James McNeil- Splashing Hands Kung Fu Vol.1

Unique Publications 1992 SeriesVol 1- Video 1 Splashing Hands DVD Titles
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Splashing Hands is a very practical, no-nonsense art form. It employs quick shuffling footwork comparable to but quicker than that of the legendary Mohammed Ali, as well as low-focused straight leg kicks. These are paired with blinding, machine gun-like jabs, punches, elbows, hammer-fists, chops, and finger pokes. Because of the speed with which the techniques are delivered, as well as the sheer amount of strikes and kicks the opponent must deal with in a short period of time, opponents have a tough time fighting against the type of attacks carried out by a fighter trained in Splashing Hands. Unlike other traditional martial arts systems that are suitable for tournament fighting and other controlled sparring conditions, Splashing Hands is particularly modern in that it is tailored only for street combat. In reality, it is a pure street-fighting system. A streetfight should continue no more than 10 to 15 seconds. Splashing Hands is designed to fit inside this time window. It achieves its purpose by combining quick kicks to the knees and groin with a high-speed onslaught of various hand techniques. Many martial arts these days emphasize kicking at the head, chest, or other high targets. Once you’ve cut the opponent’s legs out from under him and he’s on the ground, it’s simple to kick to the head, chest, kidneys, or anyplace else in Splashing Hands. In terms of general combat strategy, understanding how to manage a fight from the start is a critical component of this approach. You make the opening move, forcing your opponent to react. Too frequently, the typical person believes that a fight begins with the first punch, forgetting the reality that in a combative scenario, your opponent has already began to attack you in his thoughts. His goals are revealed by his eyes, expression, and body location. Even if an opponent has not yet fired a punch or kick, if his face twitches, he alters his posture, or even if the wind rustles his brows, he has already made the initial move and you must burst into him. Students are taught in this context the importance of judging the correct distance between oneself and an opponent, judging the right angle for any given circumstance, and developing accurate timing. Because Splashing Hands is an infighting strategy, being close to your opponent is essential. Double blocks, single blocks, attacks, and clever rolling hands tactics all lead the opponent into an assault and throw him dangerously off balance. When the opponent tries to back away from the attacks, the Splashing Hands fighter closes the gap and adheres to him, attacking him with jabs, punches, elbows, and uppercuts. Once the opponent is knocked down, the fighter stays with him and attacks until the opponent is subdued. Splashing Hands training begins with fundamental footwork; the shuffles left and right, the reverse shuffle, the shuffles with kicks, the 45 degree shuffle, the close the gap, the close the gap kick, and so on. The hand methods are then trained and synchronized with the shuffles. The feet move as though they are on fire. While the feet are moving, the hands jab, punch, and uppercut. To achieve the remarkable speed for which this style is known, one must be entirely calm, unleashing strength only at the last moment of contact with the opponent. One is loose and supple, like a bullwhip, and power engages just at the end. The learner is constantly reminded that relaxing produces results.