Est. 2008 December 06 Copyright Master Robert Z · Where the Shaolin Staff, Gûn is the Father of...

Acknowledgment

Est. 2008 December 06 Copyright Master Robert Z

Hi Wisdom does not just come about, it is earned with blood, sweat and tears. The

contents of these workbooks may have been written by me, but as with every

person I had many guides, teachers and mentors but also heart breaks, pain

and suffering. Here I would like to acknowledge some of the people who have

contributed to my personal and martial art development.

Frank-Werner� my father, a lord and gentleman who taught me the value of dignity

and honour.

Halina-Anna my mother, who is still teaching me the meaning of family, parental

wisdom, spirituality and family.

Sensei Arno� who showed me what toughness and persistence is.

Skull Lt. Hans H combat specialist of German Special Forces, who taught me the reality

of 'martial arts'.

Sensei Christine who started in me the process of gentleness and redirection.

Dai-Sifu Pier Tsui-Po who taught me much about who and what a real master is.

Sifu Charles who showed me the need for precision and accuracy.

Sifu Richard who showed me how to have fun training.

Master Tsen Do Sun who laughed at me whilst I was training in the park and taught me the

meaning of forms without using words.

Mr Shu Shun Tao for pointing out the bull-shit (excuse the French).

Shihan Kong Wing Loh who is teaching me perspective and vision.

And then there are Shaolin Kung Fu Academy students some of whom have been great teachers to

me;

Sifu Audrey who was and is the first

Sifu Paul� and Peta, who were all laughs

Sifu Wayne who also showed me who I was.

Sifu Vanessa who showed what a real champion is like

Sifu Chris awesome power of gentleness and inner calm.

Sifu Sarah who is a mirror

Sifu John who is a Panther in every way

Sifu Luke whose persistens is awesome

Table of Contents

Est. 2008 December 06 Page - i Copyright Master Robert Z

Table of Contents

Est. 2008 December 06 Page - i Copyright Master Robert Z

Hi 0

The Marshal of all Weapons 1

SKA-I Main Focus - Safety 2

The Dao (Sword) 3

The Shaolin Tiger Broad Sword 11

The Greater Tiger Broad Sword Strikes 13

The Lesser Tiger Broad Sword Strikes 14

The Continuous & Vagabond Strikes 15

5 Blocks to Stop the Lot! 17

Sword Movement angles and directions 22

Past, Present and Future 23

Progress 24

Tiger Broad Sword 26

Attendance Record 1

Shaolin Kung Fu Academy Book of Shaolin Sword (Dao) 1

Updated 22/03/2010 Page - 1 Copyright Master Robert Z

The Marshal of all Weapons The Broad Sword, Sabre, Scimitar, Cutlass, Dao is

possibly one of the most popular of all weapons around

the world. It is also a very contemporary weapon as what

you learn with the Dao can also apply to sticks of similar

length; both using it for defence or defending against

someone trying to use it against you.

It is important to remember now as in any other level that

safety is of paramount importance. According to Maslow

it is one of the 4 most important human needs and can

lead to behavioural changes if we contravene this basic

need.

When training with the Dao (Dao Shu) it is important to train slowly, deliberately, with a great

focus on both the weapon, your physical and postural position as well as focus on ‘other’ hand. You

will learn that the ‘unused’ hand will make the difference in real terms between a successful

defence and a tragic end.

Where the Shaolin Staff, Gûn is the Father of All Weapons the Dao is considered the Marshal of All

Weapons. In its family of Sharp Weapons, (further divided in to Slicing and Piercing,) we possibly

have the largest variety of the 5 Weapon Families. To these belong also the Japanese Katana, the

English cavalry Sabre, the Bedouin Sabre and many more.

The Broad Sword was known as the "Hundred Day Weapon" especially in the turbulent times after

the fall of the Ming Dynasty. It was considered that this was the amount of 8 hour days that a

person needed to train to become proficient in its use. Comparatively, this is considered a short

time! That is equivalent to 800 classes! You though only need to spend some 50 hours to get your

Dao level!

Sijo Robert Z



SKA-I Main Focus - Safety It would be difficult to achieve perfection through hard work if you

constantly injured yourself in the process. The very spirit of kung fu is

Safety and Control. What use is any exercise if it causes you pain and

injury and sends messages to your brain of pain whenever you are exercising your body? Sooner or

later you will associate health-giving exercise with pain.

Pain is nature’s way of telling you that there is something wrong!!

The human body has in-built redundancy to allow us many choices which in times of threat allow

us to push it way beyond its normal usage. Yet when we do this, we damage our body in some way.

This is what top sports people do constantly and why we hear about knee reconstructions, shoulder

injuries, ankle problems and damaged backs.

We do not want this in the Shaolin Kung Fu Academy. We choose to slowly, consistently and

sustain ably develop and build our bodies and minds, and gently push ourselves, with focus, care,

and patience in a safe way, rather than burning our body and mind!

That is why our Primary Rule is:

SAFETY FIRST AND ALWAYS!

Even in the Book of War by Sun Tsu, possibly the greatest and most quoted of all strategists, it was

stated;

"The good warriors first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an

opportunity of defeating the enemy"

Put yourself first beyond the possibility of injury and harm, because that is what self-protection

means.

Safety in SKA is more than just not hurting yourself.

Safety is a part of your being.

Safety is a long-term attitude, a way of life perfection.

Safety Prevention and Preparation are the keys!

Safety is Warming-up a minute per year of age, minimum.

Safety is learning new skills carefully and thoroughly.

Safety is life-long.

Safety is a heritage to your children. ☯



The Dao (Sword) The Dao is a great combination of the standard Sabre, curved Sword with the added extra of being a

bit like an Axe. This makes it very versatile but also more volatile to use.

The problem with an axe in battle when it works is that it most likely will get stuck.

Although the axe seems like such a simple weapon, it never found great

popularity because it is very difficult to truly master for

anything other than chopping wood. With the

Dao, all strikes

need to have a

‘drawing’

toward yourself

action and a

slicing action

just before biting into the target; else you will get it stuck just like the axe.

Another key aspect of a sword, or any larger single weapon is to know the difference between

forcing moves and guiding moves. The skill of the kung fu practitioner is to be able to make the

Dao dance rather than perform hacking motions. It is important to handle the sword in such a way

that it continually flows, weaves and sings rather than start, stop robotic actions.

It is best to look at Sword target areas a bit differently than with other weapons. There are wearing

down, debilitating and ending. It is important to note that as a Shaolin style, we need to know how

these work so as to be able to defend against them. We would not use any of the debilitating or

ending strikes. A Shaolin Warrior would choose just to take the attackers weapon from them rather

than harming or hurting!



I think that is enough as it is gruesome any which

way you look at it. Yet it is an important skill to

recognise what the intention is of your assailant. Are

they just wanting to defend themselves or are they

out to really harm you? This is very important to

recognise because not every sword battle needs to

finish with one of the battlers seriously hurt or

debilitated. Often, aside from wars and such, just the

drawing of First Blood was enough to settle

arguments and restore honour!

Finally, remerging that the reason we train with

weaponry is to expand and develop ourselves

(internal) not hurt others (external) by accident or

otherwise. It is good to understand how to use the

Dao correctly and more importantly, SAFELY. Keep

this very, very firmly in mind.

Also keep in mind that ‘the other hand’ is very

important to your Dao training, very important.



Wanjhen A story from the book, Cingbai Leichao, tells of a girl who helped the people of her village to

defend themselves from being attacked by the troops of the alliance of the British and the French in

Siejhuang, a place near Beijing, in the tenth year of Emperor Siangfong's reign of the Cing. This

girl called Wanjhen was 19 years old and learned martial arts from her father. She explained to her

father that the British and the French were good with gunpowder weapons but not good in martial

arts. She trained the villagers to ambush the intruders with swords and shields and attack them at a

very short distance. When they spotted a group of soldiers 500 to 600 strong heading their way with

a large canon, Wanjhen applied this strategy and even lead the villagers into battle herself. They

killed around one hundred soldiers that resulted in the intruders withdrawing.

The Lengthened Dagger The sword came into existence as a lengthened dagger after metals were bought to use. The

Scroll/Book Ku Shih L’ao ascribes the invention/modification of the Single Edged Sword (Dao) to

Sui Jen Shih, the second of the San Huang. Having said this, metal was not the only material they

were made from. Stories of Jade Swords, swords made from Sheep’s horn, Sea Shell and other

materials are not unusual in a country where metal was very scarce.

Legendary swords where the front, sharp part were incredibly thin (increasing in thickness towards

the hilt) are credited with being able to cut through armour and even other swords (Willow Leaf

Swords such as in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon).

The top third of the sword is the sharpest, striking part. The bottom third, towards the hilt is blunt

and used for blocking and damaging the sharpness of the opponent’s weapon, while the middle of

the sword is the transition between the two. The 5 parts of the weapon are the Sharpened Blade, the

Thickened Blade, the Guard, the Grip and the Pommel (with or without flag/tassels.)



Swords would be handed down through the generations from

father to eldest son. This required excellent maintenance to

prevent the sword’s deterioration. Wooden Sheaths wrapped in

leather on the outside were best for the metal. The wood drew the

moisture out of the inside and the leather kept the moisture from

coming in from the outside. The best material for making the

handle was wood and would only be treated with the perspiration

of the user. The metal would be coated with the fat of a Water

Bird to prevent rust and ensure a smooth drawing from the sheath.

The important aspects of a Dao were:

☯ sharpness of the blade

☯ sharpness of the blade after several hundred cuts

☯ sturdiness of the blocking area

☯ the balance in the users hand

☯ a non slippery handle

☯ the quality of the sheath to protect the user and sword from

accidents and weather.



There are many, many types and shapes of Dao and combinations of weapons using a Sword like

part including:

Butterfly Knives Hu Die Shuang Dao

Cicada Wing Sword Chan Zi Dao

Double Headed Spear Shuang Tou Qiang

Eagle Head Sword Ying Tao Dao, Pu Dao

Ghost Head Broadsword Gui Tao Dao

Halberd Ji

Heaven and Earth, Sun and Moon Sword

Qian Kun Ri Yue Dao

Horse Chopping Sword Zhan Ma Dao

Horse Halberd Ma Ji

Large Horse Halberd Kwan Dao

Large Long Handed Broad Sword Kwan Dao

Long Broadsword Zha Dao

Twin Ended Halberds Shuang Shou Ji

Twin Straight Swords Shuang Jian

Nine Hook Broadsword Jiu Gou Dao

Nine Ring Broadsword Jiu Huan Dao (Executioners Broad Sword)

Ox Ear Sharp Sword

Sleeve Sword Shu Jian

Southern Broadsword Nan Dao

Swallow Tail Broadsword Yan Zi Dao

Three-Point Double-Blade Sword San Jian Liang Ren Dao

Two-Handed Broadsword Shuang Shou Dao, also Bagua Dao

Two-handed Straight Sword Shuang Shou Jian

A squadron of cavalry, comprising all the brave and intelligent officers and soldiers was organized

by a famous General called Mao Tong during the Han Dynasty (about 50 AD). All of these men

were good at using the horse sabre as a weapon. They defeated a great number of tribal soldiers.

After that, many tribes and races settled along the Chinese boundary

adopted the skill of the horse sabre and used it as their primary weapon.

Among these was Genghis Khan, the most famous Mongol chief

(about 1200 AD). He trained his soldiers to use this sabre on

horseback to fight superbly. As a result, his troops were so powerful that

they eventually conquered the land from East Asia to Eastern Europe, an area

encompassing a fourth of the world. Thus the Mongol's skill in using the horse sabre

reached the highest peak of all times.

The horse sabre was adopted by the Japanese and was remodelled in later times to become the

Japanese Samurai sword. The latter was similar to the former except that the Samurai sword has



been used primarily on foot instead of on horseback. Besides, the Japanese Samurai sword has a

shorter handle.

The Horse sabre was also popular in later Chinese history when the tribes of Manchuria used such a

sabre to invade and eventually conquer the whole Chinese territory, dominating the Chinese land

for more than 200 years. The Manchu-dominated government in China was called Ching or Manchu

Dynasty and lasted to 1911.

The Chinese broadsword, one of the most common and popular weapons developed in China,

makes numerous appearances in the country’s history and legends. TSANG HER is the God

directly associated with the broadsword. The name TSANG HER means 'arrives and kills whatever

it touches.' This nickname gives a good indication of the great military power associated with the

sabre.

Chinese historians and poets chronicled many famous sabre wielding martial artists. Wang Wu was

a martial artist known for his sabre skills. He wielded a big broadsword with nine rings on the back

of the blade. The broadsword play of Wang Wu was described as being as 'violent as a tiger on a

prairie'. One poet described broadsword play as 'hurricane sweeping leaves off the trees'.

Broadswords once were the preferred weapons of the Chinese military. In the 1940s, the sabre was

used in the anti-Japanese war in northeast China. The broadsword has existed in China for

thousands of years. There are long, short and very short variations of the weapon. The prototype of



the modern-day sabre is the long-handled broadsword, similar to the short but a much heavier

weapon. Its size was proportionate to the physique of the bearer.

The average blade weighed about 40 pounds and was about 5 to 8 feet in height. A circular metal

guard was attached to the base of the blade to keep the enemy’s weapon from sliding down and

cutting the bearer’s hand. It was also used to keep the blood from dripping onto the owner’s hand.

The long handle was made of either metal or hardwood. A small piece of metal placed at the base of

the weapon could be thrust at the enemy. Three of the most famous variations of the long-handed

broadsword are the Kwan-Dao, the Yueh-Dao and the Chay Yang-Dao, named after their famous

users.

Some short adaptations of the Chinese broadsword include the Scrape sabre, which is the length of

the forearm, and the even shorter Butterfly Knives, which came in pairs. These weapons were less

than 2 feet in length and were used as back up weapons to the longer blade of the sabre or as a

primary weapon of self-defence. The blade was used to stab and cut. These short sabres were either

strapped to the forearm or hidden in the boot. Quick and easily reversible movements could be

executed with these very short weapons.

The popular modern version of the sabre or broadsword is known as the Dao or Don-Dao. Dao

means knife, with the sabre actually being a long knife developed from an agricultural tool. The

Don-Dao’s blade is curved and wide, with the sharpest area near the tip. The back of the blade is

thick and blunt and is used for blocking. The average blade length is from 25 to 30 inches.



This famous weapon of ancient China, also known as the 18 Ping, was used for combat in the

middle and close range. The Don-Dao is constructed from a single piece of metal. By wrapping the

handle with cloth or leather, sweat is absorbed and the weapon is easier to grip. A cloth hung from

the handle of the broadsword was used to wipe blood from the blade. The blood groove, an

indentation on either side of the blade, was used to break the suction so that the broadsword could

easily be withdrawn from the enemy’s body.

The broadswords were among the earliest weapons of ancient China, with the Don-Dao considered

to be 'the root of short weapons' because its techniques are relatively simple to learn. In northern

China, the countryside, the weapon was generally longer because its user was taller and the

countryside more open. The southern blade however was shorter and heavier because shorter people

in crowded cities used it.

Soldiers preferred a lighter, quicker blade that could be carried over long distances. Mountain men

and farmers chose a heavier, machete like sabre that could double as an agricultural tool. This type

of Don-Dao featured tremendous cutting power, but lacked speed and was difficult to reverse once

the user began his motion. Some of the more popular Don-Dao’s include the Willow leaf, Pok Dao,

and the Ghost Head Dao.

Originating in the north, the Willow Leaf was light with little curve to the handle and blade. The

Pok-Dao (executioner’s sabre) was thick, heavy and wielded with both hands. From southern China

came the Ghost Head Dao, a shorter weapon used for chopping. Other types of Don-Dao’s are

Grain Leaf Sabre, Goose Feather Sabre, Tiger Tail Knife, Tornado Knife, Plum Blossom Dao,

Oxtail Knife, Whirlwind, Sun-Moo Dao and Crescent Knife.

Sabres also come in pairs and are referred to either as Cern-Dao or Swang-Dao. Double-sabre

techniques come primarily from northern styles. The energy behind the sabre comes from the tiger,

hence the famous Chinese saying, 'brandish the sabre like a Tiger pouncing'. The Don-Dao is used

to slice, chop or thrust at middle to close range. The sweeping figure-eight slashes require extreme

shoulder flexibility and are commonly known as 'flowers'. They not only act as attacking

techniques, but also, create a barrier around the wielder.



The Shaolin Tiger Broad Sword The Shaolin Tiger Broad Sword is composed of 3 weapons. It is a Hybrid of;

1. Straight Sword

2. Curved Sword

3. Axe

It is the most magnificent creation as far as swords go. It has the beautiful curves and lines of a

Curved Sword. Properly made it is mathematically perfect according to natural lines and growth. It

has the full function of a Straight Sword being able to step and jab. And the final bit of brilliance is

that is also has the functions of an Axe. With the top-heavy blade making it ideal for hacking

without making the Sword as unwieldy as an axe!

Sharpand Thin

Blunt &Thicker

SharpBlunt

Blood & Suction Groves

Hand Guard andBlood Stop

Hilt

Pommel for clothand ‘Hitting’

It is important to hold the Broad Sword at the top of the hilt by the Hand-guard. This increases

control and handling. Never, ever, ever block with the Sharp Bit of the sword, unless your life

depends on it. You use the heavy blunt parts and make your opponent hit them, thus blunting and

damaging their Swords Sharp parts.

The key parts of the Sword need to be appreciated and understood as they all have an important

function to fulfil to keep their wielder alive;

Hilt This is the part with which you control the sword. It needs to be dry, well maintained

and suited to your grip

Blade Has many features but the most important is to keep it clean & edged

Hand Guard Protects your hand for strikes and stops blood from making your hilt slippery

Pommel is also the screw that keeps your sword in one piece and functioning.

Scabbard is what protects your sword from the environment and you from the sword when you

don’t want to be cut by it.



Shaolin Tiger Broad Sword Techniques The one that is three has of course three distinct strikes, if you will, that with

some alterations and combinations become many.

Father Marshall of all Weapons will be a bit more complex in strategy and usage

than the Shaolin Staff but is very similar almost identical. As with the Shaolin

Staff, the main strike is the Chop. Unlike most curved Swords, the

Chinese/Shaolin tiger Broad Sword has a thickened end, which allows it to be

used like an Axe for Chopping! As a thickened curved sword, it’s tip is in a

straight line with the hilt and pommel thus allow for piercing and jabbing

like a spear. And finally, it is a curved sword that allows cutting and

slicing! From these three abilities, plus the usage of the ‘other’ end

of the sword we have the three Major Strikes (as above, and the minor

strikes!



The Greater Tiger Broad Sword Strikes The Shaolin Staff being a very mature weapon had a set number of techniques. These are divided

into Attacking and Defending. From principle, we would cover the Defence first but it is easier to

first talk about attacking techniques as this almost explains the defending techniques!

The Tiger Broad Sword Chop In reality, you need to know one action very well with the Tiger Broad Sword, the Chop

and that is the circular movement. This will constitute 80% of your grading and

usage. No mater if the Sword movement is horizontal or vertical, a quarter of a

circle or 15 circles, backwards or forwards (but with the front of the word), if it

hits after a round movement and does no further action except to withdraw; like

an Axe Chop.

The Tiger Broad Sword Stab/Jab The Sword is a lengthened dagger/knife and as such, one of the key moves would

be the thrust or Jab. You would first move the Sword from a Guard Position to a

thrusting position and thrust towards the opponent, withdrawing it in the same

linear way!

The Tiger Broad Sword Cut You seek not to Chop but Cut your opponent, you do this by drawing

the Sword back towards your self, just before impacting on the target,

in a cutting motion. It is important not to ‘Chop’ too much. A small

amount of Chop before drawing back the Sword is required!

The Tiger Broad Sword Scrape When you are able to do a Chop using only the Tip of the Tiger Broad Sword

‘Scraping” it down the front of your opponent, than you are able to perform the

Tiger Broad Sword Scrape technique! This requires a good amount of accuracy

The Tiger Broad Sword Slap It is always a good idea to have, in your arsenal of techniques, a variety

that allows to your finish a conflict without the need for pain or damage.

If you perform a Chop but use the flat of the Sword to give your opponent a ‘Slap’,

this is called . . . . a Slap.



The Lesser Tiger Broad Sword Strikes Where there is the great there will also be the less great. Much like the comparison between Tiger &

Panther, it doesn’t

The Tiger Broad Sword Reverse Cut There is no Reverse Chop or Thrust and a Slap is a slap is a slap. But

there is a Reverse Cut. It is generally executed after a technique, as a follow

up but it is always with the sharp part of the Sword facing in an upward direction.

The Tiger Broad Sword Flick This is a seemingly complex movement but it is not. It is best used when

performing any round technique. Assume you are executing a sideways

(horizontal) chop, just before impact you ‘flip’ the sword over and

Stab the person with the tip of the Sword. This technique is best used if an

opponent successfully evades the flow of your Sword and you turn this to your

advantage with the Tiger Broad Sword Flick! In essence, this can be viewed as

complex lead in to a Jab!

The Tiger Broad Sword Two-Handed Cut This is a power technique and for close quarter conditions. It is a round movement

cutting with both hands! It can be at any angle, any direction and any way with a

standard Sword handling. The focus of the pressure is on the Sharp round front part

of the Sword.

The Tiger Broad Sword Push/Hit Again, a two handed technique like the Two-Handed Cut, except that this is a straight pushing

motion with the blunt, strong part of the word which is closer to the hilt. This is used to push a

weapon or attacker away to gain distance or even to Hit or Impact the attacker to stun them.

The Tiger Broad Sword Pommel & Punch Using your fist in much the same way you would use it for a standard straight

Hammer Punch (Pummel) or a Round House (Moon Fist) Punch with the fist,

this technique focuses on the opposite side of the Sword. Another technique that is

used to stun the opponent rather than hurting and also for Close Quarter situations!



The Continuous & Vagabond Strikes Again, much the same as the Staff Movements, we have some technique that cam be used in a

contentious flowing movement

The Continuous Uppercut/Reverse Chop

Not so easy to explain in detail, essentially it is a Continuous-uplifting Slice alternating from Side

to site. Much the same as in the Shaolin Staff. This is very effective when performed with two

Swords.

Whirlwind Sword In effect again, much the same as the Shaolin Staff, you are rotating the sword around your upper

body. It can be performed either way although it works best for right Handed use anti-clock wise

and for left handed people clock-wise. This is also sometimes called the flying executioners

movement or technique because the Sword targets the neck of multiple opponents and the user ads

to the force by adding to the force of the movement with supportive body turns!



Spine Shielding Chop This is very similar to the Whirlwind Sword except for two details;

1. You turn your body opposite to the Sword turning direction

2. Your Sword drops down along your spine protecting it when it is behind your body.

From a top down perspective it loos the same as the Whirlwind Sword except of the extra

movement flipping the Sword into a Spine Shielding position before whipping it over the shoulder

like the Whirlwind Sword.

Inverted Slice The ability to use your weapon left handed and right handed is part of your Shaolin training as is the

ability to invert your weapon! As with the Shaolin Staff you have Long Staff and Short Staff, with

the Tiger Broad Sword you have the Standard and Inverted

Swords. In some areas this is called a vagabond art as

the Sword can be well hidden until just before it

bites! This movement can also be made on

continuous rotation and with two weapons

Inverted Jab Very effective when stabbing backwards or in close quarter defence. And exceedingly surprising

when combined with a 180 degree turn toward the

opponent in front of you. You will see more of this.



5 Blocks to Stop the Lot! We need to understand that you will not have a staff for long if you block Swords and other cutting

implements with it. So we need to distinguish what weapon is being blocked. But more to this later.

Let us look at the 5 Types of Blocks; Stopping, Redirecting, Accelerating, Shielding and Interfering

Intercepting Block This blocks stops the attack dead and sends it back the way it came.

1. The first is by applying almost equal counter force to the attack (Intercept Counter Block)

2. The second is by just holding the staff in the path of the attack (Intercept Hold Block).

Generally, if the attack is to the upper part of the body your best option

is to use the Holding Block. If the attack is below the sash you would most

likely use the Countering Block. Attack to the groin is the exception; use the Holding

Block whilst dropping to a lower stance.

Redirecting Block Redirecting blocks are really just a variation of the stopping block; we just need to be

aware that a blocked weapon can ‘bounce’ and be re-aimed at another

body part. With the stopping block, the attacker needs to make a great effort

to avoid the blocking sword if they wish to use the impetus to attack. With

the redirection block, you need to ensure that the attacker is not in a better position to

attack you again using the bounce to

make their move! There are also two flavours of

redirecting;

1. Passive, allowing the attacking implement

to bounce of in another direction without

you making any additional movement.

2. Active, where you actually add some force

to make the attacking weapon bounce away

more



Accelerating Block This block is not really a block, as you are not deflecting the

weapon from its path! And before you do this, you need

to get out of the way so that the intended

technique does not actually hit you. What you

achieve with this is that opponents overreach themselves and thus losses control and possibly

balance. By assisting with the original movement, you accelerate the technique and do it in such a

way that the attacker cannot change the flow easily to attack you.

This is the best block for heavy weapon attacks or heavy weapon wielders. Some like to rely on

their strength or the size of their tool to force their way through a defence. Some have the stamina to

do this successfully. It will be ever so frustrating for them if they do not meet any resistance and all

their force goes nowhere!

Arrow Shield (Horizontal & Vertical) Again, much the same principle as with the Staff except with the Sword, you are creating an Arrow

Shield of Steel. It also sound similar to the two previous techniques except that the hand stays in the

same place not leaving a gap for arrows to easily penetrate. When using this in front of yourself

,your hand stays in front of your Solar Plexus. When shielding against falling arrows, your hand is

directly above the Crown of your head your head!

Attacking Block When is a block not a block? When it is an attack! Yet this does both, under certain circumstances!

It is a combination of any block but performed in such a way that the Blocking movement carries

you away from the attacking implement and toward an open part of your attackers body. In essence,

once you have trained your eye, this is the Tactic to use against almost any attack!



Shaolin Tiger Broad Sword Control It is in our ability to control our tools and ourselves that allows us to use these tools effectively! If

you can only use a hammer at full strength each time, you cannot use it for small nails and you will

not use it. If you cannot control your weapon and are only able to apply lethal or debilitating blows,

you will not use it for practice and thus not use it in other than deadly circumstances. You say this is

how it should be with a weapon. Well it is not!

A Sword is a dangerous weapon and you need to learn to handle it with confidence; else it will

cause you more harm than help. No matter if you are training to be a Warrior or just using the

weapon for heath and fitness. You need to learn to respect what a weapon can do bot in controlled

and uncontrolled circumstances. More than with bare hands and staff, the Sword needs to be

handled with Skill and Care! Take this to heart!

8 Danger Targets The Tiger Broad Sword, as you now know can be used for Chopping, Cutting and stabbing; so it

has a quite a few targets available. Yet, it is the Shaolin Tiger Broad Sword and it has the one main

target and the many other targets all of which are lethal. Be prepared to protect them.

1. The Neck is the Number 1 Target for Chopping, Cutting and Stabbing

2. Vital Organs are the next most on the hierarchy of what you need to protect. Generally,

these are attacked through stabbing.

3. Tendon attacks through Slicing are very dangerous, as they are very easy to attack and very

debilitating.

4. Head and Bone attacks through heavy Chopping will cause severe damage.

8 Sparring Targets A hard Staff will do most damage on hard targets. That is why the 9 Danger Points are joints and

bones and that is exactly what you avoid when sparring.

1. Forearms, the muscled fleshy bit

2. Upper arms away from the joints and on the fleshy not hard parts

3. Chest also not in the centre but on the fleshy muscles

4. Stomach below the Solar Plexus and above the Hip bones

5. Bum, a favourite target for sticks through the ages

6. Upper Leg

7. Lower leg and

8. Solar Plexus with a Thrust or Jab

And now the 8 precise angles that we use the Shaolin Staff and Tiger Broad Sword



It’s all About the Angles Whenever striking with the Shaolin

Staff you will strike in one of the

ways depicted to the right. It will be

travelling vertically up or down,

horizontally left or right, obliquely on

45 degrees left to right; up or down or

right to left; up or down. Any other

angles show a lack of Staff Control.

Your Staff end positions will also end

up a combination of the two drawing

to the right!

Summary Now I know there is a lot to learn but .

. . it all stays much the same for all

other impact weapons and many

weapons in general. You will need to

know all of this for all your theory as

you may also be tested verbally. It

will make everything much easier if

the grader can park at you; Neck

Chops and you know what this is

other than a piece of meat.

3 by 3 for all to see A simple system, there are three primary techniques, 3 combination techniques and 3

complimentary techniques. But is you look past all the ‘complexities most all are just Chops in

disguise or with friends.

And let us not forget that each and everyone of these techniques has the ‘Inverted’ Shadow

technique. Now that makes it even more interesting!

Down

Up

Up/Left

Down/LeftDown/Right

Up/Right

LeftRight



3 Continuous Sword Movement Fan upward rotations, uppercuts

Cloud downward rotations

Butterfly fancy rotations

And 3 Blocks; Yin and Yang

Intercept - Stop and Reverse The first is your standard Stop and Send

Back to where it came from. It is virtually

force against force and bounces the attacking

object back on it self. This block has three ‘aspects’;

a. Thrust/Hold

b. Counter Chop

Redirect - Bounce & Continue Here you take less than the full force of the sword and do not stop it. With redirecting, the attacking

technique is ‘deflected; and continues travelling in the same general direction with a bit of a bump.

Again two versions;

a. Round Movement

b. Linear movement (stirring)

Accelerate Accelerate is where you get behind the force

of the attacking weapon and speed, accelerate it

in the same direction it was already travelling.

a. Block edge of Sword

b. Reverse edge of Sword

And to break the set of 3’s, 4 postures! Safe Natural Stance with sword in the

safe position

Guard in principle, the same as the standard Shaolin Kung Fu Guard Stance

Warrior with the Sword vertical on one or the other side

Guardian with the sword diagonally above your head



Sword Movement angles and directions At this level we work on the compass directions, the octagon. They refer to the direction the staff is

coming from. Of course when you are sparring you will use any direction that achieves the job but

to learn precision, accuracy and thus control you need to limit yourself to the 8 Major Direction.

North, North-East, East, South-East, South, South-West, West, North-West. At the more senior

levels you will be required to also handle the in-between angles.

And a tip; if you have a problem remembering where East & West are, remember NEWS which

comes from the Compass directions (I come baring stories from the north & east and from the West

and south. . . ). Starting at the Top going clock wise N, E so East is at 3 o’clock and West is at 9

o’clock! (I hope this helps . . . )

Top

Bottom

Bottom/Right

Top/Right Top/Left

Bottom/Leftt

Right Left



Past, Present and Future It is good to know what you have achieved, where you are and what you wish to achieve. Use this

page to practice this life skill and note down at leat two items in each category

Past

1 I have decided in my Kung Fu training to aim at achieving ___________________ Sash

2 _________________________________________________________________________

3 _________________________________________________________________________

Present 1 I am working on passing this level with credit

2 _________________________________________________________________________

3 _________________________________________________________________________

Future Immediate & Medium term 1 I will become a Red Sash

2 _________________________________________________________________________

3 _________________________________________________________________________

Future Long term 1 I will become a Black Sash

2 _________________________________________________________________________

3 _________________________________________________________________________

Dreams 1 _________________________________________________________________________

2 _________________________________________________________________________



Progress It is good to appreciate what we have achieved! From Shaolin 5 Animal Kung Fu point of view

there are initially two major reasons;

1. If we do not appreciate our success, both small and large; we will cease to succeed!

2. How we achieve our initial improvements/success is NOT how we continue to achieve

improvements/success. We need to recognise when old habits & methods no longer work!

For this reason it would be a very good idea, once you have received this book, to record the

following details;

Physical Details______________ Date Today ________

My Age years My Hight cm ______ My Body Weight kg

Chest Size cm ___________Tummy cm ________________ Hips cm

left Upper Arm _______________ cm Lower Arm __________ cm Fist________________cm

right Upper Arm ______________ cm Lower Arm __________ cm Fist________________cm

left Quad cm _____________ Calf cm _______________ Ankle cm

right Quad cm _____________ Calf cm _______________ Ankle cm

Strength ________________________ (Amount total)

Push Ups ________ Sit-ups ____________________ Squats

_____________________________ (Distance in cm)

High Jump cm __Long Jump cm __________ Hop-Step-Jump cm

Stretch ______________ (measured in Hands & Fingers)

Sitting-Leg Split against wall ____________ left bend _______________ right bend ________ Hands & fingers from crotch to wall both hands either side of leg - distance to foot (+/-)

Hands up & down spine - left up ___________________cm Right-up ___________________cm



Speed/Coordination _________ (how many in one minute)

100 Straight Punches _____________ 100 Front Kicks__________ 100 O Blocks__________

Stature __________________ (completed by Instructor)

Ideal Horse Stance

Head ..................................................... tilt L5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5R

Body ................................................... lean L5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5R

Hips .................................................... lean L5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5R

Left Leg.......................................... inward L5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5R

Right Leg .........................................inward L5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5R

Stance Hight .................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Stamina_____________________ (how many seconds)

Ideal Stance Horse, Golden Buddha________________ sec Shadow Sparring_____________sec

Hand Stand Against Wall ________________________ sec Lower Push Up Position _______sec

Beats Per Minute _________________BPM

Notes, items you wish to focus on/achieve

1 _____________________________________________________________________________

2

3 _____________________________________________________________________________

4 _____________________________________________________________________________

5 _____________________________________________________________________________

Maybe _________________________________________________________________________



Tiger Broad Sword WarmWarmWarmWarm----up up up up Needs WorkNeeds WorkNeeds WorkNeeds Work PassPassPassPass GoodGoodGoodGood Checking Standing Stretches................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Preparation Stances Stretching ................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Warm-up Push-ups, Sit-ups etc ............................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Loosening Sitting ...................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Balance & Coord Crane Walking ........................................ 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

100 Exercises Punches ................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Kicks ....................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

2 Min Stc Hrs Toes ......................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Height of Stance...................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Stability of Stance ................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Calmness of Posture................................ 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Quietness of Body & Spirit ..................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Stances Natural..................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Guard Body ........................................................ 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Hands....................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Dragon Correctness............................................. 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Height ..................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 BareBareBareBare Hand SkillsHand SkillsHand SkillsHand Skills Needs Work Needs Work Needs Work Needs Work PassPassPassPass GoodGoodGoodGood Kicks Roundhouse Single.................................................. 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Roundhouse Double (Low-High)............................ 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

13 Directions ........................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Elbows Front ....................................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Back......................................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Knees Uplifting ................................................................. 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Round ..................................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

SwordSwordSwordSword SkillsSkillsSkillsSkills Needs Work Needs Work Needs Work Needs Work PassPassPassPass GoodGoodGoodGood Postures Safety...................................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Guard....................................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Warrior .................................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Defence Stopping Blocking.................................................. 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Redirecting Blocking.............................................. 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Accelerated Blocking ............................................ 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Attack Chop ....................................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Cut ........................................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Scrape ...................................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Thrust ...................................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Punch....................................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Pommel.................................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10



FormFormFormForm sssshaolin Tiger Broad Sword 1haolin Tiger Broad Sword 1haolin Tiger Broad Sword 1haolin Tiger Broad Sword 1 Needs Work Needs Work Needs Work Needs Work PassPassPassPass GoodGoodGoodGood Footwork Stances Executed Correctly..................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Moving from Posture to Posture ............................. 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Stability ................................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Body Posture..................................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Balance .................................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Head and Correct Looking ...................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Spirit Breathing ................................................................. 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Attitude.................................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Walking-On, Start and Finishing ............................ 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Skill Correct Function of Techniques.............................. 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Angles and Direction of Techniques....................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Strength of Techniques............................................ 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Sword Sword Sword Sword Safe Safe Safe Safe SparringSparringSparringSparring Needs Work Needs Work Needs Work Needs Work PassPassPassPass GoodGoodGoodGood Footwork Stances Executed Correctly..................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Moving from Posture to Posture ............................. 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Stability ................................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Body Posture..................................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Balance .................................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Head and Correct Looking ...................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Spirit Breathing ................................................................. 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Attitude.................................................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Walking-On, Start and Finishing ............................ 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Skill Correct Function of Techniques.............................. 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Angles and Direction of Techniques....................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Strength of Techniques............................................ 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Tiger Broad Sword KnowledgeTiger Broad Sword KnowledgeTiger Broad Sword KnowledgeTiger Broad Sword Knowledge Needs Work Needs Work Needs Work Needs Work PassPassPassPass GoodGoodGoodGood Questions - List the Shaolin Rules (5) ..................................... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

- List Sword Skills relevant to this Level (12) ........ 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

- List the parts of the Shaolin Broad Sword ............ 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

- List the 8 striking and 8 directional angles ........... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

- How can weaponry training be used? 100w+....... 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

ShadowShadowShadowShadow SkillsSkillsSkillsSkills Not Needed for GradingsNot Needed for GradingsNot Needed for GradingsNot Needed for Gradings Bare Hand Iron Palm Blocking

Clapping Hand Sword Block

Cranes Wing Block

Sword Hand Grab

Chinese/Panther Lower Kick

Sword Spinning Roundhouse Kick Sword Scythe

Continuous Uppercuts

Crow (Inverted Sword) Skills

Sword Knife Combination

Twin Sword Skills



Attendance Record Date & Signature Date & Signature Date & Signature Date & Signature Date & Signature

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30

31 32 33 34 35

36 37 38 39 40

41 42 43 44 45

46 47 48 49 50

51 52 53 54 55

56 57 58 59 60

61 62 63 64 65

66 67 68 69 70

71 72 73 74 75

76 77 78 79 80

81 82 83 84 85

86 87 88 89 90

91 92 93 94 95

96 97 98 99 100

101 102 103 104 105

106 107 108 109 110

111 112 113 114 115

116 117 118 119 120

121 122 123 124 125

126 127 128 129 130

131 132 133 134 135

136 137 138 139 140

141 142 143 144 145

146 147 148 149 150

151 152 153 154 155

156 157 158 159 160

161 162 163 164 165

166 167 168 169 170

171 172 173 174 175

176 177 178 179 180

181 182 183 184 185

186 187 188 189 190

191 192 193 194 195

196 197 198 199 200

Class attendance register

all previous classes

from all workbooks

+

this level classes

when level

completed

=

total Classes when

level completed

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Est. 2008 December 06 Copyright Master Robert Z · Where the Shaolin Staff, Gûn is the Father of...

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