter-striker or swarming brawler style form is the most intimidating to construct as it is a dimensional form that teaches the adept tol be within arms reach of the opponent. To be unstoppable even with multiple opponents. With multiple opponents the danger is when they attack at once and together. This is when pugilistic conditioning from the internal and external perspective is a must. One will be struck. The secret is to possess subtle movements that make it difficult to harm you without receiving devastating punishment. This stste of being requires raw power and well trained poise under arduous conditions of possible harm. Pranayama must be practiced with intensity. The 72 Arts of Shaolin must be practiced relentlessly. Personal regimens that reinforce the 5 Character Secret of Liuhabafa and I-Li Yeuh must be adhered to in the application of Wu Chin (Follow, Link, Adhere, Stick, Never Release or Resist. Four to Five Years of applying these resources of martial wisdom and conditioning and one will be ready to successfully negotiate such a situation. The key image or situation to nvision when constructing yor form is imagine yourself training to be incarcerated in a Prison and having to deal with the mentality, cruelty, physicality and predatory instincts of a sociopathic inmate. One ould have to devise an system that would have to overcome a weaponed opponent or more within close confines. If the form and training is not only reliable but validated when one is with close proximity the opponents will not be able to harm him/her even when making striking or grappling contact. Know that when you begin to make the form this is the ultimate goal of making it... To be unstoppable even though you are within reach is the mark of an illusive pugilist and the beginning of Internal Pugilism....

[47MartialMan]

In short, what are you trying to convey?

[WhitePanda]

My reading comprehension is in the 98th percentile, so it's rare for me to ask this next question. What???

[ANGELSGYMSINGH]

Hi MartialMan and Hi Panda... The answer to your question, Martial, is in the purpose and the title.... For White panda congradulations on your reading ability. I am happy to hear that. This thread is about creating a family system. This addition is how one can make a form to reinforce ones personal best and favorite fighting techniques. I give some examples and provide a guide for those interested in the subject. The idea being expressed has been explored for some time. As scholars I am sure that you would like to see the references supporting this tread. If so just check out the Angel's Gym Facebook note for the Western Institute for Internal Pugilism References ... a basic resource aricle for healing the Combat Athlete will be posted in a few.... Thanks guys for reading the thread.... Any critique is welcome..... especially for the Wooden Dummy... lol .. G

[Old_kyokushin]

Cut the BS, take kyokushin and you'll be better of than 9,999 per 10,000 TaiJiQuan practitioner of all age and creed!

;)


Osu!

[ANGELSGYMSINGH]

Purpose: It is my belief that many people who study internal martial arts, in the West, also have desires and experience in the area of self-healing physical injury through preventive exercises like Qigong and Yoga. Some of them even experiment and have some success at Jing Luo. It is my hope that this article initiates others to add their experiences and knowledge to this thread to help those beginning to explore these skills and also those that wish to progress their current Knowledge. Liniments, Pultices, Massages, Healer conditioning, Energy accumulation and discharge, Mental states of healing... All these things and more are up to us in the West to discuss and make our own if we are to Institute our own way of Martial Science. It is my belief that in this way Traditionally trained Western Internal Pugilists & MMA/CQC Adepts can evolve the Mixed Martial Arts and Close Quarters Combat community. The heart of these communities are not found in competition but in the gyms and homes of aficionados that practice, train and research every day. One awesome example of this is Michigan born MMA Champion Daren Cruikshank. This is our gift to the lexicon and lineages of Human Fighting Systems. As .such we owe it to ourselves to add to the knowledge base. Some of this information will be presented at the World Health Convention hosted by Grandmaster & Dr. Ibraham Ahmed: http://www.starsforcharityexpo.com/

Note - See this link for diagrams of the Breathing Methods, particularly the Surya Bheda (Awareness) and Bhastrika (Focus) regimens, meridian points, mudra postures and sitting postures: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150526827369962.383421.18123014961&type=1. See this link for animated descriptions of Parnayama Exercises: http://hathayogalesson.com/

Abstract: Self-healing begins with a committment to an un-natural control of one's breathing. It is a s I said in my book, The Art of Western Tai Chi Ch'uan: More than food and water air and the control of it is the essence of life. Control air and one control's life. The effort strengthens the body through breathing regimens. It continues with constructing a breathing regimen based upon the science of Pranayama (Air-energy). In addition to these regimens one must proprioceptively strengthen the hands. This can be done effectively through habitual Baoding Ball usage and one of the Seventy-two Arts of Shaolin conditioning exercises called, "Pinch the Flower". Once these regimens have begun in earnest it is necessage to study locations, functions and methods of manipulation involving basic-healing, accupuncture points.

Introduction: Let us begin with the breathing regimens. The breathing regimen must fit the individuals needs and physical abilites, while meeting the minimal standards discussed in the book, The Science of Pranayama by Dr. S. Sivanada. This book was reintroduced to me by Gary Stier OMD. These regimens include four progressively harder asanas or sitting postures and at least Four breathing methods directed at the suspension of breath. The suspension of breath is central to the stimulation, repair and enhancement of ones autonomic respiratory, nervous, limbic and immune systems. This effort can be mastered to a significant level of effectiveness in a matter of 80-100 hours of practice. The key is the consistency of practice and the intensity of effort: One must perform as close to 300 suspended breath cycles per day as possible.

Pranayama Book Review: Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: The science Of Pranayama

How do I perform these breathing exercises? Find a quiet and private place that has a soft surface and an obstacle that can keep your back straight. Practice the four seated poses: Simple Pose (Indian sitting or crosslegs), Prosperous Pose (Right leg on top of left leg with right foot wedged behind left calf and left heal on penerium), Perfect Pose (Left foot over right foot with ankles locked and left foot on penerium) and the Lotus (Enlightened Pose with both feet sitting on opposite thighs). Remember that breathing comes in three parts when you can perform diaphramatic breathing and lower abdominal breathing. This means you expand the lungs with a thought image of filling them from the bottom up. With time you will develop muscular acquity and control, not to mention strength, and be able to push the pressure brought on by the breathing process anywhere on the body. You will even be able to sit up from a flat position by coordinating breathing and muscular relaxation and tension. It is amazing to see yourself do these things all from a disciplined approach to breathing. Before attempting any of the following exercises please buy a great book for MMA Fighters to use practical yoga techniques made specifically for MMA Fighters: MMA Yoga on the Mat: Real Yoga for Inside the Cage by Khandi Madama. You can see my review at Amazon.com: MMA Yoga On The Mat: Real Yoga For Inside The Cage eBook: Khadi Madama: Kindle Store.

Microcosmic Orbit: When you breath in expand your stomach with a focus on a point 2-3 inches below your navel. Imagine the breath filling your lungs from the bottom up and as you do this imagine energy in the form of white light traveling from your penerium, up the spine and over the head until resting at the roof of your mouth. Put the tipof yor tongue to the roof of your mouth and keep it there for all the breathing exercises. Then breath out and imagine the breath flowing down the center of your body until you mind leads the light back to its source between your legs(centerpoint between the anus and the scrotum. Let these instructions guide you breathing in the first regimen. Do this with your hands cupped below your navel resting in your lap, left hand on top of right hand with thumbs touching. Do this for ten cycles or more until you feel your palms becoming hot. Do not move to the next stage until you feel this sensation.

Small Cosmic Circulation: Once the hands are hot, imagine the white light travelling up the spine and resting in the base of the neck when breathing in (hold for ten counts). Then exhale and while doing it move the light down the back of the arms to the finger tips (exhale for ten counts). Focus on the palms and breath in (Ten counts). Then breath out moving the light form palms to the inside of the forearms (Exhale for ten counts). Focus upon the center of the chest and breath in (Inhale for ten counts). Then exhale and move the light to the In Tan or Third Eye (Exhale for ten counts). Then focus upoon the top of the head and breath in (Hold ten counts). Then breath out while moving the light down the back and inner thighs to the area between the achilles tendon and the ankle (Hold for ten counts). Finally, focus on the bottom-center of the foot just behind the balls of the feet (Inhale Ten counts). Then breath out and move the light up the front of the leg and back to the source at the penerium. When the light is brought there imaging it a ball that can pull the anus, testicles and the penis into the body and allow the body to simulate that imagary. Then take that ball of light and pull it up into the abdomen and then under the chest and allow the body to simualte that imagary. This will sink your stomach in and pull your tailbone in. Hold this for ten counts. This is an action that sends energy collected from your efforts to the brain. It is known as a Kundalini practice.

Even Breathing Ratio: Empty the lungs and do not breath for a count of ten. Then breath in for a count of ten. Hold the breath for a count of ten. Then breath out for a count of ten.

4:16:8 Breathing Ratio: This ratio normally begins at 12:48:24 but that might be too intense for beginners so I thought to start at the lowest possible. After some time and dedicated practice the length of time can be increased to incredible lengths of time. Breath in for 4 counts. Hold the breath for 16 counts. Release the breath for 8 counts. Inhaling through the right nostril, holding (Pulse the anus and lower abdomin while locking the breath - see The Science of Pranayama Book)) and exhaling through the left is the most powerful of the simpler exercises one can perform.

Note: The visualization of light can be replaced with the sensation of energy and the spiritual vitality or Hyper-attentive focus that is brought about by th breathing process. The counts can be increased until one can perform the exercises with 30 counts. Mantras (Chants) and Mudras (hand postures, see Angels Gym pics) can enhance the experience. The body will become warm and even hot to you and anyone near by you. do not allow it to sweat. Breath in through both nostrils and out the left nostril to cool the body down. Evenually you will want to practice this in the coldest room in the house or outside during the winter. Soon you will need less and less clothing to remain comfortable. You can increase the ratios to 8:32:16, 10:40:20, 20:80:40, 30:120:60 and higher.

Chanting the Kuju Kiri (Rin, Pyo,To,Sha,Ki,Jin,Retsu,Sai,Zen,Mata) for the last three breathing ratios will produce a more profound effect. This is not a mystical thing of mentally saying words that activate cardio-respiratory, nervous and limbic systems. This is a scientific thing of auditory vibration and directed thought. Do these exercises every morning and night at 150 repetitions of combined exercises. Entrenment frequencies found at the Isochronic Tones website (http://iso-tones.com/) can be used to enhance the meditative session. The combination of Pranayama and Entrenment will alter brainwave potency and direction as a matter of scientific fact. With repeated combined usage in sessions the spiritual vitality - the attentive focus acute and developed enough to control autonomic functions - will rise without much effort as a matter of mental/physical/emotional comfort and behavioral reinforcement.

Use the 10,000 hour of training rule to ensure success. In the effort the body will be cleansed of any disease and significant malfunction in less than a 1-3 years. I am a living example of this statment as I have been off heart, blood pressure and colesterol. meds permanently since dedicating myself to these exercises. You must consult the Pranayama book to exact more formal training regimens; however, your mental, physical and emotional state will be altered. Moreover, your behavior will be altered in favor of actions and environments condusive to further mental, physical and behavioral enhancement: You will become a quasi-asthethtic. You will be prepared and able to actualize what you have studied from books like Tom Bisio's wrote.

You will also have the intellectual and emotional boost necessary to understand and actualize more esoteric literature. The following information excerped from Lin Zuihua explains the scientific aspects of the deep-diaphramatic breathing discussed. It is known to Internal Adepts as "Sinking the Qi or Playing in the Cinnebar Fields":

Different breathing patterns produce different impacts on human body. "Sinking Qi to Cinnabar Field" is a manifestation of deep breathing, and it can help human body strengthen oxygen supply and discharge large amounts of carbon dioxide, so it plays very big roles in the metabolism exchange process. The reasons lie in that, on one hand, slow and conscious deep breathing can improve the alkali content in human body, accelerate heart beating and blood circulation, thus transmit more oxygen and nutrients to human body through blood; on the other hand, trash and toxins in body are discharged out of body through deep breathing and sweats, which can effectively reduce the acid content in body, and maintain a balance of chemical compositions in human body. In addition, deep breathing can also promote shock of blood and lymphatic fluid and hence free circulation thereof, restore the connections among various nervous systems, as a result, various nerve endings also cheer up, and directly or indirectly stimulate blood vessels, which enhances the nutrition of muscle due to improvement of metabolism. Furthermore, abdomen is the place where the yin meridians among twelve meridians of the conception vessel joint together, and where many important acupuncture points and autonomic nerve plexuses of human body are distributed; deep breathing makes abdominal muscles to generate regular ups and downs, which can not only effectively stimulate relevant acupuncture points and autonomic nerves, but also massage the liver, intestines and stomach. Thus it can be seen that, abdominal breathing is a kind of scientific method in life nurturing and health care through Health Qigong for promoting the running of blood.


How do the Baoding Balls help my healing skills? The hands are a medium for transmitting mental and some say bio-energy purpose. The Chinese define spiritual vitality as a heightened state of attentive focus. With the Pranayama or breathing energy exercises you will practice there will be physical activity that would normally be associated with the usage of drugs, that vigor of high-impact cardio-exercise or REM state sleep. Your autonomic functions will increase and decrease at the same time dependent upon the type of breathing and abdominal tension you employ. You will be able to direct blood pressure rise and fall with your mind because of Microcosmic and Small Cosmic Circulation. Moreover you will be able to improve circulation to the point of heating your body to an extraordinary extent, especialyy in the palms of the hands. The Dan Tien located 2 -3inches below your navel will soon be emmitting measurable electro-magnetic charges that already exist at that point in the body. These exercise just enhance that effect. There are significant accupoints in the hands that the rolling Baoding Balls can stimulate while performing the breating regimens and even before or after the exercise. The heavier the balls, the intensity of squeezing them, clock-wise and counter-clockwise roll them while toching each other or keeping them apart give strength to the hands. continuous use make the hands vice-like.


The 72 Arts of Shaolin has an exercise that add a process to Baoding Ball usage: 1) Put two balls in your hand. Hold one ball between the thumb and pointer fingers and the other with the rest of the fingers. 2) Holding the arm away from the body as in a strike, Slowly roll the hand outward 100 times and inward 100 times. 3) Do the same thing with the arms curved into a circle. 4) After a year, replace the baoding balls with 3 soybeans until they can be crushed to powder. 5) The next years are to progress to harder and harder stones. Warning: Traditionally only one hand was trained in this regimen as this exercise can be harmful if one moves by unconscious instinct. This kind of strength is indicative of the ability of the hand to penetrate to the depth necessary to unblock a closed meridian accupoint or stimulate the energy hidden at that point to be released to it's natural destination. With time and training ones own energy can be felt by entering the accupoint. The breathing make the hands hot. The hands make the Baoding Balls hot. The balls can be used to perform a less invasive gentle massage of accupoints, particularly those of the Govenor (Back) and Conception (Front) vessels on the flesky parts of the torso , arms and legs, where energizing accupoints are found.

Where are the Energizing Accupoints that will help to quickly heal a trauma injury? The truth is that these accupoints should be regularly massaged before and after training, in the morning and night. Doing so helps one become familiar with the locations by touch. The areas can be specifically seen when looking at the drawings found at the Angel's Gym Facebook page. Only the mostly-white drawings were worked on by Angel's Gym staff. The others come from othr Martial Arts sites that have free downloads or Wikapedia. Use the drawings to find the following points and use Tom Bisio's Book discussed in Part One of the Article Series to get more information about how to specifically stimulate these points:

Limb Energizers for the Arms and Leg: The manipulation of these accupoints help one walk with more endurance and stamina. Stomach 36 (ST 36) Energizes the lower limb. Relieves pain. Reduces swelling and pain of knee, ankle, and foot. Large intestine 10 (LI 10) Energizes the upper limb. Relievepain. Reduces swelling and pain in the elbow, wrist, and hand. Reduces shoulder pain.

Bisio, Tom (2009-11-19). A Tooth from the Tiger's Mouth (p.207,208,209). Simon & Schuster, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

Limb Gate Points: They open the meridians and release energy into the limbs from the torso. This clears blockages and restores circulation. Stomach 31 (ST 31) releases energy from the torso into the leg. Alleviates pain in the thigh, hip, and leg. In conjunction with ST 36, energizes the lower limb. Stimulates to help prevent muscular atrophy of the leg.

Small intestine 11 (SI 11) Releases energy from the torso to the arm. Alleviates pain in the shoulder blade, arm, and elbow. Helps heal tendonitis of the elbow and wrist. Stimulates to help prevent muscular atrophy of the arm (with LI 10). Bisio, Tom (2009-11-19). A Tooth from the Tiger's Mouth (pp. 210-211). Simon & Schuster, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

Back and Lower-leg Pain: Press BL 40 to relieve any kind of back pain. For this purpose it is often used in conjunction with bladder 60 (BL 60). BL 40 can also be used to relieve sciatica, pain behind the knee, and spasm of the calf muscle.

Bisio, Tom (2009-11-19). A Tooth from the Tiger's Mouth (p. 213). Simon & Schuster, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

Respiration Energizers: Lung 5 (LU 5) Lung 6 (LU 6) Press these points and gently pinch the bicep tendon for a person who is out of breath or feeling faint from overexertion. Use before an athletic event to stimulate and open up the lungs. Bisio, Tom (2009-11-19). A Tooth from the Tiger's Mouth (p. 216). Simon & Schuster, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

Bisio, Tom (2009-11-19). A Tooth from the Tiger's Mouth (p. 215). Simon & Schuster, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

Groin Injury: Kidney 2 (KID 2) Spleen 4 (SP 4) Located on the arch and instep of the foot press both points firmly with your fingertip or knuckle to relieve pain from a blow to the groin or testicles. Bisio, Tom (2009-11-19). A Tooth from the Tiger's Mouth (p. 216). Simon & Schuster, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

When one is aware of the points mentioned that don't repair a specific injury, that knowledge is useful in Breathing regimen. When one can feel the heart beating in various parts of the body that one is focused upon one can mentally know if there is a problem if the sensation can not be felt at the accuploints mentioned. Of course there are Cardinal points along the front and back that do the same thing with touch but this exercise is but another resource to identify potential energy and circulatory blocages. Blood meridian pathways (Zhong Fu) is said to be the Queen of energy distribution in the body and air (Extraordinary Meridian Pathway stimulation) is its reinforcing King. Massage and Breathing control through daily regimen is a must in the effective maintenance of the body. The following sites can help you begin further explorations of the conceptual processes that are required to expound upon Bisio and Sirvanada's work.... as these articles are presented for you to create your own personal regimen:

1. http://www.chiro.org/acupuncture/ABSTRACTS/Cardinal_Points.pdf

2. http://taoism.about.com/od/themeridiansystem/a/eight-extras.htm

3. http://www.mail-archive.com/harmonisasi-universal@googlegroups.com/msg03390.html

4. http://www.baodingballs.com/#about

5. http://holistichealingindia.com/healing_mudras.htm

6. http://www.shardsofconsciousness.com/experiences-during-meditation



The Book, A Tooth from the Tiger's Mouth, has many more accupoints to help more specific injuries. Accupoint manipulation is the first step in the healing of a trauma injury to a Martial Artist. The Book, The Science of Pranayama has many more specific and needed information to explore if one is to fully master self-healing skills. This article only presents some of the more important techniques, methods and locations of self healing and as such is only an introduction. These should be memorized and practiced on one's self daily except for the ones that are mentioned for a specific injury. Remember that these are self healing practices to be used in conjunction with cupping, liniments, poultices and internal herbal pills. In Part Three of the series we will discuss Cupping and Liniments.... Until then remember: The Mind is the Greatest Weapon and the Heart the Greatest Shield and this is made possible when internal training is measured by external regimen!

Additional Notes for Adepts:I can not over estimate the power of Martial Art forms to aid in the healing process. The transmission of information, experience and skill (Breathing) gained during seated meditation must be transfered to standing meditations that are static and dynamic in nature. Tom Bisio discusses this in his book. The different regimens of breathing applied to any form reinforces preventive health and supports injury recovery. Like anything else continuiety and intensity is the key to success. But form can make you feel your own power so much that it can be a palpable thing felt by an opponent. Heling is just the beginning to applying healing and preventive health regimens to your MMA/CQC training: It will make you feel project outside the invincibility you feel inside. This topic must be studied hard!

Here is the basics of what I think I know from studying Mantak Chia, Charles Luk and Damo Mitchell. Please add more by commenting. This information preceeds the above notes on healing and infact was studied before getting a more succinct presentation of healing that Tom Bisio has published. The knowledge of internal alchemy is somewhat essential for furtherng the ana adepts understanding of self-healing. Self-healing and physical enhancement seems to be the key to applying the knowledge above. The below information deals with the extraordinary meridian vessel system. This system is the storage system for bio-energenical energy that supports the stored Liver-Blood that aids the body during combat and many other stressful endeavors:

1. Coporeal is the physical body
2. Conscious is the Mental Body
3. Energy is the Emotional Body

Equilizing forces from the Wuxing or the Five Elements of Creation and Destruction balances the physical body. Becoming adept in the discipline of Pranayama or Qigong as it relates to the embedding of the elemental prenatal forces of water/kidneys, wood/liver, metal/lungs, fire/heart and earth/spleen helps to clear blockages along the (Dui)govenor/(Ren)conception vessels for microcosmic orbit by mentally joining the two pathways and leading the energy of the breath into a continuous circle of alchemical metal(intent), fire and water.

The Govenor/Conception, Motility/Regulating and Girdling/Penetrating vessels are called Congenital or extraordinary meridian pathways. They collect, store and release excessive tension cuased by the physical, mental and emotional bodies of human beings. They are also speial because they operare indirectly from the Zhong Fu Pathways because they are not directly connected to an organic process. Even as they are not directly affecting the organs, proper physical and mental manipulation of these pathways allows a bountiful ammount of cosmic force The discovery, development and manipulation of these pathways are the foundation of Internal power. The forces flowing through them are called (Vita-vapor) which move throughs its systems to be collected and released at eight meridian juncture points along their paths:

Huiyin: This point between the legs and halfway between the genitals and the anus is the junction for the dumei, renmei, chongmei, yangqiamei, and yinqiaomei.

Mingmen: This point along the dumei, at the point directly behind the navel. It is where the daimei intersects with the dumei.

Gaohuang: This point is along the dumei between the shoulder blades, directly behind the heart. It affects the heart and lungs.

Niyuan: This point is on the top of the head in the very middle. It is the upper junction point for the chongmei with the dumei.

Laogong: This point is on each palm, where your middle finger touches your palm.

Shenque: This point is the navel and is the junction for the renmei and daimei.

Yongquan: This point is on the sole of each foot. It is along a line between the middle toe and the heel, and is about two-thirds of the way forward from the heel.

Silk-reeling movement, dispersement and collection of energy can be funneled or directed towards organic function to enact vitality which allows one to be said to have possession of the three treasures. Because of this the lungs, heart and kidney organs, (respectively) are greatly affected by this meditative process of blockage cleansing.

Microcosmic Orbit regimens found in Charles Luk's book Taoist Yoga is significant for the growth of the spiritual fetus born of the exlir of Fire and water allowing the adept to refine that essence into energy. With this refinement the clearing of blockages of the following meridian pathways will allow the energy body to build enough to raise Spiritual vitality.

Small Cosmos Circulation, Eight Paths and Five element regimens help the energy refined from microcosmic orbit to aid in ridding blockages affecting the Liver and Spleen. (http://www.yinyangho...theory_ev#chart)

The Yang and Yin Regulating Vessels:

Yang Regulating Vessel (Energy Flow Out & Down) - Issues of the eyes a/or face, eye pain (esp. inner canthus), redness a/or swelling, headache, Effects the lateral aspect of the lower limbs, numbness, weakness, spasms, Excess Yang, insomnia

Yin Regulating Vesel (Energy Flow In and Up) - Controls the ascent of fluids and the descent of QiMovement of the body, walking, cold a/or weakness in the lower limbs. Digestive issues, abdominal issues... Urogenital problems, retention of urine. Respiratory issues Excessive sleepiness Eye issues Hot Flashes


The Yang and Yin Motility Vessels:

Yang Motility effecting - Sides of the body, hips, joints, eyes, ears, muscular skeletal and immune systems

Yin Motility effecting - Medial aspect of the lower limbs nervous, cardiovascular, muscular skeletal and digestive systemsWith blockages cleasned in thise meridian pathways there is only the energy body which is left which encompasses the Girdling and Pentration Vessels. The powers gained through Qigong or Internal Boxing Forms is a result of gathering essence, refining essence into energy, concentrating spirit (awareness) enough to raise vitality to the point of turning the human mind and body into a capacitor or vessel of cosmic force. Blockages in the other two bodies cause tension or vibrations. The qigong and IMA activities that align, unify and generate motion of the girdling and penetrating vessels transform conscious and physical tension and vibrations, essential to life, into vibrations and tensions identified with spiritual vitality or energy:

Girdling Vessel - Issues in the middle aspect of the body - abdominal distention, lumbar weakness, muscular weakness in the lumbar a/or lower extremitiesLinks the upper and lower halves of the body and helps to move Qi and Blood in the legs - weakness in the legs, walking problems

Penetrating Vessel - "Sea of Blood:" menstrual a/or reproductive issues, irregular menstruation, infertility, Physical and spiritual heart issues - Heart pain, depression, Balances rebellious Qi - hiccups, Abdominal stagnation, Respiratory issues - SOB, asthmaOk your turn to add to this information in the areas I missed in order to fill in the gaps.....

This article addition is meant to inspire adepts to explore the art we love. It is presented to add to the reasons why we as Westerners must further internalize and "makeit our own" with regard to the martial transmissions that we have learned from the East. Of course there are many traditionalists that would not agree. And of course this article is for them this presentationis provacative. It is meant to be that but it is in no way meant to relegate the importance of the Asian lineage master's transmission of martial knowledge... Thanks for reading.....

A sample of literary resources for this subject is....Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy & Chinese Herbal Medicine by Dr. Jerry A. Johnson DAOIST NEIGONG by Damo Mitchell, Taoist Yoga: Alchemy & Immortality by Charles Luk, Eachou Chen, MD, MPH, Ph.D.. (2009) Journal of Accord Integrative Medicine: Acupoint and Meridian Diagnosis, Volume 5, Number 2: 55-87 Sahni, B.S. (2008) The Yellow Emporor’s Classic of Internal Medicine: Neijing. India. Wong, H.Y. (2005), Internal Kung Fu and Meditation, http://home.comcast...._Meditation.htm. A Tooth from the Tiger’s Mouth HOW TO TREAT YOUR INJURIES WITH POWERFUL HEALING SECRETS OF THE GREAT CHINESE WARRIORS TOM BISIO Illustrations by Xue Zhu

[47MartialMan]

Again, so much written, and too long to convey

Please shorten this up without all of the extra mumbo jumbo.

Please stop writing a large selection of stuff as if it were already typed-printed-composed

[ANGELSGYMSINGH]

Thanks for the input MMan....

[shootodog]

this doesn't look like mma to me!

[47MartialMan]

I, for one, like to read. But, I will quickly loose interest if a lot of garbled up info is on a page per a forum such as this.

In other words, you are posting too much per post.

In your short form, simply state what you desire to discuss.

You don't have to paste a book about it

[Zaad]

LOL what is this?
More references, less text.

[Hannibal]

My brain hurts......

[PASmith]

Surely you create a family style of martial arts by working out how you like to fight, creating some drills that engender those concepts and techniques and then teach that to your kids and no-one else?

[shootodog]

surely if you are making a family style (which is intended for your family alone) then putting it on a public forum is not very, how you say, familial.

[shootodog]

by the way, the definition of family style is that it has been passed down in your family and only in your family.

[ANGELSGYMSINGH]

Thanks for the responses guys. Some of the comments are a matter of opinion and as such stand on the merit of that person's experience. Much respect to them for sharing. The comments regarding the sharing of a lineage family style or system with the public is one that I can respond to with some confidence. Transmissions of Lineage Family Systems like Chen, Yang and Wu taiji quan have been available to the Western public for for over 100 years in a limited fashion and for decades after the explosion of Japanse Jiu Jitsu at the turn of the 20th century. In fact Professor Lewis's The Weaponless Defense and the Brittish style of Bartjitsu was a reaction to that martial transmission from Asia. The Wu style is the best Chinese example of this as Shanghi was a great sea port and Wu Kong Yi and the Ying Jow Pai association through Grand master Sheum's Box version of the Wu Style pared with the Eagle Claw greatly impacted Noth America. (Thanks Johnno)

It is very possible and often likely that more profound methods of those transmissions are not fully disclosed to the West and some of the best medical and martial strategies and techniques are kept for an inner circle of family members ad initients. The Singh Family style is no different in that sense as the stuff I share ain't the cream in the twinkie... lol ... when I ran Angel's Gym I taught Hundreds of clients and competitors. Only a few were my students and fewer still are the ones that I teach some of the wisdoms I have been blessed to discover or have shared with me by great and learnered Warrior Scholars.

The videos and information shared is kinda vast, involved and even daunting depending on experience and exposure. However to some it is not only recognizable but very familiar information that is not considered a secret at all. The information in this thread is shared as an example of how I have developed my family style and why I had to... mostly because I was not blessed or in some cases interested in becoming an inner circle member of another's family style. In this decision I have been and am very fortunate to be able to spend 12 - 16 hours a day doing nothing but researching and training in my martial art. I am even more blessed to have an audience outside of the blogging community, which is truely the best vetters of my material... lol... Keeps me honest and identifys my audience. Having said this my reason for sharing what I know in any forum was very simple: I was asked.

I integrate East and West, fought well and trained others very well and was asked to design forms and denote the basics of my system by my students. What I have shared at the time in forums, books and in articles in cases prior to this posting was defineitelymeant to garner criticism and learn from it to improve presentation and give it to those who needed it in a more formal publication. It is in that sense I thank you all for reading an responding.

There are people who have read this theme in this forum and in other forums that have found the information useful in its present format. I was never looking for alot of readers even though that is exactly what has happened. That makes me happy and greatful.

What I have learned from the experience of creating my own family system and style and teaching family member and worthy students is priceless. My family is closer, extended family has sought me out to learn and peole on both many sides of the family who have never met are feeling a bond. Sharing the information has helped me link my system with others within the WMAC network of schools and helped them incorporate intertnal methods into their external system. The popularity of my videos was just recently discovered by me at a Martial Convention in Detroit. A highlight for me that day was discussing the Training Aspects of Movie Fighting with Master Cynthia Rothrock of Tiger Claws and Cary Togawa of Mortal Combat and having people ask me for an autograph... lol... Certainly made my conversations with them more eventlful and I learned alot about the mental state of healing from Grandmaster Togawa. You can see the pics of it on my facebook and of course I am very happy about that. If I had known I would have brought more books... lol...

What Master Chen Xin, author of Illustrated Explanations of Chen Family Taiji Quan was of great value in this rewarding aspect of my martial journey and can be of great value to those willing to and able to listen to their own inner teacher. He is quoted above but his wisdom is balanced by what Master Wang, author of the treatise Tai Chi Chuan said about being led astray. By the way I remember Fire Quan writing pages of treatise alot longer than mine with alot less links and references to check the veracity of his positions. He was recorded as well recieved by this forum. Although that is not my inspiration for sharing what my research for Creating a Western Family Lineage System and having such creations spread in a codifying manner, I would not mind favorable opinion. However, given the provacative nature of my positionI do not expect it. I am glad that this thread is starting to attract responses as well as attention. Over 2000 readers before this splash of responses feels good and I thank you all for taking your time to write whether you are pro or con ....

Please keep it coming...... G

[Johnno]

Transmissions of Lineage Family Systems like Chen, Yang and Wu taiji quan have been available to the Western public for centuries.With respect, I think you are mistaken on this point.

The Yang and Wu styles were created in the early years of the Chinese Republic (i.e. in the years following the revolution of 1911.) They were based on the Chen family system which was older - although whether it is 'centuries' old is debateable. It certainly wasn't availbale to the 'Western public', as it was only taught outside the Chen family from the late nineteenth century onwards.

[ANGELSGYMSINGH]

Thanks for the comment Johnno. You are correct.... Decades would be a better time reference.... Thanks for pointing that out.. I will correct it....

[ANGELSGYMSINGH]

Also to shootdog.... about the Looking like MMA thing Renzo Gracie who uses Pranayama and Hatha Yoga regimens to move like a Cat and have the fabled strength of a Panther, Machita Lyota who practices a Family lineage Karate that makes him impossible to hit or beat by the average MMA Professional (Ask Sugar) and Anderson Silva who practices Muay Thai Silat jurus mixed with a "Cutting" style Pugilism makes most Professional MMA fighters look like amateurs in footwork and power, It does not look like MMA.

I have studied and wrote about these cats for awhile. Their secret to making some of their fights seem coreographed and their knockouts surreal is that that practice form and evolve traditional form to reinforce their best techniques. Adept on the floor these fighters couple form with the most intense pugilistic conditioning they can muster and endure. My family style heeds that lesson and what you see are some of those developmental efforts. Of cours the good stuff is for the "Peeps"... as I am sure is yours....

I have also found out that there are profound differences in competitive training and combative training. I am a retired Army Ranger who has been taught the differences and have had to apply those lessons. Modern Pankration or MMA has a flip side which is called Pammachon or Close Quarters Combat. I believe that the fighters that I have mentioned know that difference and train first to survive a real fight.... then they codify the methods they trust and then make them work in the cage. I believe that that is why some of these Master's highlighted knockouts and submissions were so brutally effective against many of their opponents who were not so inclined or exposed to such truths or training methods.

BYW Muay Thai is a Silat born from the same spiritual warrior concept that Chinese Chuan Fa better known as Gong Fu and commonly spoken of as Kung Fu. They are all connected by the evolved spiritual discipline begun as Mahayana Buddhism and now known as Chan Buddhism in the Shaolin Order. So in a way a type of Kung Fu is practiced in the MMA as Muay Thai is a competitive version of Muay Boran which is the Close Quarters Combat version which unlike a style is a complete system with religious practices that use martial art discipline to teach one to reach a fuller spiritual, mantal and physical potential. Of course this may be outside of the normal intellectual spectrum of MMA enthusiasts but it should not be for people interested in these modes of self defense. The roots of the spiritual warrior concept is strong in the fighters mentioned and is of Greco-roman, Presian and Asian evolutionary developments that have been transmitted to the West. My style and system is from that spirit and lineage. Please read the "Boddisittva Warriors" (I know Spelling.. lol) and The Martial Arts of Ancient Greece by Kostas for more on the Greek-Persian-Buddhist-Asian connection stuff...

It may not look like MMA to many but it has, is and will be to the select few who can make the connection. Soon the healing/harming concept will creep into the more seasoned of champions who wish to continue honing skill well into middle age and beyond as I am doing. This is at the root of my inspiration to share some of what I know.

Peace bro... G


Our family system can not be labled as an Asian System of Martial Arts even though much of the research comes from those cultural sources. My way also includes heavy references from Western Treatise and is why I call my codified fight dances Pyrrics....

[Zaad]

Also to shootdog.... about the Looking like MMA thing Renzo Gracie who uses Pranayama and Hatha Yoga regimens to move like a Cat and have the fabled strength of a Panther

i remember renzo saying that although it doesnt help his BJJ directly, it helps him relax and get more flexible.

i think the secret of tese guys is that they train hard and plan their fight tactics. they have a game plan; they know that in the first round they need to control the centre or get a takedown.
its all good preparation.

also it would help my poor comprehension if you wrote a lot less and simplified your essays

[ANGELSGYMSINGH]

thanks ZAAD.. I will try brotha I will try.. but this research stuff is like crack... i try to kick but i cant.... just keep givin me hits and take my to rehab when I stray.... lol

BTW if I were as effective as Renzo was and my secret was the stuff I metioned I would play it down too... because for anyone hungry enough to try anything the stuff is too ease and quite frankly like crack... it feels real good to use on the uninitiated.... lol ,,, but I could be wrong!!!!!

[El Medico]

With respect, I think you are mistaken on this point.

The Yang and Wu styles were created in the early years of the Chinese Republic (i.e. in the years following the revolution of 1911.) They were based on the Chen family system which was older - although whether it is 'centuries' old is debateable. It certainly wasn't availbale to the 'Western public', as it was only taught outside the Chen family from the late nineteenth century onwards.

Yang system should be dated at least from the mid-late 1800s when his sons were teaching.It wasn't Chen system,at least it was no longer externally shaped that way. Wu system wasn't really created,it's Chuan Yuck's Yang.

You're probably right about the age,there's even the theory that what Chen,C-h was teaching,and what he taught to Yang, was an outside system and that the Chen system was Pao Ch'ui,not the form but a system.

So anyway, Chen was taught outside the clan in the earlier 1800s-don't forget Wu,Yu-hsiang.Were all Zhao Bao practitioners named Chen? I don't know.

Angel said-"It is very possible and often likely that those transmissions are not fully disclosed and some of the best medical and martial strategies and techniques are kept for an inner circle of family members ad iinitients."

Possible,Angel? More like the common reality.Tho' medical practices as inherent in TC and as part of the transmission from ye slightly older days is debatable-even rather historically suspect.

Good to "see" you here again.

[Zaad]

BTW if I were as effective as Renzo was and my secret was the stuff I metioned I would play it down too... because for anyone hungry enough to try anything the stuff is too ease and quite frankly like crack... it feels real good to use on the uninitiated.... lol ,,, but I could be wrong!!!!!

what if his secret was black magic and virgin sacrifice.
or even performance enhancers.
its all speculation.
however what he teaches works for many many other people.
roger gracie is the best one of the best grapplers alive and the guys who come out of his place are of equal standard to black belts of other bjj places, so unless there is a giant conspiracy, im quite sure hard work and planning determines outcome.

[Oddsbodskins]

BTW if I were as effective as Renzo was and my secret was the stuff I metioned I would play it down too... because for anyone hungry enough to try anything the stuff is too ease and quite frankly like crack... it feels real good to use on the uninitiated.... lol ,,, but I could be wrong!!!!!

Only the true Messiah would deny it...

[ANGELSGYMSINGH]

Hard work and planning is what codified forms that reinforce ones most effective techniques, internal and external, is all about Bros ... Not sure what the Messiah thing means but thanks for the comment Odds ... lol

Thanks Medico... had to do some retiring, more formal study... researching and practice to have something substantive to spark the passion of fistic frisky traditionalists... lol ... but its good to be back.... I thank you for alot of your critiques in the Illusive Pugilism thread.... you vetting helped solidify the final drafts of my book which got and is still getting some great reviews ... moreover finally leading to my somewhat elegant prototype-contraption called the WTCC Wooden Dummy... friggin thing gives a whole new definition to the Wu Mengxia Song discussing Heaviness in Lightness.... you should check it out in the vid above..... G

[Johnno]

Yang system should be dated at least from the mid-late 1800s when his sons were teaching.It wasn't Chen system,at least it was no longer externally shaped that way.maybe I misinterpreted what I have read about it then.

Wu system wasn't really created,it's Chuan Yuck's Yang.
Chuan Yuo, not Chuan Yuck! :D

You are right though, Wu style came from Yang style (as Yang style was practised back then.) I didn't elaborate on that because it wasn't really relevant to the point that I was making, but you are correct anyway.

Edit: Out of curiosity, I checked up on the history, and it states that back in the early days, Wu Chian Chuan omitted some of the repetitions, jumping and stamping movements of the 'old style'. Now I assumed this to mean the Chen style, but if the Yangs weren't practising the Chen style at this time then it must mean that the Yang style bore a closer resemblance to the Chen style at that time and that what we think of as the original Yang style (which is almost identical to tye Wu style) was created at about the same time.

[47MartialMan]

My Family Style:

Brady Bunch Budo

[ANGELSGYMSINGH]

what if his secret was black magic and virgin sacrifice.
or even performance enhancers.
its all speculation.
however what he teaches works for many many other people.
roger gracie is the best one of the best grapplers alive and the guys who come out of his place are of equal standard to black belts of other bjj places, so unless there is a giant conspiracy, im quite sure hard work and planning determines outcome.

After viewing these vids he just might be using magic and virgin sacrifice... cause there aint no way that his very professional and well trained, physically equal opponents were this outclassed simply by Spider only training as the noirmal MMA practitioner does and just being a better athlete.... no friggin way.... just look at these "Ownings" to present just a sample and we don't even wanna start on Lyotas stoppages. They are able to do this because the people they fought do not respect traditional training regimens... and some have still not learned::::::

Anderson Silva 2011 highlights - YouTube

If the UFC ever needed a enema by a Traditionally trained MMA Striker before the coming of the Spider it will never need another.... natural talent noted this Master's power comes from skill, codified form and integrated Eastern and Western Martial systems.... Muay Thai is a competitive style of silat born from the Muay Boran Close Quarters Combat System whose foundation is Mahayana Buddism or the Spiritual Warrior ethos that spawned Chan Budiihsm for the Shaolin Order ... This guy not only owns people he has beaten... he schooled them ... sela

[47MartialMan]

If the UFC ever needed a enema before a Traditionally trained MMA Striker before the coming of the Spider it will never need another.... natural talent noted this Master's power comes from skill, codified form and integrated Eastern and Western Martial systems.... Muay Thai is a competitive style of silat born from the Muay Boran Close Quarters Combat System whose foundation is Mahayana Buddism or the Spiritual Warrior ethos that spawned Chan Budiihsm for the Shaolin Order ... This guy not only owns people he has beaten... he schooled them ... sela

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Zaad]

After viewing these vids he just might be using magic and virgin sacrifice... cause there aint no way that his very professional and well trained, physically equal opponents were this outclassed simply by Spider only training as the noirmal MMA practitioner does and just being a better athlete.... no friggin way.... just look at these "Ownings" to present just a sample and we don't even wanna start on Lyotas stoppages. They are able to do this because the people they fought do not respect traditional training regimens... and some have still not learned::::::

Anderson Silva 2011 highlights - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mH6U0yi58A&feature=related)

If the UFC ever needed a enema by a Traditionally trained MMA Striker before the coming of the Spider it will never need another.... natural talent noted this Master's power comes from skill, codified form and integrated Eastern and Western Martial systems.... Muay Thai is a competitive style of silat born from the Muay Boran Close Quarters Combat System whose foundation is Mahayana Buddism or the Spiritual Warrior ethos that spawned Chan Budiihsm for the Shaolin Order ... This guy not only owns people he has beaten... he schooled them ... sela

i was talking about renzo. not silva.
i know nothing of silva's striking background. however i've met some technical muay thai practitioners that teach stuff in forms that come close to TMA but i dont think the forms is what got silva to be so good. hard work, genetics, good skill development and talent.
check out Randy Couture - never learnt forms but was any excellent fighter. because he analysed every fight and planned his game plan.

[ANGELSGYMSINGH]

lol... ok Zaad .... I understand where you are coming from.... thanks

[47MartialMan]

Within yin there is yang.
Within yang there is yin.
Within this thread, something is missing.

[ANGELSGYMSINGH]

Thats why the links bro.... so you can fill in the gaps ... perhaps you can answer the question I gave in the first post: Are only Asians able to call changes to a Lineage Systems "Authentic" - and by this I am sure they mean effective, when they make changes to them? or Are Westerners capable of creating or evolving Authentic Kung Fu Systems equal to or greater then the Asian transmissions that they have mastered?

[47MartialMan]

After you understand chin,,,,,,

You can strike it then perform Koshi Guruma

[47MartialMan]

The Spritual Warrior seeks to become a concealed vessal for the Ten Thousand things of Heaven and Earth.

Because he is a "Spritual warrior", and not a "Spiritual Warrior", being a sprite, the warrior cannot remember Ten Things, let alone Ten Thousand

[ANGELSGYMSINGH]

Go on MMan.... I am listening.... Wax as they say the frig on.... lol... seriously bro .. talk to us

[47MartialMan]

Homogenous and ethnocentric statements like “Authentic Kung Fu” are derived from xenophobic perceptions of reality and are only appropriate to publically present when one is unbalanced by the power of change.

And other statements of "Internal Kung Fu" are also derived from xenophobic perceptions of reality.

For the reality of it, long ago, the term Kung Fu (Gong/Gung Fu) was never intended to represent a Asian Martial Art.

[ANGELSGYMSINGH]

kool..... please elaborate.... how did you come by or develop this position.....

[ANGELSGYMSINGH]

I know some of you will think I am belaboring a point but I have to say this.... I was wrong about Renzo Gracie being the one to integrate form or internal skill into MMA or Close Quarters Combat. It is Rickson who does this and does it well. He specializes in integrating Pranayama into his regimen. I do not know if his is a Systemic view in the classic sense of Martial Arts (Weapons, Mortal Combat Applications) but it should be:

Rickson Gracie Gracie Jiujitsu Yoga Breathing Method - YouTube

Rickson Gracie Highlights - YouTube

Here is another example of what Zaad and I were discussing about Hardwork, Fight-planning and Traditional Form and Internal skill development all integrated to make a great MMA Fighter: Lyota Machida

Lyoto Machida Highlights - A tribute to the Dragon - YouTube

I think that GSP is the best example of what Zaad was emphasizing....

GSP talks training - YouTube

This leads me to what GSP emphasizes in this documentary: Can we evolve ourselves in the West? The exploration of this question leads to me asking you guys about the Healing the Combat Athlete question that has plaqued GSP. It is possible and valid to ask what type of Preventive medical regimen he is on. Could the regimens suggested in my article and what is presented in the Rickson Gracie vid on internal skill development have helped him balance his hugely external training regimen?

Your thoughts....

[Zaad]

internal skills in sport science are mental skills and mental toughness and developing these attributes. yoga is great form developing internal mental skills and putting an athlete into there IZOF - Internal/Individual Zone of Optimal Functioning.
But it depends on the person, some people react better to higher or lower stress levels.
I highly recommend you read some sport psychology, you may find some great stuff in the subject material Mr. Singh.
Traditional Forms and Kata go a long way into skill learning - make fighter makes there own kata as a fight plan (some without knowing what kata is) e.g. BJJ flow plans. I know if i gain mount i should move to ezekiel, if that fails i have the option of snake choke or arm triangle, if the arm triangle fails i have the option of armbar or snake choke. That is very similar to the game plans set about in forms. Forms are pre-developed game plans.

[ANGELSGYMSINGH]

Just call me G ... brother .... I have plenty of people who know my titles... lol.... anyway I may need to read more on what you specialize in: Sports Medicine... Please recommend some books and I will do some work on it... also please give any links so that the other readers can follow along and give their input....

Please tell me your experiences with the Heaing the Combat Athlete stuff mentioned in the thread and since you are a sports medicine guy... what are your thoughts on Master Bisio's work....

[47MartialMan]

kool..... please elaborate.... how did you come by or develop this position.....

The term Kung Fu (Gong Fu/Gung Fu) is a misnomer. And in previous centuries, it was nevered used to mean a martial art.

[ANGELSGYMSINGH]

The term Kung Fu (Gong Fu/Gung Fu) is a misnomer. And in previous centuries, it was nevered used to mean a martial art.

I believe you bro.... please hook me up with where ya found this out so I can read up on it.... a credible link to a book on amazon or something else.... Zaad's motto on his profile is "Prove it!!" Im not that critical but I do like to research informed opinions and yours has a tone of being an informed opinion.... if the thread means anything its about helping each other get smarter on the passion we all love.... That is why I presented so much information... so that others could look it up, reflect and fill in any gaps in the conclusions that I presented.... So please.. hook us up.... so we Pugilistic, Spiritual Warriors and can do some work and become Warrior Scholars.... Thanks

[ANGELSGYMSINGH]

internal skills in sport science are mental skills and mental toughness and developing these attributes. yoga is great form developing internal mental skills and putting an athlete into there IZOF - Internal/Individual Zone of Optimal Functioning.
But it depends on the person, some people react better to higher or lower stress levels.
I highly recommend you read some sport psychology, you may find some great stuff in the subject material Mr. Singh.
Traditional Forms and Kata go a long way into skill learning - make fighter makes there own kata as a fight plan (some without knowing what kata is) e.g. BJJ flow plans. I know if i gain mount i should move to ezekiel, if that fails i have the option of snake choke or arm triangle, if the arm triangle fails i have the option of armbar or snake choke. That is very similar to the game plans set about in forms. Forms are pre-developed game plans.

Thanks for that and you already got my request for your recommendations on reference material that you follow so I can put in some work on that subject... You already have my references from Bisio and Jerry Alan Johnson's book from the post.... Have you read Khandi Madama's work with using Yoga with MMA Grapplers to prevent injury and heal? what are your thoughts on her work.... If you have not read these works I have reviews on them and find them very well done for the pugilistic adept...

With that response I am very interested in your opinion on preventive health aspects that I mentioned in the healing the combat athlete section. I read your profile and you are or were and have graduated from a sports medicine program and I am impressed with that and would ask that you share alittle on the subject.... What are your experiences with the East/West approach the Master Bisio has published on and I cited in part. Do you think it helps and could have helped GSP? Do you use them yourself? If not what do you use to stay preventively healthy and if you do not use the traditional methods I have mentioned what why?

Also thanks for the involvement in the thread...

Additional note: What Zaad is talking about, and has put in a colloquial tone that makes what I have written seem so eridite, is insightfully impacting and quite profound. He couples East and West methods, in conclusion, rendering both understandable and accessable. His thoughts are what I wish to bring more responses to as they lead us to the big question of the thread.... Are we as Westerners who have learned transmissions from the East able to evolve what we have learned and still call it "Authentic" or as the term connotes: Truely Effective?

Some thoughts...

[ANGELSGYMSINGH]

internal skills in sport science are mental skills and mental toughness and developing these attributes. yoga is great form developing internal mental skills and putting an athlete into there IZOF - Internal/Individual Zone of Optimal Functioning.
But it depends on the person, some people react better to higher or lower stress levels.
I highly recommend you read some sport psychology, you may find some great stuff in the subject material Mr. Singh.
Traditional Forms and Kata go a long way into skill learning - make fighter makes there own kata as a fight plan (some without knowing what kata is) e.g. BJJ flow plans. I know if i gain mount i should move to ezekiel, if that fails i have the option of snake choke or arm triangle, if the arm triangle fails i have the option of armbar or snake choke. That is very similar to the game plans set about in forms. Forms are pre-developed game plans.

Brother Zaad,
I really am thinking hard on what you said about how sports science views internal skill practice... They think its a mind thing. If you are familiar with the practice of Pranayama or Tao-Yin, its resulting powers of controling the body and even in the case of the few who demonstrate, is capable of much much more with gTummo being an example that I am skilled at... is there more than just a mind thing going on.... Liuebafa or the 8 methods begins with mind, spiritual vitality part of the three treasures defines it as a state of mental attentiveness ... but for those of us who have experienced the IZOF and found an indescribable more... thing ... could the Western definition be in any way limiting? or, Are you of the thinking that th mind is more than the grey matter the chinese include in the extraordinary organs? Please give us your thoughts on this....

[ANGELSGYMSINGH]

After you understand chin,,,,,,

You can strike it then perform Koshi Guruma

Special Note: If it hurts your brain or makes you not wanna read more remember ... you asked for it ... ;). Found the link for your judo throw...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koshi_guruma


Martial Man had a response to my post that asked me to explain "Chin". I found many explainations. A key word that seemed to come up alot was one that Wu Mengxia in his rare but useful Pugilisitc Taiji Quan book on the Small Circle techniques of the Yang Family. The word is "Transformation". In my experience and gathered vocabulary I feel that few words describe it outside of usage... almost like you can not articulate but when you feel it or see it you recognize it immediately. Another word may be used to grasp it called the concept of the "Void".

When performing substantial/insubstantial movements it is the feeling or imagined feeling that a pendullum has at the botttom or top of its apogee. The space of thought or more than thought... intent that suspends, creates or destroys a thing. Intent in this sense is akin to purpose or essence. For this reason ones intent is developed through a training regimen that develops the senses to a high degree. Purpose is felt and the appropriate action follows. Some say that in this regard the idea of chin equals power. The action becomes a power when applied to the transformation of self, form or situation. My favorite Chin concept is Wu Chin or the five actions or powers: Follow, Link, Adhere, Stick, Never release and Never resist.

There are three songs with annotations from Master Wengxia that help me answer Martial Man's question. I did rsearch on this topic years ago and this response is from my notes. The response is a mix of the original song, Mengxia and my own understanding of the subject. Sorry about the length but this response is in the context of three pugilistic aspects of Chin: The Empty / Full Concept, The Confounding Round Concept and Taijitu Concept:

The Empty and Full Song
Empty within empty and full within full is being able to execute the skill of transformation. The ebb and flow of transformation can only be executed when one’s spirit of vitality gathers around one’s center; moreover, that such skill is sensed and flowed in the opponent. One must empty energy when full so that the hands transport with power. Wu Chin engagement allows one to become empty to receive an opponent’s energy discharge so long as there is a firm but gentle firmness in the hand. Mastering the Eight Word Method Song will allow one to be able to transform.

Lacking familiarity in the rationale of emptiness and fullness is to waste time and energy in the end one will not succeed in this or any internal boxing method. As stated before, emptiness receives and fullness discharges. The Key is within the palm as if there is fullness within it and one does not discharge then technique is difficult to refine. Within Yin/soft there is Yang/hard and vice versa if the spirit attends one’s center and the hand/palm moves in a circle in receiving energy and linear when discharging energy. In this sense defenses and attacks can not fail.

Confounding Round Song
The way of the confounding round is most difficult to comprehend as movements that are up, down, following and uniting is infinitely wondrous. The mastering of the Empty and Full Song is necessary to begin an understanding of the unstable circle that transforms to gather and expel energy. Even the linear extension or retraction of any part of the body can become circular through spiraling motion. The greater the intensity and frequency of the spiral then the longer one maintains the power of internal boxing. With this understanding small destroys big, slanting destroys even and shapeless destroys shaped.

Entice the enemy deep within the confounding unstable circular movements of the hand and palm. This is called Hua Chin or the attraction into emptiness of the enemies leading strength if caused to overextend or commit thinking that one is empty or weak when indeed the opposite is true. The spiraling movement of the body can make this happen by slipping off (parrying/guiding without releasing resisting contact) and now one can guide the over-commitment no matter what the force if the timing is correctly executed: One once can move One thousand pounds.
Advancing and retreating the hand and foot advance in tandem. The hand/palm seeks to receive, disperse and expel energy using horizontal and vertical strength of the confounding round theory. Pressing forth strength is divided by striking with the entire body (Wholly Integrated) or striking with a singular part of the body (Local Strength). When one’s posture, in this endeavor, is structurally sound (Difficult to find an opening to uproot or unstructure) then unified agility (hand and foot arrive in tandem) makes the spiraling effect very effective on a mental, physical and spiritual level. In fact the opponent will be attacked on these levels.
The opponent’s center of gravity or his/her grounding is affected with a successful entry into his/her flank. The opponent who can strike expectantly from his/her flank can stop such an entry so heed the message of the Thirteen Character Diligence Song. However, if successfully entering the flank the adept must continue to press the opponents horizontal or flank while maintaining a unified agility of wholly integrated strength or localized strength that keeps the hand and foot arriving at the same time within a posture. If this is happening then the method cannot fail.
The intrinsic strength that can be executed through spiraling in the confounding round method is found by precisely issuing of energy at the collapsing point of a transforming enemy. This means to strike, intercept or evade right before the enemy transforms from full to empty (attack) or from empty to full (retreats). When one attacks or defends using a unified agility or wholly integrated strength issued at the opponent’s flank or horizontal, then the opponent will feel the weight of the “Mountain” fall upon him/her.

The Yin and Yang Song
Few have cultivated the Yin and yang of Taiji. Swallowing-in and spitting-out, opening and closing express the concepts of firmness and gentleness. They are two concepts expressed in the thirteen methods. In T’ui Shou and San Shou gentleness draws the opponent into being swallowed-in and firmness expels the opponent into being spit-out. Yang Shou Hou’s method of spitting out is to be crisp, fast, cold and quick. The ward-off, roll-back and press is used to swallow-in (Yin/soft, circular) while the push spits-out (Yang/hard, linear) the opponent. Silk-reeling or spiraling allows power to be issued or received with transformative power.
The Four Straights (Cardinal Directions, South/East/North/West, Heaven/Fire/Earth/Water, Ward-off, Push, Roll-back, Press) and Four Angles (Southeast/Northeast/Northwest/ Southwest, Wind/Mountain/Thunder/Lake, Splitting-Twist/Shoulder/Grasping-Pluck, Elbow) receive and release energy. These are representative of the eight cosmic changes (Bagua/Transitions) of the Taijitu-Bagua trigram circle. Issue a straight power against and angular power and vice versa at the opponent’s collapsing point as discussed in the Confounding Round Song. Understanding and applying these concepts in movement or stillness gives one martial authority and there is no need to worry. Staying within one’s range of contacting the opponent using Wu Chin, hit (strike) then attend (grapple) or vice versa; moreover, do both in tandem as in Wing Chun. Pay attention to the three fronts of hands, feet and eyes when the opponent is capable of executing these skills.

The elemental properties of Taiji Quan movement are Advance (Metal/Splitting), Retreat (Wood/Crushing), Hold Ground (Earth/Crossing), Pivot/Circle Left or Weak-side (Water/Drilling) and Pivot/Circle Right or Strong-side (Fire/Pounding). Air is the element that links the other five together and the medium to a Taiji Quan adept in the effort to utilize their elemental powers through knowing the nature of their power.
Air eludes all and assumes things, Fire moves fast and consumes things, Metal holds weight and can pound things, Earth nurtures life and can ground things, Wood grows about and rips around things, Water flows through and surrounds things. If one knows the nature of a thing one can know what it is and is not capable of doing. Tenacity is implicit in any successful fighting style.
Know yourself well enough through your fighting experiences to recognize the resolve of your opponent to employ a particular style and recognize your own resolve to neutralize it. Within such resolve are contrasts or dualities that exist between the fighters and within them. If the fighter on either side of the match does not realize this fact, then they cannot foresee their own weaknesses. This is the key to their demise.
When one faces an enemy, they can know what they are up against by using these metonymies and understanding the nature of an Outsider, Insider, or Brawling fighter. The Outsider uses speed, deception, and accuracy with a nature akin to fire and/or air; however, fire consumes air. The Insider uses agility, momentum, and fluidity with a nature akin to water and/or wood; however, water can drown wood. The Brawler although often slower and less agile than his/her opponents restrains and overpowers opponents with a nature akin to earth and metal; however, earth can bury metal. Within every style is the key to its own demise if the fighters know its natural proclivities and limitations as well as his/her own. The concepts of heavy in light and empty in full must be understood to devise personal methods of applying these reflective observations in form and function.
Light in heavy, empty in full and vice versa, respectively, must be sensed and acted upon without the slightest obstruction. Grappling and Striking methods do not generally exceed these three skill concepts: Light, heavy and empty. If one feels lightness (ungrounded) in heaviness (resistance) then one should quickly attack to uproot and/or unstructure the opponent. During this process if one can conceal transforming empty to full when becoming light to heavy then one can use Small-coordinated strength to control and overcome “awkward” Big strength. When crossing hands with an opponent and one feels lightness in his/her projected heaviness (ungrounded) then immediately issue a hit at the collapsing point or when the response to one’s pressure is to tense-up their muscles and freeze the skeleton.
One should flow or “do not slightly remain” when such strength is grounded and non-resisting to pressure as this is when an opponent is felt to have a lightness within his/her heaviness. This interaction can be observed as substantial and insubstantial (one leg-side heavy/weighted and the other leg-side light/un-weighted) movement to avoid double-weightiness. Two adepts engaged in this manner will be seen to lean to and fro like a weeble-wobble dummy when stationary and like a gliding snake while in movement. They both seek the horizontal of each other’s flanks while following, linking, adhering, sticking and never releasing or resisting while maintaining contact. Such opponents are skillful Taiji Quan adepts who understand and can execute the unity of opposites which is the key to executing the Eight Cosmic Taijitu-Bagua Trigram Circle Changes and the Wujing Five Elemental Phases which the Founders of Modern Taiji Quan Monastery and Family styles call the Thirteen Postures:
1). Straight and Angular approaches are revealed through a knowledge of the Taijitu-Bagua Trigram Circles relational description of the Eight Cosmic Changes and the Wujing power of creation and destruction through use of the natural proclivities of the Five Elemental Steps.
2). Energy is received and released through knowledge and application of the Confounding Round.
3). Swallowing-in and Spitting-out is brought about by attending through use of the grappling methods of warding off, rolling back and pressing to deflect or attach to an opponent in order to uproot him/her through a aggressive push that sets up the use of the Seven Stars.
4) One spits-out and releases with firmness and swallows-up and receives in gentleness.
5). When emptying one is firm and when one is filling one is gentle: Empty and fill at the enemies collapsing point which is the event of an enemy transformation which must be intercepted, attended or hit prior to an opponent’s intention to execute an emptying or filling method.
6). Single and double weightedness is caused by a abundance or lack or of substantial and insubstantial movement.
6 ½). Being Weighted is the first part of proper, postural structure which is being sunken (grounded), soft, circular, centered, rhythmical and arhythmical.