The idea has often been advanced that that almost no one ever parried with their edge in combat in Chinese swordplay. One type of evidence presented for this is that there is, supposedly, no evidence of edge damage from parries on historical examples of Jian that exist today. Which leads us to these questions: Why… Continue reading Can you tell how people parried from edge damage?
This question has been the elephant in the room here for quite some time. I have not dared to address it in any real sense as talk of Qi tends to muddy the already confused waters. But, it is time to talk about the most controversial topic in Asian martial arts today; the existence of… Continue reading Do you believe in Qi?
One of the defining characteristics of particular styles of kung fu are the hand shapes. In the USA, many kids who grew up on Sunday afternoon/night “Kung Fu Theater” shows in the ’80’s have done some version of the Shaolin Five Animals by striking poses while stating the names. And even kids complete unaware of… Continue reading Hand Shapes
Kata, Tao Lu, Dulon, Forms, Patterns, Sets, Routines. Solo forms are the signature of most Asian martial arts. These 30 second to 3 minute long choreographed routines are a crowd pleasing event and one of the most enjoyable parts of many of the martial arts. They can provide quiet in a busy day, a way… Continue reading Martial Art Forms: 3 Most pervasive myths about solo training.
The keyboard warrior. The eternal "expert". Mr. Know-it-all. In martial arts we have all had our run ins with these types. From belt collectors who brag about their multiple month long training sessions with specific martial arts to the Armchair Quarterback explaining the game to you, as if they knew better, they are quite annoying.… Continue reading Why do non-fighters think they can fight?
Terra Prime Fighting Words 