I have noticed that in much of the traditional 8-Step system and several other traditional martial arts (TMA) that I participated in and witnessed – training was from a right-punch-right step attack, especially where the arm was kept extended. This notion crystallized when one of my MMA instructors was relating a experience from his Judo background. In his first open competition, he was stymied by the fact his rival varied from the rigid attack he’d practiced i.e. right hand right foot. I call this, “striking like a statue”. I’m sure everyone has seen a series of photos or videos, where the attacker strikes with his right, left hand chambered, and the defender does all kind of wonderful techniques, while the attacker stands in a fixed pose. This looks great, but successful techniques are rarely seen in actual combat.
Once techniques are attempted to defend against a fast left jab or right cross, with a mobile opponent, the whole strategy changes. This is not to say the TMA techniques are ineffective (quite the contrary), but it indicates the training methods need to adapt. When I first introduced quick MMA-type jabs, crosses, hooks etc. to the class, students were “chasing” the strike, leaving themselves open. With practice and reliance on the foundational movements, the focus of the execution adapts to a more realistic situation.
Traditional 8-Step includes three 2-man forms, i.e. 7-Hands, Li-pi and Po-on (from the “Chapters). These forms are actually choreographed sparring, providing training timing and coordination. We’ve introduced 8 Sequences (Ba Po-on Shou.) Namely defense from: (1) left jab right-cross, (2) left-jab, (3) right haymaker, (4) left-hook right round-house kick, (5) right-hook double-leg shoot, (6) clinch, (7) 50-50 tie-up, (8) left push kick, roundhouse kick.
The 8 Sequences use 8-Step, MMA, White Crane and Shuai-chaio. The hierarchy of stances, moving steps, forms (4 beginning and 6 chapters), 2-man forms and sequences make Shi Yong Tang Lang a truly complete system.
Once techniques are attempted to defend against a fast left jab or right cross, with a mobile opponent, the whole strategy changes. This is not to say the TMA techniques are ineffective (quite the contrary), but it indicates the training methods need to adapt. When I first introduced quick MMA-type jabs, crosses, hooks etc. to the class, students were “chasing” the strike, leaving themselves open. With practice and reliance on the foundational movements, the focus of the execution adapts to a more realistic situation.
Traditional 8-Step includes three 2-man forms, i.e. 7-Hands, Li-pi and Po-on (from the “Chapters). These forms are actually choreographed sparring, providing training timing and coordination. We’ve introduced 8 Sequences (Ba Po-on Shou.) Namely defense from: (1) left jab right-cross, (2) left-jab, (3) right haymaker, (4) left-hook right round-house kick, (5) right-hook double-leg shoot, (6) clinch, (7) 50-50 tie-up, (8) left push kick, roundhouse kick.
The 8 Sequences use 8-Step, MMA, White Crane and Shuai-chaio. The hierarchy of stances, moving steps, forms (4 beginning and 6 chapters), 2-man forms and sequences make Shi Yong Tang Lang a truly complete system.
 Horse |
 Mountain Climbing |
 Sitting Tiger |
 Wrapped |
 Hollow |
 Tiger Head |
 Collapsed |
 Winter Chicken |
| Click on any image to enlarge | |||
7 Hands
Little Water Wheel
Li-pi
Po-On
LiPi 2 Man
7 Hands
