IMMORTAL FITNESS MARTIAL ARTS - Latest Blog Entries

Do NOT Let the Bad Guy be a Better Fighter Than You|Osama Bin Laden was a Judo Black Belt

Mon, 09 May 2011 14:19:00 -0700

Not All Bad Guys are Unskilled Fighters

Osama Bin Laden was a Judo Black Belt

Although self-defense workshops help you prepare for the common unskilled criminal, ongoing martial arts training prepares you to fight criminals who have training in martial arts and experience in real world violence. In fact, the worlds most wanted criminal, Osama Bin Laden, trained martial arts from 1981 to 1991 and received his Judo Black Belt. Osama Bin Laden was part of the Saudi Arabian national Judo team and trained with Taiwan's top Judo coach Jimmy Wu.

In a perfect world, martial arts training would include warrior honor code known as Wu De in China and Bushido in Japan. In the days of old, martial arts of maiming and killing required character development to insure that proper decisions are made under stress and that the fighting arts are not abused by the emotionally impulsive. However, with the development of combat sports comes the competitive spirit to win above all else. Character development takes a back seat while customer satisfaction becomes first and foremost. Martial Arts skills and training are readily available to anyone who has the time, money, effort, and patience.

Think about it. There are rapist, pedofiles, theives, murderers, AND TERRORIST who are out there and chose to train martial arts and prepare for violence.

Do NOT let the bad guys be better prepared than you!

There are plenty of martial arts and self-defense classes in San Diego. Start with a self-defense class, then continue training martial arts to improve your skills and abilities amoungst the top tier. Remember, self-defense training prepares you to fight the common unskilled criminal when you are mentally, physically, and psychologically unprepared. Martial Arts training habituates awareness, proper mindset and composure under stress, and advanced skill sets that utilize leverage that increase your fighting effectiveness with reduced effort.

Read about our Self-Defense class in San Diego

The Truth about Self-Defense training in San Diego

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FREE 2 Week Sanda Guest Pass

Want to try out all the martial arts styles at our San Diego Martial Arts school? Then get started with our $99 introductory course of 5 personal training sessions PLUS 4 weeks of group classes. Not only will you get personal attention, you’ll also have unlimited access to all of our martial arts classes! Need more information? You can reach us anytime by calling (619) 917 – 9017.

Personal Defense Readiness | Blauer Tactical Systems

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 13:25:00 -0700

San Diego Self-Defense Workshop

Saturday June 25th

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Personal Defense Readiness^TM is a state of the art personal protection and life enhancing system offered exclusively in San Diego at Immortal Fitness Martial Arts.

It is one of the most comprehensive conflict management programs in the world.

Developed by world-renowned expert Tony Blauer, it is a comprehensive behaviorally based system.

PDR^TM provides our staff with a powerful tool to address not only physical protection but also the more common emotional & psychological attacks we and our children face. The skills taught allow our students to peacefully detect, defuse, and resolve most everyday conflicts.

Our P.D.R. Courses are offered as: Custom group Sessions, Private Tutorials, and a part of our traditional martial arts classes.

PDR^TM Preload Reading Material

The following downloadable matierials should be read before, during, and after attending our PDR course. The preload material is a thourough explanation of PDR key concepts that will provide a clear understanding of the S.P.E.A.R. system as a whole.

SPEAR system combatives philosphy

Law & Order

The Three Fights

Emotional Climate Training

Presumed Compliance

Live Action Response Drills

Be a Good Bad Guy

Non-Violent Postures

Blauer Tactical Systems Glossary

Pre-registration:

$80 single participant
$100 for two participants

Same Day Registration
$100 single participant
$120 for two participants

Register Now!
online event registration
by Regonline

七星螳螂 - 7 Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu 十八叟拳

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 08:56:00 -0700

七星螳螂 - 7 Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu: 18 Elders Boxing 十八叟拳

Class notes from our San Diego Kung Fu class

San Diego Praying Mantis Kung Fu Class Notes 3/28/11

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:45:00 -0700

San Diego Praying Mantis Kung Fu Class Notes 3/28/11

Praying Mantis Kung Fu: Leaking Hand Technique

This past weekend we watched Phil Davis setup his takedowns with a parry-jab setup versus Lil Nog. As awesome as Lil Nog's takedown defense was, the overload of angle changes, level changes, and strike-takedown attacks ultimately resulted in a victory for the San Diego based MMA fighter Phil Davis.

Tonight's Mantis Kung Fu class in San Diego is a breakdown of the "skipping stones" entry, as well as the defense and counter attack for the technique.

The technique in Mantis Kung Fu is known as Lou Shou, or Leaking Arm.

Some key pointers:

use distance and angle as determined by your counter attack
the arm should have the buoyancy of being filled with helium so that it reciprocates the receiving energy rather than becoming hyper-reflexive.
spin from the elbow with minimal deviation of your elbow position

Click here to get started with our
FREE 2 Week Sanda Guest Pass

Want to try out all the martial arts styles at our San Diego kung fu school? Then get started with our $99 introductory course of 5 personal training sessions PLUS 4 weeks of group classes. Not only will you get personal attention, you’ll also have unlimited access to all of our martial arts classes! Need more information? You can reach us anytime by calling (619) 917 – 9017.

Immortal Fitness Martial Arts

Adding years to your life through fitness and martial arts training.

Learn Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu in San Diego

Call (619) 917 - 9017 to get started.

Related Links:

Cosolidating Motion Part 1: Developing Mantis Boxing Quickness

Consolidating Motion Part 2: Tiger Gate Variation

Core Principles oF Traditional Praying Mantis Kung

Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu in San Diego

The Truth about Learning Self-Defense

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:30:00 -0700

The Truth about Learning Self-Defense

You will not rise to the occasion, you will fall to your lowest level of training. How far will you fall?

Martial Arts training prepares you to fight when you are at your best. Self-Defense training should prepare you to fight when you are at your worst.

The key difference between Mixed Martial Arts fights and other combat sports is the physical and mental preparation for a specified fight date and often times specified opponents that can be studied. The combat athlete consents to the violence and hostility and plans accordingly.

Street self-defense, however, often happens when you are "in the wrong place at the wrong time". You're mind is elsewhere, you are wearing day to day clothing and shoes, and you did not plan for violence.

We can all take a good beating if we consent to it, but no one enjoys being a victim of abuse. This simple principle of psychology is what can make or break your ability to learn how to effectively learn self-defense. Since training is only as effective as the accuracy of simulation, the intent and state of mind you are in during training drills must closely resemble the psychological feel of a violent confrontation.

Furthermore, violence is a two way street. Not only should you be able to apply violence, you should also be prepared to receive violence.

Applying Violence

Red man suits are tools to assess an individual's performance at higher physical and psychological intensities, which should be reserved for martial arts, intermediate and on-going self-defense training.

Red man suits are a detrimental tool to utilize for self-defense workshops in San Diego or for any beginner who is new to learning self-defense.

The REALITY is that beginners are experiencing a cathartic moment that creates a false sense of competance and a false sense of confidence.

This is because the perception of a padded up bad guy makes you feel like you can hit without repercussion. If your training partner is not padded up, then you may not consent to apply violence out of fear of harming your partner.

The REALITY is that the human body is more resilient than what most people give it credit for. Furthermore, it neglects THE FACT that punching, kneeing, and elbowing without protection has a high potential to hurt the bones and joints of the person applying the technique. The shock of this impact can be psychologically crippling for those who have never punched a skull with their bare fist.

Receiving Violence

If you are attending a self-defense workshop for beginners, receiving violence should be limited to an accurate simulation of the most frequent types of unskilled attacks including haymakers and tackles. It is less likely that you will be attacked by a combat athlete or skilled martial artist, so training for various technical attacks reduces the effectiveness of your training.

Training to effectively apply violence should include components of receiving violence. This is a more advanced component of learning self-defense that should be reserved for intermediate and on-going self-defense training. Training should have both the student and the bad guy in full protective gear.

Aggression and Survival Instinct Training

If you are an unskilled person attending a self-defense workshop for beginners, then an aggression driven workshop focusing on bare-bones technical training should be the focus. The defender should expect fatigue to set in quickly.

If you are generally lighter, shorter, and weaker than most of society, then it is highly recommended continuing martial arts training. Martial Arts training develops your ability to produce more power while conserving energy.

When the bad guy is bigger, faster, and stronger, going ballistic may not be enough. Martial Arts training will develop your ability to fight more intelligently allowing the opponents to exhaust their strengths.

Conclusion

If you are planning to attend a 1 or 2 day self-defense workshop in San Diego, be sure that you assess the training method. For beginners, the techniques should be bare minimal and include both physical and psychological progressions.

Our self-defense classes and workshops in San Diego include various training phases that account for both physical and psychological stimulus, stress, and effective responses.

Our Martial Arts classes in San Diego are designed to progress from unskilled opponents to skilled, and basic movement to complex.

Click here to get started with our
FREE 2 Week Sanda Guest Pass

Want to try out all the martial arts styles at our San Diego kung fu school? Then get started with our $99 introductory course of 5 personal training sessions PLUS 4 weeks of group classes. Not only will you get personal attention, you’ll also have unlimited access to all of our martial arts classes! Need more information? You can reach us anytime by calling (619) 917 – 9017.

Immortal Fitness Martial Arts

Adding years to your life through fitness and martial arts training.

螳螂拳 Mantis Kung Fu: Solutions for Rigid Defenses

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:54:00 -0700

螳螂拳 Mantis Kung Fu: Solutions for Rigid Defenses

Here are the latest notes from our Praying Mantis Kung Fu class in San Diego

Most traditional martial arts schools in San Diego train to fight skilled opponents in their own art. However, training for skilled responses leaves gaps for the most common unskilled behaviors, which results in reduced ability to defend against common attacks.

Many of our Praying Mantis Kung Fu classes in San Diego account for the variance in opponent behavior pattern and progress from unskilled to skilled responses.

Mantis Kung Fu classes in San Diego

One of the most common defensive responses are flexed arms with push or pull kinetic energy. Praying Mantis Kung Fu solves the issue of excessive force defense by a principle known as "Chiao Men".

Chiao Men: Knocking on Door. This principle piggy backs on hyper-reflexive defenses that open gaps in the opponents guard. Excessive force defense can either be an excessive push (blocking) or contraction (covering). The key to exploiting this behavior is recognizing the over-compensation and attacking the openings.

Since this is a common defensive response, Mantis Boxers need to train the solution.

The solution is to relax the arms and block with structure (stacking/framing your bones) rather than pushing the arms out. This allows the streamline motion to economize defensive motions resulting in quick defenses with minimal exposure.

Click here to get started with our
FREE 2 Week Sanda Guest Pass

Immortal Fitness Martial Arts

Adding years to your life through fitness and martial arts training.

Learn Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu in San Diego

Call (619) 917 - 9017 to get started.

Related Links:

Cosolidating Motion Part 1: Developing Mantis Boxing Quickness

Consolidating Motion Part 2: Tiger Gate Variation

Core Principles oF Traditional Praying Mantis Kung

Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu in San Diego

螳螂拳 Mantis Kung Fu: Tiger Gate Attack

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 19:08:00 -0700

螳螂拳 Mantis Kung Fu: Tiger Gate Attack

Here is the latest notes from our Praying Mantis Kung Fu class in San Diego

This video is a continuation of the previous kung fu lesson entitled: Consolidating Motion for Mantis Boxing Quickness. In this variation, we are redirecting our offenses to the tiger gate, also known as the outside of the opponents rear hand. The indicator is that the opponent parry's and punches simultaneously rather than sequentially, providing no room or time to convert your lead jab to a deflecting defense (Gua Shou).

Mantis Kung Fu in San Diego

Some key points to remember:

Reduce the number of movements required to complete your objective.
Open palms transition to trapping quicker than a closed fist. However, closed fist variations may use forearms to trap.
Produce power from stacking/structuring your bones to provide striking density, rather than pushing with arm muscles.
This hip, or more technically the Tan Tien and Ming Men, cast the arms forward and reels the arms back for quickness and power.
The indicator for the tiger gate variation is that the opponent simultaneously parry's and counter jabs.

Here is a breakdown of the drills and progressions:

Jab-Hook, or Saucer Palm-Plum Blossom Palm
Pick up opponents guard: Jab-Leak-Pluck-punch or seal and reverse punch
Opponent Counter Jabs: Parry Jab-Leak-Pluck-punch or seal and reverse punch

Click here to get started with our
FREE 2 Week Sanda Guest Pass

Immortal Fitness Martial Arts

Adding years to your life through fitness and martial arts training.

Learn Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu in San Diego

Call (619) 917 - 9017 to get started.

Related Links:

Consolidating Motion to Develop Mantis Boxing Quickness Part 1

Core Principles oF Traditional Praying Mantis Kung

Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu in San Diego

Ralek Gracie San Diego Fight Breakdwon vs. Kazushi "Gracie Hunter" Sakuraba

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:27:00 -0700

The Hunter Becomes the Hunted

Ralek Gracie Seminar focuses on fight breakdown vs. Kazushi "The Gracie Hunter" Sakuraba

August 1st, 2010
La Jolla, CA

Gracie Jiu Jitsu La Jolla a.k.a. The La Jolla Academy of Martial Arts hosted Ralek Gracie for a post-fight seminar on August 1st, 2010. Ralek Gracie fought the Gracie Hunter known as Kazushi Sakuraba on May 29th, 2010. The fight took place in Japan at Dream 14 just three months before the seminar.

Kazushi Sakuraba earned the nickname "The Gracie Hunter" by defeating some of the most notable Gracie family members.

Ralek Gracie received the privilege of fighting the man who dominated the Gracie family for 10 years. Below are the highlights of the fight:

Three months after the fight, Ralek Gracie discussed his thoughts before, during, and after the fight with The Gracie Hunter. Above all else, Ralek was gracious for the oppurutnity and grateful to Sakuraba's skill and achievements that made this victory significant.

Ralek Gracie narrated the fight play by play including the controversial shorts adjustment break by the referee. The following is a list of techniques coverd in the workshop

front stomp kick
clinch control
armbar counters
rear leg takedown
double ankle sweep
knee on belly control
mount control
roll controls
closed guard pass

The seminar was conluded with fight simulation training progressing from striking-clinch-takedown-positional control-submission.

Ralek Gracie proved to be a humble and knowledgable fighter and jiu jitsu coach. His kindness and passion for spreading Gracie Jiu Jitsu shined through the narrative walk through of his fight with Sakuraba and the ensuing training drills.

Want to find out more about Gracie Jiu Jitsu classes in San Diego?

Check out Gracie Combaives in La Jolla

7598 Eads Ave. La Jolla, CA 92037 Tel: (858) 454-5345

Ryron Gracie teaches Armlock Escapes in San Diego

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 18:04:00 -0700

Ryron Gracie teaches Armlock Escapes in San Diego

March 20th, 2011
La Jolla San DIego

Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy of La Jolla was privledged to have Gracie Combatives co-founder and coach Ryron Gracie teach 2 hours of straight up armlocks, defenses, and counters followed by a series of sparring with Ryron himself.

Ryron's desire to improve shows in his willingness to tap out. Rather than bully his opponents, Ryron allows his opponents to mount and attack so that he may study the uniqueness in how people like to attack. In fact, he is supportive and guides his opponents to correct and improve their attempts to attack or defend against Ryron's attempts. Rather than seeking out the submission, Ryron Gracie focuses on controlling the opponents posture. "Position before submission" is a Gracie mantra, and should be at least 70% of the focus in sparring.

The following is a list of Gracie Jiu Jitsu drills taught by Ryron Gracie:

hip bump and midline drive vs. modified mount armlock attempt
armlock from guard backspin to belly down armlock vs. stack attempt
southleg posture control armlock vs. north leg removal attempt
thumb south headstand escape vs. belly down armlock attempt
collar grab elbow escape with above knee leg trap vs. straight armlock attempt
thumb north belly down armlock north leg insertion vs. forward roll attempt
thumb north walk parralell to shoulder roll escape vs. straight armlock attempt
mount to belly down armlock vs. trap and roll attempt
belly down armlock abort to take the back vs. wrist grab armlock defense
shoulder stand escape vs. side control headlock

Want to find out more about Gracie Jiu Jitsu classes in San Diego?

Check out Gracie Combaives in La Jolla

7598 Eads Ave. La Jolla, CA 92037 Tel: (858) 454-5345

螳螂拳 Mantis Kung Fu: Consolidating Motion to Develop Mantis Boxing Quickness

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 22:41:00 -0700

螳螂拳 Mantis Kung Fu:
Consolidating Motion to Develop Mantis Boxing Quickness

一步三捶 Yi Bu San Chui: 1 Step 3 Punches

The 1 Step 3 Punches combination embodies the principle of consolidating multiple attacks in minimal movement and motion.

The key to consolidating motion is to rebound the hips for power, while looping hand techniques to maintain continuity and quickness.

Although the 1 step 3 punches is the template technique, the principle can vary based on the indicated vulnerabilities of the opponent.

The first isolation drill is jab-rake-jab from a dragon gate indicator. The quickness comes from the hip pulling the rake back then rebounding the hip forward for a follow up jab.

The quickness also comes from the orientaiton of your knuckles. If your knuckles are pointed up when they rake, then you will have to move up and then forward. Instead, aim your knuckles at the target like the muzzle of a gun. Once the opponents defense are cleared and you have line of sight with the target, the hip should propel the fist directly to it's mark.

The continuity comes from looping the forward, back, and forward motion in one continuous motion, rather than forward,-brake-back-brake-and forward again. The latter is more of 3 fast start-stop-start motions rather than one continuous flow motion.

The next isolation drill invloves jabbing down the middle and piggy backing off the kinetic energy received from the opponents parry. The jab turns into a backfist that can either intercept an incoming counter-jab or illicit a defensive response from the opponents lead hand.

The rear hand can simultaneously thrust forward while the raking hand is clearing the opponents defenses.

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FREE 2 Week Sanda Guest Pass

Immortal Fitness Martial Arts

Adding years to your life through fitness and martial arts training.

Learn Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu in San Diego

Call (619) 917 - 9017 to get started.

Related Links:

Consolidating Motion Part 2: Tiger Gate Variation

Core Principles oF Traditional Praying Mantis Kung

Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu in San Diego

螳螂拳拍按 Mantis Kung Fu Trapping Drills

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:33:00 -0800

螳螂拳拍按 Mantis Kung Fu Trapping Drills

Notes from our Praying Mantis Kung Fu class in San DIego

Pai An means Slap and Press. It is a Praying Mantis Kung Fu trapping drill designed to to train the cadence of slap (slipping parry), pressing, and leaking to escape traps. Here is a breakdown of techniques from our San Diego Kung Fu School: Immortal Fitness Martial Arts.

Side A	Side B
Jab	slap-backfist
leak-hook grapple pluck punch	leak press-thrust punch
seal hook punch	leak-hang block thrusting palm
dual seal-hook	leak-hang block thrusting palm
dual seal-jab	leak press-thrust punch
seal hook	leak-hang block thrust palm
slap-backfist	leak-hook grapple pluck punch

Click here to get started with our
FREE 2 Week Sanda Guest Pass

Immortal Fitness Martial Arts

Adding years to your life through fitness and martial arts training.

Learn Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu in San Diego

Call (619) 917 - 9017 to get started.

Related Links:

Core Principles oF Traditional Praying Mantis Kung

Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu in San Diego

San Diego Chinese New Year Martial Arts Demo

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:50:00 -0800

San Diego Chinese New Year Martial Arts Demo

Happy Lunar New Year! 2011 marks the Year of the Rabbit, and we are kickin it off right with a Chinese Martial Arts demonstration at the Chinese New Year street faire. Our demonstration included Mantis Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Sanda, and Shuai Jiao. Check it out:

Click here to get started with our FREE 2 Week Sanda Guest Pass

Immortal Fitness Martial Arts
Adding years to your life through fitness and martial arts training.

Core Principles of Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 11:00:00 -0800

Core Principles of Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu

The 12 Keyword Formula of Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu

The 12 Keyword Formula, like Mantis Boxing itself, has been found to include variations and further principles as determined by lineage or division. The Formula presented reflects those disseminated from the Chin Wu Association by the teachings of Mantis Boxer Luo Guang Yu.

The following is a literal translation of the 12 Keywords:

1. Gou: to cancel/to delineate/hook/
2. Lou: Grab to gather/to collect
3. Cai: to pick(flowers/fruit)/to pluck/to take/
4. Gua: Hang/ Suspend

5. Diao: artful/wicked
6. Jin: advance/enter/to come in/
7. Beng: collapse/fall into ruins/
8. Da: to hit/to strike/to attack/

9. Zhan: to stick/paste
10. Nian: cling/sticky
11. Tie: to keep close to/to fit snugly
12. Kao: lean on/near/by/against

The following is a technical translation:

Gou: Passive-Aggressive Hooking Grab
Lou: Assertive/Controlling Grab
Zhai: Pluck the opponent to uproot
Gua: Hand/suspend the arm to utilize the entire extremity (whole arm) for offensive or defensive purposes.
Diao: Indirectly intercept the opponent’s oncoming force.
Jin: Move forward through the opponent
Beng: Attack directly with forceful methods.
Da: If not utilizing Chin Na or Shuai Jiao techniques, continue to hit.
Zhan: “Paste” your extremity onto the opponent by establishing contact.
Nian: Sticking to the opponents extremity
Tie: Following and maintaining close torso distance as if stuck to the opponent.
Kao: Lean on and manipulate a joint, or lean/bump to displace the opponent’s weight

Individual Principles and Application

Gou captures the idea of “Song Shou” or relaxed hand by executing a pliable grip. This method allows for free movement unrestricted by contradictory muscle flexion. Momentary contact is established to detect and delineate an opponent’s oncoming force with passive-aggression. This principle requires Ting Jing, or listening energy, to be fulfill the potential of this principle..

Lou

The lou principle is the opposite of Gou, whereas the grip is made firm by utilizing the entire body in an effort to completely dominate the extremity or object within the Lou clutch. The movement is deliberately obvious as the clutch often times deliver pain to the opponent’s extremity.

Cai

This principle captures the idea of plucking a fruit from the tree. In the case of Mantis Boxing, the idea is to pluck the opponent until the foot comes off the ground, thus “uprooting” the opponent. The pluck is abrupt and forceful and temporarily disorients the opponent.

Gua

The idea of “hanging” the arm implies the use of the entire extremity from the rotator cuff to the wrist. Any hand technique varies in application and is determined by range and position. The “indoor” and “outdoor” aspects of the forearm are used for midrange techniques, while the “indoor” and “outdoor” aspects of the humorous are used for close range techniques.

Diao

Diao captures the “cleverness” of hook shaped techniques. The idea emphasizes the principle of intercepting the opponent’s oncoming force with minimal effort.

Jin

To advance goes beyond simply moving forward. This principle expresses the idea of entering in and running over the opponent utilizing sophisticated stepping methods secured by either the “Ram” (colliding) method, or the “Mouse” (agile/yielding) method. Maintaining firm yet pliable structural alignment is necessary to yield and advance with sufficient jing.

Beng

“Beng” is often manifested in the backfist, which epitomizes the idea of attacking forcefully to “smash” or “demolish” the opponent. However, the underlying principle includes any hard technique, and is often found as an entry and finishing principle linked together by the pliable methods. This is possible by keeping the forceful Mantis Boxing techniques firm, yet not rigid or stiff. This assertive-aggressive posture exists only in momentary flashes throughout the perpetual flux of combat thus maintaining pliable firmness during movement.

The components of fighting are often categorized as striking (da) kicking (ti) locking and seizing (chin na) and throwing (shuai). The Mantis Boxer strikes with all parts of the body, and thus does not differentiate between “striking” and “kicking”. The movements ultimately fuse to bombard the opponent with overwhelming trajectories, thus filling the time and space between the stepping followed by a throwing or locking technique.

Zhan

To “paste” your extremity means to establish physical contact with the opponent with either an offensive or defensive technique. Establishing contact is the precursor to detecting and exploiting the opponent’s position and momentum by using Ting Jing, or “listening energy”.

Nian

In the real world, contact is established only in momentary flashes of opportunity. The principle of “clinging” allows the Mantis Boxer to remain in contact with the opponent’s extremity to further detect weaknesses in the opponent’s defenses.

Tie

While the extremities remain glued, the stepping methods maintain and close the torso distance between the Mantis Boxer and the opponent. The idea is to crowd and overwhelm the opponent’s root and vulnerabilities by keeping the opponent disoriented and in a defensive state.

Kao

To “lean” on an opponent means to use your body weight for leverage in any technique. The idea is to use the entire body in unison when executing a punch, block, kick, joint lock, or throw. By delegating the effort throughout the entire body, less energy is expended while more force is produced.

Learn Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu in San Diego

Call (619) 917 - 9017 to get started.

Related Links:

History of Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu

Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu in San Diego

History of Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:12:00 -0800

History and Development of Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu

History According to Oral Tradition

Wang Lang is the mythological name of the legendary creator of Mantis Boxing. Folklore within the Mantis Boxing family claim that Wang Lang deduced the characteristics of fighting based on the observation of a Mantis capturing a cicada. Wang Lang then called a gathering of 17 fighting experts to share this epiphany. According to legend, the 18 fighting experts concluded their study of combat dynamics with the formulation of 12 fighting principles encapsulated in a set of techniques known as Beng Bu: Demolition Steps. From this core spawned Direct (Rigid/Forceful) and Indirect (Pliable/Yielding) methods, as well as long and short range tactics. This new systematic approach to fighting came to be known as Praying Mantis Boxing.

Divisions of Mantis Boxing

Mantis Boxing was then proliferated into many divisions including two primary sects: 7 Star and Plum Blossom. Sheng Xiao Dao Ren is said to be the Taoist responsible for promoting the 7 Star emphasis of “apparently direct, inapparently indirect”, while Yu Zhao Dao Ren was the Taoist responsible for Plum Blossom’s emphasis of “apparently indirect, inapparently direct”. The two distinguishing approaches are obvious with the body methods (movement) manifested in those lines.

Other popular systems that sprouted from “Mantis Boxing” are Lie He (Six Harmonies Mantis Boxing), Taji (Supreme Mantis Boxing), and Tong Bei (Through the Back Mantis Boxing).

From the Plum Blossom sect spawned Ba Bu (8 Step Mantis Boxing), Chang Quan (Long Fist Mantis Boxing), Mi Men (Closed Door Mantis Boxing), and Hao Jia (Hao Family Mantis Boxing).

Although each new division of Mantis Boxing emphasizes a unique aspect of fighting, all systems abide by the 12 Keyword formula for fighting.

Many historians are reserved about the link between Shaolin and Mantis Boxing for several reasons. The most obvious reservation is due to the brutal nature of Mantis Boxing techniques such as the “eye plunder” and groin strikes. The irreversible damage that results from these techniques contradicts the karmic principles of Buddhism. Many believe that the story of Mantis Boxing does not take place at Shaolin, but at Laoshan where Sheng Xiao may have resided. Li San Jian is the earliest verifiable figure to have existed, so it remains plausible that Shaolin was infused with Mantis Boxing when Wong Rongsheng taught both the Mantis Boxing system and his knowledge of Shaolin to Fan Xudong.

Conversely, recent developments in the research of Mantis Boxing have unraveled undated manuscripts linking the myth of Wang Lang with a historical Shaolin monk known as Fuju. Although the manuscripts’ verification is limited, many Mantis Boxers support the ideology of Shaolin roots due to the literacy and writing style of such documents which parallel the language used during the Song Dynasty. The manuscripts state that Fuju congregated with 17 Boxers who specialized in unique aspects of fighting in an effort to summarize the strongest points of self-defense. The 17 specialists contributed the following techniques:

Long Range Boxing (Chang Quan)
Through the Back Boxing (Tongbei Quan)
Wrap around and Seal (Chang Feng)
Close Quarter Strikes (Duan Da)
Close Range Hand Strikes (Kao Shou)
Blocking and Following Through Fist (Keshou Tongquan)
Hook, Scoop, and Plucking Hands (Gou Lou Cai Shou)
Sticking, Grabbing, and Falling (Zhanna Diefa)
Short Range Boxing (Duan Quan)
Monkey Boxing (Hou Quan)
Cotton Fist (Mien Quan)
Throwing-Grabbing and Hard Crashing (Shuailue Yingbeng)
Ducking, Leaking and Passing through the Ears (Gunlou Guaner)
Mandarin ducks (Yuanyang Jiao)
Seven Postures of Continuous Fist Strikes (Qishi Lianquan)
Hand Binding and Grabbing (Kunlu Zhenru)
Explosive Strikes into the Hollow Parts of the Body (Woli Paochui)

Whether the system originated in Laoshan or Shaolin is yet to be verified. Although the system may have been conceived within temple walls, it should be noted that the systems parental titles may belong to the 18 contributors to the system and not to the practice of Buddhism nor Taoism. The system was first and foremost, a mixed martial art. The system continues to evolve to this day and contains obvious influences from both Buddhist and Taoist ideology. Although the system now contains a broader spectrum of conceptual formulas, this series of articles is dedicated to the fundamental core of Mantis Boxing; the 12 keyword principles.

Learn Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu in San Diego

Call (619) 917 - 9017 to get started.

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Core Principles oF Traditional Praying Mantis Kung

Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu in San Diego

Traditional Kung Fu in San Diego

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:49:00 -0800

Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu in San Diego

Praying Mantis Boxing

Introduction to the Mantis Boxing system

Northern Mantis Boxing is an advanced Northern Chinese fighting system composed of striking, joint-manipulation, and throwing techniques. The system heavily emphasizes mid and close range fighting tactics, however, the system is not confined to close quarter combat. The Mantis Boxing system incorporates aggressive bridging techniques backed by an explosive flux of pliable and rigid methods of fighting, and includes deceptive attacks hidden in what appears to be purely retreating or withdrawing techniques.

The system is often categorized as an “external” system, however, in advanced stages of development, Mantis Boxing principles parallel those found in “internal” systems. The system relies on Yang/hard/rigid/big/forceful methods to begin and end a wave of relentless attacks, and utilizes Yin/soft/pliable/small/passive methods as the linking transitions to secure the time and space between such rigid techniques.

To be an effective “Mantis Boxer”, a strong foundation of basics is recommended. Beginning Mantis Boxers should have a steady understanding of midline vulnerabilities, how to release power, how the body is divided into “doors”, as well as focus, coordination, timing, speed, and bridging principles. These principles are a universal prerequisite to all fighting systems, and are often the focus for the first 2 – 4 years for the student in a traditional Gong Fu school.

Learn Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu in San Diego

Call (619) 917 - 9017 to get started.

Related Links:

History of Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu

Core Principles oF Traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu

Shuai Jiao Provincial Styles

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:14:00 -0800

Learn Baoding Style Shuai Jiao Kung Fu in San Diego

Shuai Jiao has origins in Mongolia and spread to provinces known as the "Shuai Jiao Triangle": Baoding, Beijing, and Tianjin. These provinces developed unique characteristics that have been passed on for generations. Although the execution of the techniques appear similar, the tactical approach, setups, and transitions of each shuai jiao provincial style have unique signatures. Of course, with today's information age, modern practice has cross-pollinated to produce systematic training to fit the individuals choice methods.

Mongolian Shuai Jiao

(蒙古)

Mongolian style Shuai Jiao is characterized by techniques that favor longer and heavier opponents. Big elongated movements are coupled with techniques that utilize pancaking tactics that compromise the opponents postural integrity.

Beijing Shuai Jiao

(北京)

Beijing Shuai Jiao favors those with a lower center of gravity. The tactics are characterized by minimal grip fighting and explosive disruption of the opponents balance that lead to big spinning or rotational throws.

Tianjin Shuai Jiao

(天津)

Tianjin Shuai Jiao is known for the handwork and circular approach to throwing.

Baoding Shuai Jiao

(保定)

Baoding Shuai Jiao is commonly written as Shuai-chiao, to represent the romanization of Chinese words to English as it is translated in Taiwan. Baoding shuai-chiao is the most representative style of Shuai-chiao in North America by way of Grandmaster Chang Tong Sheng. GM Chang fled China with the Kuomintang when the Nationalist lost to the Communist. While in Taiwan, GM Chang taught Jeng Hsing Ping, David Lin, Daniel Weng, and others. Grandmaster Chang Tong Sheng was brought to Ohio by Dr. Daniel Weng, who is also the founder of the United States Shuai-chiao Association. Dr. Weng's Son is the chief Shuai-chiao coach for the San Diego regional training center.

Baoding Shuai-chiao is most distinguished by the off-angle positioning coupled with hand work similar to close quarter striking and trapping. These tactics provide an elusive platform that sets up the opponent to fall in "trap-door" throws.

You don't have to travel to China to learn Authentic Shuai Jiao Kung Fu. Learn Baoding Shuai Jiao Kung Fu in San Diego by calling (619 ) 917-9017.

San Diego Shuai-chiao Kung Fu Martial Arts Seminar with Dr. Chi-hsu Weng

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 14:02:00 -0800

San Diego Shuai-chiao Kung Fu Martial Arts Seminar with Dr. Chi-hsu Weng

On January 23rd, 2011, Dr. Daniel Weng, president and found of the United States Shuai-chiao Association, conducted a Shuai-chiao grappling seminar in San DIego, CA. Dr. Weng covered grappling tactics, compared the similarities and differences between Shuai-chiao and Judo, and discussed the key aspects of the 30 Keyword principles of Shuai-chiao wrestling.

The 30 Principles of Shuai-chiao Kung Fu Grappling

The 30 Princples of Shuai-Chiao Kung Fu Grappling encapsulate the core essentials of the art of Chinese Wrestling. Traditionally, the "secrets" of Kung Fu styles were embedded in poems as a pneumonic device to keep in mind the functional components of the art. Dr. Weng organized the Shuai-chiao poem into a pyramid shape to create a visual image that represents the training progressions.

At the bottom of the triangle are 15 core Shuai-chiao throwing techniques and combinations. In the middle of the triangle are 9 principles compartmentalizing tactics, setups, and shuai-chiao grappling counter-attacks. At the tip of the triangle contains what Dr. Weng considers to be the most important aspects of a shuai-chiao grappler. They are six principles that embody the attributes of timing, angle, range, reaction, and control.

Stay tuned for video footage of Pulling Throw, Hip Throw, and Lower Body Control Leg Blocking.

click here for more information about shuai-chiao kung fu in San Diego

Mongolian Shuai Jiao and Sanda Champion trains Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Mixed Martial Arts Debut

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 09:37:00 -0800

Mongolian Shuai Jiao and Sanda Champion trains Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Mixed Martial Arts Debut

Check out China's first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt, Zhang Tiequan, winning in his MMA debut. Zhang Tiequan began training in Mongolian Shuai Jiao, and was selected to train in China's top San Shou Sanda Academies. He is now pursuing his Mixed Martial Arts career.

Here is a video of the Sanda Champion training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu designed for Mixed Martial Arts

Here is the Sanda Champion winning his Mixed Martial Arts debut using Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Here are some Sanda San Shou highlights from China's Mixed Martial Arts championship entitled "Art of War".

San Shou MMA Kung Fu at the San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:08:00 -0800

Xian Wu will be demonstrating Praying Mantis Kung Fu, Shuai-chiao Grappling, and Sanda-San Shou Mixed Martial Arts at the San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair.

Chinese New Year
Year of the Rabbit

February 12, 2011
Saturday, 3:05 PM

February 13, 2011
Sunday, 2:15 PM

Chinese New Year is
February 3, 2011 (4709)
Year of the Rabbit

6th Annual Lunar New Year Tet Festival

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 09:28:00 -0800

Xian Wu will be demonstrating Praying Mantis Kung Fu, Shuai-chiao Grappling, and Sanda-San Shou Mixed Martial Arts at the 6th Annual San Diego Lunar New Year Tet Festival.

January 30, 2011

What is Tet?
Tết Nguyên Đán, commonly known as Tết, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. It is the Vietnamese New Year which is based on the lunisolar calendar.

Tết is celebrated from the first day of the first month of the lunisolar calendar (around late January or early February) until at least the third day. Many Vietnamese prepare for Tết by cooking special holiday foods and cleaning the house. On Tết, Vietnamese visit their families and temples, forget about the troubles of the past year and hope for a better upcoming year. Tết traditionally marks the coming of Spring, so Spring is sometimes used interchangeably with Tết in Vietnamese.

Customs
Vietnamese people usually return to their families during Tết. Some return to worship at the family altar or visit the graves of their ancestors. Others return to where they grew up. Although Tết is a universal holiday among all Vietnamese, each region and religion has its own customs.

Generally, Tết in the three Vietnamese regions can be divided into three periods, known as Tất Niên, Giao Thừa, and Tân Niên, representing the preparation before Tết, the eve of Tết, and the days of and following Tết, respectively.

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Want to find out more about Gracie Jiu Jitsu classes in San Diego?

7598 Eads Ave. La Jolla, CA 92037 Tel: (858) 454-5345

Ryron Gracie teaches Armlock Escapes in San Diego

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Want to find out more about Gracie Jiu Jitsu classes in San Diego?

7598 Eads Ave. La Jolla, CA 92037 Tel: (858) 454-5345

螳螂拳 Mantis Kung Fu: Consolidating Motion to Develop Mantis Boxing Quickness

螳螂拳 Mantis Kung Fu: Consolidating Motion to Develop Mantis Boxing Quickness

螳螂拳 拍按 Mantis Kung Fu Trapping Drills

螳螂拳 拍按 Mantis Kung Fu Trapping Drills

Notes from our Praying Mantis Kung Fu class in San DIego

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San Diego Chinese New Year Martial Arts Demo

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Praying Mantis Boxing

Shuai Jiao Provincial Styles

Mongolian Shuai Jiao

(蒙古)

Beijing Shuai Jiao

(北京)

Tianjin Shuai Jiao

(天津)

Baoding Shuai Jiao

(保定)

San Diego Shuai-chiao Kung Fu Martial Arts Seminar with Dr. Chi-hsu Weng

San Diego Shuai-chiao Kung Fu Martial Arts Seminar with Dr. Chi-hsu Weng

The 30 Principles of Shuai-chiao Kung Fu Grappling

Mongolian Shuai Jiao and Sanda Champion trains Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Mixed Martial Arts Debut

Mongolian Shuai Jiao and Sanda Champion trains Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Mixed Martial Arts Debut

Here is a video of the Sanda Champion training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu designed for Mixed Martial Arts

Here is the Sanda Champion winning his Mixed Martial Arts debut using Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Here are some Sanda San Shou highlights from China's Mixed Martial Arts championship entitled "Art of War".

San Shou MMA Kung Fu at the San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair

Xian Wu will be demonstrating Praying Mantis Kung Fu, Shuai-chiao Grappling, and Sanda-San Shou Mixed Martial Arts at the San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair.

Chinese New YearYear of the Rabbit

6th Annual Lunar New Year Tet Festival

Xian Wu will be demonstrating Praying Mantis Kung Fu, Shuai-chiao Grappling, and Sanda-San Shou Mixed Martial Arts at the 6th Annual San Diego Lunar New Year Tet Festival.

January 30, 2011

PDR^TM Preload Reading Material

Pre-registration:

$80 single participant
$100 for two participants

Same Day Registration
$100 single participant
$120 for two participants

Register Now!
online event registration
by Regonline

螳螂拳 Mantis Kung Fu:
Consolidating Motion to Develop Mantis Boxing Quickness

螳螂拳拍按 Mantis Kung Fu Trapping Drills

螳螂拳拍按 Mantis Kung Fu Trapping Drills

Here is the Sanda Champion winning his Mixed Martial Arts debut using Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Here are some Sanda San Shou highlights from China's Mixed Martial Arts championship entitled "Art of War".

Chinese New Year
Year of the Rabbit