Wooden bench. The third part

22.08.2009EvilDollaR

What item can be a good weapon? According to some Chinese combat systems - almost any one with which you can achieve the desired result. One of the most original types of weapons is a wooden bench.

Kung Fu Secret Weapon

Tired and hungry from long trips around Southern China, a merchant stopped at a tavern in the town of Gongmun, wanting to have dinner and a cup of tea.

Concentrating entirely on his food and enjoying the much-needed rest, he paid little attention to the noisy surroundings.

Completely immersed in his thoughts, he had no idea that the man sitting at the next table was watching out of the corner of his eye as he counted a large amount of money and put it back into the travel bag behind him. Unknown to the visiting traveler, the nameless observer was one of China's biggest thieves. Over the years, authorities have offered large rewards for information leading to his capture.

Rising from the table, the thief walked through the crowded tavern in the direction of the naive merchant. While walking near his desk, the thief “accidentally” dropped his wallet. Pretending to lift it, he lowered his hand down, preparing to grab the merchant's bag at any moment.

Reception No. 1

But at the moment when the thief tried to steal the bag, the merchant moved to the far end of the wooden bench on which he was sitting. With a blow to the face from the raised edge of the bench, he knocked the thief off his feet.

The shocked and enraged robber decided to prove to the simpleton merchant that he was no match for him. The thief quickly stood up, grabbed a pole lying nearby and angrily approached the merchant. Before he could strike with the raised pole, his opponent lifted the bench and rammed it straight into the thief's unprotected stomach. With amazing precision and strength, using the two legs of the bench, he caught the opponent's pole and with one powerful rotation-return movement tore it out of his hands. The robber, paralyzed by fear, stopped dead in his tracks, and the merchant, who had saved his money, remained to wait for the authorities to arrive.

Indeed, the wooden bench was a common weapon in Southern China and was used in many famous southern styles of kung fu, such as Choy Li Fut and Hungg Gar. The bench itself is usually 4 feet long, with a board 6 inches wide and four legs (two legs on each side), two and a half feet long.

Reception No. 2

The bench is a heavy weapon. Although it weighs 15-20 pounds when stationary, when used as a weapon, the lever system makes it weigh at least 40 pounds. Obviously, it is only suitable for extremely strong people. This type of weapon is definitely not for beginners or those who have only a passing training and knowledge of martial arts.

Here's how Gibson Dang, a fighter who studies kung fu Choy Li Fut, explains it: - “Before starting training with a bench, it is necessary to strengthen the hands and forearms, in addition, improve stability in stances and footwork. Due to the weight of the weapon, with insufficient stability in stances, vital balance, especially when working with such heavy weapons, will be lost; Consequently, the basic form comes to naught and there is a complete absence of the necessary force.”

Based on this, it is best to train with a bench for at least one hour a day. Divide your training into three phases: form, strength and speed. In general, if your shape is wrong, everything else will become useless, both from a practical point of view and from an aesthetic point of view. In addition, if you focus only on speed, endurance will be the key to success. If your only strength is power, then a quick skillful attack is likely to be the best achievement. “Using proper form combined with strength and speed, without neglecting any of the skills, is what is worth taking into account when talking about the famous features of martial arts,” says Dang.

Although the bench is not actually a long weapon, the techniques for using it are subject to the standards of a long weapon, since it is in some way a variation of the elongated pole popular in kung fu. But essentially this is not a traditional weapon, but a thing oriented towards it due to the fact that in the southern kung fu systems such objects were often used in the form of weapons. They were widespread, practical and effective.

In single performances and fights, the advantage of a wooden bench is its weight and unique structure. Basically, the wide part was used to block high and low attacks, as well as attacks from any angle. With the legs of the bench it was possible to snatch a weapon from the enemy, make lunges, pushes, powerful uppercuts and destructive blows from top to bottom.

There are a total of 15 basic techniques for using a bench. Their combination with various variations creates 150 individual movements. For example, sweeping techniques are known as the lo-shu-pun implement, and overhead circular blocks are called the fa-koi-ding suit. There are also difficult somersaults over a bench standing on the ground.

Also on the list of moves is a complex bench roll on the shoulders, which was either invented to hone skills or was used when retreating. This is the most colorful technique of the entire set and only a skilled fighter can handle it. The bench was often used against a farmer's hoe, a two-pointed staff or pole, and two swords.

A farm hoe is a long pole with a downward facing blade attached to the end. It is a long weapon and, like the bench, it is also heavy. When used together, it is referred to as “heavy versus heavy.” Since there is no speed to speak of when using them, opponents must rely solely on their skills and strength.

Despite the big differences, the traditional pole has something in common with a bench. Compared to the powerful heavy bench, the pole has the advantage of light weight and therefore speed, making it a worthy opponent.

In a duel with two swords the situation is completely different. Swords are not only short weapons, but also double weapons. Due to their light weight, their speed, timing and quickness must be taken into account. On the other hand, the bench surpasses them in strength and power. The final result will depend on the skills of the fighters.

Reception No. 3

“In both solo and team competition, it is important that each student does enough strength and conditioning exercises to develop proper weapon handling,” advises Dang. “It takes incredible discipline. Certain warm-up techniques, strengthening techniques, and proper instruction are necessary. Otherwise, the result may be injuries to the back, elbows or hands, as well as muscle strains and similar problems associated with the heavy weight of the weapon. Fortunately, most kung fu instructors have a good knowledge of traditional herbs and their healing properties, not to mention acupuncture and acupressure, so most injuries are successfully treated.”

To summarize, Dang shared his thoughts on possible prospects for learning the art of using a wooden bench (and other types of weapons): “The decisive factor in achieving victory in the confrontation of one weapon against another will be the choice of the right strategy. This is a compelling argument, especially when one of the weapons is a heavy wooden bench. By carefully studying the enemy's movements, you can prepare possible attack options in advance, calculate the time, distance and correct position. With serious intensive training, the student will be able, if necessary, to apply the accumulated knowledge in unrehearsed, real-life situations, be it on the street or, for example, in some film studio.”

Not only is a wooden bench great for self-defense, it can be used to maintain balance while throwing kicks.

Without a doubt, learning how to use a bench is not easy, but once you graduate, it will become a truly powerful weapon. Harmless at first glance, it is the complete opposite, proving that a seemingly harmless object can be on par with the most deadly types of weapons.

Lyricist: Gary Gilbert
Search information: Den
Translation: EvilDollaR