INTRODUCING THE BUTTERFLY KNIVES
"Fierce Tiger Descends Mountain"
This Butterfly Knives Set is called “Jen Tzi Seong Lam Tou” or “Human-Character Double Southern Knives”, and is composed from “Crossroad Double Southern Knives” of Uncle Righteousness' Southern Shaolin, and “Human-Character Knives” of Sifu Choe Hoong Choy's Choy Family Wing Choon.
The term “Human-Character” refers to a particular way of holding the Butterfly Knives in a unique pattern in this set which is effective for disarming an opponent's weapon. In Chinese, Butterfly Knives are usually called “Southern Knives”.
This video series shows the beginning of the set, how to generate internal force and how to perform an important pattern, “Fierce Tiger Descends Mountain”, where rotation of the waist is essential.
The Importance of Internal Force
It is telling that after the traditional salutation pattern, this set starts with generating internal force although it is a weapon set where sharp blades replace striking power as the main destructive agent. This reminds us that internal force is still important in a weapon set.
The Main Technique of a Knife is Slashing
This pattern is called “Fierce Tiger Descends Mountain”, which is a slashing technique rather than chopping. The curve of the knife blade is meant for slashing purpose. Many students may not realize that a knife is for slashing, whereas an axe is for chopping.
Fierce Tiger Descends Mountain
This pattern “Fierce Tiger Descends Mountain” is repeated five times in different directions and is performed at the beginning of the set, indicating that it is a very important pattern. Would you be able to tell how is this important pattern used in combat?
The Importance of Waist Movement
Two crucial points in performing this technique are explained. It is a slashing technique, and not a chopping technique. Hence, you should slash instead of chop. Do you know the difference? Secondly, it is important to rotate the waist. It is not just a hand movement. Much of the movement of the Butterfly Knives is due to the movement of the waist rather than the movement of the hands.
Vibrant and Flowing Movements
Firstly, it is demonstrated how the Butterfly Knives should not be performed. Then the correct way in performing them is shown. The incorrect performance is rigid and limp whereas the correct performance is vibrant and flowing.
Manifestation of Yin-Yang Harmony
All the movements taught are reviewed. Notice that the movements are forceful and fluid at the same time, manifesting yin-yang harmony. If they were forceful but rigid, or fluid but lacking in force, then they committed the “weakness of double yang”.
Introducing the Butterfly Knives from Wong Kiew Kit on Vimeo.
LINKS
Review of UK Summer Camp 2007 Weapon Course
- Introducing the Butterfly Knives
- Fierce Tiger and Moon-Gazing Rhinoceros
- How would you Counter a Spear Thrust?
- Counters against Chops and Sweeps of Other Weapons
- Butterfly Knives Against a Saber
- The Secret of Performing Butterfly Knives with Force and Speed but Without being Tired
- Yin-Yang Butterfly Knives and Close-Combat Applications
- Some Interesting Applications of Butterfly Knives Held in Reverse
- Combat Training with Weapons Must be Injury Free
- How do you Release your Butterfly Knives from being Locked?
- Learning to Make Flowers Systematically
- Combat Applications of Double Butterflies Flying
- Human-Character and Cross-Road are Found Here
- Kungfu Training and Mental Clarity
- Learning the Combat Applications of the Butterfly Knives against Other Weapons
- The Benefits of Combat Training with Classical Weapons
- From Slow and Systematic to Fast and Spontaneous
- First-Class Kungfu Calls for Great Skills and Techniques