As we have seen, there are several categories of exercises for the development of the “soft power”, the first one we analyze belongs to the group of air movements. The practice we are going to describe is called “wind wake” and it is (initially) simple: Let’s take 2 strips of cloth with a length equal […]
Why is toes conditioning so important? In 6 Dragons Kung Fu , the principal uses for the toes are (in order of relevance): Improve explosive mobility – The most common, important and underestimated application (to move, hit, etc.) Help (partially) to “grab” – To do not allow the opponent to move (eg. blocking his foot to the ground), to […]
A rotation exercise to improve the lower limbs’ performance in combat In this tutorial, we are going to see an effective exercise to gradually increase leg strength. 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: […]
We have already had occasion to introduce the swirling movements of the Dragon Motion ( “The 6DKF Dragon Motion: the swirling movements” and “The Dragon Motion: a first insight and 4 exercises”), we see now some details about how to improve our practice: We need to smooth out all possible angles and rigidity, the body […]
Manage the fighting rhythm in relation to that of our opponents is one of the fundamental keys to prevail in any fight. During each type of combat, the body of the contenders continuously passes from positions favorable to the defense / attack to positions “unfavorable” (in relation to the one of the others): Distance Dislocation […]
A first approach with sparring The first type of sparring that we analyze is the slow-motion fighting. This kind of “clash” is the least dangerous, it favors technique, balance, tactics and strategy but completely excludes speed, stress, conditioning and power. A note by Master Kongling – Sparring is very different from street fighting (read The 6 […]
In 6DKF, as we have amply pointed out earlier, the exercise with the fabric cloth is one of the most important practices (to know how to perform it, we refer to previous articles about it). In order to effectively run our training sessions with this basic tool we want now to see a number of […]
We continue the discussion (started in the previous article) about speed with the asynchronous and circular vibrations. The basic asynchronous vibrations: 1) Let’s open our arms laterally and through our elbows, we have to vibrate our forearms up and down (the arms are bent at 90 and our hands are closed as “spoon” with the […]
The secret to build real speed After making all the necessary premises about the exercises related to speed development (read Find the maximum speed that we can express), we move on to describe the first: the vibrations one. Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on Patreon (see […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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: […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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: […]
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 […]
An intermediate level dodge conditioning After having initiated our mind/body to the idea of the dodge motion (read Preparing body to dodge punches (“U” motion)) we want to share an exercise that, at the same time, teaches us to: Dodge multiples / combined attacks without going too far from the opponent Maintain balance even in […]
How to dodge punches: prepare the body for the “U” motion Before starting to train our reflexes to recognize and avoid punches, we must accustom our body to the calibrated and explosive movement of a basic dodge (read Dodge attacks). Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on […]
Coordination has to be a constant in martial arts. Here is an exercise that helps us to have greater mastery of our body: Let’s take a pencil / pen and a sheet of paper (A4 size) Let’s create in our mind a state of relaxation and concentration With one hand, let’s grasp the pencil and […]
The second exercise to build a good muscle chain After the first exercise (read Exercise 1 for the abs to develop the muscle chain), it is now time to see the second one useful to condition our muscle chain (read Use the body power: the muscle chain). Note – This article has been asked by […]
Conditioning to pain: a simple but effective exercise After having familiarized ourselves with the concept of “pain tolerance” (read Acceptance and prevention of pain), it is now time to make a new step toward a real impact conditioning for combat. Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on […]
A multitasking practice to develop physical and mental coordination In 6 Dragons Kung Fu when we talk about coordination we do not refer only to the capability to master more or less complex motor skills but also to the ability to mentally focus on 2 (or more) different and simultaneous tasks. Note – This article […]
Why condition our body to resist pain One of the most basic aspects that a true martial artist should learn to manage / reduce is pain. We cannot panic or remain powerless at the slightest contact, no matter if: Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on Patreon […]
At the base of multitasking: mental coordination With “mental coordination” we normally refer to the ability to process information, plan / organize actions and make decisions in a coherent / effective way. Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on Patreon (see how to attend our home study […]
See everything, do not look at anything: the applications As we seen in the past articles (read The overall view: see everything, do not look at anything and What we need to develop the overall view) the overall view is a fundamental skill for any kind of practitioner: In self-defense – To see what happens around us (unexpected aggressors, […]
The basic concepts of stealth walking As Ninjutsu teaches us, the same concepts that we have introduced talking about invisibility in the crowd (read Be invisible in the crowd: divert attention), return in stealth walking: Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on Patreon (see how to attend […]
An exercise to develop the soft touch skill 6 Dragons Kung Fu has no juggling purposes but a basic level of dexterity is absolutely fundamental: especially managing sharpened weapons. During combat is not so strange to lose the control of ours or opponent’s weapon and this eventuality must be managed in the correct way. Particularly in the […]
How to build a good kinetic chain (for martial arts) The best way to develop our muscle chain (read Use the body power: the muscle chain) is by conditioning the muscle memory (read The muscle memory) of our body in groups: Note – This article has been originally asked by one of our Core Course […]
A very interesting exercise (not for beginners) to develop the ability to grab / catch / dodge / manage human limbs is the 6 Dragons Kung Fu’s Dynamic Water Bottle training. This evolution of the fabric cloth practice (read Basic tools: the cloth) is a workout that implies: A considerable speed and accuracy (spatial intelligence) A basilar […]
The benefits of constant change conditioning After the explanation of what we mean by “constant change” in our Kung Fu (read Same exercises, different execution) we want now to share a few practical ideas on how to make our training: Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on […]
Reach a target with a dart (or a stone, or a knife or any other object) with calm and concentration is useful but only covers a small part of what we really want to learn. We are not preparing to become jugglers, almost immediately we have to project ourselves in the real context, we have […]
Martial arts: precision training with an anatomical skeleton During our advanced training sessions, we use a life-size human skeleton (similar to the one in the photo) as a training dummy (read All the training dummies). The goal is to get used to manipulating the human rigid internal structure. Note – This article has been asked […]
The improvement of toe performance As we said in Why train fingers and toes, quite often the importance of the toes is underestimated but their contribution to the economy of a fight has not to be underestimated (for balance, to direct the body inertia, etc.). Note – This article has been asked by one of […]
An advanced version of the fabric cloth training The hanging speedball exercise (read Basic tools: the cloth) is one of the fundamental technical training of 6 Dragons Kung Fu (read ). The idea is always to imagine to face real opponents but the risk to get used to the dynamics of the basic version of […]
An advanced practice to build stamina, reflexes, speed and spatial intelligence In our school, after the first 3 basic tools (read ): the next most effective tool to develop good martial skills (read All the skills of 6 Dragons Kung Fu) is certainly the Tennis ball. Note – This article has been asked by one of […]
Hands strengthening for combat Conditioning: why and how? In martial arts terms, at least basic impact conditioning (read Conditioning check for the impact) of the body is a key aspect for those who want to: Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on Patreon (see how to attend […]
After understanding what is the dynamic equilibrium, here we have 3 exercises that can help us to develop it (10 minutes each): First exercise (do not drop down) Let’s find a place away from potential obstacles The starting position is standing (we can not move our feet) Let us fall in random directions (right, left, […]
A wooden dummy cannot move Before starting, it is important to stress that: This is not a classical training and this is not the Wing Chun or Jeet Kune Do’s wooden dummy (read The 6 Dragons Kung Fu’s wooden dummy) The practice with the wooden dummy is an extension of one of the core technical […]
When we fight our senses show us targets, specific positions to be reached or take to defend or attack, but, once made our movements towards these “destinations”, we find out that the ones we reach are often different from where we really wanted to be. In 6DKF we train to reach progressively higher and higher […]
In 6 Dragons Kung Fu’s trapping method (read Trapping [MINI-GUIDE]), we generally try to avoid as much as possible to grab the opponent with our fingers but when we have to (or when we have a good opportunity): we want to be sure that our grip is not only solid but also able to directly […]
The exercise we are going to describe has the objective to unleash the power of the muscle chain of the 6 Dragons Kung Fu in an effective, natural and especially instinctive way (just as we do when we breathe). The goal is to connect one by one all the parts of our body starting from […]
How to empower the perception Our goal is not so much to become able to fight in the darkness but to learn to do not base our fighting capability on the sight, to listen to the other senses and mental faculties like: Spatial intelligence – With wich, we can create a mental map of the […]
A good exercise to train our reflexes is to hang a stick to an elastic rope and fight with him; the goal is to hit without being hit but at any impact the stick will “react” by attacking with the end opposite to that which we pushed. The basic idea is that of the swivel […]
Dragon Motion: a step forward Continuing the Dragon Motion’s exploration started in Dragon Motion: the swirling movements, we want to deepen some of the peculiar aspects of this technique and give some of the basics to start its development. Note – This article has been originally asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on […]
A tool to strengthen wrists: the “T” weight This exercise is typical of Okinawan Karate, it is included in the Hojo Undo practice and consists of frontally lifting a stone disc (Chi Ishi) up and down. Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on Patreon (see how to attend our […]
The best way to master a weapon is always to starting with a “substitute” less functional and less dangerous. In this particular case we want to exercise the skills of throwing generic darts (let’s imagine little metal sticks, darts, throwing knives, etc.). The type of launch we want to learn in this exercise is linear, […]
We said that the fingers have to be trained for resistance, flexibility, agility and power, here are some exercises (one for each of these skills): Resistance, take a bag of rice (0.5-1kg), let’s close it well and while we grab (with great force) with one hand, with the other we have to hit it with […]
The main concepts related to balance First of all, we must introduce a few definitions. Given a “perfectly flat” ground: Center of gravity – It’s the point of application of all weight forces on a body Point of support – It is the point where is projected the center of gravity onto the ground (eg. […]
More about the fabric cloth training After having introduced the most important of the fundamental technical practices of 6 Dragons Kung Fu (read ), we want to deepen the topic. In this article we aim to share some of the most important details that we have not discussed previously (read Basic tools: the cloth). How […]
Basic tools: the cloth, the most unorthodox but effective training tool of our school The most crucial technical practice of 6 Dragons Kung Fu (read ) is one that we perform by throwing and hitting a cloth on the fly. Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on […]
What is Hanging Speedball Training? The second of the 5 fundamental technical practices of 6 Dragons Kung Fu (read ) is the Hanging Speedball Training: it basically consists of a speedball hanging from an elastic rope through 1 or more carabiners. Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners […]