Bac Fu Do
Defensive and Offensive Footwork and it's application in combat
By Gary Veikkanen
September, 1987
Bac Fu Do is a scientifically formulated concept of fighting drawn from two major styles
of Chinese Kung Fu ( Wing Chun and Choy Ly Fut) plus one minor style ( Northern Shaolin).
Wing Chun is a close, infighting style, which is excellent for one on one encounters
whereupon the footwork is fairly narrow, shoulder width, and has a somewhat shuffling
motion with either the rear support leg taking much of the body's weight leaving the front
leg ready for a low kicking attack or weight fairly evenly distributed and more or less
square to opponent which gives the hands a more parallel position for attack.
Choy Ly Fut tends toward a medium distance fighting concept which brings its forte to
multiple opponent fighting, and so has a longer stepping and more deceptive action
combined with a long arm strike and a much higher range of kicks than the above mentioned
Wing Chun.
Northern Shaolin is a long range style very much in the high kicking and jumping kicks
mould plus long arm technique. The footwork and legs have a much springier nature than the
latter two styles for the multiple opponent and a long distance attacking format.
Bac Fu Do footwork is a well thought out practical approach to combat. As can be
deduced, a combination of the three foundation styles has produced a martial art of
excellent quality with an incredible range of footwork maneuverability( and of course
hand/kicking technique).
Let us first look at the offensive aspect of Bac Fu Do footwork. When placed in a
combat situation, the body must be relaxed yet alive to enable good movement in any
direction instantly. Good footwork positions hands and feet for attacking as well as
covering distance rapidly. Footwork in Bac Fu Do is a very important aspect as it enables
one to strike a target and evade attacks. The legs, being more powerful and longer than
hands, may become a first line of attack normally preceding a punch. Our speed in mobility
leads to fast and surprising kicks and punches. And with strong springy feet, hitting
power is increased.
Before we attack, the feet are kept flat with the balls of the feet feeling the texture
of the ground which will help to understand what type of movement will be necessary to
penetrate into opponent's circle. When moving into attack, the stance becomes narrowed as
the rear foot moves forward and weight transferred to the front foot, while the leading
hand is occupied in distracting or striking the opponent and setting oneself to steamroll
opponent with hand combinations. The front heel lifts and when the rear foot hits the
floor, the leading foot moves forward and into the most appropriate position to attack. As
the hand combinations come out, the body is twisting and creating body torque for powerful
punches as power rises up through the body from the feet.
For bridging, we use a half bamboo step where the rear foot moves forward and slams on
to the floor, to advance leading foot to penetrate deeply into attack. We use shifting
footwork and a twisting body motion so the opponent finds it difficult to strike in an
offensive situation. Our footwork enables to move forward swiftly and deceptively so that
we can knock our opponent down until he is no longer a threat.
Let us now look at the defensive aspect of Bac Fu Do footwork. When needing footwork
for defensive maneuvers, we generally use oblique body movement with a twisting foot
motion to evade blows and also to change unprotected areas of the body that could be
struck or difficult to protect. When confronted with a straight line attack, we use a
sidestepping movement to avoid being hit and also to enable us to position ourselves to
counter the opponent.
In Bac Fu Do, our stance is positioned comfortably to suit our own body type. We mainly
use a stance that keeps our whole body fairly springy with knees slightly bent, feet
somewhat shoulder width apart and slightly angulated which allows good movement from both
hands and allows for good kicking.
We use a shifting stance that does not leave us in a static position, therefore open to
attack. A relaxed body enables us to change our positioning fluidly since tension will
cause freezing, or at best a stiff and jerky motion as withdrawing could be warranted.
With a relaxed body, a much more fluid for when wanting or needing to side step, e.g.
Western style boxers tend to jump around on their feet which will use up unnecessary
energy. Some Kung Fu styles and Karate styles tend to use a low horse stance which will,
of course, tire the legs and restrict movement.
The application of an effective technique depends on good footwork, therefore, mobility
is the essence of fighting. Our footwork is mechanically efficient which helps us conserve
energy and we have good alignment of feet to help us move in any direction necessary.
In conclusion, Bac Fu Do, as an integration of the three styles Wing Chun, Choy Ly Fut
and Northern Shaolin, is seen to meld the concepts of movement from these styles. The
offensive aspect of Bac Fu Do footwork-emphasizing speed in mobility and relaxed yet alive
positioning. In bridging, the half bamboo step enables one to penetrate deeply into
attack. Our footwork enables us to move forward and knock our opponent down. The defensive
aspect of Bac Fu Do footwork encourages maneuverability using oblique body movement. The
sidestepping movement useful for countering attack and a stance that provides for a
comfortable fairly springy body. The shifting stance helps toward a fluid motion. All in
all, an efficient and practical, yet complex, martial art. |
