Wooden Man/Dummy Training

[ngokfei]

Mainly seen as a Southern Apparatus for Training, what northern styles use a "Wooden Man'.

If so could you describe its concruction/makeup and usage.

I've been tinkering with various ones for the past 10 years during my Eagle Claw training.
It includes the major design properties of the WC, CLF Balance aswell as the Pivoting/Porcupine (see the movie).

Have also been continuely working on limbs that are lively and able to have Qin Na applied.

thanx

[mickey]

Greetings,

I remember reading that the practitioners of the Tai Chi Praying Mantis Style have a wooden dummy and a set to go with it (there is a book available showing the form--I do not know the name). You may want to check in the Mantis forum for more info.

I remember an early technical photo session in Inside Kung Fu (70's) that featured Paul Eng demonstrating some Tai Chi Praying Mantis moves. I remember there was a photo of the dummy they use.

mickey

[ngokfei]

yep found that info.
I posted the link for the book on the mantis forum
The dummy Eng used is different than the one in the book. The book uses the standard WC dummy. Don't know who is more correct.

Been building this apparatus for around 10 years now and have settled on 3 main versions (they are taller then the asian models as I'm 6ft and the 5ft 6" models don't match my body)

The WC model with an additinal arm at the top in the center plus one more arm at the bladdter/uppergroin level. Also added 2 additional legs to the sides.

the 2nd version is the Ching Jong/Balance dummy of clf

The 3rd is the famous "porcupine" on a swivel base (lots of fun, especially when used with a partner.

All I've built out of industrial drain pvc. Alot cheaper then wood, easy to drill and cut, and doesn't rott or crack.

[Ego_Extrodinaire]

Somehow i don't think wooden men is suitable for tai chi praying mantis. I think the wooden man is more of a southern kung fu influence, when tai chi mantis was brought into plaves like Hong Kong.

You're better of trying out your techniques with a partner, because wooden man is just that, wood, doesn't respond anyway like a real human.

I question its training value.

[Buddy]

"Somehow i don't think wooden men is suitable for tai chi praying mantis."

Fortunatley your opinion is worthless.

[Ego_Extrodinaire]

Try supporting your claim Buddy.

[ngokfei]

I mainly see the wooden man for:

1. Conditioing: full power deflecting blocks/strikes

2. In lieu of a partner. Don't always have one available when I want to try something out.

3. It sjust lots of fun. (my sifu had a wing chun dummy someone gave him and he hated it because of the noise).

having a partner is always the best.

[Ego_Extrodinaire]

ngokfei,

As for your first point, it is very different from having to deflact an incoming as opposed to hitting something stationary as hard as possible.

Tai Chi mantis takes into account the dynamic nature of the situation. That's why I don't see how wooden man training is useful.

[Buddy]

"Try supporting your claim Buddy."

OK, no problem.

"Tai Chi mantis takes into account the dynamic nature of the situation. That's why I don't see how wooden man training is useful."


What is your background in Taiji tonglong? Please give specific dates and instructors names/contact info that a disinterested party (I daresay most on this forum) might verify. I've shown you mine, Michelle. Your opinion is moot.

[Ego_Extrodinaire]

Since you don't even seem to know who you're talking to, it appears your perspective has come a little unstuck!

[Buddy]

"Since you don't even seem to know who you're talking to, it appears your perspective has come a little unstuck"

Well, I'm talking to you. Just answer my question. It's simple. You offered a comment about Taiji Tonglong. What is the basis for you doing so?

[Ego_Extrodinaire]

Buddy,

What I said is pretty basic. You shouldn't be so impressed as to jump at the first opportunity to ask for my resume. Suffice to say, this is my take on things, take it or leave it. You're welcome to discuss this matter if your interested.

[ngokfei]

LIke I said its just an enhancement.
There is no substitute for a training partner but you tell me how many you have (worth anything) that would let you go fullout on them.

Actual combat is even better but we know we can't count onthat on a regular basis. At least not in my life style.

[Ego_Extrodinaire]

ngokfei,

You're missing the point. Going full out on a wooden man is not like the real thing. So the experienced gained is only good for wooden man not with a real man.

[Buddy]

"Suffice to say, this is my take on things, take it or leave it. You're welcome to discuss this matter if your interested."

You have NO background in the style. Ergo eggo, your opinion is worthless. Your "take" is without value.

[Friendless Tool]

to answer the ORIGINAL question


Ma Kin Fung knew a Northern Shaolin dummy form, unfortuantly he never taught it to my sifu or anyone else so it died with him.