The Universal Form is not an obvious fighting form, but it is a powerful foundation for all martial art styles and general wellness. Some of you have been asking us to show a tiger form. Students of TanDao Tiger may use this variation of the Universal Form to aid in their development of a powerful tiger claw. Use dynamic tension and focus on fingers and hand tensing and feel the “burn.” Do you have specific questions on learning this form or on tiger? Ask us!

We’re pleased with your responses to our new TanDao Fight Lab Series.  The idea of hardness and softness has stimulated responses from several TanDao Web Warriors.  Thanks for your comments and questions, including Sifu Lloyd Fridenburg and our forum members Advance One, Arnuld, and the Karate Kid. An application of hardness and softness is for understanding different ways of generating power.  A goju karate punch, boxer’s right cross, wing chun punch or a tai ji punch use different biomechanics.

The Evolving Martial Artist seeks to develop the appropriate hardness and softness, or muscular tension and relaxation to maximize power for a particular technique rather than mixing up different methods of creating power.  There is a different fighting distance and tactics behind the hard palm and the soft palm strikes on Fight Lab 2. Do you know the difference against a real partner? Keep the comments coming — we love your intelligent responses and your questions!

Lawrence Tan
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Actually, this salutation uses body language to communicate primal actions. The open hand represents no weapon and peace, in contrast to the clenched fist that communicates potential aggression. Next to each other, it shows the capacity to express our energy either as the peaceful monk or as a prepared warrior.

Yet for traditionalists initiated into the secrets of form and postures, such a gesture has layers of meaning with practical significance for combat, provided one knows the keys to the hidden language of forms. We are introducing the notion of hard and soft, a major theoretical principle for understanding fighting techniques and tactics.

Do not dismiss it so readily. A different mindset is required to understand these hand symbols, but they can enhance our appreciation of the intellectual depths of the martial way. And, of course, increase our power. Evolving Martial Artists use the principle of hard and soft to understanding the true nature of power. We’ll explore further in the future.
Lawrence Tan

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After this week’s Deadliest Warrior, D’Artagnan and his three buddies Athos, Porthos and Aramis, are safe to continue their dueling, carousing and skirt chasing. The defeat of the Ming infantry by the French musketeers was not surprising, since, as time and again the program bears out, superior technology reigns supreme. Despite the variety of ingenious Chinese weaponry, they simply could not penetrate the French armor.

These computer duels provide perspective on imaginary encounter between history’s warriors from the point of view of battlefield heroics. From a historical perspective, however, it is interesting that the mightiest warrior empires – Sparta, Rome, Mongolia and Aztecs – have not survived. Think about it.

China, though conquered by the Mongolians and Manchus, were able to overcome their conquerors by absorbing them culturally. The Mongols were quickly overthrown, but the Manchurians – who ruled three centuries – adapted the Chinese culture. That is why the importance of culture, the arts, sciences and learning – not just technological weaponry –are vital for the preservation of a civilization.

For the Evolving Martial Artist the fist guided by higher principles is true power.

For more on the show, read our friend and Deadliest Warrior host Geoff Desmoulin’s post on Spike: http://www.spike.com/blog/blood-on-sand/97453

Thanks for your favorable responses to our first Fight Lab video. One of our online students studying the TanDao tiger, posed a question: why are these palm strikes considered advanced? His answer is insightful. Check it out in our TanDao Forum.

Lawrence Tan

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It’s here! We have been busy and are happy to announce our TanDao Fight Lab Video series. Many web warriors browse the sea of martial arts videos, ranging from laughable “what were they thinking,” to dazzling, or mediocre wannabe experts, to the occasional genuine expressions of mastery. Thumbs up or thumbs down. Next. Rarely do we stay to analyze the movements and study deeper meaning underlying the throw, punch or locking technique. Sometimes we are unaware of vital knowledge simply because we are not looking beyond the obvious. Or ask questions.

We will address those questions. You might ask: What is the difference between a boxer’s right cross, a wing chun straight or a karate reverse punch? Is the defense against a tae kwon do round kick or muay thai round kick the same? Why should we fight differently at different ages? Is this sparring technique practical for real combat? Our TanDao Fight Lab video series for Evolving Martial Artists explores three themes:

1. 1. Comparative Combat to discover universal principles behind different styles and systems.
2. 2. Secret Knowledge to refine your techniques with tips from masters I’ve encountered in Asia and the States.
3. 3. Traditional Form and Modern Fighting to enhance your power and efficiency by analyzing realistic function hidden in stylized techniques.

Join us! Explore techniques, tactics and strategies from a deeper perspective to enhance our power and skills. We’d love to hear from you. What would you like to see?

A special note of thanks to John Duval for appearing in the videos. John – thank you for your time, effort, patience and talent!

Happy Birthday Sophia!

Lawrence & Toni

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Many of us who watch Spike’s Deadliest Warrior suspected the outcome of this week’s epsiode: Vlad the Impaler vs. Sun Tzu. After regular viewing, we are familiar with the show’s computer program, designed to compare the weapon technology of famous and infamous warriors of all time, rather than the personalities and strategies behind the duels. After a climatic duel, Vlad – one of histories cruelest and most feared warriors (who forced parents to feed on their roasted children) defeats the Chinese general and author of The Art of War.

An ignoble defeat. History’s most brilliant military strategist, Sun Tzu, is skewered on a stake by Vlad the Impaler. But a warrior vs. a martial philosopher/general? Come on. Yeah, in a mano a mano duel, put your money on the barbarian with superior technology. However, pit them in warfare and the outcome would be different. Savage force over the power of the mind? Bullshit!

Do tigers rule the world? Look at history. Cro-Magnon man, weaker but more intelligent, overcame the strong but dumb Neanderthal. If this were real life war with armies and the mental – not just the physical – components were factored into the computer, I would put my money on the grand daddy of all military philosophers. After all, he wrote the book (no pun intended).

So, for fun, let’s change the duel to armies at war. The encounter has Vlad, the model for Dracula, sneaking up on an unsuspecting Sun Tzu. Not realistic. Sun would be forewarned by the use of spies and would have prevented Vlad from advancing so close. And if Vlad managed to do so, it would probably be into an ambush planned by the wily Sun. Sun Tzu’s Art of War, has so many martial gems of insight and wisdom, that if he followed his own advice, as history indicates, he would not likely have been defeated by Vlad. Sun’s most famous adage “Know your self and your opponent and you will survive a hundred encounters” would certainly have kept him from encountering Vlad face to face. In fact it is more than likely, he would have given the feared warrior a gift of fair maidens, trained to poison the unsuspecting conqueror.

Of course, this is all fun conjecture, just as the premise of the show is entertainment and not to be taken too seriously. For Evolving Martial Artists, intelligent strategy guides the skilled warrior to victory over terror and brute force.

Lawrence Tan

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In the Karate Kid, Mr. Han, an aging building superintendent, and as we soon learn, martial artist, saves the young underdog outsider from continued ass kicking by school bullies. Faithful to the classic remake, he reluctantly teaches the young boy, whose brash behavior covers childhood fears and anger, eager for revenge.

While the audience naturally identifies with Dre the young underdog, the old master – with a quiet, nuanced performance from a usually upbeat Jackie Chan – is haunting. Of course this remake is fun popcorn melodrama. It’s upbeat. Han transmits kung fu’s physical and mental powers. Dre eventually triumphs over his tormentors, attesting to the transformative aspect of kung fu. Especially highlighted is the exotic Wu Dang Monastery, with spectacular aerial shots of monks serenely practicing flowing martial forms in the mountain mist. David Carradine’s Kwai Chang Cain would be envious. It’s the hub of the inner mysteries of martial arts.

Still, there was something disturbing about the old martial artist. Sadly, it seems the sorrowful old master, though physically skilled, is disconnected from the deeper spiritual side of the art. Although he is never shown practicing, from Chan’s portrayal of the emotionally wounded character, it seems that he has not found solace in kung fu’s meditative side or internal qi training.

Though he reveals himself as a healer, he himself is not healed. The message of the film might have a deeper meaning if it also depicted how the path continues beyond youthful combat. Some mention of martial arts as a life long pursuit, and as a path to master life in all its pain and glory. Maybe the spiritual philosophy of the martial arts doesn’t make for exciting chop socky scripts. As Evolving Martial Artists mature, we are compelled to also seek the quiet, obscure aspects of the martial way and its power of inner peace. That is real kung fu.

Lawrence Tan

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The Karate Kid’s Mr. Miyagi and Mr. Han are film heroes who show up at the precise moment when we must evolve or die. It seems odd to remake a classic…though we are always up for anything with Jackie Chan in it. The bully theme never gets old, and, unfortunately, it remains a part of our life.

There is the deliberate bully, the unwitting bully, the school yard bully, the office bully, and the bullying that goes on behind closed doors. Since the original Karate Kid we now add cyber bullying and electronic bullying to the pain roster. Of particular concern in the teen community, this type of bullying can be done without ever laying a hand on the victim. It can even be done anonymously. The damage can be so far reaching that it is sometimes unbearable, with lethal consequences for our children, who may see suicide as the only escape.

In the real world, how many of us have Mr. Miyagi or Mr. Han step in to block an attack with their stunning karate or kung fu, and then guide us along our path to inner power? We have to tap into that core strength on our own. Self defense gives physical confidence. But it is soul defense that protects our spirit. Bullying weighs heavy on the heart and soul of who we are. Bullies rely on our  helplessness, our alienation, isolation and our silence. These are their weapons, and the goal is to shame us. Don’t let them.  The Evolving Martial Artist goes beyond the warrior’s physical techniques to deal with bullies. There are also the ways of the scholar and the monk to empower us to diffuse or even avoid bullying. By all means – get strong. Learn self defense. And here is some soul defense:

Turn On A Light In A Dark Place:
Bullies live in the shadows. They flourish where there is no authority or watchdog.
Communicate. There are compassionate and helpful people. Talk!

Know Thy Self:
It’s inscribed at Apollo’s Temple at Delphi. Don’t internalize the attacks. We all make mistakes, we all have vulnerabilities. It’s not the core of who we are. Our being is much richer and more complex. Remember this.

Don’t Rationalize Irrational Behavior:
Benjamin Disraeli said, “Courage is fire, and bullying is smoke.” Bad behavior is bad behavior. It belongs to the bully. Our focus is to manage our own behavior. Stay calm, don’t engage, and get help. 

Toni Josephson

http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/
http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/bullying
http://www.safehorizon.org/
http://www.workplacebullying.org/

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TanDao Kung Fu

Today martial artists acknowledge Bruce Lee as the force for popularizing the art of kicking ass rooted in China’s Shaolin Temple, source of Far East fighting arts. Yet the original force behind the Shaolin legacy is Bodhidharma. The blue eyed, bearded monk from India founded Shaolin kung fu. He was a monk, not a warrior. More importantly, Bodhidharma is the founder of Zen (Chan in Chinese) – a way of awakening based on sitting meditation.

Meditation improves our martial skills. The focused mind, emotionally calm,  and mentally clear liberates our fighting responses; they become natural, spontaneous and efficient. This is especially important during a fearful situation. True power is rooted in the mind not the body. The old masters teach meditation as a potent way to help control our body’s reactions. We learn to recover from panic. Breathe. We become more intuitive. If we think of the mind as a muscle, then meditation is push ups for the mind. After consistent practice, the mind gets stronger, flexible and concentrated. And we discover secrets of the body, subtleties in executing technique that we once thought we knew.

Beyond Bruce Lee and kicking ass, the true value of regularly sitting cross legged will enhance our daily lives by reducing stress and finding a discipline of stillness. There are further benefits for those who delve deeper into Bodhidharma’s teachings to become inner warriors who seek awakening.

The Evolving Martial Artist works to get the edge. You want it? Meditate.

Lawrence Tan

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Is Kung Fu A Dying Art?

Thanks to our forum member, Seeker, for recommending a Kung fu documentary on Hulu, Needle Through Brick. The film interviews traditional Chinese masters living in Borneo who lament that kung fu is a dying art.

What??? Kung fu is alive and kicking. Right? Look at the proliferation of Wing Chun, Hung Gar, Shaolin worldwide.  Jackie and Jet still thrill on screen. And of course the growing number of kung fu schools in shopping malls to babysit the kids on weekends.

Well, this film examines how traditional systems are losing their authenticity. Why?

Our modern lifestyle. Lack of time and money. And China’s sponsorship of modern wu shu as a performance art is overshadowing the arts as a way of life. The importance of the master/disciple relationship, patience, moral character and training over time to reveal true knowledge – philosophical, spiritual and healing – has given way to a modern high tech mentality and loss of cultural identity.

Prior to the 1970’s kung fu was secret. Kung fu was difficult to learn. Training was arduous. The mindset of a practitioner was vastly different. Therefore there was a reverence towards the knowledge and the art was precious. More than that, the masters in this film represent those who fled China during the cultural revolution. Not only was the art surpressed, but its teachers were killed. These are the people who managed to stay alive themselves, and in doing so, keep their art alive.

This is an important realization. Unfortunately, today there are many practitioners who lock in on the mindless thrills and kills of pop martial arts films and combat sport, and may find this documentary slow moving — perhaps uninteresting.  But for Evolving Martial Artists – who bridge old and new – this is an earnest and thoughtful examination of kung fu that reflects a rich cultural heritage diminished by our modern world.

These old masters clearly articulate the loss of the old ways.

So – is kung fu a dying art?  There is a stark reality — traditional kung fu must evolve or die.

What do you think? What  must be preserved so modern students are linked to the deeper spirit of the arts? What must be discarded in order to keep up with today’s world?  Tell us.

Lawrence Tan

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TanDao Kung Fu

As martial artists, we discipline ourselves by honing our physical and mental skills to survive. Keep the edge. We prepare. The discovery of the Times Square car bomb is a sobering reminder of the dangers of our modern lifestyle. Terrorism is real.

Although wing chun chain punches, hung gar tiger claws, tae kwon do side kicks and Brazilian jujitsu techniques of ancient warriors may seem to be irrelevant defenses against a car explosion, the higher levels of the Shaolin monks and Daoist masters martial path focus on moving and sitting meditation for cultivating a heightened consciousness of the present moment. The here and now. Yet we don’t need to be warriors or monks to be aware. As the alert street vendor who contacted the police after he saw a suspicious SUV filled with explosives said, “if you see something, say something.”

For the Evolving Martial Artist zen awareness is not limited to fighting in the dojo, the street or battlefield but being aware to all threats in daily life. Even while strolling in the middle of a bustling city, we have to be alert for suspicious packages or cars. And before sounding too somber, this awareness is also to celebrate the small joys of living — like marveling at street performers while eating a Big Apple hot dog, or feeding sparrows on a side walk. Yet in these days of mounting uncertainty and danger, we must heed the wisdom of Thomas Jefferson: eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.

Be. Here. Now…

Lawrence Tan

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TanDao Kung Fu