Gao Bagua Files: Water Section
As we move into the next section of movements, it's crucial to remember that the techniques themselves are only patterns of energy designed to illustrate how to disrupt the human body and psyche. They are keys that open possibilities, but they can not be forcefully or unnaturally applied. Think about it like downloading information into your body. When the program is ready, it will happen automatically. If you try to use it mid download, you are going to get server errors. Or you will get served because of your errors.
Just as in grappling, you can't do an arm bar anytime you feel like it, but must be skilled enough to place yourself into a position that the possibility more easily arises. After doing a technique 10,000 times, it becomes much easier to use it at the right time, but never underestimate the determination of the human spirit. These are not only the notes of my own personal research that I have gathered through sparring (heavy and light), security and even real combat, but also the notes of other masters and warriors that I have had the honor of working with, especially credited to my master Wu Guo Zheng. Still you don't need to get good at everything. Find your bread and butter and camouflage it with other techniques, set ups and footwork, footwork, footwork.
64 Palms ---- Water Section (9-16)
The Water Section is also called "The Way of the Hands" because it emphasizes various hand techniques used to deflect, absorb, intercept and manipulate oncoming attacks. The Water Section controls the space between the practitioner and the opponent as a rushing tide, overwhelming when it needs to be, or subtle if it's more suitable for the situation. It also uses splashing damage, which entails yanking the opponent into a strike to double the power. Because of the circular parries and light footwork in this section, it is ideal for both knife defense and knife fighting. As with all the sections, It's crucial to keep the shoulders pressed down, the elbows locked in behind the heart and the kua opened in order to effectively generate the needed effect of the Water Section.
Jie - Jie is the Intercepting Palm and the 9th of the 64 Palms. Utilizing the force of a step (forward, backward or stationary), a circular energy is transferred from the hips (dantian) into the fist in front of the body. By whipping the lead hand into a quick vortex motion that quickly straightens itself, the deflection invites the opponent even closer after his attack has been misdirected. The deflection is similar to the manner wheels of a speeding car can deflect rocks or even a bullet. Once the opponent's guard has been opened, you can grab either the striking hand or the passive hand to yank him toward your next attack. By extending the weight forward, force is snapped into the opponents ribs with either a fist, shoulder or elbow attack. After the opponent stumbles from the impact, quickly capture the other hand while stepping forward to release a finishing blow.
a. The Intercepting Palm is not only the counter to the Opening Palm, but the two movements can be used in sequence. Use kai and jie together to parry a combination fighter, allowing the back hand to counter effectively.
b. Jie is great for creating a lock, but even better for snapping a quick attack with very little effort. You can even allow yourself to take a blow to better capture the attack and then snap the elbow with the forearm as the attack extends. The other hand acts as a lever while capturing the blow and you can hyperextend the elbow even accidentally. Cautious practicing.
c. Jie works well while yielding weapons and is also one of the most effective methods to opening up a shoulder attack. If you are using a longer weapon and the opponent cuts off your space, use Jie to open his guard, then plant the shoulder on his center of gravity to create space. This places you in perfect range to finish him with the weapon.
Cang- Cang is the Hidden Palm and the 10th of the 64 palms. As the attack approaches, the lead hand grabs the attack using a circular motion, parrying with the back of the forearm and latching onto the back of the elbow. This assures that the opponent is unable to draw his hand back after its extension. Because the hand is outstretched in front of the opponent, the rear hand can follow the blindspot back to the opponent's ribs, hence the name "Hidden Palm." With a quick half-step, the palm can be launched into the blind spot under the opponents arm and as he stumbles, quickly use the striking hand to grab his limb from underneath and yank him into another attack with the lead hand.
a. Cang's circular motion can deflect a straight attack from either side. If you grab the outside hand, your hidden palm can easily strike the heart, If you grab the inside hand, you can crush the ribs along side of the body.
b. The yanking of this motion is just as important as the striking. The point is to hide the palm so that even a by stander couldn't identify what happened. Done correctly, this movement can calm an assailant amidst a crowd, without anyone being aware there was a fray. Because you are still holding on to his arm, you can yank him close after striking, and walk away with his arm around your shoulder as if he had a few too many beers.
c. As with all locks that are done on the arm, they actually represent the head and neck. In extreme circumstances, research how each hand motion can be used as a neck snap or choke.
Kan- Kan is the Chopping Palm and the 11th of the 64 palms. Either to block a low attack or release a hand grab, Kan first sinks the weight (usually a cross step) to shove the elbow toward the weak part of the hold or atop the incoming attack. Once the hand has been deflected, the rear hand simultaneously grabs the attack before the opponent can escape, pulling his weight off balance towards the front. Because the legs are crossed, by uncrossing them(stepping forward), you step to the opponent's rear with enough force to close line him with either a back fist, elbow or shoulder attack, depending on range.
a. The true secret of this movement lies on the "hand trade", meaning if someone grabs you, you've actually grabbed them. By learning to drop the weight quickly, shoving the elbow towards the weak part of the grasp, you place the opponent's hand into your grip in one fluid motion. This motion also cocks the body like a gun and allows an immediately release into the opponent's unprotected side.
b. Kan is also very effective against a good side kick. As you sink, circle the elbow atop the incoming attack and as you unwind, your force will shove him off balance before his foot can reach the ground.
c. As with all movements, this movement can be done both forwards, backwards and to every angle. Be sure to utilize this crossing step in all directions to fully understand the versatility of Kan in combat.
Xiao- Xiao is the Peeling Palm and the 12th of the 64 palms. It extends a spearhand while creating a wheel like motion in the legs, which allows the spearhand to be followed with a chopping motion of the rear hand. The spearhand first misdirects the oncoming attack, either upward or backward, allowing the following hand to smash the guard out of the way toward the ground. Once the opponent's force has been directed downward, the legs push forward as a sprinter and blasts him back with a single palm toward his centerline while the elbow acts as a shield for any surprises.
a. Xiao is great for deflecting the guard, but if the opponent is too close, the rear hand is excellent as a strike to the face. Be sure to get comfortable using all the ranges to effectively utilize this tool. Also try practice converting the strikes into elbows for extra close encounters.
b. Xiao also works as a great take down, by closing the gap with the spearhand and allowing the following hand to capture the head and yank him over the lead leg.
c. Xiao is a safe move to use because it is very easily followed with an upward motion to either the groin or mid section. Sometimes you can miss deliberately to bait the opponent into charging into a finishing movement.
Er- Er is the Double Palm and the 13th of the 64 palms. The spearhand first misdirects the oncoming attack to the side, and while stepping a horizontal fist can be slammed into the opening under the arm at the kidney area. Once the opponent has been stunned from this shot, the hips rotate into another step, sending a twin hammer fist into the heart from the opposite direction. Done quickly this attack strikes the front and back sensitive targets almost simultaneously, diverting all attention away from the striking limb, which is either opened or snapped with a circling motion. By using a thrusting step the opponent is shoved in either the ribs or the temple to finish.
a. The Double Palm is generated with a figure 8 motion that swirls from one hip to the other in rapid motion. However, this figure 8 motion is an infinite energy source and can be used to do a triple attack or even more. Of course successive striking is a flaw in any style without sufficient planning and timing. Still, if the opportunity is presented, quickly hammer fist from the front, to the back and to the front again (always targeting pressure points and knock out points), until the opponent loses consciousness, much like a boxer finishing off a dazed fighter.
b. The Double Palm lends itself to paired weapons quite effectively because of the nature of its two-handed successive attack. Anything from double sticks, daggers to nunchucks can be used to intensify damage with this whipping energy.
c. Though the transference of energy is generally emphasized from the waist into the hands, the energy can also be transferred into the legs, allowing for two successive sweeping attacks, attacking first the lead and then rear leg as it's lifted.
Hu- Hu is the Tiger Palm and the 14th of the 64 palms. First step to the side using a T-step motion while gathering the force into both hands, lifting the fists in front of the face while twisting upward to parry the oncoming attack. After the movement has either been parried or dodged, drop your weight, palms facing outward using a clawing motion toward the side of the face of the opponent. Use a small half step to gather enough force for a second clawing strike that will finish off the opponent.
a. Although this movement traditionally is a clawing attack, it works just as effective, if not more effective as a downward strike with the palms or elbows. Because the weight first lifts the opponent up with the block before dropping, his body is already falling, making a clawing attack to the face possibly a bit difficult to get off. Also clawing is gross. Who wants DNA stuck behind the fingernails?
b. Because of the great force this movement develops, it's excellent to disarm a pole weapon. It can also be used as an attack with a staff weapon or anything held between two hands.
c. As the hands rise up they twist and when they come down they twist into the claw attack. This twisting movement, in addition to bursting footwork is excellent for escaping various grabs on the wrist and upper body.
Duo- Duo is the Contending Palm and the 15th of the 64 palms. This movement is lead with a running spearhand that throws the opponent behind the practitioner in three short explosive steps. As the final step of the sprint is reached, the opponent is thrown behind, while the practitioner turns around in the opposite direction, using centripetal force to strike the lower spine with dual palms.
a. The hardest part of this movement is the footwork. Taking three steps while the opponent delivers a single strike is challenging, but even if you miss the grab, offensively you are placed in a better position for another attack. Also if the opponent throws a committed strike, you can throw him behind using only a single step.
b. If you master the three step burst, you don't need a spearhand or any movement to make contact. You can simple make him miss and be behind you if you utilize this step while he is in mid combination. When you reach his back, an attack to the spine is not the only option. Kick out the leg from the back of the knee or strike to the back of the neck. Be sure to stay close enough to the opponent that you can feel where he's going. Wherever he decides to move, move swiftly to his blind side and deliver a finishing blow.
c. Using a single step, this movement works beautifully against a one-two counter. Get adjusted as you parry the jab and step passed the second incoming punch. You will land in perfect position for a back elbow to the areas of preference.
Huan- Huan is the Enclosing Palm and the 16th of the 64 palms. The spearhand deflects the movement upward briefly as the following hand drops down in a circular motion with the elbow, trapping the arm in an arm bar. After snapping the arm, step forward and launch an attack to the exposed ribs. Then, yank the opponent toward you to drop him with an overtop elbow to the throat (Covering Palm) If he's still standing, follow up with the sweep on the leg, while throwing his corpse in the opposite direction.
a. This movement is actually a combination of 5 movements and any one of the movements is enough to end the fray. Use what is needed for the appropriate moment and let the nature of the battle lead you to what should happen next. Every movement is just a key for an opening and once you are in, the house is yours. That being said, the finishing sweep movement, is great for when people rush in at you.
b. The beginning arm bar/break, can be followed with any number of holds, strikes or escort movements. For complete control, following the arm bar, step forward and wrap the lead hand around the opponent's neck. This will place you in a great position to use the target as a human shield so you can perceive the environment or avoid extra aggressors.
c. All of the movements within Huan are generally seen as grabs and holds, but every movement can become anything. By converting the movements into strikes, you will find these circular techniques are great as a striking combination to get into a closer range while parrying multiple dangers.
Note: The Water Section is represented by Ayuko in my novel "Master Trey's Flawless Outlaws" Get it on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tales-Master-Treys-Flawless-Outlaws/dp/1532919727/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
Just as in grappling, you can't do an arm bar anytime you feel like it, but must be skilled enough to place yourself into a position that the possibility more easily arises. After doing a technique 10,000 times, it becomes much easier to use it at the right time, but never underestimate the determination of the human spirit. These are not only the notes of my own personal research that I have gathered through sparring (heavy and light), security and even real combat, but also the notes of other masters and warriors that I have had the honor of working with, especially credited to my master Wu Guo Zheng. Still you don't need to get good at everything. Find your bread and butter and camouflage it with other techniques, set ups and footwork, footwork, footwork.
64 Palms ---- Water Section (9-16)
The Water Section is also called "The Way of the Hands" because it emphasizes various hand techniques used to deflect, absorb, intercept and manipulate oncoming attacks. The Water Section controls the space between the practitioner and the opponent as a rushing tide, overwhelming when it needs to be, or subtle if it's more suitable for the situation. It also uses splashing damage, which entails yanking the opponent into a strike to double the power. Because of the circular parries and light footwork in this section, it is ideal for both knife defense and knife fighting. As with all the sections, It's crucial to keep the shoulders pressed down, the elbows locked in behind the heart and the kua opened in order to effectively generate the needed effect of the Water Section.
Jie - Jie is the Intercepting Palm and the 9th of the 64 Palms. Utilizing the force of a step (forward, backward or stationary), a circular energy is transferred from the hips (dantian) into the fist in front of the body. By whipping the lead hand into a quick vortex motion that quickly straightens itself, the deflection invites the opponent even closer after his attack has been misdirected. The deflection is similar to the manner wheels of a speeding car can deflect rocks or even a bullet. Once the opponent's guard has been opened, you can grab either the striking hand or the passive hand to yank him toward your next attack. By extending the weight forward, force is snapped into the opponents ribs with either a fist, shoulder or elbow attack. After the opponent stumbles from the impact, quickly capture the other hand while stepping forward to release a finishing blow.
a. The Intercepting Palm is not only the counter to the Opening Palm, but the two movements can be used in sequence. Use kai and jie together to parry a combination fighter, allowing the back hand to counter effectively.
b. Jie is great for creating a lock, but even better for snapping a quick attack with very little effort. You can even allow yourself to take a blow to better capture the attack and then snap the elbow with the forearm as the attack extends. The other hand acts as a lever while capturing the blow and you can hyperextend the elbow even accidentally. Cautious practicing.
c. Jie works well while yielding weapons and is also one of the most effective methods to opening up a shoulder attack. If you are using a longer weapon and the opponent cuts off your space, use Jie to open his guard, then plant the shoulder on his center of gravity to create space. This places you in perfect range to finish him with the weapon.
Cang- Cang is the Hidden Palm and the 10th of the 64 palms. As the attack approaches, the lead hand grabs the attack using a circular motion, parrying with the back of the forearm and latching onto the back of the elbow. This assures that the opponent is unable to draw his hand back after its extension. Because the hand is outstretched in front of the opponent, the rear hand can follow the blindspot back to the opponent's ribs, hence the name "Hidden Palm." With a quick half-step, the palm can be launched into the blind spot under the opponents arm and as he stumbles, quickly use the striking hand to grab his limb from underneath and yank him into another attack with the lead hand.
a. Cang's circular motion can deflect a straight attack from either side. If you grab the outside hand, your hidden palm can easily strike the heart, If you grab the inside hand, you can crush the ribs along side of the body.
b. The yanking of this motion is just as important as the striking. The point is to hide the palm so that even a by stander couldn't identify what happened. Done correctly, this movement can calm an assailant amidst a crowd, without anyone being aware there was a fray. Because you are still holding on to his arm, you can yank him close after striking, and walk away with his arm around your shoulder as if he had a few too many beers.
c. As with all locks that are done on the arm, they actually represent the head and neck. In extreme circumstances, research how each hand motion can be used as a neck snap or choke.
Kan- Kan is the Chopping Palm and the 11th of the 64 palms. Either to block a low attack or release a hand grab, Kan first sinks the weight (usually a cross step) to shove the elbow toward the weak part of the hold or atop the incoming attack. Once the hand has been deflected, the rear hand simultaneously grabs the attack before the opponent can escape, pulling his weight off balance towards the front. Because the legs are crossed, by uncrossing them(stepping forward), you step to the opponent's rear with enough force to close line him with either a back fist, elbow or shoulder attack, depending on range.
a. The true secret of this movement lies on the "hand trade", meaning if someone grabs you, you've actually grabbed them. By learning to drop the weight quickly, shoving the elbow towards the weak part of the grasp, you place the opponent's hand into your grip in one fluid motion. This motion also cocks the body like a gun and allows an immediately release into the opponent's unprotected side.
b. Kan is also very effective against a good side kick. As you sink, circle the elbow atop the incoming attack and as you unwind, your force will shove him off balance before his foot can reach the ground.
c. As with all movements, this movement can be done both forwards, backwards and to every angle. Be sure to utilize this crossing step in all directions to fully understand the versatility of Kan in combat.
Xiao- Xiao is the Peeling Palm and the 12th of the 64 palms. It extends a spearhand while creating a wheel like motion in the legs, which allows the spearhand to be followed with a chopping motion of the rear hand. The spearhand first misdirects the oncoming attack, either upward or backward, allowing the following hand to smash the guard out of the way toward the ground. Once the opponent's force has been directed downward, the legs push forward as a sprinter and blasts him back with a single palm toward his centerline while the elbow acts as a shield for any surprises.
a. Xiao is great for deflecting the guard, but if the opponent is too close, the rear hand is excellent as a strike to the face. Be sure to get comfortable using all the ranges to effectively utilize this tool. Also try practice converting the strikes into elbows for extra close encounters.
b. Xiao also works as a great take down, by closing the gap with the spearhand and allowing the following hand to capture the head and yank him over the lead leg.
c. Xiao is a safe move to use because it is very easily followed with an upward motion to either the groin or mid section. Sometimes you can miss deliberately to bait the opponent into charging into a finishing movement.
Er- Er is the Double Palm and the 13th of the 64 palms. The spearhand first misdirects the oncoming attack to the side, and while stepping a horizontal fist can be slammed into the opening under the arm at the kidney area. Once the opponent has been stunned from this shot, the hips rotate into another step, sending a twin hammer fist into the heart from the opposite direction. Done quickly this attack strikes the front and back sensitive targets almost simultaneously, diverting all attention away from the striking limb, which is either opened or snapped with a circling motion. By using a thrusting step the opponent is shoved in either the ribs or the temple to finish.
a. The Double Palm is generated with a figure 8 motion that swirls from one hip to the other in rapid motion. However, this figure 8 motion is an infinite energy source and can be used to do a triple attack or even more. Of course successive striking is a flaw in any style without sufficient planning and timing. Still, if the opportunity is presented, quickly hammer fist from the front, to the back and to the front again (always targeting pressure points and knock out points), until the opponent loses consciousness, much like a boxer finishing off a dazed fighter.
b. The Double Palm lends itself to paired weapons quite effectively because of the nature of its two-handed successive attack. Anything from double sticks, daggers to nunchucks can be used to intensify damage with this whipping energy.
c. Though the transference of energy is generally emphasized from the waist into the hands, the energy can also be transferred into the legs, allowing for two successive sweeping attacks, attacking first the lead and then rear leg as it's lifted.
Hu- Hu is the Tiger Palm and the 14th of the 64 palms. First step to the side using a T-step motion while gathering the force into both hands, lifting the fists in front of the face while twisting upward to parry the oncoming attack. After the movement has either been parried or dodged, drop your weight, palms facing outward using a clawing motion toward the side of the face of the opponent. Use a small half step to gather enough force for a second clawing strike that will finish off the opponent.
a. Although this movement traditionally is a clawing attack, it works just as effective, if not more effective as a downward strike with the palms or elbows. Because the weight first lifts the opponent up with the block before dropping, his body is already falling, making a clawing attack to the face possibly a bit difficult to get off. Also clawing is gross. Who wants DNA stuck behind the fingernails?
b. Because of the great force this movement develops, it's excellent to disarm a pole weapon. It can also be used as an attack with a staff weapon or anything held between two hands.
c. As the hands rise up they twist and when they come down they twist into the claw attack. This twisting movement, in addition to bursting footwork is excellent for escaping various grabs on the wrist and upper body.
Duo- Duo is the Contending Palm and the 15th of the 64 palms. This movement is lead with a running spearhand that throws the opponent behind the practitioner in three short explosive steps. As the final step of the sprint is reached, the opponent is thrown behind, while the practitioner turns around in the opposite direction, using centripetal force to strike the lower spine with dual palms.
a. The hardest part of this movement is the footwork. Taking three steps while the opponent delivers a single strike is challenging, but even if you miss the grab, offensively you are placed in a better position for another attack. Also if the opponent throws a committed strike, you can throw him behind using only a single step.
b. If you master the three step burst, you don't need a spearhand or any movement to make contact. You can simple make him miss and be behind you if you utilize this step while he is in mid combination. When you reach his back, an attack to the spine is not the only option. Kick out the leg from the back of the knee or strike to the back of the neck. Be sure to stay close enough to the opponent that you can feel where he's going. Wherever he decides to move, move swiftly to his blind side and deliver a finishing blow.
c. Using a single step, this movement works beautifully against a one-two counter. Get adjusted as you parry the jab and step passed the second incoming punch. You will land in perfect position for a back elbow to the areas of preference.
Huan- Huan is the Enclosing Palm and the 16th of the 64 palms. The spearhand deflects the movement upward briefly as the following hand drops down in a circular motion with the elbow, trapping the arm in an arm bar. After snapping the arm, step forward and launch an attack to the exposed ribs. Then, yank the opponent toward you to drop him with an overtop elbow to the throat (Covering Palm) If he's still standing, follow up with the sweep on the leg, while throwing his corpse in the opposite direction.
a. This movement is actually a combination of 5 movements and any one of the movements is enough to end the fray. Use what is needed for the appropriate moment and let the nature of the battle lead you to what should happen next. Every movement is just a key for an opening and once you are in, the house is yours. That being said, the finishing sweep movement, is great for when people rush in at you.
b. The beginning arm bar/break, can be followed with any number of holds, strikes or escort movements. For complete control, following the arm bar, step forward and wrap the lead hand around the opponent's neck. This will place you in a great position to use the target as a human shield so you can perceive the environment or avoid extra aggressors.
c. All of the movements within Huan are generally seen as grabs and holds, but every movement can become anything. By converting the movements into strikes, you will find these circular techniques are great as a striking combination to get into a closer range while parrying multiple dangers.
Note: The Water Section is represented by Ayuko in my novel "Master Trey's Flawless Outlaws" Get it on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tales-Master-Treys-Flawless-Outlaws/dp/1532919727/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
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