Information of all the legal issues that the clubs hold

Chinese Staff and Weaponry

*"Respect the Weapon and the abilities are endless"*

Staff Storage and Anatomy
When the staff is not in use it should be stored totally upright or laid down horizontal.
Upright position			Horizontal position

The staff should never be leant against a wall at an angle. Angled storage causes warping of the staff and destroys the weapons natural manoeuvrability. At regular periods the staff should be tested for its shape by rolling it on a flat surface. If structurally sound, it will roll smoothly with little noise. If warped or bent it will roll unevenly, making a loud clatter with every revolution.

The standard staff is straight and 6ft long. Measuring 1^1/4inch thick at the centre and tapering out to ¾ inch at each end.
The reason for the tapered ends is as follows
It ensures an even balance and guarantees that the staff 's fulcrum stays at its centre
It allows easy handling and effortless manoeuvring
It reduces rigidity and increases the staff 's textile strength, therefore reducing breakages
Allows possible, strong, powerful whipping, striking and blocking actions
Even though most staff 's possess the tapered structure, they do vary in length and shape. Apart from the standard 6ft measurement they can range from 4ft to 9ft in length. Also other than circular shaped staff 's there are hexagonal shapes which produce more destructive effects. The most common type of wood is red oak, which is ideal for training but is prone to breakages after excessive use. Another type is white oak, which has a longer life span and is used more in competition sparring (used to being constantly hit).

Internal and External Timing
Timing is the co-ordination of 2 or more movements to produce the maximum effect.
There are 2 types of timing:
Internal timing			Movements of your body
External timing			Timing between your actions and those of your opponent
Internal timing
Internal timing is concerned with the fact that different parts of your body move at different speeds and through different distances. Good technique requires that you co-ordinate these speeds and distances.

We are concerned with the co-ordination of the timing of the arms with the legs.
Your arms can move the staff through the arc of a sweep or a strike faster than you can walk forward.

If you begin to walk and sweep at the same time, the staff will hit the target before your foot is in the forward position.
To adjust your timing, you could slow your sweep so that the step and sweep begin and end at the same time. But that would reduce the power of the sweep. Ideally more time should be allowed for the sweep than the step. This will guarantee more power.

10 Staff Targeting Points
TH17	BL40	CV24		ST9	ST12
GB24	LU3	HT1		HT5	GB31

Strikes and Explanation
A strike is the action of swinging the staff in an arc to hit the target from above or from the side.
The pictures below show a double handed downward strike. Raise you arms above your head as if you were pushing the staff up and back, so that the staff points behind you.
Spread your elbows as you raise your arms (PIC 1). Swing your arms down sharply to complete the strike. As your arms swing down move your elbows together by extending your arms and by wringing the staff with your hands (PIC 2). The wringing helps your wrists take the impact of the strike.
Your left arm powers the strike and swings down as it extends. Your right arm directs the strike and pushes out as it extends (PIC 3). The strike stops naturally when your right arm is fully extended.
As you strike, let your right knee accept some weight so that your hips will drop and add weight to your strike.

PIC 1		PIC 2		PIC 3
Feet and Knees: Your left foot should remain stationary throughout the strike. Your knees should straighten on the lift of the staff and bend when you strike.
Hips: Your hips should face 45 degrees to the left to lessen your own target area.
Back: Keep your back straight throughout the strike.
Arms and hands: The strike involves three separate motions of your arms and hands.
The first motion involves swinging your hands down, particularly your left arm, which provides most of the power for your strike. Your left arm should swing down in an arc that, if continued, would pass by your left side (PIC 4) (short distance arc which centres at the shoulders).
Your right hand directs the strike by pushing the staff towards your opponent.
The second motion of the strike is the wringing motion of the hands that puts your wrists on top of the staff so that they can withstand the impact of the strike.
Your thumbs should rotate towards each other, as if you were wringing a dish towel to dry.
Tighten your grip just before impact and extend your arms out.
The third motion is the direction of the staff which is controlled by your right hand. This second arc commences before the left hand and ends with the centre of your left hand (PIC 4).

PIC 4

Sweeps and Explanation
A sweep is the action of swinging the staff in a horizontal arc to hit the target from the lower side.
Definitions:
Overhand sweep, in which both hands grip palm down.
Underhand sweep, in which the hand at the butt is palm up and the other palm down.
The pictures below show an overhand sweep. Stand in a right T-stance and hold the staff palms down. Your right hand is at the butt and the staff is pointing behind you, past your left side. Your right hand is close to your left hip, and the staff is at a 45° angle behind you (PIC 1).
Sweep the staff around you by pulling your right hand across your waist to your right hip and walk forward with your left foot (*remember your internal timing*) into a left T-stance. Power with your right hand and direct with your left hand (PIC 2).
Continue the sweep beyond your front centreline and tighten your left grip before impact (PIC 3).

PIC 1		PIC 2		PIC 3
Feet and Knees: Your feet move from a right T-stance to a left T-stance. Point your front foot at the opponent when sweeping, this will maintain your centreline.
Hips: Your hips should turn clockwise as you step and sweep to generate more power.
Back: Keep your back straight throughout the sweep.
Arms and hands: Your left wrist should be slightly bent and should come behind the staff as you sweep to enable you to withstand the impact. Your right hand should grip firmly throughout the sweep.

Thrusts and Explanation
A thrust is the action of driving the end of the staff in to a target
Definitions:
There are 3 types of thrust:
High
Staff held at face level, forward palm facing away from you and back palm facing you.
Underhand
The forward hand is palm up and the back hand is palm down
Overhand
Both hands are palm down

A thrust should be powered with 1 hand were a jab is powered by 2 hands.
General thrust
Using an underhand thrust, stand in a left T stance and hold the staff horizontal, with you left hand about halfway from the end and the other hand on the butt.
Advance your left foot 20 inches along the centre line. As you step, let your weight come forward onto your left knee and toes.
As your weight leaves your right foot, slide it about 20 inches to the right of the centre line and thrust the staff forward with your right arm.
When you thrust, extend your left arm and let the staff slide across your left palm. The staff should remain horizontal. Stop the thrust when your right hand reaches your right side.
Back: Keep your back straight throughout the thrust.
Chest and shoulders: The chest and shoulders should move with your hips.

Locks and Explanation
FINGER RELEASE
Pressure is placed on the opponents finger until they release the staff or weapon.
IMMOBILISING THE UPPER ARM

IMMOBILISING THE ELBOW

IMMOBILISING THE FOREARM

IMMOBILISING THE ANKLE

IMMOBILISING BOTH ANKLES			IMMOBILISING THE CALF

IMMOBILISING BOTH ARMS

IMMOBILISING THE SHOULDER

IMMOBILISING THE NECK

Techniques

WHITE SASH– BLOCK AND STRIKE 1
A: Overhead strike with staff
B: (UNARMED) Step to circle left forearm block, right air punch to inside shoulder


WHITE SASH– BLOCK AND STRIKE 2
A: Overhead strike with staff
B: (UNARMED) Step to circle left forearm block, right hand pulls on elbow


WHITE SASH– BLOCK AND STRIKE 3
A: Overhead strike with staff
B: (UNARMED) Step to circle right forearm block, left arm under elbow turning into elbow lock


YELLOW SASH– BLOCK AND STRIKE 1
A: Overhead strike with staff
B: (ARMED WITH STAFF) Double handed block (upward), left foot forward. Left open hand, right half moon block. Draw back left hand in air. Side strike to neck (right), reverse downward strike to neck (left)



YELLOW SASH– BLOCK AND STRIKE 2
A: Overhead strike with staff
B: (ARMED WITH STAFF) Double handed block (upward), left foot forward. Left open hand, right half moon block. Side strike to stomach (left), reverse side strike to back of knee (left)



YELLOW SASH– BLOCK AND STRIKE 3
A: Opponent strikes your left side with staff
B: (ARMED WITH STAFF) Left side palm block, right circle block. Pull left hand back, side strike to face (right). Draw back with right hand, push on shoulders with both hands, using right leg as leverage to push opponent to floor



ORANGE SASH– BLOCK AND STRIKE 1
A: Opponent strikes your left side with staff
B: (ARMED WITH STAFF) Counter, side block with staff (left). Right circle block. Draw back right hand in air. Swift strike to head (right). Reverse strike to head (left)


ORANGE SASH– BLOCK AND STRIKE 2
A: Overhead strike with staff
B: (UNARMED) Counter, step in and to the left, both hands grabbing the staff. Circle the staff above opponents head. Place right leg behind opponent. Place staff to neck, turn to the left and take opponent to the ground.


ORANGE SASH– BLOCK AND STRIKE 3
A: Overhead strike with staff
B: (ARMED WITH STAFF) Double handed block (upward), step in with spinning cover block to the right (FA JING power shot). Left back fist strike to face.


GREEN SASH– BLOCK AND STRIKE 1
A: Opponent strikes your right side with staff
B: (ARMED WITH STAFF) Right side palm block, left extended circle block, stepping behind opponent. Left spin, strike to back of knee (left)


GREEN SASH– BLOCK AND STRIKE 2
A: Opponent strikes your right side with staff
B: (ARMED WITH STAFF) Right side palm block, left extended circle block. Place right leg behind opponent. Place staff to neck. Turn to the left and take opponent to the ground.


GREEN SASH– BLOCK AND STRIKE 3
A: Upward strike with staff
B: (ARMED WITH STAFF) Double handed block (downward). Right hand moves to end of staff, flicking staff to left side (FA JING power shot). Pull left hand back, right thrust to stomach
AWAITING PICTURES		AWAITING PICTURES
AWAITING PICTURES		AWAITING PICTURES
BLUE SASH– BLOCK AND STRIKE 1
A: Opponent strikes your right side with staff
B: (ARMED WITH STAFF) Right side palm block, left circle block, tiger jump to left with strike to left bicep, step behind opponent, staff over neck, pull opponent to the ground from behind


BLUE SASH– BLOCK AND STRIKE 2
A: Opponent strikes your right side with staff
B: (ARMED WITH STAFF) Right side tiger block (FA JING power shot), right tiger claw strike to chest, drop to left knee, right shoulder cover block, tiger strike to inner thigh (left), reverse strike to outer thigh (left)



BLUE SASH– BLOCK AND STRIKE 3
A: Opponent strikes your left side with staff
B: (UNARMED) Stepping in with left foot. Step to circle left forearm block (HT5), right tiger claw strike to solar plexus (CV17), right cover block with right hand. Left tiger claw strike to stomach (CV4) Dan Tien moves Nei Gung), double eagle claw strike to chest, left hand on top (CV22), right hand lower (CV16), right tiger claw strike to head (ST7), grabbing head, pulling head down, left front kick or knee to chest (CV17)




PURPLE SASH– BLOCK AND STRIKE 1
A: Overhead strike with staff
B: (ARMED WITH STAFF) Double handed block (upward), right half moon block, return the staff to your left, left upward overhand sweep
AWAITING PICTURES		AWAITING PICTURES
AWAITING PICTURES		AWAITING PICTURES
PURPLE SASH– BLOCK AND STRIKE 2
A: Opponent strikes your left side with staff
B: (ARMED WITH STAFF) Left side palm block, right circle block, set grip (underhand), spin to right, left underhand sweep
AWAITING PICTURES		AWAITING PICTURES
AWAITING PICTURES		AWAITING PICTURES
PURPLE WHITE SASH– BLOCK AND STRIKE 1
A: Overhead strike with staff
B: (ARMED WITH STAFF) Open palm double block diagonal (left). Step in and to left side. Right half moon block, move around opponent, draw staff back with right hand. Thrust to centre of back.
AWAITING PICTURES		AWAITING PICTURES
AWAITING PICTURES		AWAITING PICTURES
PURPLE WHITE SASH– BLOCK AND STRIKE 2
A: Overhead strike with staff
B: (ARMED WITH STAFF) Double handed block (upward). Spin staff right and straight down, locking opponents staff. Draw staff back with right hand, thrust to ribs (left)
AWAITING PICTURES		AWAITING PICTURES
AWAITING PICTURES		AWAITING PICTURES
PURPLE WHITE SASH– BLOCK AND STRIKE 3
A: Overhead strike with staff
B: (ARMED WITH STAFF) Double handed block (upward). Right half moon block. Fast spin return. Upward eagle claw to chin (right hand). Pao choi to side of face (left hand)
AWAITING PICTURES		AWAITING PICTURES
AWAITING PICTURES		AWAITING PICTURES
For more information the Chinese Staff please contact
sibokrobson@hullkungfu.co.uk

*"What is a weapon, it is part of me"*


Sword
*"The Way of the Sword"*
"The medieval Chinese dynasties saw great advances in metallurgy. Some, like the ability to produce cast iron, were far ahead of such technology in the Europe. Others, like the mastery of efficient, large-scale steel production, enabled the Tang and Song dynasties to become major military powers in east Asia."
"Research to date shows that the sword smiths of China, over the last 20 centuries, have crafted blades combining the following attributes:"
*"A hard and durable edge"*
*"A resilient body which absorbs shock without breaking"*
"In a sword, these goals can be mutually exclusive. Hard steel tends to be brittle; a resilient, springy steel is softer and will not hold an edge as well. Chinese smiths got around this problem by combining hard and soft steels in varying ways. There are three basic methods. One is called baogang, or "wrapped" steel. The hard, high-carbon steel that forms the cutting edge looks, in cross-section, like a "V" which encloses a softer core of mild steel. The core metal is often folded upon itself for more strength, or layered with wrought iron for the same effect. A baogang blade must be made with a fairly thick jacket of hard steel, or else it loses its strength with repeated sharpening and grinding."
"A more common form of blade forging is qiangang, or "inserted" steel. The high-carbon edge forms a core with is sandwiched between "cheeks" of mild steel. The cheeks are often made of alternating layers of iron and steel, which produce a pattern on the surface when the blade is polished. A skilled smith can manipulate the layers to produce patterns of great beauty, in addition to providing structural strength to the sword."
"The last major type of forging is known in the West as "twist core". This type is formed of parallel bars of twisted layers of hard and soft steel, all welded into a single unit under heat and hammer. When ground and polished, the surface resembles rows of feathery, star-shaped, or swirling elements."
"The other area in which Chinese smiths showed considerable ingenuity was hardening the blade by heating and quenching in liquid. This technique is almost universal, wherever blades are manufactured. China was one of the few places in which techniques were devised to differentially heat-treat the edge, as opposed to the entire blade. This practice increased the strength and cutting ability of the blade. It was developed to the highest level by the Japanese, who originally utilized the skills of immigrant smiths from China and Korea."
"The beauty of the Chinese sword smith's craft is an art form just beginning to be rediscovered in China and elsewhere. We live in a time when new discoveries are made day to day. As we begin to see the beautiful patterns that raise from the marriage of form and function to create a sword blade of superior quality steel, we are only beginning our study of the Chinese armour's craft. There many other areas of study waiting to be explored, from decorative motif and their symbolism to the blade aesthetics that are subtly married to function."

*"Warring States Period 475-222BC"*

*"Shang Dynasty 1700-1027BC"*

*"Warring States Period 475-222BC"*

*"Warring States Period 475-222BC"*

*"Warring States Period 475-222BC"*

*"Warring States Period 475-222BC"*

*"Warring States Period 475-222BC"*

*"Warring States Period 475-222BC"*

*"Warring States Period 475-222BC"*

*"Warring States Period 475-222BC"*

*"Warring States Period 475-222BC"*

*"Warring States Period 475-222BC"*

*"Warring States Period 475-222BC"*

3 Sectional Staff
*"Three Ways to Meet One Goal"*

"The Three-Sectional Staff is one of the most difficult and versatile weapons within the Chinese Martial Arts. Typically thought of as a Northern Chinese weapon, the Three-Sectional Staff can be used as both a short range weapon and as a long, flexible whip-like weapon."
"The three sectional staff, is a Chinese flail weapon that consists of three wooden or metal staffs connected by metal rings or rope. A larger, more complicated version of the well-known nunchaku, the staffs can be spun to gather momentum resulting in a devastating strike, or their articulation can be used to strike over or around a shield or other defensive block."
"These staffs were designed for defence against spears and other long weapons. Historically made of white oak or Chinese red maple, modern staffs are constructed from rattan, bamboo, various hardwoods or aluminium. For optimum fit, each of the three sticks should be about the length of the combatant’s arm and have a combined diameter that easily fits in the hand."
"The total length of the weapon is the same as the Chinese staff, the gwan, creating a larger circle of available targets around the combatant. Many of the techniques are similar to that of the staff, so spinning moves over the head and behind the back can be practiced with a regular staff. The three sectional staff has the advantage of being used both as a long-range weapon or a short-range weapon. Acting as an extension of the users arm, the three sectional staff can strike, block, stab, sweep legs and whip, often with different sections of the staff acting at the same time. The chains or binding ropes of the staff are used to entangle an opponent and their weapons."
For more information on the 3 Sectional Staff please contact
siboknewton@hullkungfu.co.uk

Spear
*"Get to the point fast"*

When you use the spear you must judge where you are going to hit and focus your eyes on the target. Focus your eyes on your opponent's head, torso, or foot. When the spear is thrust, you should coordinate the weapon with your mind, hands, and feet. Your spear should shoot like a dragon rising from the sea. The motion must be able to surround the opponent body. With that action, you will be able to hit him.
The spear (ch'iang/qiang) is as ancient as China. Not only is it considered to be the oldest military weapon in China, the spear was originally developed as a horse soldier's weapon. Before 400 B.C., foot soldiers used either a nine foot spear or an eighteen foot spear. These spears combined a thrusting point with a hooking or slicing blade.
Unlike the spear that is used in other parts of the world, the Chinese spear was never meant to be thrown. Instead, a specialized set of techniques was developed that strongly resembled the single-headed staff techniques. Staffs of various lengths derived spill over value from some of the spear tactics, although they have complete systems of their own.
Throughout the years there has been many versions of the spear. The design of the spear normally depended on the dynasty it was in. It was said that in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1280 A.D.) that General Yue Fei added a hook, which was sharp on both edges to the metal end of the spear. This gave him an advantage because he could also cut of the legs of horses. Generals even added the metal taper on both ends to increase the weapons killing potential.
The spear was primarily used for stabbing although it could be used for sweeps, slashes and blocking. Blocking is usually done with the shaft part of the spear. Since the spear was so versatile it was given the title “King of the Long Weapons.
Hull Kung Fu is working on the methods of the spear that have been taught by Di Sifu Leon King in Australia.

9 Sectional Whip (Chain Whip)
*"The mean, lean, whipping machine"*

The 9 Sectional whip is a weapon used in Chinese martial arts, including modern and traditional Kung fu. It consists of nine metal rods, which are joined end-to-end by rings to form a flexible chain.
At one end of the whip is usually a handle and the other a devastating dart that is used to slash or pierce the enemy, Often a cloth flag is attached nearer the dart end of the whip and handle to add a visual appeal and to produce a rushing sound as the whip swings round in the air. These flags are also a deception, Often the enemy is distracted due to the sound or “look” of them.
The nine-sectioned whip, regarded as a 'powerful hidden weapon,' was first used on the battlefield during the Jìn Dynasty (265-420).
“The chain whip is heavy but flexible, allowing it to be literally used as a whip, hit, hook and bind an opponent, restrict his/her movement, and to deflect blows from other weapons.”
9 Sectional whip forms are often elaborate, performed moves such as spinning the whip around the neck, throwing the whip in the air and catching it and wrapping the user in, out and around the whip causes visual flare and prove it’s such an eye catcher.
The whip is mainly a long range weapon but at both short and long distance the whip is deadly, designed to deflect or wrap around enemy weapons/enemies themselves the whip can just about do anything (via the user).
It is easily hidden and can do pretty much anything, What more could you want in a weapon?
For more information on the 9 Sectional Whip please contact
sibokmmitchell@hullkungfu.co.uk

Chinese Fan
*"The graceful deception tool"*

One of the more beautiful martial arts’ weapons, the fan or iron fan can flick deadly force with the grace of a dance. This weapon is most often seen in either Chinese or Japanese forms of Martial Art. The Chinese name for it is shanzi. The Japanese is tessen.
The iron fan is normally constructed out of metal with eight to ten rods that collapse and open as required. In a more deadly form, the ends of the fan can be spiked to a point for further damage. The fan can be used in either a strike or piercing manner when completely closed or open in either a blocking or slicing motion.
The key to performing a good fan technique is having strong wrist muscles. The movement to open and close the fan is a slight flick of the wrist that sends a sharp crack of sound as the fan slices open or closed.
In Chinese Martial Arts, one would most often find the fan in the internal styles, such as ba gua or tai chi chuan. As one story goes, in ancient times ba gua practitioners in the monastery were forbidden to practice martial arts outside of the temple. But they needed a way to protect themselves, thus, they chose weapons that were light and easily concealed within the long sleeves of their uniforms. A fan made an ideal weapon in that it could easily be explained why they were carrying them.
In Japanese Martial Arts, a style known as tessen-jutsu exists that is dedicated to the study of the iron fan. Early Japanese legends tell of the hero Yoshitsune who was taught this among other weapons to defeat his opponents.
Today, the fan seems to be a favourite weapon among many women. Men tend to shy away from it because of the delicate gracefulness. Some wrongly interpret this softness to weakness in the weapon. But when moves are executed correctly, it is as deadly as any blade or other weapon available. In fact, in traditional times, this style of fan (closing) was actually carried by men in China. The solid fan (with no ribs) was actually more the female style of fan.
How to use the Fan
Upon grasping the weapon, a simple flick of the wrist is all that is required to open it up and reveal all the sharp-edged plates. The fan is often carried in the dominant hand, though some well-skilled fighters may use one in both hands or may switch hands in battle. The fighter using the weapon must be extremely careful not to cut himself/herself on the fan's sharp plates. A strong arm and a quick, agile body will usually help one in the use of this weapon. The advantages of the weapon lay mainly in its weight, which is extremely light and allows the user to move it easily and with speed. It also has the appearance of doing far less damage than it is actually capable of.
Styles of Fan
A popular weapon in kung fu. A traditional fan contains 9, 16, 20 or 24 ribs, and is carried in the sleeve or waistband. It is the emblem of Chang-Li-Chuan of the eight immortals. Popularised in movies by Jackie Chan, this weapon requires amazing dexterity from its user. Normal fans are made of paper and bamboo, however this is not useful for heavy blocking and striking but could be used as a distraction tool as well as for redirecting blocks, an aid for locking techniques (in an emergency) as well as for light strikes and pressure points. The iron fan is an actual weapon, it has iron plates instead of wood and the top edges are sharp.
For more information on the Chinese Fan please contact
sibokomitchell@hullkungfu.co.uk

A: Opponent strikes your left side with staff