The following are the first set, in a series of three, totalling 24 Fighting principles to ‘remember’, without you having to try. They have been taught to me by the UK Chow Gar Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu representative and an exponent of multiple Chinese, Thai and Indian systems. DO THIS, by repetition and constantly working skills, in order that they become a part of your DNA, and critically who you are. They are to be applied in fighting systems, and for self-defence purposes.
i) STANCE – Not too long, not too short, nor too heavy – Usually a 70% to 30% weight on the Back Leg, Front Leg ratio is best. Sometimes a 90/10% ratio “Cat Stance” can work for explosively striking into an unsuspecting opponent.
ii) BODY – Never square on, never side on – KEEP A 120 or 60 degree angle posture.
iii) VITAL AREAS – Always hit important areas when striking * Unless you are attempting to restrain a physically weak individual, an irate loved one or a comparable situation.
iv) HANDS – Always Move Hands, keep them cycling and circling
v) MOVING FORWARDS / OFFENSIVE Strategy – If chasing or blitzing an opponent, NEVER OVERSTRETCH, ALWAYS BE MEASURED IN YOUR FORWARD STEPPING and preferably Close the GAP by bringing your BACK Foot up to your FRONT Front, in a split, micro second, to enable controlled, smooth movement and power in subsequent strikes.
vi) ARMS – Never Pull your Arms TOO FAR BACK when preparing to Strike; TECHNIQUE, FOLLOW THROUGH and WAVE POWER developed from the HIPS and SPINE will permit Knock Out Blows.
vii) (use) 9 PARTS OF YOUR BODY – Use your Head, Elbows, Hands, Knees and Feet for strikes and remember to align the whole body to ‘bulldoze’ through your opponents where applicable
viii) LEAVE yourself OPEN (occasionally) – HOWEVER, only do this, to SET A TRAP
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