In practicing the solo forms, we are also training the visualization of the movement-application. Meditation and Combat TechniquesĪnother way of training the movements and combat techniques is by sitting in the lotus position and visualizing the movements of the forms, the applications of the forms and combat with an imaginary opponent, in order to develop confidence at a sub-conscious level. An example of this is Master Guo’s Ying Shou branch of the Northern School of Eagle Claw (Ying Zhao Quan), which has recently incorporated further variations of the movement-applications, taking the traditional system into another level of more practical combat techniques. The applications of the styles are constantly evolving. It is important to bear in mind that Taiji Quan is still predominantly a passive/defensive style. Taiji Quan was developed from the combination of many different schools of Chinese Wushu. Yang, and Wu styles concentrated for a long time on the passive and soft side of the applications of each movement but now practitioners of these styles are once again incorporating the full set of the movement-applications. In the origins of Taiji (Chen style) different variations of each of the applications were part of the regular practice. These days, Masters of Taiji have been re-incorporating the Jina (locking techniques) which were techniques that were not emphasized for many years. For instance in Taiji Quan the applications of the movements have been varied from time to time. That’s to say there is more than one way to use the application of each movement.

A person applying these movements can vary them to: Sometimes people think that because movements may look very artistic or flowery that they are ineffective, however, in the hands of the expert of that particular school, they can be effective combat techniques. Regardless of the school, all the movements we practice in the solo forms have useful applications in a combat situation. In Chinese Wushu, the training of the movement-applications is a vital part of the development of combat skills. A variety of drills and skills practiced in pairs are fundamental for the development of Wushu combat, and include movement applications from the different forms and conditioning of the body for fighting.

These, however, are not the only fighting techniques for each of these styles. To take a few examples, Taiji Quan has the specific fighting techniques of Tuishou (Push Hands), Bagua Zhang has the fighting techniques of Roushou (soft hands), and Wing Chun Kuen / Yong Chun Quan has its very well-known Chee Sau / Jieshou (Sticky Hands). Wushu, the Chinese term for Martial Arts, covers a great variety of styles and all of them include combat as a very important aspect of their systems.

Wushu fight