The Way.

In this section I intend to explain some of the techniques that are used in the training of this Martial Art.

In the early stages of learning, it is necessary to learn how the human body physically moves and start to learn how this movement can be used.

This may sound easy but in most cases is probably the hardest part of the initial training.

It is because that, after learning to walk, we are not made aware of this, and on receiving this knowledge, it is sometimes so difficult to re-programme the brain path, with this information.

Coordination of the Limbs.

The same applies to the use of both left and right, hand and foot.

We are taught from an early age to use one limb at a time but this training makes us use them in conjunction with each other.

This also makes for student less reliant on using right hand and right foot only.

This is then applied to walking technique, or Stance Work, so that the student may understand the different ways, that one can move and the mechanics of these movements.

Only by learning these techniques correctly, can a student learn to use and understand the stance work because without his knowledge the student will never know how to operate to short, medium and long stances, yet alone understand what they're used for.

Some Martial Arts styles are built up on the movements of animals.

Until some ability has been a achieved in body movement, students are not encouraged to copy animals.

Abdominal Development.

One of the most essential parts of the training is the development of the abdominal muscles.

We have various exercises to accomplish this, and these are designed to develop both front back and side muscles, of the abdomen.

These exercises allow the student to develop these muscles without damaging the back and more importantly the base of the spine.

This abdominal strength is the powerhouse for all technique that is executed, be it kicking, punching, blocking, throwing or avoiding, whether standing, kneeling or lying in a prone position.

This applies to women equally well as to men.

Breathing Technique.

It is also very important to learn breathing technique (see section on breathing) and it is essential for all Set Form practice.

Natural Positions.

One of the next tools that one encounters, is the use of the Natural Arm and Leg positions.

These positions are ones in which the arm and the leg have the greatest resistance to bending.

They also the position that allow the body to transmit the greatest amount of power.

This technique combined with the previous techniques, starts to improve the efficiency of body movement.

Natural Position Applications.

These are primarily used in the practice of break falls, that is stopping the oneself from being hurt when one falls to the ground.

This is also then applied to striking technique, using the hands.

Once this has been achieved to some degree, this technique is then applied to blocking, throwing, kicking and stance changes.

Set Form.

Armed with this information and ability, the student then moves on to the practice of the 'Set Form'.

These come in four distinct types.

In the first type punching, kicking and blocking our combined with the stance changes in a predetermined manner.

The student is expected to learn these movements and then to perform them with speed and power.

There are many different Set Forms, each containing new technique and different movement.

As a student progresses, these movements become more complicated, so as to provide as much knowledge as possible, because of this practice.

The second type, although using arm and leg movement, is primarily designed to improve the Breathing Technique and also developed the ability to tense and lock the arms and legs at different points.

The body movement used is shorter in nature and these movements are performed slowly.

It is by the use of this type of exercise, that one or may develop the 'cat like' noise, associated with this particular Martial Art.

Many other types of Martial Art use a shout, when undertaking powerful movement.

In this style, no such shout is used.

Instead the cat like noise is a generated by pushing air through the glottis (see section on breathing technique).

The third the type Set Form again uses arm and leg movements, but this exercise is primarily concerned with of avoidance technique.

Again there are many types of this exercise, the first being purely concerned with avoidance.

After this has been achieved and good ability shown, the later exercises combine Power Blocking with the Avoidance Technique.

As the exercises progress the student is introduced to many different types of blocking technique, hand striking technique and kicking technique.

All these are done using breathing control and the tension technique of the previous set of exercises.

The fourth type of exercise is a throwing Set Form, performed with a partner.

There are many types of this Set Form and each one is designed to fulfil a particular learning function.

They are designed so that the student may learn how the body movements may be applied to throwing technique and an understanding may be developed of how the body motion can be applied to this.

They work on different levels of the body and cater for many different situations that a throw may need to be performed from.

They tend to be counter measures for punching, kicking and various sorts of grabs.

When these have been performed and sufficient level of ability is achieved, then there are the Counter Throws, to learn and perfect.

Preset Technique.

Apart from the Set Form, there are other methods whereby techniques can be learned and developed.

One of the early forms is the practice of Preset Technique, moving forwards and backwards with a partner.

This starts to increase the number of techniques available and provides suitable conditions, so that they may be practised and perfected.

The Preset Technique is practised until such time the student can perform it with some degree of ability.

Once this had been achieved more complicated techniques can be tried in the same fashion.

This is done so that the student will understand the various ranges that different techniques require.

The Concept of A B C.

As the student progresses, the concept of the Avoidance, Blocking and Countering is introduced.

This is also performed with a partner, performing Preset Technique.

This leads in time, to the practice of Random Technique with a partner, to perform individual Set Technique.

Individual Set Form.

After the first three months, we introduce the theory and practice of individual Set Form.

This technique is performed with a partner, using all the techniques in conjunction with each other.

Students are encouraged to use striking technique, avoidance and throwing technique, in conjunction with lying, kneeling and standing stance work.

The number of techniques and order in which they are used, is not specified and it is left to the student to plan each of these Forms.

As progression is made through the syllabus, the number of the set's and the complexity, of their content, increases.

Free Form.

When the student has progressed sufficiently, (which is not normally before three years), they are introduced to the theory and practice of Free Form.

Revision.

As one progresses through the aforementioned exercises, there is a continuous revision, so that the new techniques are applied to all the previous techniques, that have been learnt.

This provides the method, whereby, continuous improvement is possible and previous technique are practised and improved, as this is done.

Learning Skills.

The basic skills are the most important.

The better the basic skills, the more it is possible it is to do advanced technique.

Without good basic skills, the student will ultimately not be able to progress to anything more than simple technique.

Stick Work, the Long Stick.

Within the first two years of training, we have found over the years, that students benefit greatly by learning how to use the Long Stick.

This simple device, when used in the practice of Set Form, emphasises body movement.

This makes it necessary for the student to have greater control over their own body movement and thus improves the Stance work.

Not only does the Stance work improve, but it also has the effect of emphasising the need a necessity of good Blocking Technique.

This tends to make the student far more aware of gaps in their defences when they are attacking and they become far more vigilant in controlling their technique.

The use of this stick also improves the level of concentration because a great deal of care has to be employed both in Striking and Blocking Technique.

Stick Work, the Middle Stick.

After having completed two years' training and successfully completed a Long Stick course, the student may be invited to train using this tool.

This time the effects are different.

The student should be well versed in the use of Stance work and now can apply this knowledge to make this instrument work far more effectively.

Knife Defence.

Some of the knife defences are carried out within the first two years, using Foot Blocking Technique and later Circular Blocking.

However, the more advanced technique is not undertaken by anyone who has not completed both the previous parts of our Stick training.

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