Branch 4: Thoughts on Flow/Fluidity in my Kung Fu Forms

Water floats a ship.
Water sinks a ship.
     -Chinese Proverb
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After about a year of reinserting myself back into the Chinese Martial Arts, I am beginning to feel the connection and flow between my body and my intent.  I look at/in myself and now realize I fluctuate between two modes of execution of forms:  the Fact and Friction mode and the Ebb and Know mode.
(Yes, I just came up with those now.  *grin*  )

Fact and Friction Mode
Level 1: Muscle & Mental Memory
-say the name of the movement/strike/etc in my head
-visualize and execute
-repeat for the next

Level 2
-memorize form
-focus on posture, extensions, and solidity

The Ebb and Know Mode
Level 1: Music, Dance, & Flow
-turn the memorized words/thoughts into a song/poem
-press "play," recite, or dance to it/it out

Level 2
-focus on knowing the pauses, the staccato, and legato of the song
-focus on the theme of the song or the animal of the form in my expression
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Here is an image from an article I read today, the intro quote, and a link.

Branch 4: 5 Animal Styles of Kung

  In Vietnamese Martial arts there is a saying:

Enter like a snake,
Withdraw like a tiger.
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 Continuing on with my previous post, I have continued researching and studying the animal styles in martial arts (primarily kung fu) and focused on my animal style the Leopard.  (Leopard style is also linked to panther and beggar style).  Here I will share my findings, personal reflections, and the success of application used in last nights kung fu training session.

In my training session yesterday, I rotated through 4 sparring partners.  In reconnecting, owning, and becoming a leopard--I focused on patience, speed, bating, and angular attacks.  In doing this, I was able to sweep and strike 3/4 opponents.  Sweeps are big because there is high risk involved in going for such an attack.  You have set the rhythm/time of the sparring and either set up the attack or look for the right offered moment to pounce!  You have to slide in, which brings you very close and open--this is where the speed and ferocity comes in.  If you don't own it, the attack will fail and you will be hit.  That happened to me my first round as I was trying to work with these techniques.  Below are some article links to what helped me land my first sweeps in sparring.

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Article #1
The 5 Kung Fu Animal Styles of the Chinese Martial Arts
Black Belt Magazine
By Patrick Sternkopf /Interviewing Steve DeMasco/March 21, 2011

Steve DeMasco 
-martial artist since 1968
-debut in Black belt Magazine in the February 1998 issue
-noted views on the physical and philosophical sides of the Shaolin fighting arts

Excerpt
Kung Fu Animal Style #2: Leopard

Popularity: high
Shaolin saying: “Bend fingers hard, like iron.”
Characteristics: strong, efficient, fast, technical, defined accuracy, capable stealth attacks.
Strategy: strikes quickly to inflict pain, then follows up for the kill.
Targets: soft-tissue regions/other vital areas: the ears, neck, armpits, temples, and groin.
Physical requirements: relaxed muscles, supple strength, quick retraction of arms/legs after a strike.
Training: striking drills that develop accuracy and precision
Trademark: leopard paw, a half-fist that strikes with the second knuckles of the four fingers.
It’s a rigid weapon that makes contact with a small, penetrating surface.
In legend: “Nature’s master of precision and prowess-sharp, efficient and lightning fast.”

(Article Link: 5 Animal Styles )
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Article #2
Leopard (Bao Xing)

Inside Kung Fu Magazine

By Quinn Early

Quinn Early

-12 year veteran of the National Football League. Retired since 1999.

-more than 16 years of martial arts

-numerous national and international competitions/medals in both combative and forms divisions. 

-Early continues study/practice of shaolin five animal k ung-fu from his teacher, master Nathan Fisher.

Excerpt

In China, the leopard's fierce and ferocious power yields only to that of the tiger. Though the leopard is a smaller animal, it is believed to be, pound for pound, stronger. The leopard relies on a lightning-fast, powerful force that is produced from relaxed, whip-like techniques.  It is important for the practitioner to develop a flexible waist, which allows him to develop quick footwork and explosive

strikes.

The main technique used in the leopard form is a leopard fist that penetrates vital areas of the opponent's body, such as the throat, solar plexus and groin. There are also elbow and forearm techniques. The leopard's footwork is quick and short, which helps the practitioner develop strong stable stances.

Three stages of training of Leopard Training

In the first stage, the practitioner performs the whole form slowly, mimicking tai chi or moving meditation. The slow and soft movements massage the organs and lead to health and longevity. The martial artist also learns the essence of each animal by moving slowly and methodically. Breathing is deep and from the abdomen to improve the circulatory system and build the practitioner's qi.

The second stage of training is practiced with external power. The emphasis is on conditioning the bones, tendons and muscles, while developing speed and power. This type of training helps the practitioner build strong stances while increasing stamina and external strength. The five animal practitioner puts all his skills together in the third stage of training. The emphasis is on the spirit

and strengths of each animal-both internal and external energy are intertwined to give each animal life within the form.

Five animal training not only provides the martial artist with the strength and power for devastating fighting techniques, but also teaches him to remain calm and relaxed in even the most dangerous self-defense situations. I have truly benefited from the health aspects I received from studying five animal kung-fu. My kung-fu training contributed greatly to

my success and longevity

(Article Link: Leopard Style)

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Branch 4 and 1 : Life "Style" (Part 1)

Rely on the teaching, not on the person;

Rely on the meaning, not on the
words.
             -The Buddha
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In my Way of the Warrior, I have three pillars:  Warrior, Poet, and Lover.

This post focuses on the Poet and Warrior, in the thought of identity and style.  When I was first coming into my own as a poet, I had to choose from many things:  Master poets I wanted to follow,  Forms of poetry I found meaningful, connection to, and a feeling of authentic personal expression of self in, and needing a place/community to continually practice with. The practice of sharing and feedback would refine skills, shed undesired stalk, and  compare strength  and depth of self with other practitioners.

In my last year of Wing Chun, back in California, my master there began to lead us down paths of self discovery.  As with many styles of martial arts, there are earth elements and animal symbols.

Depending of the region and style, the matching of the element and animal differs slightly.  My Sifu was a Vietnamese Man.  And given my memory, and what I can find, these two images resemble the closest to what he taught us.  After two years of teaching, working with, and developing a relationship with me, he identified me as a Leopard style fighter, which in his study was connected to the wood element.

Leopard Kung Fu Style

-emphasis is speed and angular attack. 

-does not overwhelm or rely on strength (as does the tiger) 

-relies on speed and outsmarting its opponent. 

-The power of the style derives from its aggressive speed. The leopard practitioner will focus on elbows, knees, low kicks, and leopard punches. Leopard kung fu is a hit, damage and run style designed to overcome superior forces with inferior resources. Counter attacks are sudden, indirect and short, with the aim of landing a debilitating technique.

The goals of Leopard style are to:

-develop muscle speed for external strength.

-build patience

-use the leopard punch for penetration and lower body springing power.
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In Part 2, I am going to begin connecting these ideas to
-my current practice of Shaolin Do
-how it connects  to my thoughts on self identity as a poet
-how these two relate.

Branch 4: Tai Chi Fan

     I am excited to hear that Sifu is giving the Chen Iron Fan Seminar.  I found this article on Grand Master The` and how he has helped reinvigorate the interest and knowledge of this Kung Fu weapon.  Message me (w/email) if you would like me to send you this article.  Hope you are having a good week.

-Cid

Branch 4: Tai Chi and Kung Fu Sun Rises

Chinese Proverb
"Teachers open the door; you enter by yourself."

If you read my last post, you learned my reasons, beleifs, an goals with kung fu.  I have set a knew weekend exercise for me and that is going to the river at sunrise (6am) to practice Tai Chi and Kung Fu.  It is a beautiful calm natural environment and energy.  It sets a great start to my day.  My plan is to do this Sat/Sundays.

I would love to know what your
current practice, goals, and thoughts on growth and improvement are.

Branch 4: My Way of the Warrior

"It is said the warrior's is the twofold Way of pen and sword,
and he should have a taste for both Ways"

                                                    - Japanese Swordsman/Ronin: Musashi Miymoto
                                                       The Book of Five Rings

     This is a quote, and belief, that has always resonated with me.  And though I have not taken up the study of the Japanese Martial Arts, Musashi is one of many warriors/masters of all the martial arts/ways that I have found inspiring.  It has been a long time since I have posted and because I am strongly dedicating myself to my Shaolin Do practice; I am looking for ways to hold myself accountable to my practice and study.  So, I have decided to recommit to posting, at this point at least, once a week.  Therefore, I have added a fourth branch to my Willow Tree: "My Way of the Warrior."  If you are curious as to the other three branches, refer back to the very first post of this entire blog.

In this post:
-persona purpose/mission/beliefs as to why I choose The Warrior's Way
-my previous warrior/martial training
-why kung fu
-why a gap in training
-why the re-commitment
-current practice:
-how I have grown in the past year
-my current goals
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Why The Warrior Way?
     To those of you who know me, this will sound familiar.  I am very much a textual (visual) and kinesthetic (physical) learner.  I am deeply attracted, and choose to root myself, in tradition and conflict.  Tradition in the sense of my internal gender role (not any expectation of it in others).  Ideas of protecting, providing, and fighting for family and community.  Conflict in the sense that I like to test, and retest, thoughts and theories to see how they hold (within me) as times moves forward.  I also love the conflict of honorable challenges of intellect, strength, and creativity.  Chess, video games, board games, discussion, etc.  I like to find enjoyable people who will push me to grow physically and mentally.  In this, masters and students of the martial arts have always been appealing and respected by me.

Previous Training
-junior high/high school: Judo/School Wrestling
-college: Fencing/Wing Chung Kung Fu/Kung Fu San Soo/Kobudo (brief)
-current: Shaolin Do

Why Chinese Kung Fu?
     Given what I had the most information on when choosing a form, my options seemed Japanese Karate or Chinese Kung Fu.  There is great information and detail in the definitions and differences of each.  For the most part, I am shorter and thinner than most men my age.  The "hardness" and "linearness" of Karate did not seem the best fit for me.  Kung Fu with its' infighting and circular movements, seemed the better fit.  I have a high interest and respect for both.  Each have their strengths and weaknesses in comparison.  In the end it comes down to knowledge, skill, practice, and the Warrior's Spirit.

Why the Gap in Training/Re-Commitment?   &  Current Growth
     There have been many years between college/after college until recently.  This is mainly due to my focus on my profession as a High School English Teacher in New Orleans.  As many of you know, our school system has its' struggles and a need to grow both before and especially after Katrina.  Take a look at averages of whatever you want connected to education across the country for cities and you will find it.  We have great kids, put they need resources and continually holding to high expectations for their success.  And just as the kids and their families feel all the weight and pressure of classes, work, grades, and testing--we, the teachers most definitely do as well.  There is a lot of professional, academic, and personal pressure to do our best and with limited resources and funds.  Last year, my basic hours were 4am-11pm every day.  And though I have no regrets, there was not a lot of time for my personal extracurricular activities. This year, I have found better ways to organize my time.
    The main reason for that was being mugged last year in the French Quarter by three men.  It was not even very late, on the Main Street of Royal.  I was being a moron, not aware of my surroundings all up in my phone, when I was surprised punched in the face.  I was unwilling to give up my phone or wallet until I realized, I was not going to escape, let alone win, that fight.  Eventually, a lot of hits and kicks later I did give up the items.
     Needless to say, I was very disappointed in myself for not being aware or in better shape and I new it was time to find a path for growth again.  I started looking for what I had experience with, schools of Kung Fu, and found a Sifu at New Orleans Tai Chi and Kung Fu.



I have advanced in the last year:
white belt-->yellow belt-->blue belt--> most recently to green belt, tested by the grand master of our school
                                                            Sin Kwan The`.

My Current Thoughts/Goals

Kung Fu Goals

Study Goals

-keep an p to date note book and binder for notes/thoughts/questions

Body Goals
-build arm/leg strength
-build flexibility
-build leg strength/flexibility for rotating moves (spinning side kicks, backfists, etc)
-build power/speed in punches, kicks, and movement
-build crisp/sharp explosive attacks and movements
-continue building solid stance and technique in forms
-be able to perform full width/length splits by the time I earn my brown belt

Weapon Goals
-build speed/sharpness with weapon based attacks
-be learning/practicing at least one supplementary weapon aside from
 current curriculum material.

Sparring Goals
-have 3, 4+ move combos to pull from at all times
-have 5, 3+ move combos have  to pull from at all times
-to travel to other tournaments in our school system, compete, and place in the top three.

Belt Goals/Short Term
-Brown Belt by the beginning of the next school year.  (August)

Belt Goals/Long Term

-Black Belt by 2016

Branch 3: Capacity

Branch 3:  The Challenge of Social Networking

Capacity: (noun)

1) The ability to receive or contain
2) The maximum amount that can be received or contained
3) Power of receiving impressions, knowledge, or mental ability
4) actual ability to perform, yield, or withstand
          Example dictionary.com
           He has the capacity for hard work.


         Do you often find yourself pushed past your capacity for certain endeavors or engagements?  It has certainly been a year for extension of capacity and last night was no different.  The list of internal capacity impact forces are as follows:

1. unemployment concerns
2. financial concerns
3. status concerns
4. introversion/avoidance concerns
5. missing my mother's birthday concern
6. self-definition concerns specifically connected to contemporary vs traditional gender norms
7. school year impact concerns of the last three years of my commitment to education in this city
8. fitness/appearance concerns
9. relationship concerns specifically to adapting to living together and creating sustainable systems
10. social concerns
11. personal passion concerns specifically with poetry and writing

        Now depending on the engagement, anywhere from one to all concerns may become active.  For example, going running may only initiate numbers 1 and 3.  In comparison, a check-in night may engage half or more. Depending on other factors, the higher the intake volume of engaged concerns the higher the likelihood of raised anxiety and a break in containment.  Last night I was invited to a happy hour for my girlfriend's school's completion of first week pd.  Needless to say that the containment walls which hold for successful social interactions were breached and the reboot process of solitude, darkness, technology, scifi/fantasy media with a female warrior character archetype required the rest of my evening's attention.
      Not what if any of this, aside from a personal reboot, is cause for any real ire?  Well, you see, it was the fact that I did have a plan.  And given those who are binary in "nature", they do not enjoy unexpected changes.  What was the plan?  The plan was:

1) happy hour
2) Amanda's "Awesome People Party"
3) Erin's Birthday Party

Well happy hour provoked all from the first list except 8 and 11.  And at least as far as social capacity is for me, that was far to near a breaking point and numbers 2 and 3 from my second list where therefore off the table. Now why was this happy hour such an intense experience for me?  Aren't happy hours supposed to be calming and relaxing in nature?  Yes, yes they are.  As many of us know, our personal worlds are a bit more complex.  I will not pour excessively into unnecessary details, but will focus a bit on some personal history and my challenges with social networking.
      The school she will now be working at for a second year was, in fact, the first school I worked for in this city.  Upon my first arriving into this city and exploring the education within, parts of me were shocked.  There have been some charter organizations who have been rigorously working both scholars and staff to change this, and this is one.  But as with any business entity, which is now what a lot of successful education has become, there are struggles and disagreements.  While I was working at this school, I experienced a major accident that had me in the hospital and out of work for a time.  This caused some complications as well as personal struggles with school leaders.  The shift from traditional public school systems to contemporary charters is a large struggle for both teachers and especially leaders.  Staff culture, expectations, commitments, promises, and communication are all quite necessary and quite difficult to systematize for large groups of people.     ---I am becoming distracted and off topic and therefore will move on.
       The happy hour was a struggle for the following reasons of which you can compare to the above lists:

1) everyone there is, obviously, employed
2) fairly financially stable at the moment due to that fact
3) feeling excited and hopeful due to known future
4) the school leader and I had struggled with appointments in the past
5) my girlfriend invited a male friend of hers of which whom I have a discomfort with
<as far as #5 goes, the dude seems to me a nice maybe even great guy.  he also happens to hold a few defining characteristics that create necessary struggles to keep a relationship sustainable.  and necessary struggles are, well, struggling. healthy jealousy, musician, owns a boat and house...etc/you get the deal.  but, like i said, nice maybe even good guy.> 

As you can assume where this is going, while the evening went on my capacity went down until I absolutely needed to leave.  This then turned into grabbing food with the four of us, having a tequila enriched discussion of me trying to understand in black and white binary the conversations of the other three wonderfully grey individuals at my table.  This then lead to some medium confusions between my love and I.  And though they were ironed out, it left the end of the evening with me going home and the other three beautiful greys going to the two parties I had wanted to go to.
       Just to be clear, my girlfriend is amazing, loving, concerned, and very very kind.  She knew the happy hour would be a challenge for me, asked how she could help, sort of asked if it was ok if the dude came/or allowing me to stay home.  She has a lot to think about right now with guests and school etc.

This post is a cathartic release, an outreach on the writing about clear (and unclear pieces), and a need to continually practice and push the #11 of the first list.  Please share your thoughts and I will leave a lovely happy video as a warming ending note.