Video Clip Series: Pattern Analysis of the Monkey Set

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Shaolin Wahnam Video Series

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Review of the Special Shaolin Kungfu Course of 16th to 22nd April 2007 – Part 59

PATTERN ANALYSIS OF THE MONKEY SET
Many of the Monkey Tricks are not Obvious from just Watching a Monkey Set

Nick gives a surprised kick from the ground as Grandmaster Wong tries to move in to attack

The Monkey Set is full of tricks. Even in the apparently simple movement of rolling out at the start of the set, many tricks are embedded in it. After avoiding a trick, you may think it is safe to move in, but you may fall into another trick.

Why does a Monkey “wash” his head or body? Of course, it is not just for show; these washing movements contain some effective combat functions. Often one may not see their combat application from merely watching a performance of a Monkey Set. The applications need to be explained and demonstrated by a master.

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Rolling out to Begin the Set
The Monkey Set does not start with a greeting pattern as in other Shaolin kungfu sets. The practitioner just rolls out and begins his performance. This was how Grandmaster Ho Fatt Nam performed the set. Grandmaster Wong follows his tradition.
The size of the video clip is 1.18 mb.
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Full of Surprised Tricks
But this apparently rolling out is not as straight-forward as it looks. It contains some secrets. For example, if an opponent moves in to attack the Monkey stylist, the opponent may receive a surprised kick, If he catches the kicking leg, which the Monkey stylist may purposely tricks him to, he may find himself overwhelmed by other surprised attacks.
The size of the video clip is 1.85 mb.
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Spiritual Monkey Washes Face
What do you think is achieved by moving the hands round the head? This pattern is called “Spiritual Monkey Washes Face”. Remember that every pattern has at least one combat application.
The size of the video clip is 1.02 mb.
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Dislocating an Opponent’s Fingers
One useful combat application of the pattern “Spiritual Monkey Washes Face” is to release an opponent’s grip on your neck or head. After releasing his grip, you can dislocate his fingers. It is a chin-na technique.
The size of the video clip is 0.99 mb.
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Not Merely Pushing his Hands Away
Grandmaster explains that you should not just push an opponent’s hand away if he grips you, as this may cause yourself injury. First you have to release his grip, then you can grip him back instead. You may have to rotate your head in co-ordination when release his grip on your head or neck.
The size of the video clip is 1.32 mb.
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Necessary to Rotate Head
If an opponent grips your head or neck with both hands, it is often necessary to rotate your head accordingly as your release his grip. You must also guard against the possibility that he voluntarily releases his grip to strike you with his hands.
The size of the video clip is 1.32 mb.
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Counter against Chin-Na on Head
A grip on the head using a pattern like “Double Dragon Plays with Pearl” can be a fatal attack. A quick turn of the two hands may dislocate the neck. An effective counter is to follow the momentum of the attack by rotating the head accordingly, then counter-grip the opponent’s hands.
The size of the video clip is 1.63 mb.
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