EIGHT SIMPLIFIED COMBAT SEQUENCES OF WAHNAM TAIJIQUAN
These Eight Combat Sequences first taught at the regional Taijiquan course in Andorra in August 2006 and formalized at the regional Taijiquan course on the Blue Mountain in Costa Rica in January 2007, are simplified from the Twelve Basic Combat Sequences taught in Intensive Taijiquan Courses and regular Taijiquan classes.
They correspond to the Eight Combat Sequences in Shaolin Kungfu which in turn are simplied from the Sixteen Basic Combat Sequences taught in Intensive Shaolin Kungfu Courses and regular Shaolin Kungfu classes. Thus, Wahnam Taijiquan practitioners have a common base to practice combat application with their Shaolin Kungfu brothers.
The Eight Simplified Wahnam Taijiquan Combat Sequences, which have the same names as the Shaolin Simplified Sequences , are as follows.
- Top, Middle, Bottom
- Side Attack
- Continuous Attacks
- Double Kicks
- Whirlwind Kick
- Felling Technique
- Hold and Strike
- Chin-Na
Some students, finding the sequences sophisticated, may be puzzled by the term “simplified”. While it is true that these sequences are “sophisticated” compared to random punching and kicking commonly found in sparring today, they are actually simplified from the Twelve Basic Combat Sequences in our Wahnam Taijiquan.
We call these twelve combat sequences “basic”, in contrast to intermediate or advanced, because that is what they are. For us in Shaolin Wahnam, “basic” means not just that they are learnt at the beginning of our Taijiquan training programme but also that they are very important as they form the foundation upon which future development depends.
In this connection it may be interesting to mention that when our courses were first offered as “Fundamentals of Taijiquan” and “Fundamentals of Shaolin Kungfu”, some organizers suggested to change them to “Taijiquan for Masters” and “Shaolin Kungfu for Masters” because besides the attractive appeal, the organizers honestly felt that the material taught in these courses was more suitable for masters than for beginners. Nevertheless, we stuck to “Fundamentals” for courses offered to the public, and reserved masters' material for selected disciples in invitation courses.
Sequence 1: Top, Middle, Bottom
Different hand-forms are used for different levels of attack to obtain the best technical advantages. Hence, finger-thrust is used for the top, palm strike for the middle and vertical fist for the bottom.
Sequence 2: Side Attack
Although techniques for side attacks and their defences are found in Wahnam Taijiquan, a special sequence for side attacks is not found in the Twelve Basic Combat Sequences. This sequence, therefore, is an excellent supplement.
Sequence 3: Continuous Attacks
This sequence incorporates the tactic of pressing attacks and their defences. It is important to keep in mind the principle of safety when pressing an opponent.
Sequence 4: Double Kicks
The thrust kick has a shorter range than the side kick, but has better control. “Striking Tiger Poise” can be used against any kicks!
Sequence 5: Whirlwind Kick
A whirlwind kick is often combat ending. The hanging fist should be on the kicking leg, and not against it.
Sequence 6: Felling Technique
A stable stance is essential in applying the felling technique. You should unbalance an opponent, not wrestle with him.
Sequence 7: Hold and Strike
Pull an opponent to be off-balanced before striking him. On the receiving side, you should relax while being pulled but remain firm on your stance. Circulate your hand to release the grip. The spread of the Crane's Wing is to dislocate or fracture the attacker's chopping arm, not block it.
Sequence 8: Chin-Na
Chin-na is not just holds and locks. You must follow an opponent's momentum when releasing his grip.
Eight Simplified Combat Sequences of Wahnam Taijiquan from Wong Kiew Kit on Vimeo.
LINKS
Wahnam Taijiquan Training from Basics to Free Sparring
- Part 1 — The Secret of the Internal Force Masters
- Part 2 — Cloud Hands: From Chi Flow Movements to Patterns and Sets
- Part 3 — Developing Combat Skills in Pushing Hands
- Part 4 — Practicing Combat Techniques in Striking Hands
- Part 5 — Applying Kicks, Throws and Grips in Striking Hands
- Part 6 — Combat Sequences 1 and 2: Top, Middle, Bottom and Sides
- Part 7 — Combat Sequence 3: Pressing Attacks and How to Defend against Them
- Part 8 — Combat Sequences 4 and 5: Thrust Kick, Side Kick and Whirlwind Kick
- Part 9 — Combat Sequence 6: Felling Opponents with Carrying Tiger Back to Mountain
- Part 10 — Combat Seqeences 7 and 8: Chin-Na or Gripping Attacks and their Defences
- Part 11 — The Eight Simplified Combat Sequences of Wahnam Taijiquan
- Part 12 — From Guided Sparring to Free Sparring in Wahnam Taijiquan