Hidden Hands Unlocking the Secrets of Traditional Martial Arts Forms

by STARR, PHILLIP

• ISBN13: 9781583942437
• ISBN10: 1583942432
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-11-23
• Publisher: Blue Snake Books

Summary

The solo forms or sets of a martial art may appear to be merely flashy performances or rote exercises for conditioning, and because of this many students disregard this aspect of their training. True martial arts masters, however, know that the forms of a system actually contain all of the techniques and secrets of that system-if one knows how to look for them. Often called the "great books" of martial arts, forms are crucial for a deeper understanding of the art one practises. In Hidden Hands, Phillip Starr provides detailed instruction in the art of reading martial arts forms: by first mastering rudimentary "words" (individual techniques) and then moving on to simple "sentences" (combinations of techniques), the student will come to understand forms as ancient documents that contain the true essence of their art. Starr discusses different aspects of forms practice such as rhythm, timing, spirit, and performance, and presents specific guidelines for interpreting the movements of various forms. The book ends with the dissection and interpretation of a complete form. Containing examples from Chinese, Japanese, Okinawan, and Korean martial arts, Hidden Hands shows serious practitioners how to improve in any art and style.

Author Biography

Phillip Starr has been teaching martial arts professionally since 1971. He was named a U.S. National Champion by the United States Karate Association and has received the Presidential Leadership Award from the Amateur Athletic Union. The founder of the kung fu style known as Yiliquan and the author of three other martial arts titles, he lives in Council Bluffs, IA.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. ix
Genesis	p. 1
The Origins of Forms	p. 3
Types of Forms	p. 13
Perform or Practice?	p. 19
Forms and Fighting	p. 23
In the Beginning	p. 33
I've Got Rhythm!	p. 47
Timing and Timing Again	p. 53
As the Spirit Moves	p. 61
Correct Power	p. 65
Level One	p. 71
Getting to Know Your Form	p. 73
Breaking Down Your Form	p. 81
Keeping Count	p. 87
Follow the Yellow Brick Road	p. 95
Setting Up the Opponent	p. 107
Level Two	p. 111
Hide and Seek	p. 113
The Enigmatic Dance	p. 127
The Alpha and Omega	p. 137
Level Three	p. 149
Hidden Foot-and Leg-Sweeping Techniques	p. 151
Concealed Joint Techniques	p. 165
Throwing Techniques	p. 175
Don't Assume It's All There	p. 193
Will the Real Bunkai Please Stand Up?	p. 197
Level Four	p. 201
Breaking the Code	p. 203
Sumi-E, Zen Art, and Form	p. 209
Appendix: Complete Form with Breakdown	p. 211
About the Author	p. 235
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