Video Clip Series: Felling an Opponent Without him Realizing What has Happened

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Review of the Special Shaolin Kungfu Course of 16th to 22nd April 2007 – Part 51

FELLING AN OPPONENT WITHOUT HIM REALIZING WHAT HAS HAPPENED
Subtle and Versatile Felling Attacks from Five-Animal and Pakau Sets

Dr Damian fells Nick onto the ground unexpectedly using the inconspicuous"leg-drag" technique

As mentioned earlier, throwing is only one of many techniques in Shaolin Kungfu used to fell an opponent onto the ground. Shaolin Kungfu makes uses of a great variety of methods, which are also very versatile. A Shaolin master may change from one felling technique to another, yet still using the same pattern.

Two felling techniques are demonstrated in this video series, namely “leg-drag” and “leading”. Other felling techniques, like “sweeping”, “sinking elbow” and “pulling back”, are demonstrated in earlier series.

The “leg-drag” is interesting. You fell an opponent without him knowing what has happened. The pattern implementing the “lead” technique is “Pakua Palm Technique”. Initially Grandmaster Wong plans to use this pattern to implement the “push” technique, but changes to the “lead” technique yet without changing the pattern.

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Starting from the basic Felling Technique
Nick and Dr Damian are formulating a combat sequence from their specialize Five-Animal Set incorporating felling attacks. Like the others, they use Combat Sequence 13, “Felling Tree with Roots”, as a base to start with. Notice that if you are familiar with this sequence, it is quite easy to fell an opponent.
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Modifications from Unicorn Step
Dr Damian starts his modification from the basic counter using a Unicorn Step. Dr Damian could press down at Nick arm using “Lohan Tames Tiger” to fracture it or dislocate Nick’s elbow, but he chooses to strike Nick’s ribs with a leopard punch. Nick responds with “Green Dragon Shoots Pearl”. Grandmaster Wong comes in with some suggestions.
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Felling Opponent with Leg-Drag.
Instead of applying “Lohan Tames Tiger” in the normal way using a Bow-Arrow Stance, Grandmaster Wong first fells Nick on to the ground using a “leg-drag”. This is one of many ways in Shaolin Kungfu to fell opponents. The pattern used is still “Lohan Tames Tiger”, but executed in a different way, resulting in better control of the opponent, illustrating again the beauty and profundity of Shaolin Kungfu.
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Felling an Opponent Unexpectedly
Dr Damian applies the “leg-drag” to fell Nick onto the ground. The back leg of the Unicorn Step is used as an anchor. The fall is unexpected, and may result in the opponent breaking his arm or leg. So do be very careful when applying this technique on a sparring partner, who must also know how to break fall. Notice how Nick breaks his fall without sustain any injury.
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Ensure Coverage when Felling Opponent
Grandmaster Wong illustrates the fine points in applying the “leg-drag”. Often the opponent does not know how or why he falls. Make sure you do not expose your groin when your opponent is on the groin.
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Flawless Execution after Correct and Persistent Training
This time Dr Damian applies the “leg-drag” felling technique very well. Nick breaks fall very well too. Notice that the first time Dr Damian attempted the technique the movement was quite clumsy. If one could maintain this rate of progress, with six months of training he can execute the technique flawlessly.
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Formulating Counters against Throws
This is the first time Dr Damian and Sifu Anthony are working out this sequence. Hence, their movements are slow and interrupted. Dr Damian is acting as an attacker to help Sifu Anthony formulate some effective counters against throws. Grandmaster Wong suggest that he uses a typical Pakua pattern.
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Pakua Palm Technique
The pattern Grandmaster Wong uses is called “Pakua Palm Technique”. As its name implies, it is a signature pattern and technique in the Shaolin Pakua Set. However, as the situation warrants it, Grandmaster Wong changes from a frontal Bow-Arrow Stance to a reversed Bow-Arrow Stance, thus applying the pattern like “Lead Horse Back to Stable”. Note the three harmonies of hands, body and feet, which are necessary for a successful application of the felling technique.
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Spontaneous Reaction against Unexpected Counters
Being a fast learner, Sifu Anthony can execute the technique very well after being shown only once. Dr Damian exploits Sifu Anthony’s exposure and strikes his groin, but Sifu Anthony covers up instantaneously and counter-strikes. Sifu Anthony’s correct and spontaneous reaction is the result of systematic, dedicated training.
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