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Pilgrim
08-29-2000, 05:24 AM
Can people discuss the differences beween the two styles methods of trapping? What are their similarities?

sitnam
08-29-2000, 07:32 AM
As a Tanglangquan practitioner exchanging information with fellow Wing Chun practitioners, the latter tends to concentrate their attack and trapping techniques on the centerline and maintaining their hand positions between the four points of the body, whereas Tanglangquan tends to go either inside or outside the centerline.

Contrary to what most people assume, "trapping" is not a major game that Tanglangquan plays with but rather they play more of a "setting up" game; e.g., often times a Tanglangquan practitioner will punch to the outside to set up for an inside technique and vice versa. Moreover, it is important to note that Tanglangquan uses the feet in coordination with the hand, thus they emphasize a great deal in footwork. Overall, Tanglangquan uses the strike, kick, joint manipulation, and throw in successive combinations to attack or defend. These 4 techniques are combined together in a drill, which you can see contained in most Tanglangquan forms.

[This message has been edited by sitnam (edited 08-29-2000).]

mantis108
08-29-2000, 10:30 PM
The magic word "Trapping" always sparks a good debate. IMHO, there is a difference in the Trapping for both style. As Sitnam pointed out, Trapping in Wing Chun, quite often deal with the bridges only. Foot work is a lesser pirority. I would think a Northern and Southern influence is quite obvious. Another point is that Wing Chun is often known for it's direct aggressiveness. A Trapping is finished as soon as the opponents hands are obstructed. Mantis, however, is prgressive indirect. Trapping is done only when the opponent's tools (limbs and body are out of the game). Trapping, regardless of style, in my mind, is to avoid trading punches (or kicks) and end up chasing after your opponent all over the place. It is esscential to Kung Fu.

Mantis108

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