Sparring
Methodology - Video Series
| In the past, all kungfu schools
or styles had their own sparring methodologies, but these many of
these methodologies have been lost. We in Shaolin Wahnam are extremely
lucky to have preserved our sparring methodology and have found it
effective from our own experience. Sifu Anthony Korahais of Shaolin
Wahnam USA gives a clear explanation of our Shaolin Wahnam Sparring
Methodology here.
We are ready to share our sparring methodology with those who are
interested, regardless of whether they want to practice our Shaolin
Wahnam arts. The video clips presented on this page are a visual representation
of stages of this methodology. |
Stance Training (video to follow)
"Zhang zhuang", or stance training, is the single most widely
used method to develop internal force in Kung Fu. Many students, however,
fail to understand it or appreciate its importance.
Footwork Training 2.06MB
In Shaolin Wahnam we do not start by learning sets. We start with
basics like stances, footwork and chi flow. This video clip taken
during a course in Malaysia shows students practicing various ways
of moving in the Bow-Arrow Stance and different ways to advance with
their front foot.
Chi Flow and Zen 3.58MB
In Shaolin Wahnam, every movement in Shaolin Kung Fu is a training
of energy and mind. In other words, Shaolin Kung Fu is always practiced
as chi kung and meditation. In Shaolin Wahnam, footwork training is
also a training of energy and mind. At the end of a footwork training
session students go into chi flow and standing meditation.
Pattern Practice – Fundamental Hand
Forms 2.72MB
Many people consider that first there were Kung Fu sets, then masters
took individual patterns out from the set and applied them for combat.
Actually it was the reverse. Individual patterns came first, then
they were arranged in some meaningful order to form kungfu sets. In
this video clip Sifu Anthony of Shaolin Wahnam USA demonstrates the
basic patterns for hand attacks and defences.
Pattern Practice – Fundamental
Kicks 1.19MB
As there are some innate weaknesses in kicks, one must have practiced
them fluently. Before attempting to use kicks in combat you should
also know the appropriate counters in case an opponent exploits the
innate weaknesses. An effective way is to practice kicking drills,
as in this video clip.
Six Harmonies – From “Lohan
Asks the Way” 1.19MB
"Lohan Asks the Way" is the fundamental set in Shaolin Wahnam
where students learn basic hand techniques, body adjustment and footwork.
They also learn basic skills like fluidity of movements, breath control
and mental focus. In other words, students are introduced to the "six
harmonies" right at the start of their Kung Fu training. Students
should be able to perform this set with correctness of form, flowing
force and good speed, and not panting for breath at its completion.
Set Practice – An example from “Felling
Tree with Roots” 4.37MB
Many people are not aware that there are many felling techniques in
Shaolin Kung Fu. Throwing an opponent, as in Judo, is only one of
numerous categories of felling an opponent to the ground. There are
many felling techniques in Shaolin Kungfu whereby the exponent can
fell an opponent without having to hold him. This Kung Fu set, “Felling
Tree With Roots”, which incorporates Combat Sequences 13-16
of our basic combat training programme, focuses on felling techniques
and their counters.
Combat Sequence Training – Part
1 1.10MB
The sparring methodology we use in Shaolin Wahnam is explained by
Sifu Anthony Korahais in the webpage
here. This video clip shows Mark and Simon, both assistant instructors
of Shaolin Wahnam England, practicing the fourth step, “Continuation”,
using Combat Sequences 5 to 8.
Combat Sequence Training – Part
2 691kB
Some of those who watched Mark and Simon spar in the previous video
clip Combat Sequence Training – Part 1 may wonder why they did
not use kicks. A student at this stage would not be able to do so
effectively because he has not been trained yet. Training in kicking
attacks and defences is in the next stage, Combat Sequences 9 to 12,
as shown in this video clip.
Transition from Pre-Arranged to Free Sparring
– Part 1 1.36MB
There are a few progressive steps between set practice and free sparring.
Pre-arranged sparring as shown by Mark and Simon in the previous 2
clips is one of these steps. Having familiarized themselves with the
appropriate skills and techniques to meet typical combat situations,
students progress through a series of transitional stages where control
over pre-arranged patterns is gradually released.
Transition from Pre-Arranged to Free Sparring
– Part 2 2.47MB
At the stage shown in this video clip, about 70% of the sparring is
pre-arranged and 30% free. It is a progression from the stage shown
in Part 1 where only about 10% is free. Systematically releasing the
control of random movements is a key factor in training students to
free spar or fight effectively using typical Kung Fu skills and techniques.
Transition from Pre-Arranged to Free Sparring
– Part 3 1.75MB
In this video clip Nicky and Hubert have progressed further in their
transition from pre-arranged to free sparring. Not only they have
increased the percentage of random movements, they also have added
kicking attacks.
Sparring Practice at Shaolin Wahnam Switzerland
– Part 1 667kB
Sparring Practice at Shaolin Wahnam Switzerland
– Part 2 559kB
Those who have seen a few of our international video clips on sparring
may wonder why they look similar, regardless of whether they were
taken in Switzerland, Ireland, Canada, Germany, Costa Rica or elsewhere.
The answer is straight-forward. Of course they are similar because
they all come from the Shaolin Wahnam Sparring Methodology.
Free Sparring from Shaolin Wahnam England
1.82MB
Free sparring practice by students at Shaolin Wahanm England. The
combatants attack with only hand strikes because they have not been
sufficiently trained yet to use kicks, throws and grips. A basic tenet
in Shaolin Wahnam is that in combat, apply what you have been well
trained in.
Free Sparring between Eugene and Anthony
(Shaolin Wahnam USA) – Series 1 1.78MB
Free Sparring between Eugene and Anthony
(Shaolin Wahnam USA) – Series 2 1.04MB
Free Sparring between Eugene and Anthony
(Shaolin Wahnam USA) – Series 3 1.29MB
These 3 video clips show Eugene and Anthony practicing free sparring.
None of the movements are pre-arranged. They can use typical Kung
Fu techniques spontaneously because they have been systematically
trained to do so. When an opponent executes a particular punch or
kick, for example, the exponent does not have to think of which responses
to make. He makes the responses spontaneously and correctly. In our
school, Shaolin Wahnam, such combat skills and the relevant techniques
are acquired through combat sequence training.
Free Sparring with Partner of Another
Style - Part 1 659kB
Free Sparring with Partner of Another
Style - Part 2 918kB
Can a practitioner of another Kung Fu style free spar using his style?
Of course, if they have been trained to do so. It is only logical
that a Praying Mantis exponent would free spar using Praying Mantis,
a Choy-Li-Fatt exponent would use Choy-Li-Fatt, and a Taijiquan exponent
would use Taijiquan. This video clip shows Anthony teaching his friend,
Carlito, who practices Northern Shaolin, to free spar using his style.
None of the movements in the video are pre-arranged. It is understandable
that the movements shown in the video clip are slow and hesitant because
Carlito has just learnt the sparring methodology from Anthony recently.
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