AMAZING TECHNIQUES THAT CAN BE USED BY A FRAGILE-LOOKING LADY
Sifu Jamie Robson, Shaolin Wahnam Scotland
Bansean Thodsokan - Cut the Giant's Neck
Years ago while teaching Grandmaster Wong a rare Shaolin set, "Seven Stars", Grandmaster Ho Fatt Nam asked Grandmaster Wong how a dainty lady could block the powerful sweeping kicks of a ferocious Muay Thai fighter.
It was a rhetoric question. Without waiting for a reply, Grandmaster Ho said, "You don't block a powerful kick. You avoid an opponent's strong points and attack his weakness. Here in 'Seven Stars' we have many examples to counter powerful attacks."
This teaching has much benefited our Shaolin Wahnam repertoire. In this series Sifu Jamie Robson shares with you how even a fragile-looking lady can handle a ferocious Muay Thai fighter.
The material below is reproduced from Muay Thai Counters in our Shaolin Wahnam Virtual Kwoon.
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Naughty Monkey Kicks Tree against Crocodile Sweeps Tail
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| Jarakhe Fad Hang - Crocodile Sweeps Tail |
The attacker (Red) turns to avoid a level punch and kicks the temple or jaw with a hooking motion, connecting with the heel. This attack can often be applied without prior initiation i.e. the defenders punch.
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This counter is deceptively simple, but extremely safe and effective!
The defender (White) steps diagonally away from the oncoming attack, to ensure safety while not giving away too much distance. Additionally, as he steps aside, he kicks the attacker’s groin or supporting knee with a Whirlwind Kick, connecting with the shin or perhaps the instep in some situations. He is now behind the wounded opponent and in an excellent position to escape or follow-up.
Reverse Hand Plucks Peach against Push Elephant
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| Yan Erawan - Push Elephant |
The attacker (Black) rushes in to perform a sideways knee, often used to avoid and counter a high strike.
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The footage here was shot at a slow pace, to highlight the subtle movements from the defender.
By stepping aside with a Unicorn Step, the defender (White) is safe from the knee attack without the need for any strength or resistance. The principle of 'Near Enough to Strike but Far Enough to be Safe' is evident in this movement. Because of his good positioning, he can counter attack immediately from here, without having to move again, in this case tearing the sexual organs.
This highlights an important point; that many attacks seem dangerous or ferocious to the uninitiated, but are actually quite risky for the attacker.
Crane Drinks at Side of Stream against Giant Throws Ax
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| Ramasoon Kwang Kwan - Giant Throws An Ax |
The attacker (Black) leaps or jumps in with an over-head elbow, crashing onto the opponents skull, neck or collar bone.
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The defender (White) retreats at a 45 degree angle, out of the line of attack. He is then suitably spaced for a phoenic-eye fist to the ribs, and a potential organ-seeking kick. This counter is elegant and extremely effective.
White Crane Steps on Snow against Serpent Sneaks to Ocean Kingdom
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| Nak Mood Badan - Serpent Sneaks to Ocean Kingdom |
The attacker (Black) avoids a mid-level kick by sinking down, and simultaneously kicks the supporting leg of the defender (Red), targeting the knee.
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The defender (White) realizes he is about to be kicked in the knee, while his leg is still up, what can he do?
Simple, by dropping his foot onto the knee of the attacker he gains many advantages. He has intercepted the attacker's kick, he has opened the attacker's lower gates and forced him to expose his back. He has also tamed and trapped the attacker's leg, pinning it to the ground. From this safe position, he can deliver a hanging back-fist to the skull or neck.
Angry Leopard Charges at Fire against King Ram Walks In Forest
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| Prarama Dean Dong - King Ram Walks In Forest |
The attacker (Black) leaps in with a deadly flying knee, aimed at the heart (chest) or head.
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The defender waits for the "Golden Moment" to step aside, not too early and not too late.
With correct spacing and timing, the defender can counter-strike the attacker while he is in mid-flight, where he is weakest. The defender highlights numerous options to target, such as the throat, neck and floating ribs.
Monkey Steals Peach against King Narai Crosses Ocean
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| Narai Kham Samud - King Narai Crosses Ocean |
The attacker (Black) leaps in with a flying side-kick, targeting the head, throat or chest.
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The defender (White) avoids the flying kick with suitable footwork, then instantly shoots back in to target the attacker's opening.
The attacker has landed, exposing his back and groin, allowing the defender to tear at his sexual organs with the poetically named pattern "Monkey Steals Peach". This pattern and its variations can be applied from many stances.
Hang a Golden Lotus against Cut the Giant's Neck
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| Bansean Thodsokan - Cut the Giant's Neck |
The attacker (Black) leaps in high with a devastating, but risky attack where he smashes both knees and elbows into the opponents head or upper section. There are numerous variations of this technique, some from being held in a clinch.
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Truly a wonderful pattern to finish this final series on!
The attacker initiates, but soon realizes his opponent has stepped aside, he tries to adjust, as he is the one now at risk.
The defender offers no such chance, and from his initial retreat, he swiftly moves in with a hanging back-fist to the skull, temple or neck.
Notice the little space required for the defenders footwork and how his defence and counter attack are one flowing movement. The attacker can only marvel at his opponents decisive counter.
LINKS
Hard, Forceful Counters often used by External Martial Artists
Flowing Techniques often used by Internal Kungfu Practitioners
Amazing Techniques that can be used by a Fragile-Looking Lady