Muay Thai counters

[Jamie Robson]

1st 2nd & 3rd Series - Re-Released

Hello,

During my recent trip to Penang, Sigung (Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit) and I took some time out to re-take the three series of 'Shaolin counters to Muay Thai attacks'.

The pictures were re-taken for a number of reasons, such as nicer location, ensuring the counter images match the attack images, resolving any confusion regarding direction and also because I have learned some even better counters since taking the initial pictures.

The Contents

1st Series - 'Hard, Forceful Counters often used by External Martial Artists'
2nd Series - 'Flowing Techniques often used by Internal Kungfu Practitioners'
3rd Series - 'Amazing Techniques that can be used by a Fragile-Looking Lady'

The 1st series will be released shortly...

[Emiko H]

Dear Jamie,

This is yet another interesting discussion! Thank you for taking the time to post your thoughts here.

I am looking forward to seeing the 1st series, but especially the 3rd series on how ladies would deal with Muay Thai.

Best wishes,

Emiko

[Jamie Robson]

Shaolin Counters Vs Muay Thai Attacks

I'm very pleased to begin the 'new edition' 1st series of 'Shaolin Counters to Muay Thai Attacks'.
While I was in Penang in January 2009, Sigung (Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit) was kind enough to help me re-produce the entire 3 part series.
Sigung generously offered his opinions regarding many of my chosen counters.
With his advice and a year of training since the series(s) was previously released, there are a few changes and improvements within some of the techniques and patterns.

It would be great to hear some feed-back from fellow forum members, and I will release the 1st series in stages, so be sure to check the thread regularly...

[Jamie Robson]

Shaolin Counters Vs Muay Thai Attacks

Series 1
"Hard, Forceful Counters often used by External Martial Artists"

Attack 1 - Series 1
The attacker (Red) turns to avoid a level punch and kicks the temple or jaw with a hooking motion, connecting with the heel.


Defence 1 - Series 1
The defender (White) moves in and intercepts the kick at it's weakest point while simultaneously striking the attackers back. Video Clip 1 - 1

[Jamie Robson]

Shaolin Counters Vs Muay Thai Attacks

Series 1
"Hard, Forceful Counters often used by External Martial Artists"

Attack 2 - Series 1 - 'Yan Erawan - Push Elephant'
The attacker (Black) steps and leans diagonally to avoid a strike while simultaneously kneeing the upper body.


Defence 2 - Series 1 - 'Immortal Emerges from Cave and Palm Strike'
The defender (White) steps to the side, away from the oncoming knee and intercepts the movement at it's weakest point.
At the same time he smashes the chest or face with a devastating palm strike. Video Clip 2 - 1

[Martin Do]

Dear Sifu Jamie,

Thank you for sharing these applications with everyone here. I look forward to seeing the rest of this "new edition".

Kindest regards

Martin

[Molly]

Hi Siheng Jaime,

Thank you for posting the updates to this thread. I've never seen 'Immortal Emerges from Cave' used quite like Sifu uses it in the video and photo series. It looks as if he's striking downwards, is that correct? If that's the case (I can't quite see everything in the video due to the angles), then would I be correct in assuming that when using this technique in this manner, you are striking out towards the softer inner thigh of the attacker?

Thanks and best wishes,
Molly

[Jonny Say]

Thank you Sigung and Siheng for taking the time to retake the photos and make videos! Can't wait for future instalments.

[parrapiti]

Dear Brother!

Thank you for adding this wonderful info, pictures and videos to this thread - excellent!

Hope to see you soon again,

Your brother Piti

[Jamie Robson]

Hello Molly,

You are correct in your observations, Sigung is striking out towards the softer inner part of my thigh.
Which is an interesting paradox, because although this 1st series is in essence 'Hard', there are still 'Soft' principles within many of the applications.

The next instalment will be released in a couple of days...

[Jamie Robson]

Shaolin Counters Vs Muay Thai Attacks

Series 1
"Hard, Forceful Counters often used by External Martial Artists"

Attack 3 - Series 1 - 'Ramasoon Kwang Kwan - Giant Throws An Ax'
The attacker (Black) leaps or jumps in with an over-head elbow, crashing onto the opponents skull, neck or collar bone.


Defence 3 - Series 1 - 'Double Bows Tame Tiger'
The defender (White) intercepts the attack before it's energy has fully gathered.
After ensuring relative safety, he then applies a palm strike to the chest or heart. Video Clip 3 -1

[Damian Kissey]

Dear Jamie ,

Thank you for the inspiring videoclips.....helped to rejuvenate my kungfu practise.

Regarding the 3 rd clip " Double Bow Tames Tigers" , effectiveness of responder comes from adequate internal force ( especially a powerful attacker crashing in from above , this is where internal force training like zhan zhuang is crucial ) and skill ( eg timing , one left hand control two arms of initiator , this is where realistic practise practise practise comes in ) .

Other responses may also work depending on skill , for example

(A) "Crane drinks besides stream " pattern from the "Shaolin 5 Animal Set " : responder move slightly to the left and strike with right phoenix fist to right side of body when initiator's move is about completed and left hand controlling attacking right elbow.

(B) "Crane Stands among Cockerels " also from 5 animal set : responder reverses depending on spacing , left hand lean inside attacker's elbow and executes right organ seeking kick as initiator descends.

Best wishes to You , your great Shaolin Kwoon and your students

Shaolin salute ,

[Jamie Robson]

Dear Sipak Damian,

Indeed, your suggested alternative counters are excellent.
They would work no matter what size the exponent was, and would fit into the 3rd series 'Amazing Techniques that can be used by a Fragile-Looking Lady'.

Wishing the Kissey Family health & happiness,

With Shaolin Salute, Jamie

[Jamie Robson]

Shaolin Counters Vs Muay Thai Attacks

Series 1
"Hard, Forceful Counters often used by External Martial Artists"

Attack 4 - Series 1 - 'Nak Mood Badan - Serpent Sneaks To Ocean Kingdom'
The attacker (Black) avoids a mid-level kick by sinking down, and simultaneously kicks the supporting leg of the defender (Red), targeting the knee.


Defence 4 - Series 1 - 'Run with Unicorn Step and Hanging Fist'
The defender (White) retreats to safety using a unicorn step, then charges in, taming the opponents lower body with his stance.
He finally controls and strikes the opponent with a hanging-fist (and appropriate follow-up if required). Video Clip 4 - 1

Note - We filmed this sequence in slow-motion to give viewers a chance of seeing the technical aspects within each movement.

[Jamie Robson]

Shaolin Counters Vs Muay Thai Attacks

Series 1
"Hard, Forceful Counters often used by External Martial Artists"

Attack 5 - Series 1 - 'Prarama Dean Dong - King Ram Walks In Forest'
The attacker (Black) leaps in with a deadly flying knee, aimed at the heart (chest) or head.


Defence 5 - Series 1 - 'Separate Sea Search for Shells and Offer Wine'
The defender (White) yields to the attackers momentum, which provides much opportunity for his counter-attack.
He brushes aside the knee as it's energy is spent, then once he has tamed the opponent, strikes with a cup-fist, poetically named 'Big Boss Offers Wine'. Video Clip 5 - 1