This manual is presented to Shihan Jeff Santella, the S.D.S.I. (Street Defense Systems Institute), and S.A.M.A. (the Southern Alliance of Martial Artists) by Sifu Kenneth W. Mills, Senior Student and Instructor for the C.B.I.I. (Chinese Boxing Institute International). I do not claim to have personally inspired any of the material presented here, it comes from sources of much greater minds than mine. I am only the humble recipient of this information, with a responsibility to pass it on to future generations. I can only hope to have represented the integrity of my teachers and the knowledge passed down to me accurately and to the very best of my ability. Once again, thank you for your continuing support of our mission to preserve and promote authentic Chinese Boxing arts. Note to readers - in most cases the Chinese terms are given with English translations following. Due to the many dialects and inherent difficulties in translating Chinese into English, some variations in spelling or wording may exist. Also, in order not to be too redundant and/or conflict with other texts, selective amounts of material are presented. The intelligent reader should have no problem discerning the text. As always, the author and the C.B.I.I. assume no responsibility for any injuries or death that may occur from following this material. Copyright 1997 C.B.I.I.
CHINESE BOXING INSTITUTE INTERNATIONAL The Chinese Boxing Institute International is an organization whose mission is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of authentic Chinese Boxing arts. Founded in 1982 by Sifu Christopher G. Casey (alias: Kai Sai), with the board of directors consisting of his main teachers and his two exclusive students. After acting as Chief Liaison Officer to the United States and Europe for the Koushu Federation, Republic of China, a division of the Ministry of Education set up to promote Koushu (National Arts) worldwide, Kai Sai constructed the idea of the Chinese Boxing Institute International because he felt that the distinction of Chinese Boxing should be recognized. It is not only different from other martial arts, but is very different from other Chinese martial arts as well. Chinese Boxing Institute International has its origins in the Koushu Federation, Republic of China. Since 1975 the Koushu Federation, R.O.C. has provided the international martial arts community with the most extensive and authentic materials related to the study and practice of Chinese Boxing. We stress our group teaches Chung Kuo Ch uan (Chinese Boxing ), and not Wu Shu (Chinese Martial Arts), sometimes performed as an acrobatic exhibition. From the early 1970 s until 1981 our International Chairman, Kai Sai, studied in Taiwan under many of its greatest masters. The Koushu Federation, R.O.C., Taiwan, under the administrations of Mr. Tsai Hung Wen and President Liu, supported by Secretary General Ho Tse Hao and Colonel Yao made possible Kai Sai s opportunity to study, film and record authentic Chinese Boxing. A new administration took over in 1982 with a Mr. Mao as Secretary General. Mao s objectives were incompatible with Kai Sai s mission to bring authentic Chinese Boxing to the West and save this priceless treasure for future generations. In October of 1982 Kai Sai resigned from Koushu both his 12 year posts as International Director and Chief Liaison Officer. Chinese Boxing Institute International, continues though, stronger than ever in its theme as demonstrated by the Koushu Federation since 1975. Before Kai Sai s death in 1986, he appointed Professor James C. Cravens to the role of International President and Director of C.B.I.I. While the Chinese Boxing Institute International has kept a low profile over the years, preferring quality over quantity, it has flourished and grown under James Cravens direction. Professor Cravens is now the main dissemination point in the United States for the Chinese Boxing arts brought back from China by Kai Sai. Illustrative of C.B.I.I. s high standards is its Board of Directors. C.B.I.I. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lo Man Kam, Grandmaster Wing Chun (Taiwan) Shen Muo Hui, Grandmaster Shaolin Temple Boxing (Taiwan) Tao Ping Siang, Grandmaster Tai Chi Chuan (Taiwan) Wally Jay, Grandmaster Chin Na Small Circle U.S.A. (California/Former Director) Kai Sai, International Chairman and Founder (Deceased) James C. Cravens, International President Director and Chief Instructor U.S.A. (Florida) Manfred Steiner, International Director and Chief Instructor Europe (West Germany) 1
CHINESE BOXING Chinese Boxing is considered the progenitor of all oriental forms of physical-mind culture. It can be divided into Shaolin, the basis for hard style Kung-Fu and Karate, and the internal arts, Hsing-I, Pakua and Tai Chi, being the most popular. The practice of the arts falls into three main areas. Form, the most ancient method of practice, designed to perfect particular bodymind coordinated movements. Form permits us to learn about energy and its multivarious manifestations. Nevertheless, in actual combat, the Chinese Boxer is drafted into his response, he does not conceive form movements and attempt to apply them on a cognitive basis. Self defense can be considered the second method of practice. Not approaching the esoteric levels of form, but giving one the mental confidence of knowing how one ought to respond to a particular attack. Still the question remains, will he respond as he has in training? The last method and most recent development is Martial Sport. When the sports mentality is imposed on Chinese Boxing, much of the arts spiritual depth is sacrificed. The goal in sports is to overcome the opposition within the designated rules. Chinese Boxing is designed for deadly combat and combat has no rules! The need to fight to defend oneself has been around since the dawn of man and is indigenous to every culture. However, the beginning of systematic martial arts is attributed to the arrival of a Buddhist monk named Ta Mo (Bodhidharma), to the Shaolin (Young Forest) Temple in Honan Province, China, circa 500 A.D. Ta Mo wrote the I Chin Ching (Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic) and the Shi Sui Ching (Marrow/Brain Washing Classic). From the I Chin Ching, 18 breathing and physical exercises, based on Indian Yoga, were taught to enhance Chi (Intrinsic Energy) and build strength. In the ensuing years, the 18 Hands of Lohan were elaborated upon. First by a man named T ai Tzu into 32 forms called Long Boxing, then by a man named Chueh Yuan into 72 fighting techniques. Later Chueh, along with Pai Yu Feng and Li Shou developed 172 techniques, systemized into five groups called the Shaolin Five Animals (Dragon, Tiger, Leopard, Snake, and Crane). The arts continued to develop and divisions were also drawn between Northern Shaolin (big circles/high kicks) and Southern Shaolin (small circles/more hands). Also, Chang Sang-feng developed and defined Nei Chia (Internal Energy) as compared to Wei Chia (External Energy). The arts dispersed rapidly, and many styles today proudly claim their Chinese Shaolin heritage. The single major theme in Chinese Boxing is the study of Chi, energy. The Chinese have been able to designate our energy paths of travel in 5 ways (metal, water, wood, fire, earth). There is a great difference between Chinese Boxing and most other martial arts. Most styles essentially use only one category of energy, unrefined energy, making the movement segmented and double rooted. Chinese Boxing is unitary and projects exclusively to form a single root. In this state the body is relaxed and always loaded. The Chinese Boxer identifies the body as the medium through which higher energy is realizable. Serious manifestations of the boxing attempt to locate and define unique energies and then to respond solely from the basis of projection or mind-hit. The boxing establishment did not have a Dan system because the Chinese recognized boxing as a lifetime family endeavor. Within the clan everyone was well aware of each other s skills and a specific belt-rank, in this context, would seem frivolous. Today, levels of progression are used and students will receive a title or designation, but colored belts are not worn or awarded. The most significant learning experience in Chinese Boxing is developing sensitivity to energy or the Touch. 2
KAI SAI In this short text we could never begin to do justice to all of Kai Sai s accomplishments. Many people ask how one man could have brought such a wealth of knowledge out of China. Kai Sai had a genius I.Q., rose to the top of his vocation and excelled in almost everything he did. His two great loves were philosophy and martial arts. Holding fourth-degree black belts in Jujitsu, Kempo, and Shorin-Ryu Karate under the American Jujitsu Institute, the U.S. Karate Association, and the Okinawan Karate Association, respectively, he was hand picked by the Taiwan government to study, teach, and promote Chinese Boxing to the West. He penetrated a culture deeply embedded in secrecy and helped preserve these priceless treasures for another generation. Kai Sai was the name given to Christopher G. Casey by his Pakua teacher, Wang Shu-chin. It literally means to emerge victorious in every encounter. His teachers sensed his obsession for the art and the truth of the art, allowing him to study simultaneously with several masters. His analytical mind cut through the externals and focused on the essence of the energy. Reducing the arts to their lowest common denominator, energy, he transcended style and developed a set of 10 Major Principles that must be present in order for an art to be considered a true Chinese Boxing art. Many of Kai Sai s accomplishments are of historical dimension. Not only was he the International Director/Chief Liaison Officer for the Koushu Federation and founder of C.B.I.I. He was the Fiduciary and European Director for Clan Jeet Kune Do. Kai Sai was authorized to manage administrative needs for Clan Jeet Kune Do on a worldwide basis and serve as Chief Jeet Kune Do Instructor for Europe. Kai Sai authored a book entitled In pursuit of Jeet Kune Do - A Source Book in Jun Fan Gung Fu, which he, along with Dan Inosanto, Taky Kimura, and Linda Lee, presented to the Koushu Federation in 1981. He also authored Koushu - Chinese Ultimate Mind and Body Discipline, Essays on Ontology and Chinese Mind-Hit Boxing - Secrets of Kai Sai Kung Fu. Kai Sai was also responsible for setting up and funding the Wally Jay 21st-Century Excellence Scholarship identifying and rewarding potential genius in martial arts. Kai Sai only taught two students. James Cravens and Manfred Steiner. James Cravens had a 13 year background in Isshin-Ryu Karate and was the Chief Forms Instructor for Pai Lum Kungfu. Manfred Steiner was the all European Kyokushin-Kai Karate champion and the all German Judo champion. Cravens became the Head Instructor for the U.S. and Steiner became the Head Instructor for Europe. Kai Sai synthesized the several Chinese Boxing arts he learned into his own system called Clan Kai Sai Kung Fu, holding the study of energy and principles above style or technique. Kai Sai was the Fountain Head and Cravens and Steiner became the dissemination points for the Chinese Boxing arts Kai Sai brought back from China. Kai Sai died in December, 1986. While he took much with him, he left us with more than a lifetime worth of information to study. More than that, he gave us the keys to understanding the essence of the arts. He left us with a way of thinking about the arts that brings everything into perspective. The Chinese Boxing Institute International remains committed to continue Kai Sai s mission to preserve and promote these very special arts. It is now up to us to save these priceless treasures for future generations. We are of course, eternally grateful for Kai Sai s extraordinary accomplishments and for his two students who have kept his dream alive. To them we are forever indebted to continue the cause. 3
THE CURRICULUMS The curriculums promoted through the C.B.I.I. have been influenced in many ways, by various teachers and have spanned several different eras. The following is a brief outline of the different curriculums that have been offered: Koushu General Studies This curriculum offered four general areas of martial art study. Northern Shaolin, Southern Shaolin, Chinese Hawaiian Kempo, and Chinese Okinawan Kempo. Kuen (Forms), such as Animal Movements, Chinese Soft Fist, Snake Fist, Tiger-Crane, Three Dragons Fist, and Chinese weapon forms, were taught. Self defense technique was studied from the extensive Chinese Hawaiian Kempo (Chuan-Fa in Chinese, which means Law of the Fist) curriculum and covered, General Self-defense, Hidden Foot Techniques, Chinese Boxing Set, Chinese Leg Maneuvers, Multiple and Weapon attacks, Advanced Self-defense, Arts of the Temples, and Arts of Energy Transmission. Some students began to specialize in one area or another. Clan Kai Sai Kung Fu Boards The Kai Sai Kung-Fu curriculum (developed by Kai Sai) was an elaborate synthesis of several Chinese Boxing styles, using the Wing Chun (Beautiful Springtime) system as a core art, but drawing heavily on the Internal arts of Hsing-I Chuan (Form-Mind Boxing), Pakua Chang (Eight-Diagrams Palm), and Tai Chi Chuan (Grand Ultimate Boxing). Other arts incorporated into the curriculum were, Stone Killer Monkey, Fukien White Crane, Shantung Black Tiger, Wa Lu (energy that springs from internal energy), Jeet Kune Do (Way of the Intercepting Fist - Bruce Lee s method), Chin Na (Art of Seizing Control), Shuai Chiao (Traditional Wrestling), Dog Boxing (ground fighting), Special Action Service Group (Taiwanese secret service police tactics), and Adamantine Boxing (vital point free fighting). There was an intricate structure of technical as well as teaching grades. This curriculum was taught by using 10 categories or lists called Boards : 1. Major Hand/Finger Weapons 2. Leg Foot Attacks/Kicks 3. Traversers (Footwork and mobility) 4. Chin Na (Joint locking and grappling) 5. Collision Attacks (Self defense techniques) 6. Shuai Chiao (Traditional Chinese wrestling) 7. Defenders (Blocks and defensive movements) 8. Offensive Attacking Sequences 9. Energy Duels (Partner drills for developing the Touch ) 10. Forms (Drawn from the above mentioned arts) At the same time San Ho Chuan (Triad Boxing) was introduced, a most ruthless method of interdiction, based upon personal skill in three areas, Wing Chun, Jun Fan, and J.K.D. This is a personal rank which states both a technical and mental proficiency in the Triad elements. Chinese Boxing Synthesis After Kai Sai s death in 1986, Professor James Cravens reorganized the K.S.K.F. curriculum into the Chinese Boxing Synthesis. Elaborating even more on the K.S.K.F. Boards, but requiring only the Kai Sai Tai Chi Synthesis form (considered the most beneficial), he created the Chinese Boxing Boards. This curriculum was even more detailed and broken down on each board. Combining the Shuai Chiao with the Chin Na board and creating a separate Ground 4
Fighting board, he then added Skill Drills, Power Projection, Strength-Endurance, Unitary Energy Exercises, Principles, Fighting Theory, Mind Training, and a History/Philosophy/ Religion board, for a total of 18 Boards. Students could still, however, pursue any one of the boxing styles as a specialty, which many did. Chinese Boxing Synthesis Core Curriculum The need to standardize the massive amounts of material being propagated by the C.B.I.I. and insure consistency among teachers throughout the country, was the reason the Core curriculum materialized. Refining the boards to the 10-12 most important concepts on each one, Professor Cravens created an extensive testing and evaluation system. All of the C.B.I.I. s top teachers, regardless of their specialty, were brought together in 1993 and trained in the Chinese Boxing Synthesis Core Curriculum, where the standard for consistency was then set. C.B.I.I. has continued to host Chinese Boxing camps and seminars around the country, sharing and promoting these very special arts and their teachers, as they have since the Koushu days. As a matter of fact, much of the development during the time after Kai Sai s death was influenced by Tao Ping Siang (Kai Sai s Tai Chi teacher), through his frequent visits and Tai Chi seminars. A Chinese Boxing newsletter was also started to provide an historical journal documenting the C.B.I.I. s movements and accomplishments, as well as its teachers and their anecdotes. The newsletter is still being published every two months under the new title I.M.A. R. (Internal Martial Arts Research). American Chen Tai Chi Association This is the latest era in the Chinese Boxing Institute International s history. Through a chance meeting, Professor Cravens began studying with a young Chinese man named Yan Gaofei, the director of the Canton Original Chen Style Tai Chi association. James Cravens, along with Yan Gaofei and his teacher, Master Chen Quanzhong (19th generation original Chen family member) formulated the idea of the A.C.T. (American Chen Tai Chi Association). With connections to the Chen family in China, the A.C.T. was founded in February 1996. The C.B.I. I. now helps promote the Original Chen Style Tai Chi as a curriculum and hosts seminars in the U.S.A. with Original Chen Style Tai Chi masters and family members from China. Chen style was the first Tai Chi style from which all other Tai Chi styles were derived. Original Chen Style Tai Chi emphasizes the development of Chi, through special breathing exercises, and Silk Reeling movement to develop and emit awesome power. This is an authentic, very impressive and truly combative form of Tai Chi Chuan. It includes several empty hand forms and an arsenal of weapons forms. With many solo, as well as partner exercises, this is a complete system for health and self defense. A.C.T. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chen Quanzhong, 19th Generation of Chen Family - Grandmaster Chen Shitong, 18th Generation of Chen Family - Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei, 19th Generation of Chen Family - Grandmaster Yan Gaofei, Director of Canton Original Chen Style Tai Chi James Cravens, International President and Director of C.B.I.I. 5
LINAGES The following lineages or hierarchies are presented to document the passing of the touch, not as a direct demonstration of visual technique or even in some contexts, style. Due to the limitations of space and time, not everyone deserving credit could be listed. This follows only the Chinese linage of one particular branch of this rich heritage. Keep in mind that many of these teachers were cross-trained in several styles, with strong backgrounds in other martial arts. The main styles propagated through the Chinese Boxing Institute International show a more thorough linage. HSING I CHUAN Tai Lung-pang Li Neng-jan Kuo Yun-shen Chang Chao-tung Wang Hsiang-chai Chang Chun-feng Wang Shu-chin Shen Muo Hui TAI CHI CHUAN Chen Chang Hsing Yang Lu Chan Yang Chen Hou Yang Chen Fu Cheng Man Ching Tao Ping Siang PAKUA CHANG Tung Ming-len Tung Hai-chuan Ch eng Ting-hua (Kuo Yun-shen) Chang Chao-tung Wang Hsiang-chai Chang Chun-feng Wang Shu-chin Shen Muo Hui MISC. ARTS Stone Killer Monkey Shantung Black Tiger Wa Lu Chinese Wrestling S.A.S.G. Adamantine Boxing WING CHUN Ng Mui Yim Wing Chun Leung Bok Leung Bik Chan Wah Shun Yip Man Lo Man Kam JUN FAN GUNG FU/JEET KUNE DO Lee Jun Fan (Bruce Lee) Taky Kimura Dan Inosanto CHIN NA FUKIEN WHITE CRANE Wally Jay Chen, S.Y./Hsieh, P.C. OTHER INFLUENCES Tae Kwon Do Shotokan Arnis/Kali Judo/Jiu-Jitsu/Aikido Street Defense Systems CLAN KAI SAI KUNG FU (Koushu/K.S.K.F./Triad Boxing) Kai Sai PAI LUM KUNG FU Daniel K. Pai Manfred Steiner James C. Cravens Jack H. Lannom Kenneth W. Mills Instructor Designations Alan Bernstein Tony Caucci Dago Ivan Rodriguez Mike Testut Honorary Instructors Steve Thompson John Schroeder Jeff Santella 6
TRAINING METHODS Conditioning All aspects of physical and mental conditioning are practiced in order to be able to back up your technique with proper power, as well as withstand the rigors of training for actual combat. Some of the areas covered are strength, speed, endurance, reactions, timing, flexibility, balance, and mind-training. Special apparatus are used to develop unique energy projection and conditioning of the limbs, such as, wooden dummies, sand bags, iron rings, weights and pulleys, etc. Chi Kung (Breathing Exercises) are performed to develop the Chi. Secret methods of body and hand conditioning (Iron Man or Iron Palm), while applying herbal lineaments, are a staple of many styles. Forms Forms are sometimes called the Encyclopedia of the Arts. In times when many masters were afraid to write down the secrets of their arts, forms were a way to consolidate their ideas into a perfect package to be passed down secretly to each generation. Forms, which represent a prearranged sequence of movements against imaginary opponents, are more than just a solo dance routine. Forms develop the Now state and can act as a kind of battery recharger for your energy. They contain special themes, unique rhythms and obvious as well as hidden or symbolic techniques. Tools (Basic Techniques) These are the basics. The footwork, blocks, strikes, kicks, throws, grappling, etc. The tools are developed progressively, always sticking to the principles, first independently, then in combinations. Combinations By combining the basic tools, we come up with the offensive attacking sequences, reactionary self defense applications, and follow-ups or finishes. However, one must never get stuck in a preset pattern, but must always be ready to change with the flow of the opponent. Duels (Partner Drills) Probably one of the most important methods of developing the Chinese Boxing energy is the drills performed with one or more partners. These exercises can be classified in three ways; Prearranged (both sides stick to a preset pattern), Semi-prearranged (one side can break the pattern), and Non-prearranged (no preset pattern). Duels develop the sensitivity to energy or the Touch. A couple of very famous duels in Chinese Boxing, and very important to C.B.I.I. curriculums, are Wing Chun s Chi Sao (Sticking Hands) and Tai Chi s T ui Shou (Pushing Hands). Weapons Weapons are considered an extension of your hand and an aid in Chi development. The Chinese Boxing arts have a multitude of weapons ranging from traditional to modern/practical. Some of the weapons studied are the sabre, staff, two-edged sword, quando, spear, knife, cane, coins, etc. Theories The theories are the meat that fleshes out the art. Deserving of their own chapter, they will be discussed next. Suffice it to say, that there would be no art without the theories behind it. 7
THEORIES The theories of the Chinese Boxing arts are deeply imbedded in Chinese philosophy (discussed in the next chapter). So much so that a study of the art without the theory would be incomplete. As a matter of fact, so much emphasis is placed on the understanding of the philosophy and theory that the Chinese Boxing arts have been referred to as the thinking man s art, there is even a form called Intellectual Fist. While many of the theories can be applied to every aspect of life, some are purely combat oriented, such as Tien Hsueh (Vital Point Striking). Here we will discuss the basic theories of Chinese Boxing as they apply to reality in actual combat. Yin/Yang (Gentleness/Firmness) The theory of Yin and Yang is fundamental to Chinese philosophy. A pair of seemingly opposing, but mutually complementary forces that act continuously, without cessation, in the universe. The black (Yin) represents soft, female, night, etc., the white (Yang) represents hard, male, day, etc. In the boxing, our strength and power (Yang) are tempered by our kindness and gentleness (Yin) as can be seen by our salutation of the palm covering the fist. Also, in our fighting we learn to be both hard and soft. A Yang body state may be better for projection, while a Yin body state may be better for defense and yielding. The Yin and Yang are not separate, but interdependent forces. Wu Hsing (Five Elemental Energies) Chinese cosmology states that the universe is made up of 5 elements (metal, water, wood, fire, and earth). In the natural order of creation and destruction, each element carries a different energy wave and one element has the power to neutralize another. In the boxing, the energy master trains to be able to interpret the energy being directed at him (either mental or physical) and then respond with the corresponding energy in order to effect a desired outcome. The manipulation of energy via the Wu Hsing is a very advanced study and much time is needed to perfect it. The following schematic is presented: 8
The 10 Major Principles - All 10 must be present to be considered Gong Ka (Real Boxing)! 1. Rooting - Sink and relax, using the ground as a lever. Keeping a low center of gravity. 2. Yielding - The ability not to resist force. Causing the opponent to fall into the hole. 3. Forward Pressure - Pressing and sticking to the opponent s central line in advance or retreat. 4. Unitary Theory - The whole body and mind working as a unit, non-segmented energy. 5. Centeredness - Keeping your balance centered, attacking your opponent s center. 6. Body State - Yin state, Yang state, cycling between tsun-kwan and tan-tien. 7. Line and Angle - Energy paths of travel, lines and degrees of angle in offense and defense. 8. 6-9 Theory - Maintaining the ability to change, avoiding extremes. 9. Projection - Throwing energy to a point outside the body with maximum force and focus. 10. Mind-Hit - Distraction of the opponent s mind, psychic-reigning projection. Mind-Hit Methodologies 1. Mixed Categories - If someone slaps your face, you kick his shin, rechanneling spent energy back to the opponent. Do not allow a ratio of 1:1 (i.e. you slap me, I slap you). 2. Cancel Phenomenon - Within the offensive index, raise the terror level one degree. If the opponent attacks with a fist, you respond with a stick, etc. 3. Trigger Force - Energy used to launch your attack should be delicately tuned to react to your opponent s actions. 4. Freedom Dominance - All things being equal, allow your opponent to initiate a commitment. 5. Center (Hold or Abandon) - Offensively, seize the opponent s center and break through to destroy him, or abandon center and make the opponent chase after your protected center. This is a safer strategy when the opponent s strength is unknown. 6. Energy Leak - You must always comport yourself as not to give away your energy intention to be read by the opponent. Be non-telegraphic in thought and movement. 7. Return to Scale - When attacked, try to hold the opponent within his same scale for an instant before you respond. If the opponent picks up something to throw at you, you yell or spit at him. Thereby holding him within the index level at the moment just prior to picking it up. 8. The Silence - Immobility in movement is the foundation for higher consciousness. Silence can overcome impinging vibrations. Remaining perfectly still within, without the least conceptualizations, one can master any attack, physical or mental. 9. The Definer - Keeping the Definer outside the body gives one a genuine objective perspective, not affected by pain or emotion. When one is sighted, he unsights the opponent by placing them underaim, forgetting self-consciousness and seeking the hole (window of vulnerability) through which to attack. 10. Separating Lesser Energies - One must connect before the herd of lesser energies can close. Thereby repelling master energy by sheer numerical superiority. By prompt action you can proselyte some lesser energies. Chinese Energy Projection Mind-Hit Boxing avoids the time-space index through the presencing rubric of execution. The opponent is simply executed as a necessary condition of the Mind-Hit boxer s thought. As energy engages energy, mind engages mind. Mind-Hit snaps antithetical being from its root, instantaneously, leaving no recourse for change, mind captures mind. In Mind-Hit the successfully negotiated target of opportunity lying within the field of projection is immediately neutralized. 9
Fighting Strategy We believe there are basically 5 ways of attack (direct, indirect, combination, immobilization, and drawing) and 3 defensive choices (block, jam, and run). The Chinese Boxing encounter consists of the entry, touch point, forward pressure, and finish. We develop attack strategy requirements, block and counter requirements, and stop-hit requirements. Body placement, open v.s. closed posture, speed and commitment, broken rhythm, as well as many other fighting theories are studied. We are concerned with strategy v.s. different fighter types and different fighting situations. Stages of Training Beyond the simple breakdown of beginner, intermediate, and advance level training, martial arts training can be divided into very logical and progressive stages of training. The late Bruce Lee left us with this method of teaching the art. 1) form and precision, 2) coordination and synchronization, 3) speed and rhythm, 4) timing and cadence, 5) distance and strategy, and finally 6) application under realistic conditions. Power is augmented incrementally. Teaching Methodologies Instructor training is the key to the preservation of the art. What good would it do to teach thousands of students and never develop any teachers out of them to carry on the art. We want our teachers to be master trainers and skillful educators of the Chinese Boxing arts. We believe responsible teaching methodology includes; preparation, explanation, demonstration, performance, application, and evaluation. There are three stages of learning that the student progresses through; 1) Cognitive - marked by slow awkward movements as the student must think his way through everything. 2) Associative - here learning accelerates as the student can associate new moves or ideas with previously learned ones. 3) Autonomous - here, learning becomes internalized as the student relies less on the teacher and more on his own body feel for feedback. There are basically 5 steps to teaching any psycho-motor skills; 1) Give the big picture (overview). 2) Break it down into parts (progressive-part approach). 3) Guide the student through the movements (hands on stage). 4) Give the student a chance for little or no guidance (fledgling stage). 5) Application under realistic conditions (the final true test - make it work). A good rule of thumb is to tell the student what you are going to teach them, teach it to them, then tell the student what you just taught them. Always asking for verbal reinforcement. Here are the four main methods used to enhance the learning process, the acronym M.A.R.S. may help you to remember them; Motivation, Association, Repetition, and use of the Senses. Great teachers are not born, they spend most of their lives developing their skills, knowledge of the topics, and most important, a true understanding of people and their behavioral characteristics. A great teacher is positive, impartial, encouraging, an example setter and represents high standards in moral and ethical behavior. Their thirst for knowledge about what they teach never ends, and they love sharing what they have learned with others. They will always uphold the true philosophy of the martial arts and teach, never to misuse or abuse the arts. Remember a teacher has truly taught when he teaches one to teach himself. Bruce Lee use to quote this saying, I can feed you a portion of fish each day or I can teach you how to fish and you can feed yourself for the rest of your life. 10
PHILOSOPHY A study of Chinese boxing requires an understanding of the philosophies of that culture. We see a vast difference between Western and Eastern thought. The scientific Western mind tends to be logical and cognitive, while Eastern thought is based more on synchronicity and a faith in the unexplainable. We do not necessarily believe that one must convert to the religious or worship practices of another culture in order to study their martial art. The author as well as his two main teachers, James Cravens and Jack Lannom are devout Christians. We are only concerned with the theories of the Chinese philosophy as they apply to our boxing. Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism (the most significant of the many Chinese philosophies) were not meant to be forms of worship, but unique ways of thinking and seeing the world as well as man s relationship to his fellow man and his own inner nature. Confucianism was a plea for humanity in government and personal relationship. Taoism is a mystical approach to life stressing simplicity, spontaneity, tranquility, and achieving all goals through Non-Striving. Buddhism taught an eightfold path for pure living, and most of its important doctrines have identical counterparts in Taoist thought. We will begin to see here, how the theories of these philosophical approaches to life have been integrated into the Chinese Boxing arts. A couple of ancient texts that exerted the earliest philosophical influences over the martial arts were, the I Ching (Book of Changes) and Lao Tzu s Tao Te Ching (The Way and the Power) circa 6th century B.C. While mainly Taoist writings, the theories were quickly integrated into the martial arts for use in combat. Through direct observations the Taoist tried to understand the principles in nature and harmonize with them. Lao Tzu quoted the example of the tree which bends with the wind in a storm, and thus can survive nature s fiercest onslaughts. He proposed that those who rely on the strength of their own force alone do not ultimately conquer. With a few exceptions, to this very day, the main emphasis in many of the practical martial arts is placed on flowing with the force of one s attacker, not resisting him, and using his own strength to overcome him. Following this philosophy, one wishes to live in accord with the Tao (Way) and attain a state of such perfect understanding and insight that all actions are spontaneously correct. There is no scheming; there is no selfish motivation; there is no conscious desire to impose your will on others or on nature; there is no emotionalism; there is no irrational behavior, etc. Wu Wei (Spontaneous Action) may seem contradictory to the path of the Scholar Warrior, but this is not so. For example, a warrior who has truly mastered all the necessary skills no longer thinks of technique or strategy. The skill of such a warrior has become more subtle than reflex. During a fight, there is no sense of the need to dominate the other person. There is only spontaneous action. Although we haven t even begun to scratch the surface of the philosophy behind the Chinese Boxing arts, we have pointed you in the right direction to research for yourself the many important doctrines and theories. Remember, the most important philosophy is that of being in control of the deadly force developed through your practice and tempering it with the right attitude to use the martial arts for the good of mankind. Chinese Boxers must vow an oath never to misuse or abuse the arts and to only use the necessary force, as a last resort, to defend yourself, your country, or your loved ones. 11
LIST OF QUALIFIED TEACHERS IN U.S.A. The following is a list of the main individuals and schools qualified to teach C.B.I.I. curriculums and/or the Original Chen Style Tai Chi. There are other individuals, not necessarily certified, who have contributed much and are knowledgeable in various areas. This is only a list of the major active affiliates and senior students currently recognized by C.B.I.I. in the U.S. Any names left out were purely unintentional and my apologies are offered. Steve Alsup Murfreesboro, TN Greg Beck Canton, OH Buddy Benford Crawfordsville, IN John Bernazolli Hollywood, FL Robin Ellinwood Signal Mountain, TN Bill Graves Clinton, TN Glenn Harrison Sarasota, FL Melvin Howard Chattanooga, TN Gary Huff Kansas City, MO Sam Locklear Unidilla, GA Earl Morgan Pikeville, TN Joe Rae Phillips Nashville, TN Frank Roper Albany, GA Rick Schmoyer Scranton, PA Doug Smith Margate, FL Ray Trillet Wadsworth, OH Hoyt Whitemore Dalton, GA Ken Wingo Signal Mountain, TN Johnny Wilson Chattanooga, TN Gaofei Yan Hallendale, FL Ken Mills Cape Coral, FL 12