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插捶
CHARGING PUNCHES BOXING SET
黃漢勛
by Huang Hanxun [Wong Honfan]
[published in Hong Kong, 1954]
[translation by Paul Brennan, Oct, 2018]
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揷捶
Charging Punches
蔡仲夔题
– calligraphy by Cai Zhongkui
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論揷捶
ABOUT THE CHARGING PUNCHES BOXING SET
崩步躱剛等兩拳已先後刋印成書。多承海內外同道購閲。使漢勛感愧交集。謝同道不以魯鈍而予賜教。愧則未䏻以更善方式闡發螳螂拳藝。以是耿耿於心也。
廼者：承海內外同道促將揷捶拳圖説刋印成册。余經再三与同學研究。僉認仍以仿照躱剛拳之方式為佳。因是而以此為今後再印其他拳書之藍本矣。
揷捶一拳『架式』大且剛手佔全拳之八九。與『四路奔打』為同型之拳。外表似為易練。但能盤『架式』穩定。手歩剛健。發勁雄猛則非認真做工夫者㪽易得到之成就『撲腿』之多。為各拳之冠。『十字腿』之手脚齊一更非膺淺者㪽可純正出之也。苟䏻向此中研練。當知余言不謬矣。
黃漢勛書於精武港會一九五三年十二月一日
I have already published books about the two boxing sets Avalanche Steps and Dodging Hardness, which have sold well to aficionados both domestically and overseas. This makes me feel simultaneously touched and embarrassed. While I am grateful to readers who have not found me to be an ignoramus and offered to take me on as their student, I am nevertheless ashamed that I have not done a better job of explaining the Mantis boxing art, and therefore I am determined to do better.
Having undertaken the task urged upon me by practitioners here and abroad to publish a handbook for the Charging Punches boxing set, I went through the material over and over again with my colleagues. We finally decided that the format we used for the Dodging Hardness book was the best after all, and that it should henceforth be the template for any further boxing manuals we will produce.
Charging Punches is a boxing set that has postures that are large and strong, the hands spending about eighty percent of their time as fists, similar to the Four-Line Running & Striking set. Outwardly it seems easy to practice, but you have to be able to perform it with your postures being very stable, your hands and feet moving with vigor, and your power being expressed with fierceness. Then those who have not been practicing hard will be inspired by your performance of the several “reaching leg” stances, the precision of each punch, and the hand and foot coordination of each instance of the “cross-shaped kick”, and furthermore those who have obtained a higher level will be impressed by your sincerity. If you can train with this goal in mind, then you will discover that these words are not exaggerations.
- written by Huang Hanxun at the Hong Kong Jingwu Association, Dec 1, 1953
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S
南
W 西 東 E
北
N
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插捶拳名稱
POSTURES NAMES FOR THE CHARGING PUNCHES BOXING SET
背轉双蓄勢
[1] STANDING WITH YOUR BACK TURNED, BOTH FISTS STORING POWER
白鵞掠翅式
[2] WHITE GOOSE SWATS WITH ITS WINGS
双封手扑腿
[3] DOUBLE SEALING HANDS, REACHING LEG
登山封統捶
[4] MOUNTAIN-CLIMBING STANCE, SEAL & THRUST PUNCH
封手十字腿
[5] SEALING HAND, CROSS-SHAPED KICK
撤歩右補捶
[6] WITHDRAWING STEP, RIGHT FILLING PUNCH
撤歩左屯掌
[7] WITHDRAWING STEP, LEFT BRACING PALM
登山封統捶
[8] MOUNTAIN-CLIMBING STANCE, SEAL & THRUST PUNCH
馬式挑劈軋
[9] HORSE-RIDING STANCE, CARRYING, CRUSHING CHOP
十字掛撑腿
[10] HANGING HAND, CROSS-SHAPED BRACING KICK
馬式右劈軋
[11] HORSE-RIDING STANCE, RIGHT CRUSHING CHOP
進式倒轆轤
[12] ADVANCE, REVERSE WINCHING
登山封頂臍
[13] MOUNTAIN-CLIMBING STANCE, SEALING, BELLY-SMASHING PUNCH
封手橫軋腿
[14] SEALING HAND, SIDEWAYS CRUSHING KICK
蹬𨁏右叠肘
[15] PAVING KICK, RIGHT PILING ELBOW
斜登山崩捶
[16] DIAGONAL MOUNTAIN-CLIMBING STANCE, AVALANCHE PUNCH
双封手統捶
[17] DOUBLE SEALING HANDS, THRUST PUNCH
登山番車式
[18] MOUNTAIN-CLIMBING STANCE, WHEELING TECHNIQUE
圈手十字捶
[19] SWINGING HAND, CROSS-SHAPED PUNCH
登山右圈捶
[20] MOUNTAIN-CLIMBING STANCE, RIGHT SWINGING PUNCH
封手左劈捶
[21] SEALING HAND, LEFT CHOPPING PUNCH
馬式偷心捶
[22] HORSE-RIDING STANCE, HEART-STEALING PUNCH
双封手插掌
[23] DOUBLE SEALING HANDS, CHARGING PALM
封手十字腿
[24] SEALING HAND, CROSS-SHAPED KICK
双封手扑腿
[25] DOUBLE SEALING HANDS, REACHING LEG
登山封統捶
[26] MOUNTAIN-CLIMBING STANCE, SEAL & THRUST PUNCH
轉身封統捶
[27] TURN AROUND, SEAL & THRUST PUNCH
叠肘小蹬𨁏
[28] PILING ELBOW, SMALL PAVING KICK
七星式低劈
[29] BIG-DIPPER STANCE, LOW CHOP
走歩髙挑手
[30] RUNNING STEP, HIGH CARRYING HAND
七星右補捶
[31] BIG-DIPPER STANCE, RIGHT FILLING PUNCH
封手右圈捶
[32] SEALING HAND, RIGHT SWINGING PUNCH
右抅摟採手
[33] RIGHT HOOK & PULL SEIZING
馬式左攬捶
[34] HORSE-RIDING STANCE, LEFT CATCHING PUNCH
翻勢右攬捶
[35] TURNING OVER, RIGHT CATCHING PUNCH
双封手扑腿
[36] DOUBLE SEALING HANDS, REACHING LEG
登山封統捶
[37] MOUNTAIN-CLIMBING STANCE, SEAL & THRUST PUNCH
封手十字腿
[38] SEALING HAND, CROSS-SHAPED KICK
馬式右劈軋
[39] HORSE-RIDING STANCE, RIGHT CRUSHING CHOP
偷歩反封手
[40] STEALTH STEP, REVERSE SEALING HAND
封手穿心腿
[41] SEALING HANDS, THROUGH-THE-CENTER KICK
封劈右崩捶
[42] SEAL & CHOP, RIGHT AVALANCHE PUNCH
封手十字腿
[43] SEALING HAND, CROSS-SHAPED KICK
馬式右劈軋
[44] HORSE-RIDING STANCE, RIGHT CRUSHING CHOP
蹤跳掛撑腿
[45] LEAPING, HANGING HAND, BRACING KICK
馬式右劈軋
[46] HORSE-RIDING STANCE, RIGHT CRUSHING CHOP
登山封統捶
[47] MOUNTAIN-CLIMBING STANCE, SEAL & THRUST PUNCH
跨虎挑統捶
[48] SITTING-TIGER STANCE, CARRY & THRUST PUNCH
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第一式 背轉双蓄勢
Posture 1: STANDING WITH YOUR BACK TURNED, BOTH FISTS STORING POWER
說明
Explanation:
譬喻崩歩拳等之（中平双蓄勢）為站東面北為中平。躱剛摘要之背東向西為四平則插捶之背轉應以站東背北向南是為背轉双蓄勢之方向
For comparison, the Avalanche Punches boxing set starts in a posture of “standing stably” (STANDING STABLY, BOTH FISTS STORING POWER), standing in the eastern part of the practice space with the north in front of you, while the Dodging Hardness set and the Picked Essentials sets all start in a “four-level posture” with the east behind you and the west in front of you. But in the Charging Punches set, you start in a “back-turned” posture, standing in the eastern part of the practice space with the north behind you, south in front of you. This is the orientation of STANDING WITH YOUR BACK TURNED, BOTH FISTS STORING POWER. See drawing 1:
功用
Application:
中平式為左攻左守之先備背轉勢適與相反以右攻右守者為主俱為未動手前預備耳未可以言功用
The posture of “standing stably” is a preparation for attacking and defending to the left, whereas the “back-turned” position is a preparation for attacking and defending to the right. This is simply a preparation before performing the movements, with basically no other function to speak of.
第弍式 白鵝掠翅式
Posture 2: WHITE GOOSE SWATS WITH ITS WINGS
說明
Explanation:
右腿踏前成右登山式。双手分右長左短。同時自內撥出。右前手須与本人耳部齊平。左短手亦高過肩膀。以資掩護。
Your right foot steps forward to make a right mountain-climbing stance as your hands deflect away together from the inside. Your hands are spread apart so that your right hand is at a longer range and your left hand is at a shorter range. Your right hand in front should be at ear level, your left hand guarding at shoulder level. See drawing 2:
功用
Application:
當我尚未採取攻勢之時。彼己搶先用捶擊我之太陽穴我應以招之即打之法。禦之其法即双掌齊出。短者撥去來拳長者則還襲其臉此一舉兩淂之法也
Before I have made any attack, an opponent is already punching to my temple, so I use a method of blocking his strike that involves defending by sending out both palms in unison, one at a shorter range to deflect away his incoming fist and the other at a longer range to counterattack to his face. This is a means of getting two results with a single action.
第三式 双封手扑腿
Posture 3: DOUBLE SEALING HANDS, REACHING LEG
説明
Explanation:
兩掌自外反內化為封勢前腿抽起再殿下乘勢以左腿突前扑下兩手亦由左轉右與扑腿配合時間。腿直身挺方為合式。
Your palms go inward from the outside, switching to a sealing action as your front leg pulls back, lifts up, stomps down, and then your left leg suddenly goes forward, reaching out below, your hands at the same time arcing from left to right. The leg should be straight and your body should be upright. See drawing 3:
功用
Application:
我用白鵞掠翅之法以解消來勢反而襲擊其上部但彼亦迅即消去我掌再漏下還擊我一拳。我以其来勢太低。故亦以低法破之。斯即封去彼手之後。再以腿扑之。
I used the technique of WHITE GOOSE SWATS WITH ITS WINGS to dispel the opponent’s incoming attack and counterattack to his upper area, but he quickly blocks away my [right] palm, then slips below it and counterattacks with a punch. I notice that his incoming attack is very low, so I use a low technique to defeat it. After sealing off his hand, I then reach out my leg [to attack his leg].
第四式 登山封統捶
Posture 4: MOUNTAIN-CLIMBING STANCE, SEAL & THRUST PUNCH
說明
Explanation:
左手向前封上。將扑下之左腿挺前化為登山式。右拳自腰部直綫衝出。
Your left hand goes forward to seal off above as your left leg bends forward, switching you to a mountain-climbing stance, and your right fist thrusts straight out from your waist. See drawing 4:
功用
Application:
我扑腿之低勢。實剷彼之前鋒馬。但彼提腿避去。反再踏下。若任其踏落。則我腿非折不可。我封彼踏下之腿力抽而上。轉登山式而輔以直統捶法。攻彼中路。旣可解去威脅復可還攻
My low reaching-leg stance is really for digging away the opponent’s front leg, but he lifts his leg to evade it and then stomps down. If I let him stomp down on my leg, I will not be able to keep my leg from getting broken, so I seal off his stomping leg by forcefully pulling on it [with my left hand] and rise up into a mountain-climbing stance, supplementing it with a straight thrust punch to attack his middle area. In this way, I can eliminate the threat and then counterattack.
第五式 封手十字腿
Posture 5: SEALING HAND, CROSS-SHAPED KICK
說明
Explanation:
右手向前封。左掌自腰間出。同時右腿亦自後平綫踢出。与掌成平直綫。若歪斜則去十字腿法逺矣。
Your right hand seals in front and then your left palm goes out from your waist as your right leg kicks out, parallel with the palm [arm]. If the leg finishes at an angle instead of being level, it will not live up to the notion of a “cross-shaped” kick [i.e. forming a ninety-degree angle: standing leg making a vertical line, kicking leg making a horizontal line]. See drawing 5:
功用
Application:
我統捶為彼㪽迎。我迅即順迎拒之便。而反封彼手旣被我封。再以上掌下腿之分勢攻襲法臨彼。或虛㦯實。使彼難予抵禦。斯為螳螂拳法中之取上打下。取下打上之法則。
My thrust punch has been blocked by the opponent, so I quickly connect with his block and seal it off, then once I have sealed off his hand, I use the surprise attack of palm above and leg below, one a feint and the other a real attack, causing him to have difficulty defending. This is a method in Mantis Boxing of attacking above to strike below, or attacking below to strike above.
第六式 撤歩右補捶
Posture 6: WITHDRAWING STEP, RIGHT FILLING PUNCH
說明
Explanation:
將踢出之腿撤後一歩（即原来之位置）左掌亦同時撤囘。而右拳衝出以填補其空位。定式為左登山右補捶之勢。
After kicking out, your leg withdraws a step (returning to its original position) as your left hand withdraws and your right fist thrusts out to fill the space it has just vacated, finishing in a posture of a left mountain-climbing stance with a right filling punch. See drawing 6:
功用
Application:
我雖以上下夾擊法攻彼。但彼䏻以低馬上下分迎法解我。我此法旣不逞。則手腿空懸。為勢殊劣。乃用撤歩方式暫固陣地。惟恐彼乘勢襲擊。乃以補捶法為殿後則減少威脅矣。
I used an above-and-below pincer attack to assault the opponent, but he has managed to lower his stance and spread his hands upward and downward to dispel both of my attacks, so I use this technique to keep him from capitalizing on the situation. With both my hand and leg having missed, I am now in great danger, so I use a withdrawing step to consolidate my position. But I worry that he may take advantage of this by suddenly attacking, so I also send out a filling punch to cover my retreat and thereby diminish such a threat.
第七式 撤歩左屯掌
Posture 7: WITHDRAWING STEP, LEFT BRACING PALM
說明
Explanation:
左腳退一歩成右登山式。左掌沿右臂向前直撇而出右拳收囘腰部。
Your left foot retreats a step to make a right mountain-climbing stance as your left palm goes along your right forearm, swinging out forward, your right fist withdrawing to your waist. See drawing 7:
功用
Application:
㦯我右補拳發出無效。而反為彼所握。我若不急求解脫。將為彼所制。我故用撤歩方式。先求距離略逺。再以左掌沿右臂殺出。旣可消去握制之手。復可直揷彼面部。誠連消帶打之妙著。
My right filling punch has missed and been grabbed by the opponent. If I do not quickly find a way to escape from his grip, then I will be under his control. I therefore use a withdrawing step to slightly increase the distance between us, at the same time sending my left palm along my right forearm to smash out and break his grip, which can continue forward to charge straight to his face. This is a clever maneuver of a defensive action turning into an attack.
第八式 登山封統捶
Posture 8: MOUNTAIN-CLIMBING STANCE, SEAL & THRUST PUNCH
說明
Explanation:
沿上式原歩不變。左掌向外封。右拳由腰間直出與肩平
Continuing from the previous posture, with your stance not changing, your left palm seals off to the outside [inside] as your right fist goes straight out from your waist to be at shoulder level. See drawing 8:
功用
Application:
左掌已出又為彼㪽架攔。當其攔拒之時。我立化掌為封手旣封彼手。即以右拳衝出。左封右打。為左右呼應長短兼用之法。
My left palm has been blocked by the opponent, so as soon as he blocks it, my left palm immediately changes to a sealing hand, sealing off his hand, and then my right fist thrusts out. This action of sealing with the left and striking with the right is a method of left and right working in concert, and of long range and short range functioning in tandem.
第九式 馬式挑劈軋
Posture 9: HORSE-RIDING STANCE, CARRYING, CRUSHING CHOP
說明
Explanation:
左掌循右臂外穿出。右拳往後收。略提前腿。借一提一縮之際。乘勢踏前一歩。右拳乘踏前時。由上劈落。
Your left palm threads out along the outside of your right arm as your right fist withdraws, your front leg slightly lifting. Then take advantage of the energy you have created from this lifting and withdrawing by going forward a step, your right fist going along with your step by chopping down from above. See drawing 9:
功用
Application:
我右拳為彼㪽迎或封。我即用左掌穿去。右拳乘一穿之便。迅速收抽囘。再進提前髙掠右拳照彼頸項劈落。同時我前馬乘一提之勢。早已暗入彼歩內。一劈一彈之勢。頗類於蹬𨁏法。
My right fist has been either blocked or sealed off by the opponent, so I send my left palm threading out as my right fist quickly withdraws, then I advance my lifting leg as my right fist sweeps high and chops down to his neck. By sending my front leg in at the same time, I have already intruded unnoticed into his space. This action of chopping with my hand while snapping out my leg is quite similar to the “paving kick” technique [see Posture 15].
第十式 十字掛撑腿
Posture 10: HANGING HAND, CROSSED-SHAPED BRACING KICK
說明
Explanation:
左後脚先向右前腳合齊。右手曲肘橫于額前。左掌由正中揷出。腿与掌同時撑出。手腿歩須集成一起運用。否則便有脫節之弊矣。
First your left foot goes forward next to your right foot as your right hand goes across in front of your forehead, the elbow bending, then your left palm charges out from in front of you as your [right] leg goes out with a bracing kick. Your step, hand movements, and kick must all be integrated, otherwise the technique will lack coordination. See drawing 10:
功用
Application:
我馬式劈軋之勢由上而下。全身俱下上部必感空虛。彼不還擊則已。若還攻則必由上路而來。故我用右掛手之法。橫架上門。再以中下門同時突擊彼方也。
My crushing-chop technique in a horse-riding stance goes downward from above, my whole body lowering, and so the opponent will surely notice that my upper area is now vulnerable. If he fails to counterattack me there, then he has missed his chance, but if he does counterattack, it will surely come from above. Therefore I will use my right hand in a hanging action to block across over my upper area, then suddenly attack him from my middle area and lower area simultaneously.
第十一式 馬式右劈軋
Posture 11: HORSE-RIDING STANCE, RIGHT CRUSHING CHOP
説明
Explanation:
此式之定點與挑劈軋相同。但前式挑然後劈。此式則自上而下便劈。故有類別耳。手歩俱与第九式同。祗挑与不挑之分。
This posture’s final position is the same as in CARRYING, CRUSHING CHOP, except that instead of first carrying and then chopping, this posture simply chops down from above to result in the same position. The hand movements and stepping are the same as in Posture 9, distinct only by having no carrying action. See drawing 11:
功用
Application:
上式已集中上中路之攻擊。彼必以我下路為還擊之弱點也。故有此全身突墜橫劈殺下之手。旣可解禳其突擊。復可穩握主動之勢。
Because the previous posture attacks the upper area and middle area simultaneously, my lower area has now become vulnerable and thus susceptible to a counterattack. Hence there is this technique of suddenly dropping my whole body and smashing down, thereby eliminating the opponent’s attack and giving me firm control over the situation.
第十二式 進式倒轆轤
Posture 12: ADVANCE, REVERSE WINCHING
説明
Explanation:
右前腳一提順勢拖進後腳連帶即進半歩。將上式右劈之手轉半弧形。左掌沿右臂下斜穿而出。再向內反抽。此為倒轆轤之法。
Your right foot lifts and drags your rear foot along, advancing a half step, as your right arm follows through from the chopping action in the previous posture by arcing through a half circle [full circle], your left palm threading out diagonally from below your right arm and then withdrawing inward [to pat on top of your right arm]. See drawing 12:
功用
Application:
我右劈之捶為彼㪽封。須即用小進式法求與彼接近。左掌自右外穿出。脫彼封纒之勢。我右手乃淂空。轉外反內力掃其下門矣。
The opponent seals off my right chopping fist, so I will have to do a small advancing step to get closer to him as my left palm threads out from right to left to strip away his sealing action, thus freeing my right hand, which arcs outward and then inward to forcefully sweep across to his lower area.
第十三式 登山封頂臍
Posture 13: MOUNTAIN-CLIMBING STANCE, SEALING, BELLY-SMASHING PUNCH
説明
Explanation:
右腳殿地左腳乘機進前一歩成為左登山式。右手反囬右旁。逆抽而上。至臍而止。左手用掌截下發出（必卜）之擊。
Your right foot stomps and your left foot advances a step to make a left mountain-climbing stance as your right arm rolls over to the right side and then pokes out upward until at navel level, your left hand coming down onto the forearm with an audible crack. See drawing 13:
功用
Application:
我自右方連進數式。彼改由我左方攻來。我亦須依其方向轉移以作攻守之計。彼手自我中部而來。我乃殿歩翻身。以左手抅去彼手。右捶由下反抽而上擊彼臍部。
Since I have been continuously advancing on my right side, the opponent switches to attacking from my left, so I have to change my body’s orientation to make a proper defense and counter. As he sends a hand to attack my middle area, I stomp and turn my body, using my left hand to pull aside his hand, and poke my right fist upward from below to strike to his navel area.
第十四式 封手橫軋腿
Posture 14: SEALING HAND, SIDEWAYS CRUSHING KICK
説明
Explanation:
原歩不變。右手反下作封手左手沿右臂之底穿上亦作封手之勢。兩手分隂陽相距不超過一尺為凖。右後腿自後橫軋而出。至盡而止
With your position not changing, your right hand turns over to make a sealing hand, your left hand threading upward from below your right forearm to also make a sealing hand position, your hands no farther than a foot apart, right palm facing downward, left palm facing upward, as your right leg goes out sideways [i.e. to the left side] with a crushing kick, the leg reaching as far as it can. See drawing 14:
功用
Application:
彼手自我中部而來。我即反右手封其腕部。再以左手穿出。封其肘處。手分隂陽為擒拿手法之一。彼必以沉肘解我。我正与彼相纒之時。突以軋腿襲彼。使之無備。可克奏膺功也。
The opponent attacks to my middle area, so I turn over my right hand to seal off his wrist and thread out with my left hand to seal off his elbow. This is one of the grabbing techniques, involving one palm facing upward and the other facing downward. He will have to sink his elbow to escape from this, and as we get tangled I suddenly attack him with a crushing kick, catching him unprepared and allowing me to do as I please.
第十五式 蹬𨁏右叠肘
Posture 15: PAVING KICK, RIGHT PILING ELBOW
說明
Explanation:
右軋出之腿。斜向右方踏下。類似斜勢登山式。此橫蹬𨁏也。同時以髙勢之右肘叠出。與入環叠肘有髙低之别。
Your right leg comes down diagonally to the right, almost making a diagonal mountain-climbing stance. This action is a sideways paving kick. At the same time, send out a right piling elbow, which in this position is higher than the piling elbow performed in a kneeling stance. See drawing 15:
功用
Application:
我之軋腿為彼避過。而彼反向我後方偷入。若任其偷入。則危險大矣。當其偷入之時。我迅即就勢一彈。使彼之歩無法站穩同時更以右肘當胸叠下上下齊施。左右分勢。非易於應付
The opponent evades my crushing kick and tries to sneak around behind me. It would be extremely dangerous for me to allow him to do this, so as he sneaks, I quickly snap out my leg, causing his stepping to have no stability. At the same time, I also add my right elbow piling onto his chest. By performing these actions above and below simultaneously, as well as spreading apart to the left and right, this technique will not be easy for him to deal with.
第十六式 斜登山崩捶
Posture 16: DIAGONAL MOUNTAIN-CLIMBING STANCE, AVALANCHE PUNCH
說明
Explanation:
就蹬𨁏斜登山勢不變。乘叠肘勢。左手封下。右手曲肘反捶崩出。歩雖斜但手須正出為合。
Without changing your stance, continue from the piling elbow technique by sealing downward with your left hand as your right forearm rolls over to send out an avalanche punch. Although your stance is diagonal, your hand has to come out straight. See drawing 16:
功用
Application:
當叠肘擊落之時。彼乃蹤身往後躱開。我恐其逺去而失去有利形勢。乃急以崩捶迎頭力𥕤而下。使彼無突圍之機會。
When my piling elbow strikes downward, the opponent tries to leap away to evade it. I worry that the distance will increase so much that I will lose the advantageous position, so I quickly send an avalanche punch to crash downward onto his face before he has the chance to get far enough away.
第十七式 双封手統捶
Posture 17: DOUBLE SEALING HANDS, THRUST PUNCH
說明
Explanation:
右脚先殿歩踏前。左脚再進前一歩成左登山式双手同時由上封下。收右手化拳平線衝出。
Your right foot first steps forward with a stomp and then your left foot advances a step to make a left mountain-climbing stance, your hands at the same time sealing downward from above, your right hand changing to a fist once it has withdrawn and then going out with a level thrust. See drawing 17:
功用
Application:
崩捶又為彼避過。我為把握主動起見乃邁開大歩。先踏右歩進前。再進左脚。共進兩歩。双手力封固彼之來手。右拳亦疾衝而前。斯為剛極之手法也。
The opponent also evades my avalanche punch, so I take charge of the situation by stepping out with large steps, advancing first with my right foot, then my left. During this double advance, both of my hands forcefully seal off his incoming hand and then my right hand quickly thrusts forward. This is a hand technique expressing extreme hardness.
第十八式 登山番車式
Posture 18: MOUNTAIN-CLIMBING STANCE, WHEELING TECHNIQUE
説明
Explanation:
此著番車並不如（大番車）之旋轉動作。乃將上式之右統捶化封手往上抽起。左捶如挫捶狀逆抽而上。原歩不動。左右手遙遙相對不徧歪為合。
This posture does not involve the full rotation of the “large wheeling” technique. Continuing from the previous posture, your right thrust punch changes to a sealing hand and draws back above as your left fist pokes upward with a subduing punch. Your stance does not change. Your hands aligning with each other should not be making you lean to either side. See drawing 18:
功用
Application:
彼以手挑拒我之統捶。我立即化捶封之提起。肘底之左捶自下抽上。以襲彼下頷。或不以挫捶形。式而用崩捶擊去亦無不可。技擊之術貴䏻變通。苟一成不變墨守繩規。反受其害矣。
The opponent uses a hand to carry away my thrust punch, so I immediately change it to a sealing hand and lift it up as my left fist pokes upward from below my [right] elbow to attack his chin. If I do not use a subduing punch, I could instead use an avalanche punch to strike him [targeting the nose in that case]. Either way will work. Martial arts value being adaptable. If we become slaves to certain patterns, we will only end up getting hurt.
第十九式 圈手十字捶
Posture 19: SWINGING HAND, CROSS-SHAPED PUNCH
説明
Explanation:
此式為自東而西。復由西而東之第一式由左登山式之原歩不變由左登山反後變作右登山式手則右手以日字捶劈向後方左捶繼右而轉成一大圈右先而向後。左後而居前。
With this posture, you switch from traveling east to west, as you have been doing since Posture 1, to traveling west to east. Without changing your location, switch from a left mountain-climbing stance to a right mountain-climbing stance, turning to the rear, while your right hand chops to the rear as a vertical fist and your left fist follows, making a large circle with your right fist finishing behind you and your left fist finishing in front of you. See drawing 19:
功用
Application:
彼由前往後擊我。或另有人自我後方攻入。我乃轉身易勢。反後作前。化劣勢為優勢。手隨身轉。右手先劈去來勢。後左手則反守為攻。轉身變歩乃取其易。劈殺連環含攻守相輔之義。
Opponents are attacking me from in front and behind, or there is simply another opponent who comes to attack me from behind, so I turn around to change my position, the rear becoming the front, changing my bad position to the superior position. My hands go along with the turning of my body, my right hand first chopping away the incoming attack, then my left hand counterattacking, my stance also switching to make it more efficient. This action of chops smashing in succession contains the idea of defense and offense assisting each other.
第二十式 登山右圈捶
Posture 20: MOUNTAIN-CLIMBING STANCE, RIGHT SWINGING PUNCH
説明
Explanation:
原歩不變。略提前歩踏進。後脚被前脚一提一拖乃淂進前半歩。右後手力往前一圈。與左手相撞發出（逼卜）之聲。使定點得以穩固。
With your stance not changing, your front foot slightly lifts and advances, your rear foot correspondingly dragging along behind it as you shift forward a half step. Your right hand at the same time forcefully swings forward and makes an audible crack against your left hand, causing the final position to be solid. See drawing 20:
功用
Application:
我左劈之捶旣被招拒則右後捶隨歩圈前。擊彼之太陽穴。前式為（盖馬三捶之一。）此為盖馬三捶之二。与下式聯結便成三捶。為連環衝擊之法也。
My left chopping fist has been blocked, so I step in while sending my right fist swinging forward to strike to the opponent’s temple. The previous posture was the first punch of a series of movements that produces “galloping forward with three punches”. This posture is the second punch and the following posture will be the third, making a series of continuous strikes.
第二十一式 封手左劈捶
Posture 21: SEALING HAND, LEFT CHOPPING PUNCH
說明
Explanation:
同上式之拖進法。以求原歩進前半歩。右圈之捶向前封手收返腰部。左捶由上向前劈落。
Just like in the previous posture, advance another half step in the same stance. Your right hand at the same time goes forward with a sealing action and withdraws to your waist as your left fist goes forward, chopping down from above. See drawing 21:
功用
Application:
此為盖馬三捶中之最後一捶。右手封去彼手。左捶迎頭殺下。與右手互相呼應冀收此封彼打之效。
This posture is the final punch of “galloping forward with three punches”. My right hand seals off the opponent’s hand and my left fist smashes down onto his head. My hands work in concert: one hand sealing, the other hand chopping.
第二十二式 馬式偷心捶
Posture 22: HORSE-RIDING STANCE, HEART-STEALING PUNCH
說明
Explanation:
沿上登山式全身摽前成騎馬式。左手自下由前轉一大圈返上蒙頭。右捶從腰間平綫直出。
Maintaining the foot placement of your mountain-climbing stance, your whole body darts forward to make a horse-riding stance as your left hand makes a large arc upward from below in the front to cover your head and your right fist goes straight out with a level thrust punch from your waist. See drawing 22:
功用
Application:
盖馬三捶皆採取上路攻勢。此式則轉向中路攻擊。以轉移彼之目光。且由登山轉騎馬式。其勢亦順。偷心捶勁強而速。為同道所知也。
The punches of “galloping forward with three punches” all seek to attack the opponent’s upper area, but this posture switches to attacking the middle area in order to divert his attention, and also switches from a using a bow stance to a horse-riding stance, the movement continuing forward. The heart-stealing punch is powerful and fast, as practitioners should already know.
第二十三式 双封手揷掌
Posture 23: DOUBLE SEALING HANDS, CHARGING PALM
說明
Explanation:
右腳殿地。左脚進前一歩。成左登山式。右先左後兩手向前由上封下。當左手封下之時。即替出右手用掌直揷而出。
Your right foot stomps and your left foot advances a step to make a left mountain-climbing stance, your hands at the same time sealing downward from above, right hand first, then left hand, and as your left hand seals downward, your right hand takes its place by charging straight out with a palm strike. See drawing 23:
功用
Application:
我偷心捶為彼避去或用手擋格。而彼反手擊我。不論彼由外擊。入㦯自內直取。我當進馬换勢為宜用類似採手之方式。連扑帶封以消其勢。趁封纒之時。我乃替出右掌直取彼之面部。
The opponent evades my heart-stealing punch, or uses a hand to block it and then counterattacks. Whether he attacks inward from the outside or straight ahead from the inside, I should advance by switching my feet and use a technique similar to “catching” [see Posture 33], continuing right into sealing to dispel his power, and as I seal and coil, I then switch to sending out my right palm to attack his face.
第二十四式 封手十字腿
Posture 24: SEALING HAND, CROSS-SHAPED KICK
説明
Explanation:
与第五式相同。祗前後方向各别耳。
Same as in Posture 5, except in the reverse direction. See drawing 24:
功用
Application:
与第五式相同。
Same as in Posture 5.
第二十五式 双封手扑腿
Posture 25: DOUBLE SEALING HANDS, REACHING LEG
說明
Explanation:
与第三式相同。祗前後方向及前者為反手向內再轉前扑下。此式則自上直扑而下之别耳。
Same as in Posture 3, except that the direction is reversed, and also in that case your hands move inward and then arc to be in front of you as your leg reaches out below, whereas in this case your hands drop down from above as your leg reaches. See drawing 25:
功用
Application:
与第三式同。
Same as in Posture 3.
第二十六式 登山封統捶
Posture 26: MOUNTAIN-CLIMBING STANCE, SEAL & THRUST PUNCH
説明
Explanation:
与第四式相同。祗方向有别耳。
Same as in Posture 4, except that the direction is different. See drawing 26:
功用
Application:
與第四式同
Same as in Posture 4.
第二十七式 轉身封統捶
Posture 27: TURN AROUND, SEAL & THRUST PUNCH
説明
Explanation:
此式與登山封統捶。寔同一定式与上式之原歩不變。由左登山易為右登山歩。右統之捶隨易馬轉身而往後封去。左捶即自腰平綫衝出。
This posture is really the same thing as MOUNTAIN-CLIMBING STANCE, SEAL & THRUST PUNCH. Your stance is no different from that of the previous posture, simply switching from a left mountain-climbing stance to a right mountain-climbing stance. Your right fist goes along with your stance as you turn by sealing off behind you, and then your left fist does a level thrust punch from your waist. See drawing 27:
功用
Application:
當彼此正面作戰時。後方為另一人襲我。或彼轉向我後方攻擊。若待易歩换勢。則時間或不容許。因就地轉移免為所算。右手隨身反封。即將來手消去。再以左拳衝擊。勢雖危。亦安無憂。
Right when the opponent in front of me attacks, another opponent makes a surprise attack behind me, or the first one moves around behind me to attack. If I wait until I have switched my stance, I will not be able to have time to deal with it, so my right hand goes along with my body to seal him off while I turn, dispelling the threat of his incoming hand, and then my left fist thrusts out to strike him. Thus although the situation is dangerous, there is nothing to worry about.
第二十八式 叠肘小蹬𨁏
Posture 28: PILING ELBOW, SMALL PAVING KICK
說明
Explanation:
右脚向內提起反向外蹬出。其尺度無其他蹬𨁏之大。故有小蹬𨁏之名。右肘同時叠出。使上下無脫節之弊。
Your right foot lifts and comes inward, then presses outward, but not to such a large extent as the earlier paving kick, hence it is a “small paving kick”. Your right elbow at the same time goes out with a piling action, and there should be no lack of coordination between your upper body and lower. See drawing 28:
功用
Application:
左統捶為彼招架。我迅即封之。提歩突入以靠其勢。左肘從上撞入。肘到歩蹬使彼解禳不及。此為諸蹬𨁏法中之最細而最易用者。幸毋以其小而忽略之。
My left thrust punch has been blocked by the opponent, so I quickly seal him off and lift my step to suddenly crowd into his space as my left elbow smashes to his upper area. My elbow arrives as my foot presses, causing him to have no way to extricate himself from his predicament. This is the subtlest of the paving kicks and yet is the easiest to apply. I hope you will not look upon its smallness as meaning it is insignificant.
第二十九式 七星式低劈
Posture 29: BIG-DIPPER STANCE, LOW CHOP
説明
Explanation:
就小蹬𨁏之原歩。全身一低。轉為七星式。右叠肘之手順勢劈落。至中途与右掌相碰成（必卜）之聲為合。
Staying in the location of your paving kick, your whole body lowers and switches to a big-dipper stance as your right arm chops downward, making an audible crack against your right [left] palm halfway through. See drawing 29:
功用
Application:
蹬𨁏叠肘為髙勢。我下路必空虛無疑。彼不還擊則已。否則必。自下路攻入。故我以低劈之手以補其空位也。
The paving kick with a piling elbow was a high posture, and so the opponent will surely notice that my lower area is now vulnerable. If he fails to counterattack me there, then he has missed his chance, but if he does attack, it will surely come from below. Therefore I use my [right] hand to do a low chop in order to fill in this gap.
第三十式 走歩髙挑手
Posture 30: RUNNING STEP, HIGH CARRYING HAND
說明
Explanation:
如以慢動作定式計之。則先進左後脚。再進右脚而成右七星歩。惟正確之練法則為蹤跳進前之法。是動式也。手由下逆挑而上。至中途則与左掌相碰始達定點。
If you want to perform this movement slowly, first your left foot will advance and then your right foot will advance to again make a right big-dipper stance. However the proper way to practice this technique is to advance with a jump, and thus it is a posture that has to be moved into without any pauses. Your [right] hand at the same time carries upward from below, colliding against left palm halfway to its final position. See drawing 30:
功用
Application:
上式為低劈。我手歩俱落。上路當感空虛。彼不反襲則已。否則當以我上路為目的。故螳螂拳經云。取下打上。打上捎下之語即斯之謂也。前有低式。以此而補其上路之不足耳。
In the low chop of the previous posture, my hand and stance lowered together, and so the opponent will surely notice that my upper area is now vulnerable. If he fails to counterattack me there, then he has missed his chance, but if he does attack, surely my upper area will be targeted. There is a saying in Mantis Boxing: “Seeking below, strike above. Striking above, guard below.” This alludes to this kind of situation. The previous posture involved lowering, and so this posture fills the gap that has consequently formed in the upper area.
第三十一式 七星右補捶
Posture 31: BIG-DIPPER STANCE, RIGHT FILLING PUNCH
說明
Explanation:
進右脚成右七星式。右捶由腰部衝出。至中途則与左掌相碰發出（必卜）之聲。然後始至終點（此為螳螂拳慣用之捶法）
Your right foot advances to make a right big-dipper stance as your right fist thrusts out from your waist, making an audible crack against your left palm when halfway to its final position. (This is a habitual punching technique in Mantis Boxing.) See drawing 31:
功用
Application:
劈與挑俱為消解彼攻来之手法。雖具有破壞性但無攻擊性故劈挑後之補捶用以反擊補捶之另一掌為拍去彼手之用。但此式則拍与不拍皆可直用。
Chopping and carrying are both techniques for dispelling attacks. Although they possess a destructive quality, they do not really have an attacking quality, and hence they are followed by the filling punch. When applying a filling punch as a counterattack, the function of the palm is to slap away the opponent’s hand, but it will also work without the slap.
第三十二式 封手右圈捶
Posture 32: SEALING HAND, RIGHT SWINGING PUNCH
說明
Explanation:
先圈捶之左掌為封手之作用此式。註明封手者。乃先封手後始圈捶。殿右歩進左腳而成左登山式。左掌沿右膀撇落至拳鋒而止。右捶由下返後。再往前圈出。与左掌相碰便達成定點。
First your [right] palm does a sealing action, as a sealing action is clearly indicated by the posture name. After sealing, your hands will go to the rear and then swing forward. Your right foot stomps and your left foot advances to make a left mountain-climbing stance as your right arm swings downward, your left palm going along the arm all the way to the knuckles, then your right arm swings forward from below in the rear, cracking against your left palm as it reaches its final position. See drawing 32:
功用
Application:
劈挑補俱為直綫攻守之法。圈捶乃橫打者。若墨守直綫之攻守彼當易於應付。此式改直為橫者。使彼無從摸捉。
The previous chopping and carrying actions were both methods of attack and defense along a straight line, but this swinging punch is a sideways strike. If I stuck to straight-line actions, the opponent would easily be able to figure out how to deal with them, so in this posture I switch to a sideways action, causing him confusion.
第三十三式 右抅摟採手
Posture 33: RIGHT HOOK & PULL SEIZING
說明
Explanation:
原歩不變。右手先向外刁。左手反向內摟。右拳繼出。即成抅摟採手矣
With your stance not changing, your right hand first hooks outward, then your left hand pulls inward, and then your right fist goes out. See drawing 33:
功用
Application:
此式亦為螳螂拳中常用之基本法門。抅為虛手。摟為實封。復加一捶。乃總括剛柔虛實。攻守之法兼備矣。
This is a commonly used fundamental technique in Mantis Boxing. The “hooking” is insubstantial, the “pulling” is a solid sealing, and then a punch is added. Thus it contains both hardness and softness, both emptiness and fullness, both attack and defense.
第三十四式 馬式左攬捶
Posture 34: HORSE-RIDING STANCE, LEFT CATCHING PUNCH
說明
Explanation:
左右歩不易位置。祗由登山式轉為騎馬。右捶自前往後橫掃。左捶由長而短如曲肘之狀。前後兩手俱與肩膀同線。
With your feet staying in their location, switch from a mountain-climbing stance to a horse-riding stance as your right fist sweeps across from the front to the rear and your left arm bends in, the fist retracting from long range to short range, both hands at shoulder level. See drawing 34:
功用
Application:
左攬捶為極剛之手法。右手往後掃去。乃撇去彼手左捶由前反抽。襲其太陽穴位。左右連環長短兼用。
The catching punch is a technique of extreme hardness. My right hand sweeps away to the rear, swinging aside the opponent’s hand, and my left fist goes forward and pulls in, attacking his temple. My arms act in unison, one extending, the other retracting.
第三十五式 翻勢右攬捶
Posture 35: TURNING OVER, RIGHT CATCHING PUNCH
說明
Explanation:
全身抽起。翻身轉過左便。双脚到地時盡力殿落以助其勢。左手由曲變直。自前掃後。右捶由後作前。以直變曲。集多數動作求瞬息間全部一氣呵成。
Your whole body lifts up and turns around to the left, your feet coming down stomping to add power, as your left arm straightens, sweeping across from front to rear, and your right arm bends in from front to rear. Each of these actions should happen together in the blink of an eye. See drawing 35:
功用
Application:
彼手旣招去我左攬之捶。當還襲我上路。故我有左攬之勢必以右攬而填其卸。全身翻起其勢固雄於前者。且亦迅速至難於迎禦也。
The opponent uses a hand to block aside my left catching punch and counterattacks to my upper area. I therefore have a right catching punch to complement the left catching punch, my whole body turning over to make it even more powerful than the first one and adding more speed to make it difficult to defend against.
第三十六式 双封手扑腿
Posture 36: DOUBLE SEALING HANDS, REACHING LEG
說明
Explanation:
方向手歩俱與第三式相同
Same as in Posture 3. See drawing 36:
功用
Application:
第三式由柔手轉扑腿。此式則由剛手而變。功用實相同也。
In posture 3, you move into the reaching-leg stance coming from a soft hand technique, whereas in this case it is coming from a hard hand technique, but its function is still the same.
第三十七式 登山封統捶
Posture 37: MOUNTAIN-CLIMBING STANCE, SEAL & THRUST PUNCH
說明。功用。
Explanation & application:
俱與第四式相同。
Same as in Posture 4. See drawing 37:
第三十八式 封手十字腿
Posture 38: SEALING HAND, CROSS-SHAPED KICK
說明。功用。
Explanation & application:
俱與第五式相同。
Same as in Posture 5. See drawing 38:
第三十九式 馬式右劈軋
Posture 39: HORSE-RIDING STANCE, RIGHT CRUSHING CHOP
說明
Explanation:
形勢。方向。手歩俱與十一式相同。祗前者為掛手劈落。此式則由十字腿而劈耳。
The posture, orientation, hand movements, and stepping are the same as in Posture 11, except in that case chopping down from a hanging-hand position and in this case chopping from a cross-shaped kick. See drawing 39:
功用
Application:
與第十一式相同。
Same as in Posture 11.
第四十式 偷歩反封手
Posture 40: STEALTH STEP, REVERSE SEALING HAND
說明
Explanation:
右歩自後偷入左歩而成偷歩式。右掌自頂上穿過後方。左掌則平穿往後。雖有上下之分但其直綫則同一。
Your right foot sneaks behind your left foot, performing a stealth step, as your right palm threads to the rear over your head and your left palm threads out to the rear until level. Although your hands are at different heights, they are going out along the same vertical line. See drawing 40:
功用
Application:
彼由後方突襲。我若無應急之法。當受其害。偷歩者利其簡而迅速。上下兩掌含有互相呼應之妙。不論彼手自中或上路攻入俱可應付裕如。當一封一接之中。肩膀部份大有利用之處。
An opponent suddenly attacks from the rear. If I do not find a way to quickly respond, I will get hurt. A stealth step is at this moment the simplest and quickest means of stepping, and with my palms working in unison, one higher and one lower, I will easily be able to respond to his attack whether it is to my middle area or upper area. With one hand sealing and the other hand connecting, the key to this movement lies in the shoulders.
第四十一式 封手穿心腿
Posture 41: SEALING HANDS, THROUGH-THE-CENTER KICK
說明
Explanation:
原歩不動。右捶自上而下打落左掌處。為螳螂拳中之暗示封手之另一法門。左腳由平綫直撑而出。
With your position staying the same, your right fist strikes downward from above into your left fist, which is another method in Mantis Boxing of performing a sealing action, as your left foot goes out with a level bracing kick. See drawing 41:
功用
Application:
彼以上路攻襲不逞後。乃改由中路擊我。我立用中路封手法將來勢解禳。同時更以穿心腿作中下路之還攻。使彼受突如其來之攻擊也。
After his attack to my upper area is thwarted, the opponent tries to attack my middle area. I immediately seal off my middle area to prevent his incoming attack, at the same time counterattacking to his middle area or lower area with a through-the-center kick, catching him by surprise.
第四十二式 封劈右崩捶
Posture 42: SEAL & CHOP, RIGHT AVALANCHE PUNCH
說明
Explanation:
此崩捶與通常㪽用者略異屬摔捋兩分。硬崩伏底之一類。穿心腿之脚踏下成左登山式。左手向外刁出。右捶隨之向左劈出。再返由正崩去。
This avalanche punch is slightly different from the usual one, embodying the techniques of THROWING AWAY TO BOTH SIDES and CRUSHING AVALANCHE SUBDUES THE GROUND. Your foot comes down from the kick to make a left mountain-climbing stance as your left fist hooks outward [and pulls back to your waist], your right fist going along with it by chopping to the left and then rolling over to go forward with an avalanche punch. See drawing 42:
功用
Application:
摔捋兩分硬崩伏底俱為八剛手之要法。此式雖簡。已有此類之攻力。彼乘我腿下時。攻我中路。先以左手緊封來勢。右臂微曲循左反劈其手。速轉內迎頭崩下誠一舉兩淂之法。
THROWING AWAY TO BOTH SIDES and CRUSHING AVALANCHE SUBDUES THE GROUND are two of the “eight hardnesses”. Although this technique is simple, it also resembles these kinds of attacks. The opponent takes advantage of the moment that my leg is coming down by attacking to my middle area. First my left hand seals off his incoming force and my right arm, slightly bent, goes along with it by doing a reverse chop [i.e. tiger’s mouth facing downward] to his arm, then quickly continues inward to turn over and send an avalanche punch downward to his face. This is a means of fulfilling two objectives with a single movement.
第四十三式 封手十字腿
Posture 43: SEALING HAND, CROSS-SHAPED KICK
説明。功用。
Explanation & application:
俱與第五式相同。
Same as in Posture 5 [except in the opposite direction]. See drawing 43:
第四十四式 馬式右劈軋
Posture 44: HORSE-RIDING STANCE, RIGHT CRUSHING CHOP
說明。功用。
Explanation & application:
俱與十一式及三十九式相同。
Same as in Postures 11 and 39 [except in the opposite direction]. See drawing 44:
第四十五式 蹤跳掛撑腿
Posture 45: LEAPING, HANGING HAND, BRACING KICK
説明
Explanation:
此為動式。其定式與第十式相同。全身抽起。極力蹤跳而前。右拳自頂上橫攔。左掌與右撑腿取直綫齊出。其位置已進前一二歩之逺矣。
The final position of this posture is the same as in Posture 10 [except in the opposite direction]. Your whole body rises up and forcefully leaps forward as your right fist blocks across above your head, then your left palm and right bracing kick go straight out in unison. Your position has advanced one or two strides distance. See drawing 45:
功用
Application:
因彼我距離過逺。或我進攻時彼早已引避。因此我乃以蹤跳法以求与彼接近。當距離減小之時。彼乃迎頭擊我。我即用掛撑之法。實招之即打之運用也
There is too much distance between the opponent and myself, or he is already evading as I am attacking, thus I leap in order to close the gap. But once the distance is decreased, he attacks to my head, so I use this technique of hanging and bracing, luring him in and then attacking.
第四十六式 馬式右劈軋
Posture 46: HORSE-RIDING STANCE, RIGHT CRUSHING CHOP
說明。功用。
Explanation & application:
俱與十一式三十九式及四十四式相同。
Same as in Postures 11, 39, and 44 [and in the same direction as Posture 44]. See drawing 46:
第四十七式 登山封統捶
Posture 47: MOUNTAIN-CLIMBING STANCE, SEAL & THRUST PUNCH
說明。功用。
Explanation & application:
俱與第四式相同。但前者為正面。此式則為轉身封手者。因而略異。
Everything is the same as in Posture 4, except that in that case you are already facing forward, whereas in this case you are turning around as you perform the sealing hand, and so it is slightly different. See drawing 47:
第四十八式 跨虎挑統捶
Posture 48: SITTING-TIGER STANCE, CARRY & THRUST PUNCH
説明
Explanation:
此式為揷捶之收式。惟螳螂拳絕物花巧之拳術。雖收式亦必含有實際用途。右掌由前往後用掌背觸及右腿。再轉上用拳作蒙頭之勢。左脚拖後成左跨虎式。同時左拳亦自腰衝出。
This is the closing posture for the Charging Punches set. It is a technique in Mantis Boxing that is more for display than anything else, yet although it is a closing posture, it does have actual function as application. Your right palm goes to the rear, the back of the palm hitting your right thigh on the way, then arcs upward, becoming a fist, to guard your head, as your left foot pulls back to make a left sitting-tiger stance, your left fist at the same time thrusting out from your waist. See drawing 48:
功用
Application:
彼以腿攻我下路。我右手之撇下者即消此之用。復以左拳取彼上路。使彼上下難於兼顧。
The opponent sends out a kick to attack my lower area, so my right hand swings downward to get rid of it and then my left fist attacks to his upper area, giving him the difficulty of having to deal with things happening both above and below.
註：
Note:
全式已完。演拳者例有收式与觀衆為禮之舉。當以正面為合。或有更改方向之必要時。亦可變通也。
With all of the postures completed, you may perform a ceremonial salute to any spectators, for which it is best to be facing forward, or you may change to whichever direction is necessary.
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[As a bonus, included below are three chapters from Huang’s Notes on the Mantis Boxing Art (1951).]
習搏擊術之一得
A TIP FOR HOW TO TRAIN IN A FIGHTING ART
中華武術採陰陽之氣，匯六合之功，玄妙至不可思議者，恆練之可致人於健康之境域，然除此之外尚附以攻守之法，非近代體育以比賽性或娛目性者可比，習國術祗為健康設想者，或專練攻守法而置强健身體於外者，前者固僅得國術原理之半，後者又犯好勇鬥狠之病，是以不習國術則已，旣習之則須雙管齊下，以收事半功倍之效，然欲習攻守之術談何容易，嘗見自命為個中能手，高談濶論時固能道出渾身解數，如何迎拒如何襲擊無不中肯，但一旦在生死危難關頭，却不知應付者恆見不鮮矣，若求有從容應戰之方，須平日練拳時不論出拳踢腿皆須幻出一箇假想敵人，此拳可擊中敵人之胸？此指可插中敵人之眼睛？此脚可踢中敵人之小肚？積之旣久距離遠近一望便知，先後快慢無不如意施展，有此基礎更須於靜室自練，其練法亦須幻出一個敵人，此假想敵人或高或矮，或快或慢，或剛，或柔皆在我想像之中，使我處處設防，或迎或卸，閃賺虛實，直衝我則跨步橫擊之，襲下則我迎頭劈之，手足并進我則以虛置之，剛手銳進我則退而俟之，總以不招不迎為上之，招之即打為次之，只知招架策之下也，由幻像中而用之於實行自易生效，吾人欲習搏擊之術舍此莫屬矣，此是余經騐所得故敢為諸君告，請嘗試之以覘吾言可信。
Chinese martial arts make use of the passive and active aspects, and the integration of the six unions [front/back, left/right, up/down], concepts that are unimaginably profound. Consistent practice can improve one’s health, and can also produce skill in methods of attack and defense, quite unlike modern sports for competition or exhibition. But to practice martial arts only for health or only for martial skill would give you only half of the art in the case of the former and lead to the error of being overly in love with fighting in the case of the latter, in either case making it little better than not practicing martial arts at all. Therefore you have to aim at both of these goals simultaneously, and you will thereby get twice the result for half the effort.
However, to train skills of attack and defense is easier said than done. I once saw someone who considered himself an expert, who spoke eloquently and quite capably about all of his skills, how to defend, how to attack, always speaking with a knowledgeable accuracy, who then one day found himself in a life or death situation… and had no idea what to do. This kind of thing is actually very common. If you are seeking an efficient method of dealing with an attacker, then in your daily practice, whether you happen to be punching or kicking, you have to imagine that an opponent is there and ask yourself things such as: Is this fist able to strike an opponent’s chest? Is this finger able to poke an opponent’s eye? Is this foot able to kick an opponent’s groin?
After practicing for a long time, you will be able to judge distances at a glance and do whatever you please at a fluid speed. Upon this foundation, you then have to add a quiet place to practice and in that place form a mental picture of an opponent. This virtual opponent, whether he is tall or short, moves fast or slow, uses more hardness or softness, is always in your imagination, causing you to prepare yourself in every direction. Parry and block his attacks, and play tricks on him, using a feint and then catching him with a real technique. When he does a straight thrust, lunge out and strike across. When he attacks you below, chop to his head. When he attacks with a hand and a foot at the same time, give them false targets to land on. When he suddenly comes forward with an attack of great hardness, retreat and wait for him to overcommit. Generally speaking, neither blocking nor parrying [i.e. only dodging and counterattacking] is the superior strategy, to block and then strike is second best, and only knowing how to block is inferior.
This use of imagination will produce real-world effects. If you want to train fighting skills, you cannot do it without this. This is something that I have gained through experience and now I have dared to report it to the rest of you. I invite you to test it for yourselves and see whether it is reasonable or not.
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被多人包圍我將以何策應之
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN ATTACKED BY A GROUP?
方今之世恃强凌弱，以衆擊寡者比比皆是，余稚齡時聞諸人言，若與多人戰鬥，須倚身於壁，以避免四面受敵之虞，余初頗然其說，及今思之倚身於牆垣之下雖可減少一面之敵，然長此處於被動，我非鐵鑄機械之人，其有不為敵所乘者歟！雖不四面受敵亦三面圍攻矣，而且敵續有添益，赴援不絕，我將何以禦之，余讀螳螂經云「十面八方捶法」內有「衝圍打」「環攻打」此二法足資借鏡，衝圍打者採擒賊擒王之故智，察其中之健者，似為領導全體之人物，集力而擊，其人一倒，其他則無所恃，將作鳥獸散，但須自計對斯領導者遊刃有餘否？然後可用此法，否則應效三英戰呂布之故事，向其中之最弱者下手，務使一擊即中，一中即倒，殺其下馬威乘此弱點三十六著矣，若夫連擊此弱者之力量亦不逮復與人對敵何為！
環攻打者，自恃魄力雄厚，足以應付有餘，方可採用，其法先安定位置，忽前忽後，或左或右，縱橫開合，穿梭蹤跳，變換形勢，從內而出，由外反擊，務使擊敵至體無完膚始已，被包圍者其勢固危殆，然苟能審愼從事便可應付裕如矣。
世無眞是非亦無所謂仇怨，吾人又何必傷害人身體以快一時哉！且法網恢恢又何必自尋煩惱耶！
In our modern world, it is everywhere the case that the strong bully the weak and the many gang up on the few. When I was young, I heard everyone say: “If you’re attacked by a group, you have to put your back to the wall in order to keep them from getting to you from every direction.” In the beginning, I took these words seriously, but by now I have realized that although it reduces the number of directions from which I can be attacked, it is actually a disadvantageous place to be. Unless I am made of iron, I should not be putting myself in a position that opponents can take advantage of. Although I am no longer being attacked from four directions, I am still being attacked from three directions, and hence the onslaught from those directions is amplified, only making it harder to escape. What then am I supposed to do to defend against this situation? In Mantis Boxing, there are ten “methods for engaging in all directions”, including “crashing through” and “attacking the circle itself”, both of which are used as examples below:
“Crashing through” has to do with picking on the leader. Look for the strongest in the group, the one who seems to be the leader, and focus all your power on attacking him. Once he has been knocked down, the rest will fall into confusion and will flee [“scatter like birds and beasts”]. But you have to calculate whether or not you can actually defeat him in order to be able to use this method, otherwise you will have to make use of the story of “The Three Heroes [Zhang Fei, Guan Yu, Liu Bei] Fighting with Lü Bu” [from chapter 5 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, in which Lü Bu became too worn out to block their weapons and had to flee, bursting away through where Liu Bei was positioned]. Switch to aiming toward the weakest attacker and strike him so that he falls down. By destroying his stance, you can then force your way past this weak spot and perform the thirty-sixth stratagem [referring to the famous saying: “Of the Thirty-Six Stratagems, fleeing is best.”] If you cannot force your way past the weakest link, what hope would you have against the strongest?
“Attacking the circle itself” involves being full of courage and having more than enough fire to take them all on. First settle yourself, then suddenly go forward, suddenly back, suddenly left, suddenly right, crissing and crossing, opening and closing, threading through, leaping around, varying your posture, striking outward, swinging back inward, until they are covered in bruises. If you have been surrounded, you are indeed in great peril, but if you can steer the right course through the mayhem, you will be able to handle the situation with ease. However, keep in mind that you have no real quarrel with people, and therefore no reason to hate your attackers. It is not necessary to go berserk and injure them all, which might end up getting you into trouble with the law.
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試言南拳北腿之由來
ON THE SOURCE OF THE PHRASE “SOUTHERN FISTS, NORTHERN LEGS”
世人之談武技者，輙曰南拳北腿，豈非南方拳技不用腿乎？北方則捨拳不用歟？是怪誕之論也！凡拳術非祗拳腿並用好已，連首，肩，肘，膝，臀，臂，掌，指，無不相連並用，焉有連此上下呼應之法亦捨棄不用者乎？查此語之由來，實因吾粵及嶺以南之拳技多採穩紮穩打為主，出拳且不及用肩肘，是防為敵所制，則易為敵所折其臂之故。
用拳尚且如此審愼，其用腿也更應處處審愼矣，是故南方拳術每套雖逾百紀以上動作，但其出腿則僅得二三而已，因此門外漢視之不啻為拳所淹沒其腿，故祗乎之曰南拳。
北方拳技多主長拳低馬，踢腿常過己腦，每套拳中之腿法，常在百分之廿强，其多與高之故，甚得門外漢之注意，比腿之名於是大著。
然而出腿有危險乎？曰不得其法出拳尚且危險，更遑論腿耶？起脚之道脚脚有護手，處處有解躱，雖為敵制我脚亦能從容解之，苟能如此尚有何危險之可言哉！
脚比手長，脚力比手强，有如此之獨特，吾人又何必捨長用短，捨重用輕，其得謂為武乎？苟存危險之心又何必與人競一日之長短，古云兵兇戰危可為好勇鬥狠之戒，吾勇矣能傷害於人其能逃出法網歟？吾懦矣為敵所傷，首先身受痛苦之災。
總之處此二十世紀的今日，强健吾體以期與病魔搏鬥，以奠畢生健康快樂之境，質之諸君其以為然乎？
When ordinary people talk about martial arts, they mention “southern fists, northern legs”. Do southern styles not use legs? Do northern styles not use fists? What a weird thing to say! Generally speaking, boxing arts not only use both punching and kicking, but also striking with the head, shoulders, elbows, knees, hips, forearms, palms, and fingers – everything. How could the upper body and lower be working in concert and yet abandon the other half?
Investigating into the source of this phrase, it is surely due to the way that our southern boxing arts, spanning the area from Guangdong to the Qinling mountain range [also called the “Southern Mountains”], typically emphasize a constant barrage of strikes. They send out their fists without overly extending their shoulders or elbows in order to prevent opponents from getting control of their arms, which would then make it easy for an arm to get broken by an opponent. Using their fists in this cautious way, they wield their legs even more cautiously. Therefore in southern boxing arts, even if their sets have over a hundred movements, there may be only two or three kicks. Because of this, the layman thinks that any kicking is drowned out by all that punching, and thus he only talks of “southern fists”.
Northern boxing arts typically emphasize long-reaching punches, low stances, and kicks which often go higher than one’s own head. Kicks comprise about twenty percent of each set, most of them high, and this strongly catches the layman’s attention, who thereafter proclaims “northern legs”. He then commonly asks: “But isn’t it too risky to send out your leg?” Well, if you do not know what you are doing, it would be just as risky to send out your fist, never mind your leg. Whenever you raise your foot, you should still be guarding yourself with your hands and you should always have some way of evading. Then even if the opponent gets control of your foot, you can calmly extricate yourself. In this way, is there really any risk worth worrying about? Also, the leg has greater reach than the arm and is stronger than the arm, and is thus a very different tool. Why should we abandon the long-range weapon to use only the short-range weapon and abandon the heavier force to use only the lighter force? If we did that, would what we are doing still qualify as “martial”?
And if risk is the issue, then there is no point arguing over the merits of either long-range or short-range weapons since they would both be wrong. As some ancient person said [Chao Cuo, from his “A Discussion of Military Affairs”]: “Armies are ferocious. War is dangerous.” [Chao’s original text runs thus: “Armies have ferocious weapons. War is a dangerous endeavor.” The equivalent English idiom would be: “In war everyone loses.”] This can be read as a criticism of how war glorifies fighting. Our courage in such situations enables us to harm others, leaving us thereafter tormented by guilt, but our cowardice would get us destroyed by the enemy, and thus either way is a disaster of personal suffering. However, now that we are in the twentieth century, we are training our bodies mainly to fight off illness instead, establishing a state of health and happiness, which is all that everyone really wants after all.
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Brennan Translation 