In 1963, Taiji Meihua Tanglangquan master Hao Bin wrote the book, (Detailed Summary of Taiji Plum Blossom Mantis Fist). It contains the fist songs and step-by-step explanations of several of the Hao family versions of traditional tanglangquan forms.
Over time, I will be providing translations of this text in this thread.
Since I am currently teaching Essentials # 6 (zhai yao liu lu) in class, I thought that I would provide a short section of the beginning of the form. The following will include: The title of the movement and my humble attempt at a paraphrase of the application.
1963
Detailed Summary of Taiji Plum Blossom Mantis Fist (sixth section)-author Hao Bin (1963)
Tai Chi Cross Cut (Left, Right Two Tai Chi)
Application: The enemy is located in front of me, both of his hands come toward me to strike. I quickly use my right fist to chop downward diagonally from the enemys left ear to his right side. Then regardless of how the enemy responds to my incoming fist, whether he attempts to avoid the strike or not. I use my right fist to chop downward diagonally from the enemys right ear to his left side. The second hard chop is my true intended movement.
Right Hook, Left Splits Center (Upward and Downward Center Chops)
Application: The enemy comes to punch at my upper area. I promptly use the right reverse palm to pluck the enemys wrist, and also use the left palm to close the enemys big arm to my right side, I use the right palm and advance the right step at the same time with a chopping strike to the enemys facial area.
Coiling Dragon Digs Eye Strike
Application: The enemy comes to punch at my upper center area. I promptly use my right hand to pluck the enemy’s wrist, by the power of the right turn, pull the enemy to my right side, and borrow enemys forward pouncing power, then send out my left horizontal palm strike to both of the enemys eyes.
Steal Strike Hand Concealed Within
Application: When the enemy appears, I use the left palm to strike his facial area, he will certainly shift his body back, and use his hand to block my left palm. Then I will use my left palm to close downward the enemys incoming hand, at the same time advance my right step, and use my right fist to strike the enemys abdominal area.
Here are a few moves from Section Four of the Essentials:
Close Hands, Straighten Body
Application: The enemy comes with a kick to my groin. I promptly use both hands at my lower left side to obstruct the enemys foot. The enemy again comes with a fist to strike my upper or center area. I retreat my left step. Both hands move downward then return upward to contain the enemys fist and close my center gate.
Jade Maiden Works Shuttle
Application: The enemy comes from behind me to strike. I promptly turn my body and my left hand seals the enemys fist. Then I use my right secret elbow to hit the enemys face.
Right Slap, Left Hand Threads Needle
Application: The enemy uses his left hand to pluck my right secret elbow. My right overflowing elbow transforms into a palm. It seals and sends out the enemys upper arm. While advancing the left step, send out the left palm and pierce the enemys throat.
Yin & Yang Hooks
Application: The enemy uses his right hand to seal my piercing throat palm. I promptly use my left hand to pluck the enemys right upper arm, use my right hand to pluck the enemys wrist and at the same time I raise my right leg. Then I exert force to my left rear to throw outward.
A Meteor Chases the Moon Linked Strikes
Application: The enemy comes with a fist to strike my center area. I promptly use my left hand to pluck the enemys wrist and drag it to my right lower side, borrowing the enemys forward momentum to throw him. I use my right fist to strike the enemys abdominal area. If the enemy withdraws his abdomen to retreat, I immediately raise my body and use my left fist to strike the enemys face. If the enemy raises his face to retreat, I immediately again advance my step and use my right fist to strike the enemys abdominal area.
Here are the first couple of moves of Zhai Yao Er Lu (Essentials #2):
Turn Body, Right Point to the Road
Application: The enemy comes from the left side with a fist to strike my upper area. I promptly incline my body to the left and use both arms to separate, at the same time I extend the left foot (large hill climbing pattern), my right hand plucks to stop the enemys upper arm. The left hand passes the right wrist and transforms into a reverse fist to strike the enemys face (dig two eyes).
Aoyu Inclines Body with Linked Legs
Application: The enemy uses his left hand to strike my upper center area. I promptly use my left hand to pluck the enemys wrist and turn to go to the left. At the same time, I incline my body to the right and use my left foot to kick the enemys groin. The enemy turns his body or withdraws his step to escape. I promptly withdraw my left foot, incline my body to the left and raise my right foot to kick the enemy in the groin, at the same time I use my right full elbow to strike the enemys left cheek.
For those interested in an in-depth look at Zhai Yao Yi Lu, you may be interested in my new book, Hao Family Taiji Meihua Tanglangquan.
http://www.blurb.com/b/6497165-hao-family-taiji-meihua-tanglangquan-zhai-yao-yi-l
It contains the quan pu (fist songs) from Master Hao Bin’s 1963 book, (Detailed Summary of Taiji Plum Blossom Mantis Fist). These are coupled with an explanation of the traditional application for each of the movements.
I originally started this book primarily for my students, as a supplement to regular class instruction. However, I felt others in the Mantis family might also be able to benefit from the knowledge found in the book. Since, I an unaware of any other book in the English language on the subject matter.
Thanks for letting us know of your publication, mooyingMantis! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0WGH9JXFyU
Here are a few moves from Zhai Yao San Lu (Essentials #3):
Turn Body, Jade Maiden Works Shuttle
Application: The enemy comes from my rear to strike. I promptly turn my body and use my left hand to seal the enemys fist outward. I use my secret elbow to strike the enemys face.
Take Hair to the Ground
Application: The enemy pulls back his head to avoid my right hand. I promptly stop his ability to lift his head by plucking the enemys hair with my right hand. Then I use a backward step to pull body forcefully to hold the enemy and pluck him to throw him at my feet.
Raise Body, Rolling Dragon Elbow
Application: The enemy comes with his right fist to strike my upper area. I promptly use my left hand to seal and incline my body to the right to make the enemys fist ineffective. I incline my body to the left, raise my right leg to insert it at the enemys right side. I use my right arm to roll and strike the enemys abdomen. To use this movement, I must be close to the enemy, and coordinate the power of the waist, leg and arm to throw the enemy to my left front.