Taiji Praying Mantis Fist Ba Zhou 30 Elbow Methods by Xia Shaolong Kung Fu 2DVD
LECTURER: Xia Shaolong
SKUDW198-01
SUBTITLEEnglish / Chinese
TIME124.0
Index: Taiji Praying Mantis Fist Ba Zhou 30 Elbow Methods by Xia Shaolong Kung Fu 2DVD // Xia Shaolong / Eight Elbows // Instructional Archive
Advanced Taiji Praying Mantis Fist Ba Zhou Technical Routine Featuring 30 Elbow Methods And Cold Chicken Step Footwork By Master Xia Shaolong DVD
Index: Taiji Praying Mantis Fist Ba Zhou 30 Elbow Methods by Xia Shaolong Kung Fu 2DVD // Xia Shaolong / Eight Elbows // Instructional Archive
Ancient Defense Logic
●Master the 'Ba Zhou' mother routine containing 30 distinct elbow strike methods.
●Learn the specialized 'Cold Chicken Step' for superior combat stability and agility.
●Develop vigorous body force through the 'Spirit over Shape' internal philosophy.
●Expert instruction by 7th generation heir Xia Shaolong on Mantis Internal Power.
Understand the scientific alignment of the skeletal structure in wushu.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND MANTIS LINEAGE
Taiji Praying Mantis Fist (Taiji Tanglang Quan) is a sophisticated internal martial art that combines the agile, trapping movements of the Mantis with the profound internal mechanics of Taiji. This Technical Routine, known as 'Ba Zhou' (Eight Elbows), is the 'Mother' of the entire system, used to develop the specific Internal Power and structural integrity of the lineage. Master Xia Shaolong, a 7th generation successor and head of the Shaolong Martial Arts Club in Qingdao, presents this art with the authority of a direct heir. Historically, Ba Zhou was the core syllabus used to train the practitioner's 'Vigorous Body Force.' Although named 'Eight Elbows,' the routine actually encompasses 30 distinct elbow methods, making it one of the most comprehensive close-quarters combat systems in traditional Wushu.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SPIRIT OVER SHAPE
The defining philosophy of Taiji Praying Mantis is 'Stressing the Spirit over the Shape.' The Technical Routine focuses on the 'Mantis Body' and the specialized 'Cold Chicken Step' (Han Ji Bu). This footwork provides a unique 'Slanting Posture' that protects the centerline while allowing for rapid, explosive entries. Master Xia demonstrates how the 'Taiji Hand' is used to trap and control an opponent's limbs, creating openings for the devastating elbow strikes. The routine is characterized by its 'Vigorous Body Force' and 'Clumsy Force Channel' (a term referring to raw, unadorned power). The 30 elbow methods cover all angles of attack, from vertical drops to horizontal smashes, ensuring that the practitioner is a formidable force in close-range encounters.
BIO-MECHANICAL ALIGNMENT AND Internal Power
The bio-mechanics of Ba Zhou focus on 'Frontal Bones' (Gu Zheng) and 'Spinal Alignment.' Master Xia explains how the power is generated from the feet, directed by the 'Python Waist,' and expressed through the elbows. The routine emphasizes 'Sectional Relaxation,' which allows for the sudden release of 'Fa-Jin' (Explosive Power) without the use of 'Clumsy Strength.' This process of 'Internal Alchemy' transforms the practitioner's body into a resilient and powerful instrument. The training focuses on 'Body-Mind Integration,' where the intent (Yi) guides the internal pressure to the point of impact. By mastering these elbow methods, the student develops the 'Fluid Structure' and 'Cohesive Choreography' necessary for high-level martial mastery.
CULTIVATION AND MARTIAL ARTISTRY
This 119-minute instructional guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the 30 elbow methods and the foundational drills of Taiji Praying Mantis. Master Xia Shaolong provides a step-by-step analysis of each movement, focusing on the 'Form & Applications' to ensure students understand the martial intent. The routine is designed to improve balance, joint mobility, and functional strength, while simultaneously developing a lethal self-defense skill set. The meditative quality of the practice promotes 'Spirit Preservation' and mental focus. By following the systematic approach outlined in this DVD, students can achieve a deep understanding of the 'Ba Zhou' mechanics, providing a solid base for advanced study in the Taiji Praying Mantis tradition and the broader world of Chinese Wushu.
Taiji Praying Mantis Fist (Taiji Tanglang Quan) is a sophisticated internal martial art that combines the agile, trapping movements of the Mantis with the profound internal mechanics of Taiji. This Technical Routine, known as 'Ba Zhou' (Eight Elbows), is the 'Mother' of the entire system, used to develop the specific Internal Power and structural integrity of the lineage. Master Xia Shaolong, a 7th generation successor and head of the Shaolong Martial Arts Club in Qingdao, presents this art with the authority of a direct heir. Historically, Ba Zhou was the core syllabus used to train the practitioner's 'Vigorous Body Force.' Although named 'Eight Elbows,' the routine actually encompasses 30 distinct elbow methods, making it one of the most comprehensive close-quarters combat systems in traditional Wushu.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SPIRIT OVER SHAPE
The defining philosophy of Taiji Praying Mantis is 'Stressing the Spirit over the Shape.' The Technical Routine focuses on the 'Mantis Body' and the specialized 'Cold Chicken Step' (Han Ji Bu). This footwork provides a unique 'Slanting Posture' that protects the centerline while allowing for rapid, explosive entries. Master Xia demonstrates how the 'Taiji Hand' is used to trap and control an opponent's limbs, creating openings for the devastating elbow strikes. The routine is characterized by its 'Vigorous Body Force' and 'Clumsy Force Channel' (a term referring to raw, unadorned power). The 30 elbow methods cover all angles of attack, from vertical drops to horizontal smashes, ensuring that the practitioner is a formidable force in close-range encounters.
BIO-MECHANICAL ALIGNMENT AND Internal Power
The bio-mechanics of Ba Zhou focus on 'Frontal Bones' (Gu Zheng) and 'Spinal Alignment.' Master Xia explains how the power is generated from the feet, directed by the 'Python Waist,' and expressed through the elbows. The routine emphasizes 'Sectional Relaxation,' which allows for the sudden release of 'Fa-Jin' (Explosive Power) without the use of 'Clumsy Strength.' This process of 'Internal Alchemy' transforms the practitioner's body into a resilient and powerful instrument. The training focuses on 'Body-Mind Integration,' where the intent (Yi) guides the internal pressure to the point of impact. By mastering these elbow methods, the student develops the 'Fluid Structure' and 'Cohesive Choreography' necessary for high-level martial mastery.
CULTIVATION AND MARTIAL ARTISTRY
This 119-minute instructional guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the 30 elbow methods and the foundational drills of Taiji Praying Mantis. Master Xia Shaolong provides a step-by-step analysis of each movement, focusing on the 'Form & Applications' to ensure students understand the martial intent. The routine is designed to improve balance, joint mobility, and functional strength, while simultaneously developing a lethal self-defense skill set. The meditative quality of the practice promotes 'Spirit Preservation' and mental focus. By following the systematic approach outlined in this DVD, students can achieve a deep understanding of the 'Ba Zhou' mechanics, providing a solid base for advanced study in the Taiji Praying Mantis tradition and the broader world of Chinese Wushu.
Master Xia Shaolong
Xia Shaolong - Mantis Kung Fu (Tanglang Quan)
Xia Shaolong is a distinguished master of Mantis Kung Fu, specifically known for his expertise in the Six Harmonies Mantis (Liuhe Tanglang) and Seven Star Mantis (Qixing Tanglang) traditions. He is a prominent figure in the Qingdao and Yantai martial arts circles, which are considered the ancestral homes of the Mantis styles.
Lineage and Background
Xia Shaolong’s martial heritage is deeply rooted in the traditional Shandong lineages. He is recognized for his commitment to the rigorous, old-school training methods that define the "Northern Mantis" styles.
Style Specialization: While proficient in various branches, he is particularly noted for his mastery of Six Harmonies Mantis, which is considered the "softest" and most internal of the Mantis branches, focusing on fluid, continuous movement.
Cultural Preservation: He has been a key figure in organizing traditional martial arts exchanges in China, working to ensure that the subtle technical details of Mantis footwork and hand traps are not lost to modernization.
Reputation: Known for his exceptional speed and the "sticking" quality of his techniques, he embodies the Mantis principle of "fast as lightning, heavy as a mountain."
Instructional Media and Resources
Xia Shaolong has recorded extensive instructional materials (including classic DVD series) that serve as a bridge for international students to learn the authentic Shantung Mantis styles. His teaching covers:
The Foundation of "Hooking and Plucking": Detailed instruction on the signature Mantis "hook" (Gou) and the rapid-fire hand techniques (hand-trapping) used to overwhelm opponents.
Six Harmonies Mantis Forms: Precise demonstrations of forms such as "Short Hammer" (Duan Chui) and "Twin Chops" (Shuang Ci), emphasizing the coordination of the "Six Harmonies."
Combat Applications: His media often includes breakdowns of the "12 Character Principles" (12 Yao Jue), showing how to apply hooks, grabs, and strikes in real-time combat scenarios.
Core Technical Characteristics
The technical style of Xia Shaolong highlights the unique duality of Mantis Kung Fu:
"Soft" and "Hard" Combined: His movements demonstrate the ability to be soft and yielding like a willow tree one moment, and explosive and rigid the next.
The Monkey Step: Mastery of the specialized Mantis footwork, which uses quick, agile steps to close the distance or change angles, mimicking the nimbleness of a monkey.
Continuous Striking: He emphasizes the "interrupted" rhythm of Mantis strikes, where one hand never stops moving, creating a relentless barrage of attacks that are difficult to defend against.
HERITAGE ARCHIVE: This instructional media is part of the Chinoiserie2008 Traditional Wushu Collection. Our mission is to preserve the authentic lineage and technical standards of Chinese martial arts through systematic digital documentation.
ID: DW198-01
TAGS: Taiji Praying Mantis | Ba Zhou | Xia Shaolong | Eight Elbows
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