Dragon Do Pi
Dragon Do Pi (Lung Ying)
The movements of the Dragon style "dragon shape rubbing bridges") are based on the mythical Chinese dragon. It is characterized by extremely quick, long-distance strikes from above. There are five Animals of Shaolin Boxing; the other four styles are Tiger, Crane, Leopard, and Snake.
Dragon style has roots in Hakka Kuen. It is essentially an internal, qi (chi) cultivating method, but initial training is far more like a hard, external style than a delicate, reptilian approach.In learning the moves, the student will strike hard, block hard and stomp into each position, with the idea of learning the proper place to be once each movement is complete. Eventually, the method of transmitting power is retained, and the physically strengthened body is able to make transitions in the proper, fluid manner. In turn, this reptilian smoothness helps disguise the attack, making it extremely difficult for an adversary to effectively counter. The practitioner stands at a 45 degree angle at the opponent.
Blocking is dispensed with, and parries or simple strikes substituted. On the highest level, an opponent is allowed to tire himself out, evasion becoming the Dragon's key defence.
Forms:
Basic
16 Movements
Passing Bridge Three Times
Fierce Tiger Leaping Over Wall
Rescue Master From Single Side
Single Sword and Mount
Press and Hit from Four Sides
Eagle Claw
Bridge Smashing
Intermediate
Touch Bridge (introduces sticking hands)
Venomous Snake Moves Tongue
Hua King's Fist
Standing Five-Form
Cross Standing Five-Form
Turn to Hook and Hit
Five Horses Returning to Stable Palm
Advanced
Plum Flower Punch
Seven Ways of Plum Flower Punch
In each form, one is taught to "ride the wind", a phrase which in large part means follow rather than lead. Provide no opening without first letting your opponent open. Dragon evades primarily by rotation of upper or lower torso with little or no stance movements. Pinpoint strikes to vulnerable meridian targets. Heavily uses tiger-like punches and clawing techniques, snake-like stance shifts, and leopard-like hit and run strikes to weaken a physically superior adversary. Dragon kung fu also regularly employs low sweeping techniques, but these are not unique; most senior stylists of any kung fu system use these on a weakened adversary.
Focuses mainly on powerful, short range attacks. Uses gripping and seizing techniques and extensive use of the forearms both offensively and defensively.
It has limited kicks and jumps and consisted mainly of fist, palm and clawing techniques. Power generated from the waist using soft hard jin (neijin = internal strength and waijin= external strength).
Lung Ying training also involves an extensive amount of iron body training. Hardening the forearms especially is considered essential to the style as it makes such extensive use of them. Depending on the particular school any of a fairly large pool of traditional training methods will be used to toughen the body. Three, five and seven star conditioning drills, pea buckets, weighted ropes, sand bags, and striking poles are all common in Lung Ying schools. It really isn't possible to separate Lung Ying conditioning from its methods; the two work hand in hand, each needing the other to be completely effective.
The Dragon Kung Fu practitioner typically attacks with winding low yang; that is, powerful and quick movements. For example, when striking with the fist, more power can be exerted when the movement originates from the feet, is guided by the waist, flows through the body, and exits through the fist.
Footwork: 2 Basic Types:
The first is "Zig Zag" stepping (dragon stepping). Basically with each step forward, the rear foot moves forward and becomes the forward foot. However, the step is not taken directly forward but basically follows the angle the front foot is turned at (about 33 degrees). This has the effect of moving the LY player forward and off to an angle while offering some protection to the groin from attack. This type of stepping allows a lung ying player to press his opponent (usually used before the opponent's centre has been taken) while launching attacks from angles that are difficult for the opponent to defend. The LY player seems to be constantly moving into an uncomfortable range and at an angle that forces their opponent to reposition their whole body to defend against, or else torque their torso around thus breaking their structure and disconnecting them from the power generation machinery of their lower body.
The second basic type of stepping is Bic Bo stepping, or press stepping. In this method the front foot moves forward and the rear foot drags up to get back to the basic position. This stepping generally covers less distance than the dragon stepping, and is used to press the opponent. It will frequently be used once the LY player has begun to press their attack in earnest or is exploiting some advantage. There are specific methods for stretching this footwork out addressed in various forms. One of the primary purposes of this footwork is to keep the LY player "on top of" their opponent and in attacking range. Also, this type of stepping is heavily used in various stance breaking methods.
Southern Dragon style motto.
"Control yourself, let others do what they will.
This does not mean you are weak.
Control your heart, obey the principles of life.
This does not mean others are stronger."
Codes of Southern Dragon style.
The seeds were first planted from Haufeng; the essence was gained later at Haushou
Restrain one's self and yield to others not because one is weak, but to uphold the ethical Tao and let the others have their claim.
Four rules of the Dragons.
Focus to train and condition the body.
Be righteous and uphold your honor.
Respect your parents, honor your teacher.
Treat others with honesty; treat your friends with loyalty.