Bridging Theories of Southern CMA

[TopCrusader]

Hey Everybody,
I was curious about the similarities and differences between Southern Chinese Martial Arts as it relates to bridging and their theories about it.

For example, one art might only bridge when necessary (not needing a connection), other arts may seek to bridge & make contact with an opponent before/during a strike regardless.

Specifically I would like to talk about the similarities/differences and theories as it relates to Bak Mei, Southern Mantis, Fukien White Crane, Wing Chun, Southern Dragon, etc.

Thanks!

[YouKnowWho]

The "bridging" is 2 ways street. When you can sense your opponent, your opponent can sense you too. It's better to sense your opponent but don't let your opponent to sense you. In order to do that, you have to:

- build a bridge,
- collect your "information",
- destroy your bridge ASAP (so your opponent can't sense you),
- utilize that information to do your thing.

In the following clip (1/4 speed),

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyDBH...ature=youtu.be

the old man used his left leg to touch his opponent's right leading leg before he landed his left foot. Why did he want to do that for? He wanted to make sure that his opponent's leading right leg won't give him any trouble. He then dis-connect his leg contact quickly after he had collected his information. The information would tell him whether it's safe to land his leading left foot, whether he should continue his attack or withdraw immediately.

I'm talking about "leg bridge" here. Most people may pay more attention on "arm bridge" instead.

[Subitai]

All those styles you mentioned (or in question) have their own theories / concepts of bridging.

I think it's safe to say that everybody thinks their way is best.


I just wanted to point out an observation for you to peek your interest (I hope)

Some guys will: Put a bridge out there and return it asap in hopes to use it again or others might leave it out there so that they can read what follows.... or get K.T.F.O. haha whichever comes 1st.

Really the only way to prove anything is to touch hands... and then the P.B. people would come in and own everyone. Hahaha...

Just kidding guys...that was a joke because of the WC guys that are always bringing his name up.

"O"

[PM]

Check out my article on the subject

Hung Ga Bridge Hands (Kiu Sau)

http://practicalhungkyun.com/2013/08...hands-kiu-sau/

[Golden Arms]

I can only speak first hand on Pak Mei and Hung Gar. The two have a very different emphasis on how bridging is done, and when. Not to say there is not any overlap, but overall I wouldn't lump them together except on a base level (controlling the limbs or movement of the other person is something they both have in common).

[GojuRyuMaster]

Here is an article on the Beng Kiam Ngo Cho Kun perspective on bridging, including a bridging poem:

http://www.bengkiam.com/bengkiam/arc...0Alex%20Co.pdf

[GoldenBrain]

I consider bridging to be one of the foundations of southern 5 animal kung fu. For me it was one of those ah ha moments, or maybe epiphany is a better term, when bridging finally clicked in my mind. As a result of this understanding my level of fighting increased tremendously.

The terms we use are inside, outside, top and bottom bridge and the idea is to strike at the same time as the bridge connection is achieved. As has been mentioned you don't want to hold the bridge to long but rather use it move through the opponent with successive striking, bridging, throwing, locking or whatever application you intend to use. I think southern kung fu, and the various bridging methods, lends itself well to inside fighting which suits me just fine.

[TenTigers]

Wallace Smedley (aka Sifu at Large) has an awesome site with interviews of today's generation of Sifus. He just did an article on me, and there is a section on bridging. Enjoy.

http://wallacesmedley.com/2013/09/18...rik-kellerman/

[CLFNole]

Wallace Smedley (aka Sifu at Large) has an awesome site with interviews of today's generation of Sifus. He just did an article on me, and there is a section on bridging. Enjoy.

http://wallacesmedley.com/2013/09/18...rik-kellerman/

I enjoyed reading your interview...very well done.