This is a new section to the site. We will be posting different articles regarding our martial arts training. These articles are meant to help better your understanding of certain parts of our Kung Fu, Modern Arnis, or Tai Chi teachings.

NEW ARTICLE "One Step Sparring Vs. Free Sparring"

Read Previous Training Article...Stance Training

Hand work Training Theory by Sifu David Ng

Our last article emphasized footwork and stance development. Once you start developing a strong base, it becomes to time to start training handwork. Obviously you will never stop training your stance and footwork, but one must start to develop the relaxation, coordination, speed and precision of hand techniques. Hand work consists of striking, deflection, trapping, chin-na, and energy (Chi) work. We will talk more about Chi in another article. In Kung-fu, as in most martial arts styles, one will begin training linear movement. Eventually one will work into the circular movement. Why linear first vs. circular? There are many ways to look at this. Kung-fu teaches that a new student (no experience) needs to learn as we do in life. The perfect analogy for this is handwriting. To learn to write one must develop the linear stroke first. Why? It's range of motion is more distinct, easier to execute, and less variable in the movement. Then one develops cursive. In cursive, you see there are more possibilities in the range of motion, because of the circular aspect. Hand work is the same. Whether it be striking or deflecting or other techniques, one must start with the basic range of motion and build up to more circular flowing movements. Basic punching is taught in almost every style. Then you start developing angular strikes, which incorporate both linear and circular. Then you start developing circular power that generates from different areas of the body but extend through the hand work. Ultimately you get into the highest level of circular development in handwork and that is Chi. So as you develop in your training whether you are a beginner or expert. Under stand how to develop, maintain, and execute your handwork through the use of linear and circle theory training. We will later discuss ways to put Stance and Handwork together. General excercices for Handwork development. Linear Basic Punching Vertical Punching (Speed Drill) 12 Point Blocking/Striking Drill Circular Plum Blossom Strikes Deflections Trapping Hands Chin-Na (Joint locking and Pressure points)