A YouTube viewer commented on our Dragon Knockout video: “…why not just step into a twisted horse stance and then unwind rather than jump into a twisted horse stance. I call this Steal-A-Step, by keeping your hands still in space and stepping into a twisted horse stance your opponent will never know you’ve moved if you do it correctly.”
First, thanks for this observant insight. Our viewer is describing the idealized form execution of kung fu’s steal-a-step technique, which I demonstrated in the video. Yet when I demonstrate function or practical application I seem to jump into it. Why this break with correct form?
Within a traditional fighting context (both fighters maneuvering in horse, cat, twisted stance, etc.), the formal dragon stepping is effective. However, against a modern fighter on balls of his feet, using broken rhythm and erratic motions, traditional footwork, though more stable, is inefficient. Too slow. It has a low probability of connecting.
It may appear that my jump is a wasted motion but it is actually a skip from a JKD stance. Skipping is faster and more deceptive than stepping. At TanDao we preserve traditional form because “form is the heart and soul” of true martial arts that transcends fighting. But for real fighting in today’s world of MMA and street brawling, form must adapt to be totally efficient.
At TanDao we urge modern fighters to learn the secrets of how to decode the hidden science hidden in form and realize that there are tactics and strategies that will enhance their practical kick ass approach. At the same time, we encourage traditional martial artists to adapt stylized form to modern situations. Evolving Martial Artists explore and practice to go beyond their present truths.
Check out how I use this spinning hammer fist during the gang rumble I choreographed at 3:05 in the film The Wanderers. It was the first time this technique was used in a Hollywood film. Though over thirty years ago, somethings stand the test of time.
Lawrence Tan
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Tags: fight, fight choreography, JKD, karate, kung fu, lawrence tan, shaolin, spinning back fist, The Wanderers
“The blue-eyed foreign monk,” as the scroll says. I practiced standing post meditation in a cave for nine years–and could still hear my ex-wife scream(no ants, though). And I had walled up the entrance!
Misty water colored memories…