A common misconception amongst many martial artists is to think that first there were kungfu sets, then masters tried to use the patterns in the sets for combat. It was the other way round.

In reality, first there was random fighting. Those who fought frequently discovered that certain ways of fighting were more effective than others. These effective ways of fighting were formalized into patterns. Later, masters linked suitable patterns into sequences for even more effective fighting. These sequences were then linked to form kungfu sets. These processes evolved over many centuries.

We relived these processes at the regional Shaolin kungfu courses in Andorra, Switzerland and Finland in August and September 2006 in just three days. But we didn’t have to start from scratch. We are very fortunate to inherit the kungfu patterns as well as combat philosophy from past masters. What we did was to select the appropriate patterns for representative combat situations, practice their combat application at the pattern level and then at the sequence level, and linked the sequences together into a kungfu set. We call this set “Single Tiger Emerges from Cave” after the most commonly used pattern in the set.

How the participants at the Switzerland regional Shaolin Kungfu course learned the combat sequences is shown in the video clips here. How they leaned to apply these combat sequences in gradually diminishing control in sparring is shown here. And how they eventually used kungfu patterns and sequences in free sparring is shown here.

These combat sequences are linked into a set, “Single Tiger Emerges from Cave”, shown in the series of video clips below. In this methodology, as implemented in the regional courses in Andorra, Switzerland and Finland, the kungfu set is learnt last. It is the summation of previous combat training; it reminds students how they can use combat sequences for sparring. There are, of course, other functions of set practice too. In this ser, there are 8 combat sequences, and they cover all the four categories of striking, kicking, felling and gripping.

Sequence 1: Top, Middle, Bottom - 867 kB

This sequence covers the top, middle and bottom strikes, and their defence. It is a shortened form of the first three sequences in our 16 basic sequences taught in the Intensive Shaolin Kungfu Course. The attack mode starts with “Lohan Asks the Way”, and the defence mode with “Single Tiger Emerges from Cave”.

Sequence 2: Side Attack; Sequence 3: Continuous Attacks - 817 kB

The long sequence shown in this video clip can be broken into two sequences. The first part, which constitutes Sequence 2 of the set, should be as follows (but not shown in this order in the video): “Lohan Asks the Way”, “Fierce Tiger Speeds Through Valley”, “Immortal Emerges from Cave”, “Fierce Dragon Across Stream”, “Single Tiger Emerges from Cave”, “Single Tiger Emerges from Cave”, “Hang a Golden Star”, “Single Tiger Emerges from Cave”. “Black Tiger Steals Heart”. The second part, Sequence 3, should be as follows: “Lohan Asks the Way”, “Fierce Dragon Across Stream”, “Bar the Big Box”, “Poisonous Snake Shoots Venom”, “Black Tiger Steals Heart”, “Single Tiger Emerges from Cave”, “Single Tiger Emerges from Cave”, “Single Tiger Emerges from Cave”, “Black Tiger Steals Heart”, “Golden Dragon Plays with Water”, “Single Tiger Emerges from Cave”, “Fierce Tiger Speeds Through Valley” and “Black Tiger Steals Heart”.

Sequence 4: Double Side-Kicks - 626 kB

In this sequence as well as the next sequence, both the attack mode and the defend mode use “Lohan Asks the Way” as poise patterns. Kicking attacks are introduced. The counter, “Heavenly Priest Stamps Insignia”, can be used for almost any kicks.

Sequence 5: Whirlwind Kick - 506 kB

The whirlwind kick is introduced. The counter, “Heavenly Priest Stamps Insignia”, requires good footwork for its successful application, striking the kicking leg as the kick just passes.

Sequence 6: Felling Technique - 1009 kB

The poise pattern for the attack mode is “Single Tiger Emerges from Cave”, and for the defence mode is “Lohan Asks the Way”. The pattern for the felling attack is “Felling Tree with Roots”..

Sequence 7: Hold and Strike - 582 kB

How would you defend against an opponent who grips your hand and strikes you at the same time? Reversely, you may use this formidable technique against your opponent. Those who have no experience in kungfu sparring may wonder why the exponent's left hand in the picture on the right is swung behind in this chopping attack, but those who have used this pattern for combat will know its significance.

Sequence 8: Counter against Chin-Na - 1047 kB

This is the 8th and last sequence of the set. There is a slight mix-up in the demonstration here. The attack mode should be “Single Tiger Emerges from Cave”, “Black Tiger Steals Heart”, “Lohan Tames Tiger” and “False Leg Hand Sweep”; and the defend mode “Lohan Asks the Way”, “Single Tiger Emerges from Cave”, “Chop the Hua Mountain” (left chop), and “Hide Flower in Sleeves”. Please see the following video clip where the attack and defence modes are applied in combat.

Combat Application of Sequence 8 - 280 kB

This is a supplementary video clip to show what Sequence 8 should be. Here in combat application, the defence mode is matched against attack mode. In the set as shown in the previous video clip, the attack mode is performed in solo, followed by the defence mode.

Single Tiger Emerges from Cave – Part 1 - 940 kB

The set is now performed continuously as a set and not in separate sequences. As the complete set is too long to be shown in one video clip here, it is shown in four parts. Please note that Sequence 2 and Sequence 3 are performed here as a combined sequence, and only the attack mode is shown here. The defence mode

Single Tiger Emerges from Cave – Part 2 - 876 kB

The defence mode of Sequences 2 and 3, and both the attack mode and the defence mode of Sequence 4 are shown here. The patterns in a sequence are performed continuously like waves in the Long River, and not in a staccato manner.

Single Tiger Emerges from Cave – Part 3 - 1140 kB

Sequences 5 and 6 are shown here. Having practiced the combat application, you would understand that it is not just the techniques that are needed. What is more important are the skills. The technique for felling, for example, is not a contest of strength; if you are skillful in its application, the technique just runs its course.

Single Tiger Emerges from Cave – Part 4 - 1320 kB

This part shows Sequences 7 and 8 of the set. Please note that in Sequence 8, the pattern “Chop the Hua Mountain” should be executed with the left palm and it occurs in the responder-mode of the sequence. The set is the result of its combat application, and not its combat application is the result of the set.