Liu He Tanglangquan - Gou Lou Dao Da

[mooyingmantis]

Below is a video that highlights the Liu He Tanglangquan (Six Harmony Praying Mantis Fist technique known as, 勾 摟 手 gōu lōu shǒu or 勾 摟 倒 打 gōu lōu dǎo dǎ.

The character 倒 may be pronounced dào "to turn over" or dǎo "to fall". Unfortunately, I am not sure which is correct. Maybe someone here can shine the light on this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6nHsdmeanQ

Here is my humble attempt at a step by step description of this movement:

1. Swing the right arm in a vertical downward circle while stepping the right foot forward.
2. Swing the left arm in a vertical downward circle while bringing the left foot up behind the right foot.
3. Swing the right arm in a vertical downward circle while shuffling the right foot forward.
4. Follow with a right rising block, a left rising block and a right straight punch while again shuffling forward with the right foot.

Notes:
a. Unlike the separate 勾 摟 gōu lōu arm movements found in Qixing Tanglangquan, each of the first two downward vertical swings are considered a combined hook and grapple in Liu He Tanglangquan.
b. Each of the downward circles begin at the center-line and move upward and outward.
c. The third downward vertical circle is a chopping strike.

This movement is a common element in Liu He Tanglangquan forms, such as; Cang Hua (Hidden Flower) and Tie Ci (Stick & Stab).

[mooyingmantis]

The primary stance employed in Liu He Tanglangquan forms is:

三 体 式 three body pattern sān tǐ shì

Here is how it is formed:

1. Back foot turned out 45° with 70% of the weight on the back leg.
2. Front foot points forward and pushes back while holding 30% of the weight.
3. Pelvis is tucked forward to straighten the spine.
4. Head is pulled upwards as if hanging by a string.
5. Chin is pushed inward to straighten the neck.
6. The lead arm is stretched forward with the elbow slightly bent.
7. The lead elbow points downward.
8. Rear arm is slightly bent and rear hand is placed inside the hip at dantien level.
9. Tongue is pressed against the roof of the mouth.

[-N-]

a. Unlike the separate 勾 摟 gōu lōu arm movements found in Qixing Tanglangquan, each of the first two downward vertical swings are considered a combined hook and grapple in Liu He Tanglangquan.

[edit]

Nevermind.

I just reread your post.