BO-FA AND SHEN-FA OR FOOTWORK AND BODY-MOVEMENT

Shaolin Tantui

A common mistake many martial artists make is neglecting their footwork and body-movement



A common mistake many martial artists make is focusing only on their hand forms but neglecting their footwork and body-movement. If they carry on in this way, they establish this fundamental mistake even when they have practiced their arts for many years. In other words, they have neglected their basics.

Footwork is not just how to move in correct stances. It includes, among other aspects, the appropriate positioning of the feet and the rotation of the knees. If you move forward to a Bow-Arrow Stance by throwing your knee forward and pointing your toes straight-ahead, for example, you may not only injure your knees and also expose yourself to risky surprised attacks.

A crucial aspect of body-movement is the rotation of the waist. This is especially emphasized in Taijiquan, but is also important in Shaolin Kungfu. Amongst other benefits, rotating the waist minimize an opponent's force and maximize your own.


Please click the pictures or the captions below to view the videos

Shaolin Tantui Shaolin Tantui Shaolin Tantui
Correct Footwork
Correct Footwork
Rotation of Waist

Shaolin Tantui Shaolin Tantui Shaolin Tantui
Rotation of Waist
Rotation of Waist
Rotation of Waist

Shaolin Tantui Shaolin Tantui Shaolin Tantui
Wrong Posture
Correct Posture
Wrong Posture

Shaolin Tantui Shaolin Tantui Shaolin Tantui
Correct Movement
Knee Position
Bad Posture

Shaolin Tantui Shaolin Tantui
Rotating Waist
Throw Fist


You can view all the videos above by clicking the picture or the caption below

Bo-Fa and Shen-Fa or Footwork and Body-Movement from Wong Kiew Kit on Vimeo.



Tantui Course at UK Summer Camp 2007


Other reviews of Tantui courses held in Toronto and Frankfurt can be found at

Tantui, the Essence of Northern Shaolin

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