Esoma Kungfu Instructor's Guide

Stances:

  1. Cat Stance - Teach this first in the form of introducing the bow to the student. Later provide specifics on the usage of the stance for defense and offence.
    1. Structure – Legs bent, 95% of weight on back foot. Knee is bent.  Back foot turned 45 degrees.  Back knee and hips turned 45 degrees – in line with back foot.  Sacrum down, spine erect or with slight forward bend. Hands open, in front, forward hand up, back hand low (covering lower torso).
    2. Width and depth – front foot is in line with back heel and slightly forward.
    3. Usage
      1. Offense – Kicks with front foot. Strikes are somewhat limited to non-penetrating strikes with forward hand. Best offensive usage is as a transition stance (moving into forward stance bow and arrow or tiger stance).
      2. Defense – Blocks with either hand, easy transition into back stance.
    4. Anything unique to this stance – Both hands and one foot ready for attack or defense w/ stability
  2. Horse Stance
    1. Structure –Feet parallel, about 2x shoulder width apart. Both legs bent equally, 50% of weight on each foot, knees out. Sacrum down, spine erect over pelvis (not leaning). Hips and shoulders facing same direction as feet or angled slightly toward front. Head and hands directed toward one side. 
    2. Width and depth – 2x shoulder width apart and on the same line.
    3. Feet are screwed into the earth to give grounding. Right foot is screwed clockwise, left foot counter clockwise.
    4. Usage
      1. Offense – moves with the front hand or foot, spinning moves with back leg. Good stability for penetrating strikes. Transition into bow and arrow.
      2. Defense – blocks with front hand. Easy movement into back bow and arrow, crane or hook.
    5. Anything that is unique to this stance
      1. Waist can rotate with application
      2. When used in practice this is the only stance where both sides are equally weighted.
  3. Bow & Arrow Stance
    1. Structure - Feet parallel, facing sideways about 2x shoulder width apart.  Front leg bent, back leg straight.  Front knee pointing out over front toes.  80% of weight on front foot. Sacrum down, spine erect over pelvis (not leaning). Hips and shoulders turned 30 to 45 degrees. Head and hands directed toward opponent.
    2. Width and depth - 2x shoulder width apart and on the same line.
    3. Screwing into the earth  - same as horse
    4. Usage
      1. Offense – using front hand or back leg
      2. Defense - Blocks with either hand. Easy movement into horse or back bow and arrow.
    5. Anything that is unique to this stance – primarily offensive stance, good reach with forward hand. Good stability for penetrating strikes.  When moving into the stance you can use the legs and torso to generate extra power.
  4. Forward Stance
    1. Structure – Front foot one large step in front of back foot. Front let bent, back leg straight. 70% of weight on front leg, feet parallel and angled approximately 30 degrees from front, back heel is in line with front toe. Front knee angled in line with front toes to cover crotch. Hips and shoulders facing forward.  Hands forward.  Spine erect.
    2. Width and depth – back heel is in line with front toes, one large step deep.
    3. Screwing into the earth – Same as horse.
    4. Usage
      1. Offense – strikes with either hand, Kicks with back foot. Transition into Tiger Stance for more distance.
      2. Defense - blocks with either hand. Transition into back stance
    5. Anything that is unique to this stance – You can block and strike equally well with either hand.  Good stability front to back. When moving into the stance you can use the legs and torso to generate extra power.
  5. Hook Stance
    1. From horse stance, bring forward foot in back of and behind back foot.  Weight is 50% on each foot (in application the weighting may change; if you are attacking the weight may move more towards the front, if you are retreating the weight may be more on the back). Feet are parallel (or back foot is pointing slightly forward).  Front knee is in line with front foot.  Only the toes and ball of the back foot is touching the floor (they are in line with the front heel). Hips and shoulders are facing the same direction as the feet (to the side).  Head and hands are directed to the front. 
    2. Width and depth – Ball of back foot is ½ to 1 foot directly behind the front heel. Knee of back leg must be behind knee of front leg.   You must be able to squat to the floor.
    3. Screwing into the earth – Think about the thighs screwing into each other.
    4. Usage
      1. Offense – strikes with front hand, linear and rotating (especially when moving into the stance; strikes with back hand when moving out of the stance, kicks with front leg (back foot).
      2. Defense - Blocks with front hand.  Moving into back bow and arrow.
    5. Unique to this stance – Great for rotating moves and moving into other stances.  These rotating moves can be very powerful and penetrate deeply.
  6. Crane Stance
    1. Structure – Standing on back leg foot pointed sideways. Front leg is lifted so thigh is parallel to floor and foot is tucked in. Front knee and hips are pointing the same direction as the supporting foot (to the side). Shoulders are twisted to face forward. 
    2. Width and depth – N/A
    3. Screwing into the earth – With intent.
    4. Usage
      1. Offense – kick with front leg. Transition into offensive stances.
      2. Defense - Blocks with either hand.  Block with front leg moving into stance.
    5. Anything that is unique to this stance – Only stance on one foot.  Least stability.
  7. Back Bow & Arrow Stance
    1. Structure - Feet parallel, facing sideways about 2x shoulder width apart.  Front leg straight, back leg is bent. Back knee is in line with back foot.  80% of weight on back foot. Sacrum down, spine erect over pelvis (not leaning).  Hips point 30 to 45 degrees to back. Shoulders point in same direction as feet.  Head and hands directed to the front. 
    2. Width and depth - 2x shoulder width apart and on the same line.
    3. Screwing into the earth – same as horse
    4. Usage
      1. Offense - Kick with front leg. Moving into horse or bow and arrow stance.
      2. Defense - Blocks with front hand.  Moving into stance moves you away from attacker.  You can move further away by continuing into a hook stance.
    5. Anything that is unique to this stance – Primarily a defensive stance.  Exposes your back to the opponent.
  8. Half Split Stance
    1. Structure –Back leg fully bent, front let straight. Back knee in line with back foot.  Both feet flat on floor. Hips and shoulders turned 30 degrees toward front. 90% of weight on the back foot.  Arms spaced equally.  Both feet pointed to side.
    2. Width and depth – Feet in line, front foot is far enough out to get the leg straight.
    3. Screwing into the earth – Intent.
    4. Usage
      1. Offense – Getting down low to strike at knees or groin.  Transition into offensive stances.
      2. Defense – Getting down and out of the way.
    5. Anything that is unique to this stance – Lowest stance.
  9. Back Stance
    1. Structure – Front foot one large step in front of back foot. Back let bent, front leg slightly bent. 70% of weight on back leg, feet at 90 degree angles, back foot pointing to the side, front foot pointing forward (or angled in very slightly).  Back knee in line with back foot.  Heels are not in line with each other, but about hips width apart. Hips and shoulders facing 45 degrees forward.  Hands forward.  Spine erect.  You look like you are about to sit down on a stool.
    2. Width and depth – Hip width, one large step deep.
    3. Screwing into the earth – Same as horse
    4. Usage
      1. Offense – kicking with front leg. Moving to forward or tiger stance.
      2. Defense - blocking with either hand. Moving further back into hook stance.
    5. Anything that is unique to this stance – primarily a defensive stance.
  10. Tiger Stance
    1. Structure – Feet in the same position as a forward stance. Hips and shoulders facing forward.  Upper body is leaning forward so that the body is in line with the back leg. 85 % of weight on the front foot. Front leg is bent so that thigh is parallel with floor.  Front knee is in line with front foot.
    2. Width and depth – back heel is in line with front toes, one large step deep.
    3. Screwing into the earth - Same as horse stance.
    4. Usage
      1. Offense – Strikes with either hand, also long range strikes.
      2. Defense - Blocks with either hand.
    5. Anything that is unique to this stance – Ability to block or strike with either hand.  Primarily an offensive stance.

 

Attacks:  Strike to your focal point

  1. Corkscrew Punch
    1. Proper Fist – Curl fingers into palm (index finger first). Wrap thumb around fingers so it is not sticking out.  Fist is oriented horizontally. Elbow pointing down. Shoulders down, armpits tight.
    2. Striking surface – First two knuckles.  The bones supporting these knuckles should be in a straight line with the bones in the forearm.
    3. Linear Pulls – Elbows in tight as they pass the body, elbows down point, shoulders down.  Focus on the pull, not the strike (muscles can only pull).
    4. Shoulder position – shoulders down, armpits tight.
    5. Usage – Powerful strike designed to damage large areas of hard or soft tissue.  Head, solar plexus, floating ribs…
  2. Backfist Strike
    1. Proper Fist - Flex the wrist back. Do not hit with the back of the fist.  Elbow pointing down.
    2. Striking surface – Back tips of first two knuckles.
    3. Lateral Pulls – again focus on the pull. Conservation of angular momentum allows the strike to be faster and more powerful.
    4. Lead with the elbows – snap out the hands.
    5. Start with both hands to the side - simultaneously
      1. Later from back stance to forward stance
    6. Usage – Penetrating strike designed to damage a small area (only the tips of the knuckles make contact).  Strike can be executed to an exposed area from the side, above or below. Strike can come from 3 directions: side, up and down. Strike whips in.  (to temple, chin, back…)  This strike is used for speed – it is the fastest.
  3. Knifehand Strike
    1. Proper Hand Position - Flex the wrist toward the thumb
    2. Striking surface – Side of the hand – not fingers.
    3. Strike directions
      1. Down
      2. Up
      3. Side - Palm Down
      4. Front - Palm Up
    4. Lead with the elbows – start from a horse stance striking to side. Circling hands and circling waist to move shoulders and then arms and hands.
    5. Later from forward to horse as in the attacking set using the waist - circle arms
    6. Usage – Non-penetrating strike designed to do damage to soft or semi-soft tissue (kidney, floating rib, solar plexus, neck…).   Strike may be used wide or tight areas. Wide – floating ribs, solar plexus.  Tight – neck, groin.
  4. Female Punch
    1. Proper Fist – Same as corkscrew except that fist is oriented vertically.
    2. Striking surface – First two knuckles
    3. Linear Pulls – Pulls come into the sternum.  Strike starts from the sternum. Elbows in tight as they pass the body, elbows down when fist reaches focal point, shoulders down.  Focus on the pull, not the strike (muscles can only pull).
    4. Shoulder position – Initially square to the front, later show from bow & arrow with waist twisting.
    5. Usage – Powerful strike designed to damage large areas of hard or soft tissue.  Head, solar plexus, floating ribs.  Strike is generally to large surfaces in the interior (face, solar plexus...)
  5. Inverted Ridgehand Strike
    1. Proper Hand Position – Hand open, flex the wrist toward little finger, palm up, thumb tucked in
    2. Striking surface – Muscle between thumb and first finger.
    3. Lateral Pulls - again focus on the pull. Conservation of angular momentum allows the strike to be faster and more powerful.
    4. Lead with the elbows – whip hand out.
    5. Start with both hands to the side - simultaneously
      1. Later from back stance to forward stance
    6. Usage – Non-penetrating strike designed to do damage to soft or semi-soft tissue (kidney, floating rib, solar plexus, neck…).   Strike may be used wide or tight areas. Wide – ribs, solar plexus.  Tight – neck.
  6. Leopard Strike
    1. Proper Fist – Bend fingers so the lower part of the fingers are flat with the back of the hand. Thumb is tucked in on the side (pulled back as in a fist).
    2. Striking surface – first finger joint of first three fingers
    3. Linear Pulls – same as corkscrew
    4. Shoulder position  - same as corkscrew
    5. Usage – Penetrating strike designed to damage small soft areas such as the throat. Can give a little extra reach and do breaking damage.
  7. Double Push
    1. Uprooting – The opponent should be slightly off balance when the push is delivered.  Push should be directed slightly up to uproot the opponent and get him further off balance.
    2. Arms vs. Body - Primary push comes from legs and body. It is delivered through the arms
    3. Usage – Uproot an opponent and move them out of the way.  This is best accomplished when the opponent is already slightly off balance or their energy is focused in one direction (especially if their energy is already moving in the direction you want to push).  Double push is not very effective if the opponent is rooted.

Blocks:  Block your focal point

  1. Trapping Block
    1. Snake twists out - both hands
    2. Path of block - circular and down. Focal point at waist level
    3. Blocking surface – Palm of hand
    4. Usage – Soft deflecting block for mid/low strikes and kicks. This block deflects them down (and can trap arm).
    5. While standing, alternate blocking with each hand.
    6. Stepping back into cat stance
    7. Wrist held by partner – Blocking hand moves outside partner’s hand, then rotates down.
  2. Wing Block
    1. Path of block – Angled down and across body, as if putting hand into opponents opposite pocket. Forearm should not go past opposite edge of body.
    2. Blocking surface – Rotating forearm.
    3. Usage – Rotating/cutting block for mid/low strikes and kicks coming in straight or from opposite side of block.
    4. While standing, alternate blocking with each hand.
    5. Twisting into hook stance
    6. Wrist held by partner – Blocking hand moves down and across body, blocking off partner’s opposite hand as your opposite hand twists out.
  3. Iron Forearm Block
    1. Path of block – Down with a sinking body
    2. Blocking surface – Forearm.
    3. Usage – Hard deflecting or head-on block for mid/low strikes and blocks coming straight in.
    4. Stepping into horse stance
    5. Wrist held by partner – Blocking hand moves outside partner’s hand, then rotates down.
  4. Dragon’s Tail Block
    1. Path of block – Circle up, clean off opposite arm and snap down and out (but not past side of body).
    2. Blocking surface – Forearm.
    3. Usage – Hard deflecting or head-on block for mid/low strikes and blocks, straight or from side.
    4. While standing, alternate blocking with each hand.
    5. Stepping back into back stance
    6. Wrist held by partner – Blocking hand moves outside partner’s hand, then rotates down.
  5. Sword Block
    1. Path of block – Rotating up and across body. Hand not blocking comes along and hand ends up, palm down, with fingers on elbow.
    2. Blocking surface – rotating forearm
    3. Usage – Rotating/cutting block for mid/high strikes and kicks coming in straight or from opposite side of block.
    4. While standing, alternate blocking with each hand.
    5. Stepping forward into forward stance
    6. Wrist held by partner - Blocking hand moves up and across body, blocking off partner’s opposite hand.
  6. Shield Block
    1. Path of block – As if a string were pulling up the middle finger.  Hand comes up on the opposite side of the face and straight up over (and in front of) the head, ending about one and a half to two hand lengths above the head and one hand length in front.
    2. Blocking surface – Rotating forearm.
    3. Usage - Rotating/cutting block for mid/high strikes and kicks coming in straight or from opposite side of block.
    4. While standing, alternate blocking with each hand.  Blocking hand comes in front of other hand.
    5. Stepping back into back stance
    6. Wrist held by partner – blocking hand must come outside other hand.
  7. Push Block
    1. Path of block – From standing, hand circles up and moves across the body.
    2. Blocking surface – Open hand
    3. Usage – Soft deflecting block for mid / high level strikes and kicks.
    4. While standing, alternating blocking with each hand.  Non-blocking hand does a “snake creeps out.”
    5. Twisting into hook stance plus stepping back into a back stance
    6. Wrist held by partner – Blocking hand must come outside of wrist before blocking across and blocking off the opposite hand.
  8. Knife Block
    1. Path of block – hand rotates from elbow up, across body and then out to side.
    2. Blocking surface – Knife hand (outside of hand, not fingers, wrist slightly bent)
    3. Usage- Hard, deflecting or head-on block for mid/low strikes. Blocks straight or from side.
    4.  While standing, alternating blocking with each hand.  Non-blocking hand does a “snake creeps out.”
    5. Stepping into forward stance, stepping sideways in to bow and arrow.
    6. Wrist held by partner – Blocking hand must come to the outside of the non-blocking hand and clean off the partners hands.

*Don't forget to emphasize the opposite hand and the need for pulls

 

Kicks:

General rules for kicks:

Remain relaxed and explode towards target.

Coordinate breathing (do not hold breath)

Hips lead – knee and foot follow (generally)

Draw an imaginary line between you and the target.  Right shoulder must be on the right side of the line.  Left shoulder must be on the left.

  1. Front Snap Kick
    1. Striking surface – top of foot, shoelaces
    2. Articulation of joints – Lift leg up, pointing knee at target with foot pointing back and tight against thigh, point foot (ankle locked forward), snap foot out in a hinged motion to kick, then bring it back in (faster than it went out). 
    3. Supporting leg – foot angled 45 degree angle
    4. Define a "snap" – snap water off your foot, snap a towel
    5. Usage – Non-penetrating kick designed to do surface damage.  Low kick, generally used to the groin.   Used to strike up and under a target.
    6. Standing position - kick
    7. Cat stance - kick with front leg
    8. Forward stance - kick with back leg (remember to turn supporting foot out)
  2. Roundhouse Kick
    1. Striking surface – top of foot, shoelaces
    2. Articulation of joints – hips turn to side, knee points at target, point foot (ankle locked forward), foot snaps out in a hinged motion at target, coming in from the side, then snaps back faster than it went out
    3. Supporting leg – turns so that supporting foot is pointed away from target
    4. Usage – Non-penetrating kick designed to do surface damage.  Kicks come from the side (9:00 or 3:00). Targets can be from the knee to the head.
    5. Horse stance - kick with front leg
    6. Horse stance - kick with back leg
  3. Back Kick
    1. Striking surface – Heel of foot
    2. Articulation of joints – Upper body twists to look at target, arm of kicking leg goes across centerline in back. Body bends over, knee comes up to body, foot is flexed (ankle is locked back), leg thrusts out in a piston like motion with the knee coming up and the foot going straight into the target (a stomping motion), toes pointed down, leg comes back in, then down
    3. Supporting leg – pointed away from target
    4. Usage – Penetrating, thrusting kick designed to do deep damage across a broad area.  Low to mid level kicks to the back.
  4. Side Thrust Kick
    1. Striking surface – Heel of foot, toes pointed down
    2. Articulation of joints – knee of kicking foot comes up to abdomen, foot is flexed (ankle is locked back), as foot is thrust out (in a piston like motion with the knee coming down and the foot going straight out) to kick, hips turn over, upper body twists so you can see target and upper arm moves across back centerline and supporting foot twists to point away from target (weight is on the ball of the foot when twisting), leg comes back in the same manner it went out, then goes down.
    3. Supporting leg – As kicking leg is thrust out the supporting foot turns away from target.
    4. Usage – Powerful, penetrating, thrusting kick designed to do deep damage across a broad area.  Low to high kicks. Kick must be executed quickly to be effective.
    5. Standing, step to side, kick with trailing leg (step to right, kick with left)
    6. Horse stance - kick with front leg
    7. Horse stance - kick with back leg
  5. Spinning Back Kick
    1. Striking surface – Heel of foot, toes pointed down
    2. Articulation of joints – Weight shifts to back leg.  Front foot turns to face away from target.  Upper body twists to look at target, weight shifts to front leg, arm of kicking leg goes across centerline in back. Body bends over, knee comes up to body, foot is flexed (ankle is locked back), leg thrusts out in a piston like motion with the knee coming up and the foot going straight into the target to kick, toes pointed down, leg comes back in, then down.
    3. Supporting leg – Turned away from target.
    4. Usage – Penetrating thrusting kick designed to do deep damage across a broad area.  Back muscles provide extra strength to this kick. Low to high kicks. Kick must be executed quickly to be effective. When it is done quickly it can be a very effective surprise.
    5. Horse stance - kick with back leg
      1. Shift
      2. Twist
      3. Look
      4. Kick
  6. Side Snap Kick
    1. Striking surface – Outside edge of the foot.
    2. Articulation of joints – Knee points at target, foot is in tight to leg and flexed with sole of foot flat against the leg and the outside edge of the foot horizontal, ankle is locked inward.  Foot snaps out in a hinged motion to strike focal point, then snaps back faster than it went out.
    3. Supporting leg -
    4. Define a "snap" – snap water off your foot, snap a towel
    5. Usage – Very fast kick, straight into target.  Non-penetrating kick designed to do surface damage or to distract the opponent’s attention/focus. Targets can be from the knee to the mid section.
    6. Standing position - kick to each side
    7. Cat stance - kick with front leg to opponent's knee
    8. Horse stance - kick with front leg

Techniques:

Each of the techniques are applied by the attacker holding both arms in front at the wrist

Left BACK Stance (12:00) w/ Left KNIFE Block - Right FORWARD Stance w/ Right CORKSCREW Punch

Right CAT Stance (12:00) w/ Right TRAP Block - Right FORWARD Stance w/ Right INV. RIDGEHAND Strike

Left FORWARD Stance (12:00) w/ Right SWORD Block - Left HORSE Stance w/ Left KNIFEHAND Strike

Right HOOK Stance (12:00) w/ Right WING Block - Right FORWARD Stance w/ DOUBLE PUSH

Right CAT Stance (12:00) w/ Right PUSH Block - Right BACK BOW&ARROW Stance w/ Right KNIFEHAND Strike (Up)

Right HORSE Stance (12:00) w/ Right IRON FOREARM Block - Right BOW&ARROW Stance w/ Right BACKFIST Strike

Left BACK Stance (12:00) w/ Left DRAGON'S TAIL Block - Left FORWARD Stance w/ Right LEOPARD Strike

Left HOOK Stance (12:00) w/ Left SHIELD Block - Right HORSE Stance w/ Right FEMALE Punch

 

Orange Sash Teaching Aid

Blocks:

1.      EAGLE'S CLAW Block

    1. Path of block – Blocking hand comes down on the strike, digging into the sides of the opponents forearm with the fingernails.  (Visualize an eagle striking a fish.)
    2. Blocking surface – Heel of hand.
    3. Usage – Blocking low, mid and high level strikes.  This block can also be used to the side. Additionally, this can disable the arm and draw the opponent past you.  Hand not blocking is also in a good position to strike.
    4. Stepping back to back stance
    5. Wrist held by partner – Blocking hand comes up outside of opponents arm, then crashing down onto the other hand. 
  1. "X" CRANE'S WRIST Block
    1. Path of block – Arms come up and out, then down across the body crossed at the wrist.  They end up slightly below the waist or groin level.  Arms are crossed just above the wrists, wrists are bent in, and hands are in crane position.
    2. Blocking surface – Top of forearm, just above wrist.
    3. Usage – Low strikes and kicks
    4. Stepping back to cat stance
    5. Wrist held by partner – Arms come up, smashing opponents wrists together, then down into blocking position throwing opponent’s hands off.
  2. REVERSE DRAGON Block
    1. Path of block – Elbow is bent at 90 degree angle, forearm is vertical, hand in fist.  Arm comes up and then across face and upper body.
    2. Blocking surface – Outside of forearm
    3. Usage - Hard deflecting or head-on block for high strikes, straight on or from side
    4. Stepping forward to cat stance and forward stance
    5. Wrist held by partner – Blocking arm comes outside holding hand and then across while stepping back into back stance.  Other hand creeps out.

Attacks:

  1. LONG RANGE BACKFIST
    1. Proper Fist – Same as backfist.
    2. Striking surface – Same as backfist.
    3. Long range lateral pulls – Similar to short range lateral pulls in function.  The conservation of angular momentum facilitates more speed and power with less use of muscle in the torso.  However, in this pull the back hand will not stop at your side, but will end up straight out behind you in a fist with the thumb pointing down.
    4. Shoulder position – Shoulders will generally start facing sideways (perhaps standing or in a horse stance). As you move into a tiger stance the waist will begin to move to a forward facing position bringing the shoulders and striking hand with it.   The shoulders will end up square to the opponent.
    5. Usage – Similar to a normal backfist strike this is a penetrating strike designed to damage a small area (only the tips of the knuckles make contact).  Strike is normally executed to an exposed area from the side. The long range nature of the strike allows you to cover more ground (close the gap).  This would be appropriate when you might like to execute a backfist strike from a forward stance but the opponent is too far away.  Moving into the tiger stance and using the long range strike will gain you several feet in reach. 
  2. LONG RANGE FEMALE Punch
    1. Proper Fist – Same as female punch.
    2. Striking surface – Same as female punch.
    3. Long range Linear pulls – Similar to short range linear pulls in function.   However, in this pull the back hand will not stop at your side, but will end up straight out behind you in a fist with the thumb pointing down. Hand that is not striking is in a fist with the thumb pointing down.
    4. Shoulder position – When executing this attack in the attacking set you are moving from one tiger stance to the other.  When your leg steps through to the second tiger stance the twisting of the waist should lag the movement of the feet.  The shoulders will lag even a little more.  As you get into the stance the waist will snap the shoulders into a position that is square to the opponent (Note - a tiger stance has the shoulders square.  However when you execute this stance you may feel better doing it with the shoulders facing almost sideways as the fist goes out)
    5. Usage – Similar to a normal female punch this is a strike designed to damage large areas of hard or soft tissue. The long range nature of the strike allows you to cover more ground.  This would be appropriate when you might like to execute a female punch from a forward stance or hook stance, but the opponent is too far away.  Moving into the tiger stance and using the long range strike will gain you several feet in reach. 
  3. LONG RANGE KNIFEHAND (Up)
    1. Proper hand position – same as knifehand strike up.
    2. Striking surface – same as knifehand strike up
    3. Long range lateral pulls – Similar to short range lateral pulls in function.  The conservation of angular momentum facilitates more speed and power with less use of muscle in the torso.  However, in this pull the back hand will end up straight out behind you in a fist with the thumb pointing down.
    4. Shoulder position – facing sideways
    5. Usage – Moving toward and into an opponent. This allows you to close the gap.  This strike would generally be used to the groin.
  4. CRANE'S BEAK Strike
    1. Proper hand position - Thumb first and middle finger make the “beak.”  Ring and little finger are in towards palm.
    2. Striking surface – Point of the 3 fingers.
    3. Whipping action – Waist whips the shoulders around. Shoulders lead the elbow which leads a loose wrist.  The beak whips into the focal point from the side. The beak then needs to then quickly recoil from the strike (somewhat like the end of a bullwhip snaps off its target) 
    4. Usage – Penetrating strike designed to cause damage to a small area.  Neck and temple are normal targets for this type of strike.
  5. SNAKE Strike
    1. Proper hand position – First two fingers are out with a slight bend.  Last two fingers and thumb are bent and pulled back.
    2. Striking surface – Tips of first two fingers.
    3. Whipping action - Waist whips the shoulders, shoulder whips the elbow which leads a loose wrist.  The fingers whip directly into the focal point. The hand then needs to then quickly recoil from the strike (somewhat like the end of a bullwhip snaps off its target)
    4. Shoulder position – Shoulders are square or the shoulder of the striking hand is slightly forward.
    5. Usage – penetrating strike to small soft areas (eyes, throat, groin)
  6. PALM Strike
    1. Proper hand position – Hand is flexed with fingers pointing up.  Elbow is pointed down.
    2. Striking surface – Palm, more specifically the heel of the hand.
    3. Linear pulls – Same as corkscrew.
    4. Shoulder position – Shoulders are square.
    5. Usage – Strike to open areas of opponent.  This strike is designed to transfer lots of energy and do broad and/or deep damage to the opponent.

Kicks:

  1. FRONT SWEEP
    1. Striking surface – Top of foot and shin.
    2. Articulation of joints – Foot is flexed (ankle is locked back); leg is straight
    3. Axis of rotation – Critical component.  The torso must be upright with the head directly over the ball of the supporting foot. The axis of rotation must be a vertical line between the head and the ball of the foot.  When doing this kick it is important to focus on getting the body down, then focus on spinning. (You cannot spin effectively if you are not down on the ball of the supporting leg.)
    4. Supporting leg – Weight is on ball of foot; knee is fully bent; torso is upright. 
    5. Usage – Knocking someone down who is already off balance.
    6. Horse stance - sweep with back leg
      1. Shift weight to front leg
      2. Drop down onto ball of front foot.
      3. Twist forward while dropping
      4. Sweep leg around.  The leg is dragged / whipped around by the body; it does not lead the body.
  2. REVERSE SWEEP
    1. Striking surface – back of leg.
    2. Articulation of joints – Foot is flexed (ankle is locked back); leg is straight
    3. Axis of rotation – see Front Sweep
    4. Supporting leg – Weight is on ball of foot; knee is fully bent; torso is upright
    5. Usage – Knocking someone down who is already off balance.
    6. Horse stance - sweep with back leg
      1. Shift weight to front leg
      2. Drop down onto ball of front foot.
      3. Twist backward while dropping
      4. Sweep leg around.  The leg is dragged around by the body; it does not lead the body.
  3. FRONT THRUST Kick
    1. Striking surface - Heel
    2. Articulation of joints – Knee comes up to chest, foot is flexed (ankle is locked back), knee drops down as foot is thrust out to kick in a piston like motion.  Knee comes back up, withdrawing foot, and foot is put back down 
    3. Supporting leg – Leg is straight. Foot is angled out 30 to 45 degrees. 
    4. Usage – low to midsection kick.  Designed to do deep damage to hard or soft tissue.
    5. Standing position - kick to the front - above the waist
    6. Forward stance- kick to the front - above the waist
  4. REVERSE CRESCENT Kick
    1. Striking surface – Outside of flexed foot.
    2. Articulation of joints – Hips turn towards supporting leg side.  Knee comes up high, pointing about 45 degrees across body foot is flexed (ankle is locked back). As the leg is straightened out, with the snapping of the knee, the hip moves back and whips the leg across the body.  Foot should strike target at top of arc.
    3. Supporting leg – The leg is straight.  The foot is angled out about 45 degrees.
    4. Usage – Surface damage to the side of the head or body.  Also good for distraction and to get opponent off balance.  Works well when fighting in close with hands.  Kick comes in from the side (9:00 or 3:00).
    5. Standing position - First with straight leg, then bent leg with snap
    6. Forward stance - First with straight leg, then bent leg with snap
    7. Cat stance - Bent leg, with snap

Forms:

Ma Din Kuen I Form (Developed by Grandmaster Martin)

Decompose

Basic Snake Form (Developed by Shihan Stover – Revised by Grandmaster Martin)

Decompose

 

Techniques:

ATTACK: From Right CAT Stance (ready position)…
DEFENSE: From Left CAT Stance step to Left FORWARD Stance (12:00)
Left TRAPPING Block w/Right FEMALE Punch (to chin)

ATTACK: Step to Left FORWARD Stance w/ Right PALM Strike (to Solar Plexus)
DEFENSE: Move Left foot to 6:00 into Left HOOK Stance (12:00) w/ Left WING Block
Step to Left FORWARD Stance (12:00) DOUBLE PUSH

ATTACK: Step into Left FORWARD Stance w/ Right CORKSCREW Punch (to Solar Plexus)
DEFENSE: Left BOW & ARROW Stance (9:00) w/ Right KNIFE Block
Right BOW & ARROW Stance (3:00) w/ Left FEMALE Punch

ATTACK: From Left BACK Stance - Right SIDE THRUST Kick (to Solar Plexus)
DEFENSE: Right BACK BOW & ARROW Stance (12:00) w/ Right DRAGON’S TAIL
Right BOW & ARROW Stance (12:00) w/ Right BACKFIST (to Temple)

ATTACK: From Left BACK Stance (12:00) - Right ROUNDHOUSE Kick (to Head)
DEFENSE: From Left BACK Stance (12:00) Shift into Left FORWARD Stance w/
Right SWORD Block (12:00) - Left SIDE THRUST Kick to (to Solar Plexus)
End in Left HORSE Stance

ATTACK: Step forward into Left FORWARD Stance w/ Right Haymaker (to Head)
DEFENSE: Step back to Left BACK Stance (12:00) w/ Left SHIELD Block - Shift into Left FORWARD Stance (12:00) w/ Right CORKSCREW Punch (to Solar Plexus)

ATTACK: Step to Right FORWARD Stance w/ Left FEMALE PUNCH (to Lower Abdomen)
DEFENSE: Move Right foot to 3:00 into Left CAT Stance (9:00) w/ Right WING Block Right INVERTED RIDGE HAND (to Nose)

ATTACK: Step forward into Right FORWARD Stance w/ Left Haymaker (to Head)
DEFENSE: From standing position, step into Left BOW & ARROW Stance (9:00) w/ Right KNIFE Block - Right ROUNDHOUSE Kick (to ribs) - Finish in Right CAT Stance

ATTACK: From Left HORSE Stance - Right SPINNING BACK Kick (to Solar Plexus)
 DEFENSE: From Right HORSE Stance (12:00) Step back to Right REVERSE HOOK Stance (12:00) w/ Right DRAGON'S TAIL Block Turn counter clockwise on Right foot to Left HORSE Stance w/ Left KNIFEHAND Strike (Palm down) (to Solar Plexus)

ATTACK: STANDING w/ DOUBLE WRIST GRAB
DEFENSE: Right CAT (12:00) w/ Right KNIFE Block, Left KNIFE Block, Right REVERSE CRECENT (to Ribs) Right HORSE (12:00) w/ Right LEOPARD Strike (to Throat)

ATTACK: Step to Left FORWARD Stance w/ Right HAYMAKER (to Head)
DEFENSE: Step Forward into Right CAT (12:00) w/ Right REVERSE DRAGON Block Right Backfist (to Temple)
Right Forward Stance (12:00) w/ Left Female Punch (to Solar Plexus)

ATTACK: From Right HORSE Stance - Left SPINNING BACK Kick (to Solar Plexus)
DEFENSE: From Left CAT Stance (12:00) Shift Back into Right HORSE Stance (12:00) w/ Right IRON FOREARM Block
Shift into Right BOW & ARROW Stance (12:00) w/ Left LEOPARD Strike (to Throat)

ATTACK: Step into Left FORWARD Stance w/ Right PALM Strike (to Nose)
DEFENSE: Left BOW & ARROW Stance (9:00) w/ Right REVERSE DRAGON Block
Shift to Left CAT Stance (10:30) w/ Left SNAKE Strike (to Eyes)
Twist to Right HOOK Stance (10:30) w/ Right FEMALE Punch (to Solar Plexus)

ATTACK: Step into Right FORWARD Stance w/ Left LUNGE Punch (to Solar Plexus) DEFENSE: Left BACK Stance (12:00) w/ Left REVERSE DRAGON Block
Left FORWARD Stance (12:00) w/ Right PALM Strike (to Solar Plexus)
Right REVERSE CRECENT Kick (to Head)

ATTACK: GRAB Right hand To Right wrist
DEFENSE: Left CAT Stance (12:00) w/ Right CLAMP to EAGLE’S CLAW Block
Left SIDE SNAP Kick (to Knee)
Left FORWARD Stance (12:00) w/ PUSH

ATTACK: Step into Left FORWARD Stance w/ Right CORKSCREW Punch (to Solar Plexus) 
DEFENSE: Step Into Left FORWARD Stance (10:30) w/ Right KNIFEHAND Block (1:30)
Shift To Right BOW And ARROW Stance (4:30) w/ Left LEOPARD Strike (1:30) (to Neck)
Shift Right w/ Left SIDE THRUST (to Solar Plexus) (12:00) End In Left CAT STANCE (12:00)

ATTACK: Step into Left FORWARD Stance w/ Right PALM Strike (to Solar Plexus)
DEFENSE: Shift To Left CAT Stance(12:00) w/ Left SWORD Block
Shift To Left FORWARD Stance (12:00) w/ Right FEMALE Punch (to Solar Plexus)
Right FRONT SNAP Kick (to Groin) (12:00) End In Right FORWARD Stance (12:00)

ATTACK: From Left FORWARD Stance step into Right FORWARD Stance w/ Right LONG RANGE FEMALE Punch (to Solar Plexus)
DEFENSE: From Right FORWARD Stance(Ready Position)
Right CAT Stance (12:00) w/ Right TRAP Block
Right FRONT SNAP Kick (to Chest) - Step into Right FORWARD Stance w/ Left KNIFEHAND Strike (Down) (to Neck)

ATTACK: From Right FORWARD Stance step into Left FORWARD Stance w/ Right FEMALE Punch (to Solar Plexus)
DEFENSE: From Right CAT Stance (12:00) (Ready Position)
Left HOOK Stance (12:00) w/ Left WING Block - Left BACKFIST Strike (to Temple
Step into Right FORWARD Stance (12:00) w/ Right PALM Strike (to Chin)

 

Green Sash and above Teaching Aid

Blocks:

1.      Lance Block

a.       Path of block – Opposite hand does a push block at head level.  Other hand moves outside and in front of body in a motion somewhat like a dragon’s tail block.  Blocking surfaces end up to the side and about ½ to 1 foot in front of the body

b.      Blocking surface – Lower arm up to high hand.

c.       Usage – This block is designed to strikes or kicks coming in from the side.  It is especially useful when you are not sure where the strike or kick will land.

d.      Stepping back into cat stance

2.      Picking the Plum Block

a.       Path of block – Hands are together.  Hand on blocking side is in the crook of the other hand (V between the thumb and first finger).  Hands come around in a circle, snapping to the outside. 

b.      Blocking surface – Palms of the hands

c.       Usage – Blocking a kick or strike to the midsection or head.  From this block it is also easy to grab and control the opponent.

d.      Stepping back into cat stance

3.      Clamp Block

a.       Path of block – Blocking hand comes up in front of body with palm facing body.  Strike is blocked, then hand turns to grab striking arm and control the opponent.  The hand that is not blocking can come in and strike or guide the opponent’s arm.

b.      Blocking surface – Top (outside) of the forearm.

c.       Usage – Blocking strikes to the mid section or head.  Especially effective when blocking strikes from the same hand of the opponent (ex. Right hand to right hand).

d.      Stepping back into back stance

e.       Wrists held by partner – Blocking hand comes outside the opponent’s opposite hand, cleaning it off his other hand and clamping it.  The hand not blocking then comes around and helps to control the opponent

4.      Dragon Block

a.       Path of block – Arm circles up to the inside and blocks out. The elbow is bent at a 90 degree angle. Forearm blocks across face and upper body.

b.      Blocking surface – Outside (top) of the forearm

c.       Usage – Blocking strikes or kicks to the upper body.  Can be used in a deflecting manner or as a straight on block.

d.      Stepping back into back stance – As body begins to move back into the stance, the elbow lifts up directly in front of the body.  This whips up the forearm and hand.   

e.       Wrists held by partner – do the block moving into a back stance.  The blocking hand goes down and under the opponent’s other hand.  The blocking hand then rotates up and out blocking away the opponent’s hands.  The other hand creeps out during the block.

5.      Crane’s Wrist Block

a.       Path of block – Wrists are bent with hands in a crane position. Waist twists and brings shoulders around whipping wrists up to block incoming strike. The strike is blocked up and hands are in position to strike.

b.      Blocking surface – Back of wrist

c.       Usage – Deflect a high strike. Sets up the next strike very well since the hands are already up and near the opponent.

d.      Stepping forward into forward stance

e.       Wrists held by partner – Snapping up the wrists will break the opponents grip and leave the hands in a good attack position.

6.      Mantis Clamp Block

a.       Path of block – Hand in Mantis position, comes up and across body then out to block the strike. The hand then comes over the opponent’s arm and clamps down on it, pulling opponent toward and/or past you (and off balance).  The other hand comes in to either strike elbow or help control and guide opponent.

b.      Blocking surface – Outside of the forearm.

c.       Usage – Controlling opponent.  Useful for blocking same hand attacks (right hand to right hand) across body.

d.      Stepping back into cat/back stance

e.       Wrists held by partner – blocking hand comes outside other hand, blocks, breaks hold, clamp and control opponent.

7.      Reverse Sword Block

a.       Path of block – Hand comes across body at about waist level then up, out and back across the body, blocking out.

b.      Blocking surface – Inside of forearm.

c.       Usage – Deflecting high strikes. Additionally effective since it usually leaves the blocking hand in position to strike.

d.      Stepping back into cat/back stance

e.       Wrists held by partner – Blocking hand comes outside of other hand and cleans it off, then up and out.

8.      Elbow Block

a.       Path of block – Elbow comes down and across side ribs.  Other hand comes up to protect ribs and front of body.

b.      Blocking surface – Back of elbow and upper arm.

c.       Usage – Deflecting strikes or kicks to the ribs or side of the body.

d.      Stepping back into reverse hook stance

9.      Inverted Push Block

a.       Path of block – Hand comes out, around, down and in.

b.      Blocking surface – Palm of hand.

c.       Usage – Deflecting low strikes or kicks.

d.      Stepping forward into forward stance

10.  Reverse Mantis Clamp Block

a.       Path of block – Hand in mantis position comes up on the outside, clamps to the inside and guides strike in between the arm and torso. 

b.      Blocking surface – Outside of forearm and hand.

c.       Usage – Deflecting and controlling midlevel strikes.  This block is especially effective since you can control the opponent with one hand, bring the opponent close and have the other hand free to simultaneously strike.

d.