How To Perform This Longfist Technique:
This long-range leg-attack comprising two front kicks delivered by the same leg to the pubic regions, in quick succession is considered one of the ‘Jueming’ or ‘Fatal’ leg-attack techniques. ‘Fatal’ used thus doesn’t mean ‘killer’ or ‘death-dealing’ but destined (fated) to succeed’! However, its other name ‘The Private-Parts Leg-Attack’ suggests it should be taken very seriously indeed together with recommendations that it is only used in dire real-life emergencies. Such kicks are banned from competitions (although higher versions to the mid-section are fine) and care must be taken in practice not to injure training partners. In Animal Kung Fu terms, long-range lunging strikes and vital-points strikes are often attributed to the Snake!
“Jueming” are difficult and surprising techniques which, applied in correct circumstances, at the right time, can give you the upper hand in combat. With repeated practice they can be refined to incorporate something different into your repertoire. They represent the unusual and shouldn’t be confused with your typical ‘stock’ of basic, defensive, probing kicks and so on, but reserved for key, decisive moments in combat and then used to surprise your opponent.
This Shaolin example originates from the ‘Jingang (Diamond) Chan’ or ‘Buddha’s Warrior-Attendant Boxing’ variant of Changquan ‘Longfist’ Kung Fu. Diamonds can withstand incredible pressures, are multi-faceted and can become polished after prolonged application–thus, techniques like this may prove decisive in trying situations.
As maximum range and leg-extension in front kicks is achieved at waist-height this represents the ideal practice-level. This can be extended slightly with a backward-leaning of the upper torso (which also removes the head from the possibility of a counter). The kick itself is a snapping kick:-the thigh muscle is first contracted and then rapidly expanded to propel the foot towards its target, final effectiveness is enhanced by quickly tensing the ankle on impact. Accurate timing and estimation of distances are essential and consequently the opponent must be closely and continuously watched.
If your first front-kick is blocked, or your opponent evades or side-steps this and then advances threateningly, shuffle backwards on your supporting leg. Keep your eyes fixed on your opponent- looking him squarely in the eyes (this eye-technique ensures he is unaware of your actual target). Throw another kick with the same leg as the first, leaning back to the appropriate degree–this has every chance of meeting with success!
When using the technique repeatedly, variations, feints and distractions are needed to ensure that a wary opponent does not catch the kicking-leg.
Feng Shui Consultant Peter Allsop M.Ed. also publishes ‘Red Dragon Martial Arts Ezine’. Longevity Training, Iron Shirt, 5 Elements Qigong, Daoism, Chinese metaphysics and Astrology feature among his interests alongside gem and crystal Feng Shui. Senior Student of GrandmasterYap Leong, Peter also teaches Shaolin Kung Fu and Qigong in Yorkshire and Derbyshire U. K. as Shaolin Fists International Area Instructor for the region.View the free resources at: www.sheffieldkungfu.com
Article Source
Recent Comments