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The dragon develops alertness and concentration. Physical techniques are executed without strength, with emphasis placed on breathing. Movements appeared long, flowing, and continuous.

The dragon stylist relies on various fighting techniques that can employ a wide range of needs. The style uses techniques that can cripple or kill an opponent if the need arises or are used merely to control a minor street fighting situation.

Lung Ying (Dragon form) focuses mainly on powerful, short-range attacks typical among Chinese kung fu styles. Gripping techniques and extensive use of forearms typify the art. The method was created as an aggressive combat art and operates under the underlying assumption that you are trying to disable your opponent to the point that they are no longer a threat in battle. However, these are not the only options a Lung Ying practitioner has. As such, Lung Ying employs many techniques to damage the opponent's joints through joint manipulation or direct striking, nullifying the opponent's defenses by breaking their stance or compromising their guard and thus their ability to defend and others. Like most styles, kung fu had limited kicks and jumps and consisted mainly of the fist, palm, and clawing techniques.

Power is generated from the waist using soft and hard jin (see neijin and waijin). Lung Ying training also involves extensive iron body training. Hardening the forearms is considered essential to the style as they are extensively used. Depending on the school, various techniques are used to toughen the body. Three to seven conditioning drills use pea buckets, weighted ropes, sandbags, and striking poles, which are common in Lung Ying schools. It isn't possible to separate Lung Ying conditioning from its methods; the two work hand in hand, each needing the other to be completely effective.

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Blocking is the act of moving, stopping, neutralizing, intercepting, or deflecting an incoming force, such as a kick, a punch, or a grab. The two tactical forces of blocking are power and guiding or deflecting. These two blocking forces break down into hundreds of different types of blocking techniques. This article will deal with the two tactical forces to better understand the basic principles of blocking.

Many blocking techniques, such as The Scissors, Hawk Wing, Crab Block, Butterfly, or One Finger Dragon, have fancy esoteric names. Still, no matter their name, they all deal with only two concepts: power blocks and redirection blocks. Power blocks are concerned with stopping or neutralizing the attacks, while redirection blocks deal with intercepting or deflecting the attacks.

Most blocking techniques involve footwork using various angles that move you away from the attack. This evasion tactic also puts you in a better position for a counterattack. Boxers move forward, backward, and to different angles, even in boxing.

As the name suggests, power blocks are strength-oriented powerful blocks that use force against force. These blocks use the forearms to block or stop the attack. You see this a lot in boxing matches. The arms are usually kept close to the body at a ninety-degree angle.

Power blocks are used in close combat situations when you do not have time to evade the attack. Again, a perfect example of this is boxing. Kung Fu power blocks emphasize power, not only to stop the attack but also to damage a joint or break bones. That means that while defending yourself, you also use your block as an offensive technique.

Redirection blocks or guiding blocks depend on angular footwork to move your body away from the attack and, at the same time, deflect the incoming force. Guiding blocks usually unbalance the opponent, which allows you to use that to your advantage for a counterattack. Deflecting blocks also benefit from taking away another attack by the adversary because of the opponent's unbalanced position.

Tai Chi uses redirection blocks as its only means of blocking. Tai Chi does not have any offensive attacks. Therefore, a Tai Chi practitioner only defends himself when attacked. He then uses a circular movement to deflect the attack and use that for his counterattack.

Redirection blocks always use some circular motion. Think of a ball. When the ball gets hit by force, that force moves off in a different direction. The same thing happens when using a circular block.

On the other hand, power blocks use power against power, and usually, the stronger person wins. That's why Kung Fu power blocks attack vital joints, muscles, and bones.

Three things are necessary for proper blocking: developing the technique through partner practice exercises, confidence in the blocking method by practicing unrehearsed attacks, and proper mental attitude. One of my instructors told me that no one could hit you unless you wanted to be hit. I always believed in this small piece of philosophy. The more you practice and develop this proper attitude, the more you will see this is true.

Remember, when approaching a defensive situation, always analyze what is happening around you. First, become aware of the situation before it happens. Second, put yourself in an advantageous position with plenty of room to move. Third, force the attack you want by watching the critical distance line. That takes away most attack methods, forcing the attacker to commit to only one move and advertising their intent. That way, you have plenty of time for what type of block you need to use, and you can use evasion to take away the opponent's strength and power.

The long staff is one of the oldest weapons known to man. It was used to carry objects or as a walking stick. We learn this weapon to develop arm strength and for self-defense. Though it is impractical to carry on the streets, the same techniques can be applied to an umbrella, cane, or pool cue.

This is a very basic but important staff set for the beginner. It teaches the overall use of the staff, such as basic hand positions, blocking, thrusting, and poking techniques found in all Northern Staff sets.

Because of the basic understanding the student learns through this staff set, the journey to more complicated weapons will be much easier. Although it is easy to learn, it is sometimes very hard to remember. This is because all movements are exercised on both sides of the body and at different angles, so the body is well-balanced in its foundation.

Remember when learning the staff that one hand always grabs and locks the staff, while the other hand slides down the staff as you strike. This ensures that you consistently hit with the longer end of the stick. In Chinese martial arts, long weapons are used for longer reach. The staff is a long weapon. We always want to use the entire length of the staff to our advantage.

GOAL - TO LEARN THE PROPER BLOCKING, STRIKING, AND HAND POSITIONS

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