Kim Salvage
Although it is an art of many disciplines, many of them therapeutic, Kung Fu is
generally known as a fighting skill. Of course, fighting skill is, in itself, difficult to
define, in so far as it is as much a personal attribute as opposed to something which can
be acquired. However, there are certain techniques and tactical approaches to a combat
situation which will enhance the chances of success. There is no magic formula for
success, as success depends upon the ability of the individual concerned. However there
can be no doubt that a grounding in at least one well rounded style is, at least,
desirable. There are a myriad of different styles available today but, generally - Karate
(Japanese), Tae Kwon Do (Korean) and Kung Fu (Chinese) are three main headings under which
most styles lie or have their origins.
All of the afore-mentioned styles can be decidedly effective in a combat situation when
properly applied, and, whilst these diversions of styles have both their adherents and
opponents, it is not the purpose of this paper to go into the pro's and con's for each
discipline. Rather, it is to discuss the tactical advantages of the basics of Bac Fu Do
Kung Fu.
Although the myth that an expert in Kung Fu can defeat any number and size of opponents
is not true, a correct and timely application of the basics of the art will greatly
increase your chances of staying out of trouble and injury, if flight is neither desirable
nor possible.
Bac Fu Do is a blend of three major styles of Kung Fu, namely Wing Chun, Choy Lee Fut
and Sil Lum, chosen for their complementary aspects of range, speed and direction of
attack. Possibly the most important consideration of Bac Fu Do is that the individual is
encouraged to adopt those particular aspects of the style which suit both the students
physical makeup and temperament, rather than to blindly follow which, by some styles, is
considered to be classically correct. The individual does, thus, at least have the
opportunity to maximise the use of personal attributes and abilities.
Kung Fu divides the body into four zones for defense - upper and lower left, and right.
Generally, an attack to any particular part of the body is blocked or deflected by the
limb in that zone. For attack the body is divided into three zones - upper ( Head and
Shoulders), midriff and lower. This concept, when combined with the five angles of entry -
straight, rising, falling, extending and contracting will set up an attack which is
particularly difficult to defend against as it does not give the opponent any chance to
set up any rhythm of defense.
Bac Fu Do utilises the concept of 'Economy of Movement'. By this it is meant that it is
better to always use the most efficient, simple technique, not just to conserve energy,
but because more often than not it will be the most effective. This concept also
encompasses the idea of moving with your opponent - push when he pulls, and vice versa.
Don't meet force straight on, deflect it to your advantage.
Bac Fu Do also utilises an open-handed approach, which enjoys at least three main
advantages over the close fisted concept. Firstly, it increases the speed at which blocks
and strikes can be effected by negating the naturally antagonistic aspect of the muscles
caused by a clenched fist. Secondly, it facilitates grab and hold techniques and thirdly,
it allows for a greater variety of choice of hand formations which can be applied in the
final blow. It is worthwhile to comment here on the grasping tactic. Whilst it is good to
block and strike, it is nearly always better to block and trap, as to even momentarily
immobilize your opponent's hands or feet will decrease their ability to defend or counter
attack and also give you ample time to deliver a decisive stroke of your own.
Also, Bac Fu Do is a style which incorporates simultaneous blocking and striking
techniques, and is therefore inherently and structurally faster ( and safer) than a style
which uses a block followed by a strike. Hence, Bac Fu Do is a style which will allow the
individual to realise their full speed and potential, something not offered by a
structurally slow style. Similar to the concept of simultaneous blocking and striking, is
the tactic of converting say, a defensive block into an offensive striking combination -
which, in turn, can be aborted to defense if the situation changes and the circumstances
so dictate.
Another decisive advantage of Bac Fu Do Kung Fu is the emphasis on stances and
footwork. Bac Fu Do shies away from overuse of deep, heavy stances, and stresses mobility.
Although any stance change or shift in balance can be potentially risky in a fight, it is
a necessary evil, far outweighing that tactical deficiency of immobility which simply
turns the fighter into a target capable only of defense, with no real attack other than a
few short range hand techniques. Almost all fighting is attacking - If you're defending,
you're losing. Footwork is most important when advancing towards your opponent. If you go
straight at him, you take the risk of being impaled on one of his techniques. Therefore,
Bac Fu Do employs an oblique approach, which has the added advantage of making the
attacker a moving target, not just a foreshortened one. The footwork here is explosive,
legs positioned to protect the groin, and always going to the outside of the opponent if
possible. The attacking techniques are brought as quickly as possible to the opponent,
overwhelming them.
It is important that the techniques are formulated and practiced in a manner which is
continuous. Stop/Start techniques are not very difficult to counter, and the opponent is
given the opportunity to launch his own attack. An attacking combination which flows is
more alive. Success in a combat situation is achieved through constant practice, until
blocks and strike combinations flow naturally without the need for conscious thought. A
skilled fighter will react to an aggressive situation spontaneously, utilising
combinations which employ all levels of attacks and angles of entry, and carried to the
opponent with sufficient speed to be decisive.
Bac Fu Do recognises the fact that we live in the twentieth century and realises that
to be effective, we must remain in touch. Consideration is given to defense in cars and
other confined spaces, as well as the utilisation of any aspect of the environment, such
as any material handy as a weapon, or the defensive and offensive use of the terrain.
Although the advantages of Bac Fu Do techniques in a combat situation or sparring
situation should enhance your chances of success, it should be noted that no system of
self defense is always invincible, and that no individual, no matter how good, is
unbeatable. There are no secrets of Kung Fu which will mysteriously make an individual a
champion fighter, but only hard training and common sense application of well grounded
techniques will enable the individual to develop to the best of their ability in the
martial arts.
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