雙手長劍在中國歷代一般為儀衛所使用的武器。劍刃之所以這樣長主要有兩個原因：1）長大的武器能覆蓋更大的範圍，更適合侍衛使用；2）彰顯衛士與所保護者（皇室或政府要員）的威嚴。明代的圖卷我們可以看到長大的長柄兵器或斬馬刀取代了長劍作爲儀衛用途的功能。
Tag: 螳螂拳
七長八短之説
張熙政1 傳統的「七長八短」 陳雲濤在《螳螂拳略論中》説道：「通背拳為七長之拳，而螳螂拳則七長八短，長短俱備，八剛十二柔，剛柔相濟，為短打之絕妙好拳」2。馬漢清在〈淺談螳螂拳的七長八短、八剛十二柔〉中提出長拳短打並不能計量區分，「七長八短」也無法精確說明，所以有「長拳即短打，短打即是長拳」之說，然後他再具體説明何謂「七長八短」3。 所謂的「七長」：
Off-Helmet 霸王摘盔
Seal, Binding Throw 掛印捆摔
This is a compound technique with two disticnt phases. A “combo” would be a combination of moves on within the same movement range, say, punching or kicking range, but a compound is a combination of two or more techniques across the spectrum, for example, move from striking to grappling range.
First initiate with Seal, if the opponent fail to defend, it will then be just a hit. Should the opponent deflect the incoming Seal by pushing your arm towards his inside line, you can then cut to and bind the inside of his arm and perform a Binging Throw. Other techniqies can also be used depending on your arm’s position and if the opponent resists your throw. The binding throw is very similar to the Cracking Whip, min. (小摔鞭) in wrestling; the difference being the holding position of the opponent’s arm.
We can learn improvisation by practising compound techniqes as they emphasise on body movement and awareness across the range instead of just trying to strike standing on the same spot.
Basic Grappling: Self-Defence 101
The important thing to take away here is that the techniques aren’t the most significant factor; it is the mentality and the ability to follow and connect that allow the practitioner to perform effectively and efficiently.
Pick-Melon 摘瓜
The technique Zhāi Guā (摘瓜) literally means plucking a melon from the ground, with the melon being the opponent’s head. This is an interesting move not because it is particularly effective, which it is, but for the clever ways of guiding away the opponent’s guard and arriving at the position to with body movement. The trick…
Off-Helmet 霸王摘盔
The Off-Helmet (摘盔) technique is a Plum Blossom close-quarter move that gives multiple options in ending the fight. When you engage your opponent with your right and he tries to parry with his left from inside towards outside, follow his movement with your right, maintain contact with his arm, draw a half circle in the way…
Felling Gate 斬關手
Think of the arms as the gate with two doors in oblique order that protects the body. Initiate an attack by threaten the eyes with you right by going through the front right door on his side, his will have to response with his left, lest he would lose his eyes. Meanwhile, your left should…
Flying Catch 飛擒手
The Flying Catch (飛擒手) is one of the most simple method to lead from an initial attack and proceed to various grappling moves based on the opponent’s reaction. The Mantis Style typically initiates an attack by threatening the eyes, an Eye Stroke (點睛). If the opponent doesn’t reaction, then they will lose their eyes and match;…
