Monkey Kung Fu [PDF]

Citation preview

HOU QUAN FORM



1



Contents  1.  1.  2.  3.  4.  5.  6.  7.  8.  9.  10. 



Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 3  Use deception to confuse your opponent ...................................................................................... 7  Footwork ....................................................................................................................................... 8  Kicking techniques ..................................................................................................................... 14  Hand Techniques......................................................................................................................... 19  Basis of power generation .......................................................................................................... 23  Stances ........................................................................................................................................ 24  Eyes and expressions .................................................................................................................. 25  Defensive concepts ..................................................................................................................... 27  Offensive concepts...................................................................................................................... 39  Hou Quan Form – Step by step form ...................................................................................... 44 



11. 



Disclaimer and copyright ........................................................................................................ 68 



2 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



1. Introduction  What is Monkey Kung Fu? Monkey Kung Fu adopts the behavior of a monkey to confuse and tire your opponent to win in a fight. The monkey fighter relies on speed and agility to land quick strikes against the opponent’s weak spots to continually wear them down. Monkeys out in the wild have to fight against enemies many times their size – They try to run away if possible. If not, they never assume they can take out their opponent in a first blow in any case. Monkey style is therefore about being clever and intelligent about the use of force. The Monkey Kung Fu fighter adopts the mannerisms of a monkey. The monkey fighter moves in all directions and never stands still to pull punches. Tactically, he would kick and roll away unless he is certain he can land a finishing blow. Feints (i.e. false moves) to test your opponent are common in the opening stages of a fight.



To fight well, you must think like a monkey and adopt its mannerisms: z



Be sly and coy – Think defensively. Feint often unless you know what your opponent’s abilities are.



z



Stay on your feet and think laterally in terms of movement – Kick and roll away unless you are certain you can land the finishing blow. Use mid-air somersaults and dive-rolls to the ground to move around your opponent.



z



Retract your neck and raise your shoulders, and bend your knees to lower your center of gravity to move more flexibly



z



Suck in your chest and maintain a slight slouch in your back – Never go out of breathe since you will need it to propel your escapes.



3 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



z



Bend your elbows and hang your wrists – Power comes mainly from the wrists and forearms



Your hands dart out to imitate the picking of fruit, climbing of trees as well as the scratching of itchy areas. Your footwork is extremely fast and nimble – Dash, hop and tip toe around your opponent to catch them unawares. A monkey is always sharp and curious – Look alert. Don’t let your eyes sag. Most of all, don’t stay in one spot whether you are attacking or defending. The key concepts of the form are inspired by stories based on the monkey: z z z z z z z



Leaving its cave Searching around for food and looking out for predators Picking fruits from the tree Fighting with other monkeys Playing with other monkeys Dashing away in fright Returning to its cave



4 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



History of Monkey Kung Fu Monkey Kung Fu originated over 2000 years ago in the Han Dynasty (206BC to 220AD). Its predecessor was an elaborate court dance, from which it was then adopted into an exercise by Huo Tuo (an eminent surgeon of the Later Han / Three Kingdoms era) as part of the “Five-Animal Play” – A health exercise similar to modern Tai Chi that is based on five animals (of which the monkey is one) that is still practiced today in China. The style adopts the attitude and techniques of a monkey and has been chronicled since the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644).



Monkey Kung Fu is characterized by acrobatic skill and balance.



Over the next thousand years, Monkey Kung Fu evolved into a martial arts style in its own right. Historical documents from the Song Dynasty to Qing Dynasty eras indicate that Monkey Kung Fu was practiced widely as a popular style (i.e. one that was handed down in villages rather than being based on specific schools such as the Shaolin Temple). Its most famous practitioner was Emperor Tai Zu of the Song Dynasty. Popular references to monkey style kung fu included Sun Wukong, the legendary Monkey King of the Ming Dynasty Chinese classic Journey to the West. Monkey Kung Fu in China today remains a populist style practiced widely across the villages and cities across the country. There are subtle differences between the monkey fighters in the north and south of China. Although both share the same outward mannerisms of a monkey, northern fighters emphasize long range attacks and intricate patterns of movement. Southern fighters emphasize close range and quick continuous attacks.



5 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



About the Hou Quan Form Hou Quan (“Monkey Fist” in Mandarin Chinese) is a form taught by Grandmaster Xiao Yinpeng of the Northern Monkey sect currently based in Sichuan Province, China. Grandmaster Xiao received his training in the Emei Style in the mid 20th century, which together with Shaolin and Wu Dang, formed the triumvirate of Northern Chinese kung fu sects. Hou Quan is a beginner-intermediate routine that teaches the major skills of Monkey Kung Fu. Grandmaster Xiao is a well known teacher of (Northern) Monkey Kung Fu and received numerous accolades for his demonstrations. He has also received many awards in national martial arts tournaments around China.



6 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



1. Use deception to confuse your opponent  Blue using standard Kung Fu stance In a fight, Blue adopts a standard Kung Fu stance with an upright defensive posture (Fig. 1). Since Red knows that Blue is being cautious, he is less hesitant about seizing the initiative and launches both an upper (palm jab) and lower (shin kick) simultaneously against Blue (Fig. 2). 1



2



Blue using Monkey Kung Fu Blue crouches into the monkey stance with shoulders raised, and wrists, knees and elbows bent (Fig. 1). Since Red has no idea what Blue is doing, he hesitates momentarily and becomes unsure what to guard against. This allows Blue to seize the initiative and launch a groin kick against Red (Fig. 2) 1



2



7 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



2. Footwork  The main types of footwork are: Advancing and retreating step Advancing and retreating is the basic footwork of Monkey Kung Fu. Maintain the appearance of a monkey as you shift your weight from foot to foot. A monkey does not walk with its shoulders flat – Rather it wobbles from side to side. Advancing



Retreating



Step forward with the back foot



Step backward with the front foot



8 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



Side step and overtaking step The side step and over-taking step are useful when you need to move steadily whilst a guard position has to be maintained. The diagrams below show how it is done from the side – The overtaking step is a more urgent version of the side step but you close with the same position as you had at the start of the step. Side step 1



2



3



Opening



Close left foot right



Open right foot



Overtaking step 1



2



3



4



Opening



Cross left foot over right foot



As left foot lands, raise right foot instantly



Step right foot to the right



9 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



Moving forward quickly by short hops Advance quickly to strike with the short hop – Keep your feet nimble and light. Each landing should be done silently and effortlessly. Do not “stomp” to the ground. Always look at where your feet would land before you hop. 1 (Fig. 156 of form)



2 (Fig. 157 of form)



3 (Fig. 158 of form)



10 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



Moving by tip toe The tip-toe footwork is important when you need to be more careful whilst advancing - Place only one foot forward at one time. Don’t trip over the other foot whilst moving. 1 (Fig. 161 of form)



2 (Fig. 162 of form)



3 (Fig. 163 of form)



11 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



Moving on both hands If your feet are trapped, drop to your hands to move quickly away from your opponent and kick him at the same time. The hands should be held at shoulder length apart. 1 (Fig. 34 of form)



2 (Fig. 36 of form)



3 (Fig. 38 of form)



Example Blue’s kick is trapped by Red (Fig. 1). Blue turns to drop to the ground (Fig. 2) to kick Red (Fig. 3). 1



2



3



12 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



Advancing offensively with the hands and feet Your opponent can only hit at what they can focus on. By dropping to your hands and propelling yourself forward with the hands and feet, you can easily catch your opponent off guard. As before, the hands should be held at shoulder length apart. 1 (Fig. 126 of form)



2 (Fig. 127 of form)



3 (Fig. 128 of form)



Example Blue drops out of Red’s focus by dashing forward on his hands and back foot (Fig. 1 and 2). By the time Red can react and steps forward to punch (Fig. 3), Blue would have thrust out a scissors kick to take Red to the ground (Fig. 4). 1



2



3



4



13 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



3. Kicking techniques  Although kicking is more powerful than punching, keeping balance as well as accuracy can be hard in a fight. You should never kick unless you are sure you can connect. Kicking with the front of foot Snap kick The main targets are the abdomen and groin. Power comes from rising of the knees, pulling of the waist and back muscles, which helps to whip the foot out quickly. Contact is made with the toes. 1



2



3



Thrust kick This kick is done by extending out the knee and the turning of the waist. The foot should thrust out like an arrow and contact is made with the toes. 1



2



3



14 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



Kicking with the back of the foot Hook Kick This is done by raising the foot perpendicularly to the ground. The foot is then hooked out and inward in an arc – Power comes from the turning of the waist and pulling of the arms in the opposite direction to the kick like a lever. 1



2



3



15 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



Kicking with the flat of the foot Low stomp kick This is stabbing downward with the flat of the foot, commonly used to pre-empt an enemy’s kick by kicking his foot downward. Alternatively, it could be used to attack the opponent’s shin and is particularly effective. Power comes from the waist and the back, as well as the snapping out of the ankle. 1



2



3



16 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



Kicking with the side of the foot Side kick Because the side of the foot is not very sensitive, it is possible to kick harder targets with the side of the foot. Common targets include the face, abdomen etc. Power comes from the waist, the back, the pulling back of the fists as well as the foot itself. The force is that of an arrow thrusting outward at high speed. 1



2



3



17 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



Hitting with the heel Roundhouse kick The knee of the kicking foot should be raised, before being spun round quickly. The kick should snap out strongly like the unwinding of a rubber band. Because the heel supports the entire body weight, it is capable of great force if trained properly and can hit both upper and lower targets along your opponent’s body. 1



2



3



Hurricane kick The hands should be swung with the turning of the waist slightly in the opposite direction of the kick – This builds up tension within the body (Fig. 1). The hands should then be unleashed to the other side and the knee of the non-kicking foot should be raised with the rotation (Fig. 2). The entire body should unwind suddenly and the kicking foot should snap out in a whipping motion to the target’s skull (Fig. 3). Use both feet to land safely at completion of kick (Fig. 4) 1



2



3



18 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



4



4. Hand Techniques  The Monkey Fist Form focuses on the claw, fist and palm. Fist The thumb is held near the centre of the palm, with the rest of the fingers wrapping themselves over the thumb. This is unlike the standard fist in Chinese martial arts, where the thumb is held to the outside of the fingers. Contact is made with the front two knuckles (a frontal punch to the nose or uppercut to the jaw) and the back of the fist (the whipping effect of a back fist against the solar temple). Punching with the fist Bend elbows then thrust out using the power of the wrist and forearms .Contact is made with the top two knuckles. 1



2



19 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



Palm The thumb is held near the centre of the palm, with the rest of the fingers extended. Once again, in the standard palm in Chinese martial arts the thumb is held outside of the palm centre. Contact is made with the base of the palm (chop to the back of the neck), jab with the fingers (thrust to the windpipe) as well as the thumb (digging the thumb into your opponent’s eyes) Drilling palm strike The drilling palm strike refers to the turning of the palm as the force resonates from the body to the finger tips. The drilling effect carries the pain deeper into the opponent’s body. 1



2



20 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



3



Claw (Monkey Hand) Also known as the Monkey Hand, this is the main hand position throughout the Monkey Fist Form. The fingers are spread in a natural manner, with the mid to last digit of each finger curled slightly inwards. The claw is a useful technique for grabbing and pulling in your opponent. It can be used to quickly parry and strike from the same hand.



Outward hook with claw then palm strike to jaw Parry outward with claw, and then hook down (Fig 1 and 2). Thrust out with a palm strike. 1



2



3



Inward hook with claw then back-fist to jaw Parry downward with claw (Fig. 1 and 2), and thrust out with a back fist (Fig. 3). 1



2



21 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



3



Double claw – “Flower Seize” The Flower Seize is a way to seize and pull your opponent in for an attack. Place one palm over another by the wrist (Fig. 1), and then rotate each palm in a semi-circle by the wrists (Fig. 2 and 3). 1



2



3



When punched, turn inward (Fig. 1) then perform the Flower Seize to pull the opponent in whilst pushing him outward (Fig. 2) and dash forward to hit him with the elbows and knee (Fig. 3). Speed is of the essence. 1



2



22 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



3



5. Basis of power generation  Power comes from the wrists and the forearms – Keep them loose and supple. Scratching in the form loosens your wrists and should be practiced for both hands. Scratch also to taunt your opponent in combat. 1 (Fig. 132 of form)



2 (Fig. 133 of form)



23 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



3 (Fig. 134 of form)



6. Stances  The main stances of the Monkey Fist Form are the cat stance and the crouching stance. Cat stance



Crouching stance



Placing your weight 70:30 between the back and front foot respectively. Keep both legs bent. Only the toes of the front foot touch the ground.



Rest one knee on the ground and squat on the other. In the diagram, the right knee is resting on the ground whilst the left leg is in a squatting position.



24 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



7. Eyes and expressions  Expressions convey the spirit of the monkey. Pay attention to these to act the part of the monkey – Your opponent would become confused and uncertain as to whether he or she is dealing with a man or beast. Practice on a mirror to achieve the best results.



General patterns of behavior z z z z



Keep your eyes round and forward looking – A monkey never squints To look for something, turn your head – A monkey does not merely turn its eyeballs When blinking, move only the eyelids but not the eyebrows Act playful but easily frightened – Hobble from side to side but appear timid and cautious at the same time. Monkey is never bold and unafraid. Don’t be King Kong.



Attacking patterns of behavior z z z



z



Lower your eyes to look down in consternation at your opponent Stare with eyes wide open and snort from the nose to feint anger Look up to appear alert and mindful of your surroundings. Look around with your hands on your eyes Be mischievous when testing your opponent – Be playful and witty on the exterior, be deadly underneath



25 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



Defensive patterns of behavior z z z z



Look surprised but alert to cast uncertainty in your opponent’s mind Move quickly from side to side and appear scared to draw opponent in React quickly as situation changes and opportunities present itself – Be on your feet and toes Do anything to make your opponent hesitate and lose their initiative



26 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



8. Defensive concepts    1. Defend and attack at the same time Somersault backwards to avoid an attack and counter-attack simultaneously Called the “White Gibbon Exiting Cave”, this technique puts the most vital targets of your body (i.e. head, heart and throat) away from your opponent whilst kicking out both legs at them at the same time. It leaves you with room to dash away and even if it does not connect, is ideal for wearing down your opponent or making them more wary of you. 1 (Fig. 9 of form)



2 (Fig. 11 of form)



3 (Fig. 13 of form)



Example As Red moves forward to attack Blue (Fig. 1), Blue somersaults backwards to kick away Red’s hand (Fig. 2) and kicks his jaw with the other foot (Fig. 3). 1



2



27 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



3



2. Trap your opponent’s kick, and kick his other foot You can often defeat a kicking attacker by taking out his other foot 1 (Fig. 14 of form)



2 (Fig. 16 of form)



3 (Fig. 17 of form)



Example As Red kicks (Fig. 1), Blue traps the kicking leg with his left claw (Fig. 2). He pushes against Red’s right elbow with his right palm whilst kicking his left knee at the same time. The impact will cause serious injury to Red’s knee (Fig. 3). 1



2



28 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



3



3. Turn your body into a strike Turn into a strong attack rather than meet it head on. Retaliate immediately at once. This is known as “Quivering in Mid-Air” (i.e. shaking off your opponent and counter-attacking from mid-air). 1 (Fig. 27 of form)



2 (Fig. 29 of form)



3 (Fig. 30 of form)



Example Blue turns with double claws to block Red’s attack and throw his kicking foot away (Fig. 1). Blue leaps and kicks Red in the face with his left foot (Fig. 2) 1



2



29 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



4. Drawing back to pull opponent to the ground As you pull back with your opponent’s foot trapped, they will be forced into the “splits”. Even if they don’t fall over, your opponent would have lost the initiative to launch further attacks. 1 (Fig. 54 of form)



2 (Fig. 55 of form)



4 (Fig. 57 of form)



5 (Fig. 58 of form)



30 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



3 (Fig. 56 of form)



Example Blue seizes Red’s kick (Fig. 1 and 2). Blue: (a) crosses his right foot over his left foot (Fig. 3) and (b) opens his left foot further backward (Fig. 4) to pull Red over. (i.e. the Overtaking Step mentioned in Section 2). This is like a playful monkey dashing away after a steal. 1



2



3



4



31 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



5. Counter-attacking when your arm is seized Kick into the spin to distract your opponent as you pull your arm away, and follow with a counter-attack with your hands. 1 (Fig. 63 of form)



2 (Fig. 64 of form)



3 (Fig. 65 of form)



Example Red seizes Blue’s arm (Fig. 1). Blue pulls free and kicks up his left heel into the spin to hit Red’s groin (Fig. 2). He then whips out a palm chop to Red’s neck (Fig. 3). 2 3 1



32 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



6. Grabbing your opponent’s forearms Called “Monkey Grabbing Branches”, this technique mimics the hands of the monkey as it leaps from branch to branch to seek fruit. It is useful when one arm is blocked by an opponent – Your hands leap from their arms to strike at their throat. 1 (Fig. 77 of form)



2 (Fig. 79 of form)



33 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



3 (Fig. 82 of form)



Example Blue’s arm is seized by Red (Fig. 1). Blue pulls it back (Fig. 2), and swings his right claw against Red’s windpipe and right leg behind Red’s left knee (Fig. 3), before pushing out to trip Red backwards (Fig. 4). 1



2



3



4



34 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



7. Mid-air somersault The mid-air somersault is a useful technique for getting out of difficult situations – For example, where your kick is blocked and seized. It combines the concepts of defending and attacking at the same time. 1 (Fig. 87 of form)



2 (Fig. 88 of form)



3 (Fig. 89 of form)



Example Red has blocked Blue’s kick (Fig. 1 and 2). Blue hops off from his left foot and rolls forward in a mid-air somersault to knock Red to the ground with his shoulders (Fig. 3) 1



2



35 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



3



8. Double block and kick The double block and kick is useful when blocking a one-two punch – As you block outward with each hand, you create an opening to hit the opponent with a kick. 1 (Fig. 98 of form)



2 (Fig. 100 of form)



3 (Fig. 102 of form)



Example Blue blocks outward at Red’s punch (Fig. 1), and repeats the same for Red’s second punch (Fig. 2). Blue then swings his left foot in an inward circular kick to hit Red’s head with his heel (Fig. 3) 1



2



36 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



3



9. Defending against a low kick If your opponent strikes low, jump to attack their head. 1 (Fig. 105 of form)



2 (Fig. 106 of form)



3 (Fig. 108 of form)



Example Blue jumps up and turns with Red’s sweep (Fig. 1) to spin kick Red in the face (Fig. 2). Not only does he avoid Red’s attack altogether, Blue manages to counter-attack at the same time. 1



2



37 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



3



10. Pull-in kick You can seize an opponent and pull him in towards a kick for more damage. 1 (Fig. 148 of form)



2 (Fig. 149 of form)



3 (Fig. 150 of form)



4 (Fig. 151 of form)



Example Blue seizes Red’s arm as Red advances to punch with the Flower Seize covered in Section 2 (Fig. 1). He steps backward to pull Red in (Fig. 2) for a side kick to the abdomen (Fig. 3). 1



2



3



38 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



9.   Offensive concepts  1. Attack from an unexpected angle – Hitting with shoulders To win, always keep your opponent guessing. An example is to go low then hit high – The “Spinning Leap” is a classic attack when dashing towards your opponent on the ground. 1 (Fig. 40 of form)



2 (Fig. 41 of form)



3 (Fig. 42 of form)



Example Blue dashes Red low (Fig. 1). Red tries to kick (Fig. 2), but Blue leaps to elbow Red (Fig. 3). 1



2



39 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



3



2. Pouncing on your opponent Use this if you have to end a fight quickly and don’t mind taking a hit yourself. Pounce your opponent with a double punch – Don’t expect this to connect. An inexperienced opponent will raise his or her hands or fall back. Follow with either a head butt or a knee smash to their abdomen. 1 (Fig. 40 of form)



2 (Fig. 41 of form)



3 (Fig. 42 of form)



Example Blue rushes towards Red on the ground (Fig. 1), and pounces with a double punch (Fig. 2). As Red raises his hands to protect himself, Blue head butts and knees Red simultaneously (Fig. 3) 1



2



40 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



3



3. Take your opponent to the ground with your feet Seize your opponent’s head with your feet from a handstand to catch them by surprise and pull them to the ground. 1 (Fig. 43 of form)



2 (Fig. 44 of form)



3 (Fig. 45 of form)



Example Blue dives to the ground (Fig. 1 and 2). As Red hesitates, Blue lodges his feet on Red’s shoulders to lock his neck (Fig. 3) and throw him to the ground (Fig. 4). 1



2



3



4



41 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



4. Cartwheel kick The strike comes from overhead against your opponent whilst you head low to misdirect your opponent’s focus. “Tuck in” your body during the somersault. 1 (Fig. 115 of form)



2 (Fig. 116 of form)



3 (Fig. 117 of form)



Example Blue rolls into a mid-air somersault from his crouching position (Fig. 1). He knocks away Red’s left block with his first leg (Fig. 2) and hits Red’s head with the second leg (Fig. 3). 1



2



42 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



3



5. Scissors kick from the ground You can easily trip the opponent when you are the ground by targeting their legs. 1



2



Example Blue rushes towards Red (Fig. 1). Red tries to hit Blue (Fig. 2), but before that Blue thrusts out both feet to lock Red’s leading foot and bring him to the ground (Fig. 3) 1



2



3



43 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



10. Hou Quan Form – Step by step form  Definitions References to the “Yang Palm” mean an upward open palm facing the sky. References to the “Ying Palm” mean a downward open palm facing the ground References to direction The practitioner moves along the 4 points of the compass with the camera looking in from south, relatively speaking. These directions are represented below with the eight points of the compass, North (N), East (E), South (S), West (W) as well as the four midway points NE, NW, SE, SW where applicable.



The Monkey fighter adopts a playful demeanor to mask his true intentions.



44 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]



1 (“Opening”)



2



Relax and hold arms to side



5 (Fig. 4 close up)



3 (Fig. 2 side view)



Step left foot S. Raise Yang Palms slightly (Fig. 2 and 3) 6 (Fig. 4 side view)



7



(See comments above)



4



Part arms to side (Fig. 4 to 6) 8 (Fig. 7 side view)



Bring right foot forward S to left foot. Close fists to waist as shown (Fig. 7 and 8)



45



9



10 (Fig. 9 side view)



11



Step left foot forward S to cat stance. Raise shoulders, bend elbows and hang wrists to form claws (Fig. 9 and 10) 13



Land on both feet with claws by side of body



12 (Fig. 11 side view)



Push off both feet to somersault backwards. Tuck chest in. Hold breath. Swing arms back. Draw knees in (Fig. 11 and 12)



14



15 (Fig. 14 front view)



Swing upper body leftward to face E. Point left toe E (Fig. 14 and 15)



46



16



Raise right knee. Swing right palm to head to look for threats



17



18



Look playfully SE (Fig. 17) then SW (Fig. 18). Hold left hand by side of waist throughout 21



22



Look carefully SE (Fig. 21) then SW (Fig. 22)



19



20



Rotate right toe S



Step right foot SW. Look carefully SW for threats



23



24



Raise right knee W. Raise left hand to continue search for threats. Look SW (Fig. 23) then SE (Fig. 24)



47



25



26



Look SW again



Turn right toe inward



29



30



Form cat stance and claws with both hands. Raise shoulders and elbows



27



28 (Fig. 27 side view)



Land left foot SE (Fig. 27 and 28) 31 (Fig. 30 side view)



Leap up. Shake entire body like a monkey quivering with sudden excitement (Fig. 30 and 31)



48



32



Land on cat stance with claws by side, shoulders and elbows raised



33



Step left foot W behind right foot to turn body to face E 37 (Fig. 36 front view)



(See comments above)



34



35 (Fig. 34 front view)



Lower body to ground with both palms. Keep fingers spread slightly apart (Fig. 34 and 35) 38



39 (Fig. 38 front view)



Repeat until you have traversed a counterclockwise circle (Fig. 38 to 39)



49



36



Kick off the ground with both feet and dash forward on palms 40



Place feet on ground in squatting position



41



42



43



44



Leap off hands and feet to turn body counterclockwise



Land back into Fig. 40 position



Swing left foot E to face W



Kick off both feet to walk W on handstand



45



46 (Fig. 45 front view)



47



48



Continue walking on handstand for about 10 feet (Fig. 45 to 48). Shake each wrist in turn as you walk forward



50



49



50



51



Lean forward (by losing balance W) to land both feet W (Fig. 49 and 50)



53



52



Rise to cat stance (Fig. 51). Step right foot forward W and maintain cat stance. Raise shoulders and elbows. Form claws (Fig. 52)



54



55



Cross right foot over left foot (Fig. 53) to land it E (Fig. 54) – This is the first half of an Overtaking Step (See Section 2)



56



Hop left foot E behind right leg to crouching stance. Seize right claw inward, then hook outward. Keep left claw by side of head. (Fig. 55 to 57)



51



57



58



59



60



(See comments above)



Step W with right foot



Hang left foot by right foot. Cross right Ying Palm over left Yang Palm



Land left foot across the front of right foot. Rotate palms clockwise



61



62



63



64



Stride right foot E. Rotate palms anticlockwise. (Fig. 59 to 61 constitutes the Flower Seize



Lower body to crouching stance. Seize with right claw. Hook out left claw to opponent’s groin



Rise and hop right foot over left leg



Land right foot and kick out left foot from behind body at the same time



52



65



66 (Fig. 65 front view)



67



Spin upper body around into the left kick to face W (Fig. 65 and 66)



69



68 (Fig. 67 side view)



Step left foot S to cat stance. Cross left Ying Palm over right Yang Palm temporarily (Fig. 67 and 68)



70 (Fig. 69 side view)



71



Raise left claw and lower right Ying Palm by side (Fig. 69 and 70)



72 (Fig. 71 front view)



Cross left foot over right foot. Pull left hand before face (Fig. 71 and 72)



53



73



74



75



76



Flower Seize - Cross right palm over left hand



Step left foot down. Raise right foot immediately



Kick right foot backward E



Form claws by side of chest. Land right foot W (Fig. 76 and 77)



77 (Fig. 76 front view)



78



79 (Fig. 78 front view)



80 (Fig. 79 close up)



(See comments above)



Seize outward with left hand like a monkey brushing aside branches looking for fruit (Fig. 78 to 80). Maintain a curious expression throughout



54



81



82 (Fig. 81 front view)



83 (Fig. 82 close up)



Seize outward with right hand brushing aside branches to look for fruit (Fig. 81 to 82). Maintain a curious expression throughout 85



86 (Fig. 85 front view)



Leap up using both hands and feet and do a one-two punch W (Fig. 85 and 86)



55



84



Lower your body to the ground, ready to pounce



87



88



Land on both feet



Tuck body in and roll forward



89



90



91



Once you have completed the roll, rise to face E (Fig. 89 to 91)



93 (Fig. 92 front view)



(See comments above)



94



95 (Fig. 94 front view)



Lean forward E and seize outward with left hand (Fig. 94 and 95). Repeat Fig. 92 to 95 sequence three times



56



92



Step left foot forward to cat stance and seize outward with right hand 96



Seize and pull back left hand. Raise right knee. Reach right hand up…



97 (Fig. 96 front view)



…and outward as if to pick fruit (Fig. 96 and 97) 101 (Fig. 100 front view)



98



99 (Fig. 98 front view)



Pull right hand back to left hand (Fig. 98 and 99) – In combat, this is to pull your opponent in for a knee-smash 102



103 (Fig. 102 front view)



Inward circular kick with right foot. Slap hands to back of the foot in turn (Fig. 101 to 103)



57



100



Swing hands up and land right foot behind body 104



Land right foot behind body



105



Step left foot W to crouching stance and tuck body in 109



106



107 (Fig. 106 front view)



Swing right foot clockwise and lean forward (Fig. 106 and 107)



110 (Fig.109 front view)



111



Land left foot first (Fig. 109 and 11)



108



Leap from the left foot with a clockwise right spinning kick 112 (Fig. 111 front view)



Land right foot E (Fig. 111 and 112). Crouch into Fig. 105 position again and perform another spinning kick (Not shown)



58



113



114 (Fig. 113 front view)



Raise left knee. Hook right claw inward (Fig. 113 and 114) to tuck in body in anticipation of the Fig. 115 to 117 cartwheel kick 117



Land on right foot first. Keep both hands as claws and hold by side



115



116



Step left foot E and lean body forward (Fig. 115). Swing arms back and tuck body in to cartwheel without your upper body hitting the ground (Fig. 116)



118



119 (Fig. 118 front view)



Step right foot forward to cat stance to face W (Fig. 118 and 119)



59



120



Raise right knee. Look around with right hand (Fig. 120 to 122)



121



122



123



(See comments above)



125



(See comments above)



124



Lower to a squatting position on the ground with both hands and feet (Fig. 123 to 125) 126



127



128



Dash forward using the right hand, left foot and right foot only. Hold left hand by front of chest – Dash for about 10 feet. (Fig. 126). Mirror the dash with the other hand (Fig. 127 to 129)



60



129



130



131



132



(See comments above)



Flip over forward W on right hand using shoulder / lower body



Drop to face S



Hold palms to face. Move them up and down as if to eat fruits



133



134



135



136



Scratch waist – This loosens up the forearm / wrist muscles



Move to squatting position (Fig. 134 and 135)



61



Step left foot W to crouching stance. Hold up double claws



137



138 (Fig. 137 close up)



139



140 (Fig. 139 close up)



Fig. 137 to 143 is the “Flower Seize”– Place the wrist of the right Ying Palm to that of the left Yang Palm (Fig. 137). Keeping the wrists in contact, rotate hands rightwards (clockwise looking from your eyes)(Fig. 139) and pull inwards (Fig. 143) 141 (Fig. 139 front view)



142 (Fig. 141 close up)



143



(See comments above)



144



Thrust out left kick W



62



145



146



147



Roll forward E by tucking in body and rolling gently from the head (Fig. 145). Rise then lower body to crouching stance with claws by sides (Fig. 146 and 147) 149



(See comments above)



150



151



Repeat Fig. 145 and 146 and roll forward (Fig. 150 and 151)



63



148



Repeat the Flower Seize (Fig. 148 to 149) 152



Lower body to crouching stance facing S with claws raised



153



154



155



Repeat the Flower Seize. Kick then roll forward N as before (Fig. 153 and 154)



156



Turn and rise on feet with right foot forward (Fig. 155 and 156)



157



158



159



160



Leap W with a one-two punch



Land on both feet with right foot in front



Leap W with a one-two punch



Land right foot W



64



161



162



Tip toe E by moving left foot first, then right (Fig. 161 and 162)



163



164



Repeat Fig. 161 and 162 motion until you have covered the distance traveled during the two preceding leaps of Fig. 163 to 165



165



166



167



168



(See comments above)



Lower body to ground



Scratch waist to mimic the monkey scratching an itch



Wave goodbye



65



169



170



Turn W to squat and support body with hands



171



Roll quickly forward



172



Move immediately into a handstand position



173



174



175



176



Lower body to ground



Thrusts out both feet W from under body



Swing up both feet



Rise on feet with right foot in front



66



177



178



Spin counter-clockwise such that you end up in a cat stance facing W with left claw raised and right claw by side (Fig. 177 and 178) 181



182 (“End”)



Flip fists over to side. Bring right foot to left foot



Relax to close



67



179



180



Turn to face S. Raise double Yang Palms



Part arms to side



11. Disclaimer and copyright  Disclaimer ikungfu.net and its associates are not responsible for any injury or loss which may occur by performing the activities described herein. The reader should first consult his or her physician on whether the activities are suitable for his/her particular medical condition. This is a general reference document only. Different schools and instructors may have individual variations and interpretations. Copyright All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction of images appearing in this document in whole or in part in any form.



68 Licensed to Francesco Torcasio. Email address: [email protected]