THE DRAGON

Previously I have written BLOGS ON some of the famous animal styles of Chinese martial arts; specifically, so far here the Tiger, with the Leopard, Snake and Crane to follow. I’ve been holding off on the Dragon till I felt the time was right, and guess what?? Here we go, enjoy.

First off, most of the information I will provide describes the famous Southern Shaolin Dragon styles in particular, but is useful in understanding Dragon styles in general. Although perhaps not as well known or widely dispersed as some of the other Animal Styles, still, it is a somewhat common one; especially in all of it’s incarnations. There is Southern Dragon, Northern Dragon, White Dragon, Black Dragon, Green Dragon, Fire Dragon, Swimming Dragon, Bagua Dragon, Hsing- I Dragon, and more. Many styles incorporate Dragon methods and techniques, even forms and small sub- styles into their arts as well, such as in Hung Gar, Choy Lay Fut, and many Chinese based Kempo/ Kenpo arts. There is even a Taiji Dragon style that I am aware of, as well as ancient Daoist style Dragon arts.

The Dragon in Chinese and Asian cultures in general, is understood much differently than in Western culture. Although this is a separate topic, it does impact Dragon style martial arts- mainly we need to know that the Dragon is not a symbol of an evil or malevolent force, as often depicted in Western lore and symbology. In fact, quite the opposite- the Dragon has many incarnations and may symbolize many things, chief among them: Heaven, Spirit, ‘Pure Yang,’ Earth, Water, Luck and Blessings, and Transformation. In fact, the 5 toed Dragon was the symbol of the Chinese Emperors’ for centuries, and is central to ancient Chinese spiritual beliefs as well as popular culture. Who doesn’t love the famous Dragon Dance?

As for Dragon style martial arts, they are quite awesome and diverse. Dragon style, once well learned, is primarily an Internal style, though initial training generally focuses on body conditioning, endurance, tempering and harder, more external aspects of training. The power comes from the earth, root and waist, flowing upwards and outwards. Evasion and unpredictable, deceptive methods are featured. Much of this comes from the famous zig zag ‘Dragon Stepping’ footwork, as well as the twisting, rotating and coiling nature of many of the techniques and methods. Other footwork methods include stomping into stance methods- combined with hand/ arm techniques- ‘press stepping,’ otherwise known as ‘step and slide’ footwork; and shuffle stepping. Circle walking holding and moving through Dragon Postures is also featured, as well as many diverse two- person training methods and training equipment.

The motions of Dragon style are generally very relaxed and fluid, but combine all methods into one. Rising/ sinking, diagonal/ horizontal; fluid circling, coiling and twisting movements as well as linear and focused movements. All opposites are combined, including again, internal/ external, soft/ hard. Breathing methods are very much emphasized, such as inhaling to the crown to lighten oneself for aerial maneuvers, hissing on exhalation with varying degrees of tension, and many Dragon shouts/ sounds, or kiai- such as HA, DA, TSAA, SSSK and HUNG.

One of the key strategies of the Dragon stylist is to ‘Ride the Wind,’ or to wait for the opponent to move/ open himself, then respond by attacking the empty, weak areas of his energy and defense.

Famous Dragon techniques include the Dragon Claw, Dragon Wing’s, Dragon Tail (forearms), Dragon Tail Kick/ Sweep, Ridge Palm (which often precedes the Dragon Claw Rake, unbalancing and stunning the opponent first), Dragon Punches- such as Tiger Punch, and single, double and triple headed Dragon punches; Knife Edge Kick’s, Dragon Takedowns, low and high Dragon Sweeps; as well as Dragon Element Techniques, such as Fire, Wind, Water, Earth, Lightning, Thunder, and more. The Dragon stylist can Fly, Swim, Sink, Float, Ride the Winds, and be Invisible, and more. Dragon stylists are famous for their abilities in Chin- na and Grappling, as well as pin- point striking and related methods (Dim Mak/ Tien Hsueh)- my teacher having displayed these many times, and with a grip that can rip the flesh off your body easily, as well as destroy tendon, ligament and bones (and deeper).

As a symbol of Spirit and Transformation embodied in a kung fu style, the Dragon stylist also learns to shift and morph easily from one method to another, combining all animals, all elements and all known techniques into a dizzying arsenal. Eyes of an eagle, ears of the rabbit, sensitivity of the deer, claws of the tiger, etc...this is a Dragon Concept, but there is also specific training which allows the Dragon stylist to do this- thus the Dragon stylist may be ALL styles, ALL energies, yet to the opponent Invisible; unless the Dragon stylist wishes the opponent to see this, it remains hidden.

In our system (Five Form Fist Shaolin), the primary Dragon method and style is called, PAI TE LUNG. Pai Te Lung means, ‘Strong, Virtuous White Dragon.’ White in this context refers to a spiritual concept, like the first pure rays of sunshine at dawn in Spring- time. This is the inner family Dragon style of famous GM, Dr. Daniel K. Pai. Yes, he was Hawaiian and famous for his kempo methods. But his grandfather was Chinese and brought the family from China to Hawaii. Dr. Pai was trained from very early child- hood by him in their family arts, internal and external; and of course went on to study many, many other arts and found his own system. He was recognized in the end of the century issue of ‘Inside Kung Fu’ magazine as one of the 100 most influential martial artists world- wide of the 20th century, and referred to as an, ‘American Kung Fu Legend.’ That was for a reason. I am very proud to be able to preserve the aspects of his Chinese martial arts that I was able to learn from my teacher, who so generously shared with us (he was Dr. Pai’s live- in lineage disciple and Chief Instructor of the Pai Lum system for years, before going his own way and becoming Headmaster of the Five Form Fist system).

OK, I look forward to your feedback, may the spirit and luck of the Dragon be with you, always.