Components of Training
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The influence of Shaolin martial arts can be seen through its many different styles. Its training and techniques constitute a base from which the practitioner can explore other techniques. At the Ottawa Chinese Martial Association, training unfolds in a systematic manner. Introduction From your state of mind to how you breathe, from how you stand to how you move, a substantial investment of sweat and no small amount of thinking are required to raise your level of practice. But even before getting there, it is essential to consider just what it is we are training. Traditional Chinese Martial Arts (TCMA), despite a curtain of mysticism, in fact offer a very common sense approach to developing your mind, body, and fighting ability. Although the various traditions of TCMA may vary to some extent in their training methodologies, the careful observer will note a great deal of commonalities between both the essential foundations of the training and the end results.
One obvious goal of training is the development of martial ability. A deconstruction of what is involved provides some interesting insights. While it is true there are many equally valid approaches to this goal, TCMA adheres to a body of thinking which, to anyone knowledgeable in the fields of engineering or biomechanics, is recognizable as stemming from the principles that govern our natural range of motion, conservation of energy, and energy transference. Engineering-minded people, in particular, will note the heavy reliance on the proper structural integrity of the body to affect the desired result. Stretching The reason for stretching is that it increases the range of body movements. It is very important that there be enough time available to warm up and warm down the muscle and ligaments before any extensive physical activities take place.
Basic stretching includes:
Dynamic tension, or isometric exercises, consists of movements executed against imaginary resistance, and integrated to controlled breathing techniques. The idea of isometric training is to train the muscles using static contraction, i.e., to cause the muscle to produce a force without moving. The two primary methods of achieving this are to push against an immovable object (like a wall) or to use muscles against each other so that they flex without bending any joints. The premise is that muscles can actually exert their maximum forces when they are not moving. The advantages of isometric training are that it requires no special equipment and can be done virtually anywhere, at any time. In practice, however, Western science has found that isometric training is not the most effective method for strength training and, as a consequence, serious athletes do not practice it much any more. However, dynamic tension exercises still play an important role in the curriculum of Martial Art practice. Typical examples of dynamic tension exercises can be found in the Tenchi Kata in Okinawan Karate-do Gojyu-ryu, "Dynamic-Tension Course", by Charles Atlas, in the 1950's, and in the exercises promoted by the late Bruce Lee. In Shaolin Kung Fu, there are many sets of exercises that use the concepts of dynamic tension. Hung Gar, a Southern Shaolin style, is also noted for its isometric exercises. Dynamic Stretching Dynamic stretching involves moving parts of your body and gradually increasing reach, speed of movement, or both. Dynamic stretching is not ballistic stretching. Dynamic stretching involves controlled leg and arm swings that take you to the limits of your range of motion. In comparison, ballistic stretches require the practitioner to force a part of the body beyond its range of motion. In dynamic stretching, there is no bouncing, no "jerky" movement. An example of dynamic stretching would be slow, controlled leg swings, arm swings, or torso twists. Students should take care in performing those exercises and make sure that the body is warmed up. Stance Training Stance training is perhaps the most fundamental type of training for almost all forms of martial arts. Our training also places a great deal of emphasis on acquiring the appropriate feeling of balance and stability. The stances are
Stepping Stepping trains movement. There are set series of moving exercises that develop body coordination, leg strength and reaction. Some examples of the basic training positions include: Horse stance to Horse Stance
Simple Combination Simple combination of two or more techniques train the student to think in terms of a series of techniques. Kung fu techniques should flow in a continuous manner, and this type of practice allows the student to learn in several, easy-to-remember sets of exercises. Forms Most students in the Martial Arts study and know the importance of forms. The diversity and variety of available techniques available are truly endless. Each teacher and each school adds their own flavor and interpretation to their teachings and practice. Our school does not practice any of recognize standard Shaolin forms because our experience is not in that area. We still practice of the basics of Shaolin, but our interests are elsewhere. |
 "There are no secrets. Only Hard Work." "No basics, no nothing." |
Applications
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Students of the Martial Arts study the history, theory and practice of forms. A few students seek to understand the correct applications. On one level, correct application simply means the ability to use the techniques in a self-defense situation. On another level, application also means how the practice of changing the mind and body. The Ottawa Chinese Martial Arts Associations views that an understanding application is a vital component of martial art practice. Since combat effectiveness is the difference between this and other activities. |
Advantages
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Shaolin practice has a long proven history of combat effectiveness. There is a common saving in Chinese that suggests Shaolin is the origin of Chinese Martial Arts (“天下功夫出少林”). The basic Shaolin method can be found in all styles. The general training principle is from External to the Internal. |
Disadvantages
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Many people describe Shaolin fighting, as well as some of the esoteric ideas that are often associated with it: the deadly iron palms, dim mark, and secret techniques known only by a 98-year-old monk somewhere near you. As far as our school is concerned, however, it offers none of the above- we simply train in the basics. Our approach to application is to learn the how and the why - not in a test of ego. Too much time may already have been wasted arguing whether the Incredible Hulk can take on Mighty Mouse. Time should be-and can be-better spend appreciating the joy of practice and finding like-minded individuals to share your interests. There is so much to learn in the vast universe of the martial arts.
Another disadvantage is the lack of qualify teachers or systems. Many people and organizations claims to train in the Shaolin martial arts but often their systems are insufficient for a student to truly benefit from such training. At the Ottawa Chinese Martial Arts Association, we encourage our students to keep an open mind and use their acquired knowledge and experience to make their own value judgments.. |