What is a breakfall? Learn how to fall properly is (should be) at the base of every serious martial art training. In this article, we are going to explain the most important concepts related to the contact with the ground. In particular, any martial artist should be interested in ground contacts as a result of: Projections […]
How to face the different types of exhaustion In this article, we are going to explain how to be able to train even when we have not yet developed sufficient discipline (read Having discipline: do not contradict ourselves). Not all states of exhaustion are similar. To understand how to succeed in our workout goals we […]
The most important 6 Dragons Kung Fu’s (specific) exercises After seeing the compositional elements of most of the martial arts’ training (read How to train in 6DKF: basic exercises) we pass to the categories of exercises specifically related to 6 Dragons Kung Fu (with or without weapons, with or without obstacles / variants). In 6DKF […]
The most important exercises categories To prepare ourselves consistently in 6 Dragons Kung Fu (or any other martial art) we have to plan a daily training focused on the development and maintenance of all the basic skills that a practitioner should possess (read also All the skills of 6 Dragons Kung Fu). In our school […]
Training everywhere exploiting the environment’s elements In the 6 Dragons Kung Fu’s workout economy (read 6 Dragons Kung Fu training sessions’ structure), it is very important to alternate the solo and partner training (read 5 effective ways to find a training partner) with the one to perform with a dummy (to hit at full power, […]
After seeing the correct mental attitude to face a fight to the ground, we review some physical and practical advice in order to have a good chance to prevail over our opponent: Let’s economize the use of our limbs, if we can block multiple opponent’s limbs using less than 2 limbs (eg. only with our […]
An exercise to improve coordination of the arms To start building a basic motion capability of our arms (eg. for trapping, read Trapping), we want to describe a very simple and useful exercise: its name is “The 6 stones”. Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on Patreon (see […]
The body’s well-being is high on the priorities of a good martial artist, it is therefore important to get to know how does it work without hesitation or fear. In this article we talk about intestine and correct method of defecation (a bad working intestine risks to jeopardize our Qi). As some recent scientific studies […]
In the previous article we saw, in practice, what is wrong to do during a confrontation on the ground, let’s see some tips on how mentally focus ourself for a ground fight. The mental attitude: In a ground fight we have (relatively) more time to process strategies, we have to use the inner calm to […]
What we really need to be able to use a martial weapon in a real situation In terms of martial arts, to be able to use a proper / improper weapon (read Improper weapons in a real situation) does not mean: Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners […]
After seeing how to prepare our body and our mind, let’s go deep in a real fight; first, we start to list what it is (usually) wrong to do: If we are going down to the ground we must avoid to beat in the wrong way, we must break the fall and distribute fluidly the […]
When a belt becomes a blindfold Whether we are instructors or students, sometimes degrees, belts, trophies and all the other types of “recognition” risk blocking our capability to grow. Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on Patreon (see how to attend our home study classes here Learn Kung […]
The importance of breathing freely Correct breathing (read Correct breathing) is beneficial in any type of physical activity but when we talk about martial arts (as we already had occasion to say) it is even indispensable. To have the right level of control over our breathing helps us to: Build power Manage our timing Sync […]
We saw some methodologies on how to avoid being caught, how do not end to the ground and how to finish on the ground in a beneficial way, now we start to see how to deal with a real fight to the ground. Fighting on the ground is almost always a bad idea, however, we […]
What truly is (self) discipline? “Having discipline means doing what we think, without acting on the basis of how we feel”. Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on Patreon (see how to attend our home study classes here Learn Kung Fu online: a beginner-to-expert course). In martial arts […]
What gives rise to ground fighting? Excluding the obvious (and extremely common) case of loss of balance (read How to improve balance: tricks and exercises), in most cases, what precedes a fight to the ground is: A grasping (by us or our opponent, read also Trapping [MINI-GUIDE]) A throw attempt (by us or our opponent) […]
Kung Fu should not only strengthen our body To be a true martial artist (especially when we talk about Kung Fu) it is not only about gaining fighting skills (technique, power, speed, flexibility, precision, resistance, etc.), it also means to understand how to control our ego, our instincts, our thoughts (read Mind skills: what we […]
Is it possible to avoid the ground fighting? As we said (read Ground fighting), to opt for ground fighting is: Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on Patreon (see how to attend our home study classes here Learn Kung Fu online: a beginner-to-expert course). Our starting point is […]
The real 6DKF practitioner is quiet only when, practicing, he realize he is making mistakes, it means that he knows which direction it has to take to improve. Never ignore doubts and errors. If the arrogance darkens our minds and we illude ourselves to be doing everything in the right way, our growth opportunities are […]
Why transfer the battle on the ground could be a hazardous Ground fighting it’s extremely technical / strategical and absolutely fascinating but… Before starting this topic it is important to say that, outside a ruled context (competitions, gym sparring, etc. read Declared techniques, sparring and sport competition), to transfer the fight on the ground is in […]
An ancient exercise to improve reflexes A big part of the 6 Dragons Kung Fu workout is dedicated to optimizing the innate functions of our mind and body. Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on Patreon (see how to attend our home study classes here Learn Kung Fu online: […]
A few days ago the youngest student of the guan where we practice (8 years) asked a question in a low voice that revealed a great depth of thought. It is therefore worthwhile to share this thread. Uan Zheng: “Sifu, why people die? I do not want to die…” Sifu: “What did you say?” Uan […]
Martial arts require a lot of energy Any martial athlete who is training on a daily base and intensively, constantly needs a proper energy intake. A poor nutrition attitude can cause serious deficiencies (especially after 30-35 years): It can annihilate a big part of the physical / mental performance It can limit / slow down […]
We conclude the discussion on how to climb a 2.5m wall of rock; if we have followed all the instructions we should have a good physical preparation and the ability to manage, evaluate and avoid possible dangers. Before starting: Let’s do some stretching and warming exercises Let’s do some running tests on the wall without […]
The best way to start a day is to perform a short sequence of awakening exercises. Awakening of the mind (inspired by Shaolin): Meditation by sitting (on our bed or on the floor) 7 complete rotations to the right of the eyes closed 7 complete rotations to the left of the eyes closed 36 rubs […]
After taking into account the necessary physical preparation (without which it is impossible to achieve the result) we start to see the technique to climb our wall (made of stone, 2.5m high). Preparation: Let’s do extensive stretching and warming (important) Let’s wear shoes with a sole as much as possible “prehensile” Let’s choose the wall […]
A tribute to Yossi Sheriff, a real master. Info:Bujinkan shidoshi and headmaster of AKBAN Academy (Bujinkan Ninjutsu).
As we have seen, we must be in good physical shape to be able to climb without help a 2.5m wall, now let’s see some more specific exercises to be performed as a consequence of those already mentioned. Exercises to be performed for the 50% of the time (the initial half) with the 25kg vest […]
Climb over a wall with bare hands can be more or less easy in relation to the following variables (independent of us): The height of the wall The slope of the wall The wall surface type (eg. stone, live brick, etc.) … As well in relation to some other closely related to us: Our weight […]
In the 6DKF the construction of the iron palm is (as already mentioned) the result of a long process of improving, mental (concentration, etc.) and physical (conditioning, etc.); in short, we must treat the evolution of: A passive structure (hardening of the bones, muscles, etc.) An active structure (the control of breathing, Qi, etc.) In […]
What is the most useful fighting skill? Not without a bit ‘of irony, we want to ask a question rather absurd: What would be the ability that “potentially” (brought to the highest level conceivable) could be sufficient (eg. for an old man or a child) to win against every kind of opponent? Note – This […]
Speed, power and precision: how to mechanize and optimize our moves In martial arts terms, when we talk about muscle memory we refer to the capability that our psychophysical system has to facilitate, accelerate and / or improve the execution of a certain move (eg. a kick, a throw, a defensive step, etc.). Note – […]
Every human body expresses its own potential at the same time in a similar and different from all the others way. As we have already had occasion to say, in a fight no matter how we are quick to move but how we are fast to execute effective techniques, the 6DKF therefore insists on two […]
What are the soft movements? At the base of a large percentage of 6 Dragons Kung Fu’s techniques, there are soft movements (read 6DKF’s interactions: from the strong blow to the light touch), their fundamental characteristics are: Relaxation – It has to be interpreted as an absence of stiffness, not a weak setting Harmony – […]
The Iron Palm skill: second phase Important – Do not read thi article without having read the indications of the first phase Iron Palm conditioning (for beginners). As we said, in our and in many other martial arts, is developed a particular type of hand conditioning commonly known as “Iron Palm”. In our school, even […]
What distinguishes 6 Dragons Kung Fu The classical martial arts schools’ teaching method and its limits Let’s imagine a total beginner, most martial arts schools (modern or traditional they are, read also The disadvantages of “traditional” Kung Fu) tend to immediately force him / her to a preconfigured type of: Techniques Training exercises Tactical purposes […]
A good exercise to learn how to distribute our weight dynamically is this one: Let’s take a medicine ball (minimum 5 kg) Let’s position the ball on a flat surface, smooth and resistant (our weight + the ball) Let’s take a chair with the backrest and let’s position it in front of the ball With […]
An unorthodox training with a Tennis ball In this article we want to talk about pneumatic ball training, an advanced workout that in some ways may seem “ridiculous” but it really helps to develop and combine high-level skills like: Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on Patreon […]
A”T” weight and a crucial exercise to master weapons After having seen the risks related to the use of a martial weapon with an incorrect muscular setting (read Prepare arms, wrists and fingers to use weapons), let’s see a fundamental exercise to strengthen one of the most important parts of our arms (that comes from […]
A 4-hours session (high intensity) An example of an advanced daily training session of 6 Dragons Kung Fu (4 hours, individual, including some special / specific tools and exercises): 10 minutes of fast running (explosive power, maximum speed, short distance, round trip, read 5 running exercises ideal for beginners / warm-up) 10 minutes of power […]
The importance of breathing in combat Breathing is a fundamental task during any type of struggle and can make the difference between prevailing and losing. Good management of respiration is the signature of the expert fighter. Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on Patreon (see how to […]
To utilize even a 1.5kg sword (or any other weapon to hold in hand) in an effective way, as well as having a good technical knowledge we must also have a suitable physical structure. Each sword, stick, ax, nunchaku or other proper or improper instrument has a: Specific weight Different aerodynamic Certain kind of balance […]
We saw 10 changes at the physical level, we see now, mentally, 12 examples of what changes in the life of a true 6DKF’s practitioner: The martial art permeate every element of our lives but it isn’t our life, it is a support but not an end There is nothing that is worth losing our […]
Am I too old or too young to start practicing Kung Fu? One of the most recurrent questions (read also Questions / answers about Kung Fu, courses and more) among people who are entering the world of martial arts is the one that concerns the right age to start, well: It does not exist. Everything […]
Legs conditioning for kicks After having seen the characteristics of a good kick (read The characteristics of a good kick), we go on to expose what to train (and how) to allow our legs to kick in the most effective way. Before proceeding to the practical exercises to perform it is important to know that: In […]
Why is kicking more dangerous than punching? During combat: Using the upper limbs – Involves the classical trapping-related risks (open our guard, get intercepted, give the chance to our opponent to hit our vulnerable parts, etc. read Trapping) Using the lower limbs – Could be even more dangerous, because, in addition to the trapping’s dangers, […]
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The principle behind a persuasion-oriented mental conditioning Deception, of whatever kind it is, is functional if the victim is unable to recognize its existence. In particular, a big or small cheat is the more effective, the more difficult the following parameters are to identify: Note – This article has been asked by one of our […]
How Kung Fu can transform us into a totally new person: the physical changes Kung Fu is not only a martial art (read 6 Dragons Kung Fu: what does it teach?), it is also a style of life and if we truly focus on its rational path of self-discipline (read Discipline is the key to […]
Deception: an analysis of brain activity Although we often do not realize it, our mind never works at the same pace: at the variation of needs and / or resources at its disposal (genetic, contextual etc.) it uses different types of wave frequencies. Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core […]
What Qi is not and our approach The first thing to stress is that, in 6 Dragons Kung Fu, Qi has nothing supernatural: Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on Patreon (see how to attend our home study classes here Learn Kung Fu online: a beginner-to-expert course). We […]
In the previous article we talked about “conscious” deception, let’s now attach to the speech the idea of “unconscious” deception. This second category includes, for example, the famous subliminal messages: those constructs that lead to take actions or convince of certain things without noticing it (in many cases, neither before nor after the attainment of […]
How to do the splits In the previous article (read The easiest method to do the side split), we have described the most simple and effective way to make a good side split. Let’s define now the final details of the exercise (it is useless to say that to read this we must have already […]
How to learn to do the split As we already mentioned, in Kung Fu and in martial arts in general, body flexibility involves a myriad of applications (read Body flexibility and martial arts) but some of the biggest advantages come from the improvement of the opening of our legs. In this discussion, we will see: […]
Deception: the functions of the mind Talking about the human brain, we could say that what governs our behavior and reactions (in relation to the external stimuli) depends on: Speed and breadth of reasoning (the effectiveness of the work of our synapses) Previous experiences (what we can remember or we think to remember) Reasoning method […]
Training with the Jook Wan Huen An effective tool to improve our martial skills (tactile sensitivity for trapping, Chi Sau, etc. read All the skills of 6 Dragons Kung Fu) is to use the Wing Chun’s Jook Wan Huen. Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on Patreon […]
Let’s reassume the idea of receiving-processing of external impulses with one word: attention, pay attention. Attention is like a video camera: If we try to frame a too large portion of space we lose all the details If we zoom on a small area we see some details but we lose everything else The conjurer […]
After mentioning the four (main) types of deception that we will discuss and having gradually focused their most common point (the “distraction”), let’s try to analyze what are the forced paths that allow us to convey our “fallacious messages”. First, it should be emphasized that there are: Active / passive distractions created by us Fortuitous […]
Take the right direction in your life: choose a straight line One of the most interesting principles of surviving says that: When we are lost (for example) in a forest, if we are certain that no one will ever come looking for us, the best way to get out is to choose an intelligent direction (a […]
In the 6DKF, as we mentioned in the past, the ability to deceive opponents is taught: In terms of combat (eg. feints) In terms of survival (eg. simulate dead) In terms of persuasion (eg. lead a discussion where we want) In terms of intelligence (eg. perform an action without the observer’s consciousness) In this specific […]