The whole system can build quite a martial arts master. But it only takes one BSL set, backed by solid basics, to build a fighter. It's all about how your approach it.
This is so true. There are some people who only practice Tan Tui and that's it. In my school we practice a two person Tan Tui sparring set that has a multitude of possible fighting applications. Especially if one was to think each move through and look at all of the possible counters and defensive moves that can be done. I learned this set from Wong Jack Man as did Brent Hamby, the 1999 USAWKF National Champ. Brent has gone as far as to say that, where practical fighting is concerned, Tan Tui and Tai Chi is all you really need.
I was curious about other BSL curriculums. The way our progression goes (as far as forms are concerned) is like this:
Tan Tui (single and two person)
Lim Po (coherent step)
Sui Wan (small circles)
Bang Po (mantis)
10 forms
Weapons (your choice)
then maybe Lo-Han Boxing (which is way cool)
Lim Po, Sui Wan, and Bang Po are meant to be like preparatory forms for the ten core forms. We can choose to start learning Hsing-Yi and/or Yang style Tai Chi at any time as well. Is this a similiar format to any other schools? I understand this was close to the way certain teachers taught their BSL at the original Jing Mo Academy in Hong Kong.
Last edited by Siu Lum Fighter; 12-24-2004 at 01:15 PM.
The three components of combat are 1) Speed, 2) Guts and 3) Techniques. All three components must go hand in hand. One component cannot survive without the others." (WJM - June 14, 1974)