Learning to Breakdown the Martial Arts Fighting Guard

Have a look at this example of the kung fu fighting guard as taught at the Golden Lion Academy Berwick Rowville Murrumbeena Melbourne. It is being demonstrated by Si Hing Kris Eberius.

About 24 Golden Lion martial arts students attended the “How to breakdown a guard” seminar with Golden Lion's Sifu Craig Rayner on the 19th of June, held at the Murrumbeena kung fu centre. The main techniques included were: Trapping; Rolling; Tiger’s mouth; Filing; Hook and throw; and the Slice.

After warm-up, Sifu Craig provided instructions on the first technique of the day. We commenced working on our footwork by short stepping forward. We then we combined this with a hand technique by trapping the opponent’s back hand. We continued to practice the movements individually while Sifu Craig provided one-on-one coaching. Once we developed confidence in executing the technique, we proceeded to do some partner work to practice against an opponent. Lots and lots of solid partner work!

Si Jie Jo Baful after breaking down the strong kung fu guard

We continued to work through other techniques, both individually and with a partner, first were the basic skills and then we moved on to more complex Dim Mak applications.

My favourite is the hook and throw combined with a side kick to the NWAP (Never Walk Again Point). This is an elegant technique that when executed properly, will twist the opponent’s body to create not only a trauma to the knee, but the spine as well.

Periodically, seminars are an excellent way to enhance our kungfu training. They allow students to focus on a topic, dissect it and then refine its practical applications.

Some feedback from students:

“I decided to participate in the workshop to improve the attacking side of my sparring technique. I definitely achieved this but with some extras as well. Learning how to break someone’s guard enforced the importance of having a strong guard yourself. The techniques varied from basic skills used in every Kung Fu class to complex Dim Mak moves which suited all martial arts students from beginner to advanced”. – Matthew Atkins

“On a winter’s afternoon in June, many of us attended the breaking the guard seminar at Murrumbeena, instructed by Sifu Craig. The seminar helped to boost confidence when sparring opponents of different sizes and strengths. The insight into Dim Mak was great and has raised my awareness of this art and of the importance of the solid guard. I look forward to applying the trapping, roll, filing and the “Tiger’s mouth” techniques next time I spar. By doing this, it can show that a guard can be overcome by speed rather than brute force. Thanks to the club for offering such interesting seminars, as they offer great opportunities for our education and training in the Martial Arts. – Rod Gray

“I decided to attend the “Guard seminar” as I always seem to have difficulty doing just that when I sparred in class, especially against higher grades. Three hours and two very sore arms later, what I learnt was some very simple but “powerful” techniques that I can take to classes and use against a variety of opponents. However, I believe the greatest benefit of the seminar, as per any of the teachings I have had to date in class, are the same practical techniques that can be applied in any situation that may occur out of class on the street. Should the worst happen and I would need to call on my training, I feel confident that I can apply these techniques and be the one to walk away from the confrontation. I would like to thank Sifu Craig for giving up his Saturday afternoon to teach us”.– Christopher Blake

Thanks to Si Jie Joey Baful, Murrumbeena Kung Fu martial arts, for this contribution.

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© Copyright Richard Tsui-Po 1971-2012. All Rights Reserved.
Golden Lion Kung Fu Dim Mak Pressure Points. Phone: 9796 1066
BERWICK: 29 Intrepid Street, Berwick 3806.
ROWVILLE: 2 Laser Drive, Rowville 3178
MURRUMBEENA: 98 Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena 3163.
Melbourne, Australia.