Formosa: Soulistic Tuina x Martial Artist

Effective stick fighting relies on mastering several hand positions, each granting a distinct advantage in control, power, or reach. Here are five fundamental grips used when wielding a cane or walking stick: 1. The One Hand Grip This is the most natural and common position for everyday carry. While appearing casual, it is highly functional for self-defense applications. This grip is essential for techniques that require speed and agility, and it is highly effective for generating force through methods such as fist loading and quick, whip-like wrist snapping strikes. 2. The High Point Grip The High Point Grip is a fundamental two-handed position used for balanced offensive and defensive work. To assume this grip: Your hands are placed relatively high on the stick. One hand faces palm up . The other hand faces palm down . Both of your elbows are held slightly bent . This opposing hand orientation provides excellent control and stability for blocking and powerful striking. 3. The Mid ...

We’re excited to share some new developments in our martial arts community! Whether you're just starting out or aiming for elite competition, there’s something for everyone this season. 🌱 New Program Highlights Toddler Martial Arts Class (Ages 3–5) A playful and safe introduction to movement, coordination, and martial arts basics for our youngest members. 🕵️ Bartitsu Workshop – Free of Charge Explore the Victorian-era self-defence system combining boxing, jujitsu, cane fighting, and savate. Open to all curious minds—no fee required! 🥇 Savate Elite Program Designed for students interested in competition-level training. Focused on technique, strategy, and conditioning for future champions. ⚫ Taekwondo Black Belt Program Advanced poomsae training and progression support for students working toward their black belt. Includes exam preparation and performance refinement. 🗓️ Sunday General Training – Rotating Schedule Time: 16:30–17:30 Location: Easthampstead Works, ...

Your Pain Explained: Why the Piriformis Muscle is the Culprit You’ve been diagnosed with Piriformis Syndrome , and your symptoms— numbness and pain shooting from your buttock down to your foot, especially when bending your leg —are classic signs of this deep problem. The piriformis muscle is located deep in your butt, and it often sits right on top of or next to the sciatic nerve . The Problem: When you sit for too long or use poor posture (like crossing your legs), the piriformis gets tight, inflamed, or goes into spasm. The Result: It acts like a vise, squeezing the sciatic nerve and causing that painful, radiating numbness you feel. The Frustration of Relapse It’s completely normal to feel frustrated when treatments like shock wave therapy or ointments only help for a few days. This happens because the piriformis is a deep muscle , making it tricky to treat: Depth Challenge: Ointments can't penetrate far enough. Shockwave therapy must be aimed at the exact deep spot to wor...

 In the world of martial arts and combat sports, targeting an opponent's lower body is a strategic and highly effective technique. At first glance, Savate's "Coup de Pied Bas," MMA's "Oblique Kick," and the traditional martial arts "Axe Blade Kick" might all seem like similar attacks to the legs. However, they possess fundamental differences in their technical details, purpose, and practical application. This article will delve into these three kicks, distinguishing their unique features and analyzing their respective values in self-defense scenarios. 1. Savate: Coup de Pied Bas (Low Kick) Technique and Purpose : Coup de Pied Bas, which translates to "low kick," is a core technique in French Boxing (Savate). It primarily uses the hard edge of the shoe (the instep or outside edge) to deliver a "whipping" or "sweeping" attack. The target is typically the shin, ankle, or calf below the knee. The essence of this kick...

 The Ap Chagi (앞차기) , or Front Kick, is a fundamental technique that evolves in complexity and application as students advance through the Taegeuk forms. The movements in Taegeuk 3 Jang and Taegeuk 4 Jang demonstrate how this kick is integrated into increasingly intricate and dynamic combinations. Taegeuk Sam Jang (Taegeuk 3) In Taegeuk 3, the Ap Chagi is used as a core part of multi-step combinations, training students to link a kick with follow-up hand techniques. Part 1 and Part 3 These sections of the form feature a powerful sequence that combines a defensive block with a quick kick and punch combination. Oen Arae Makgi (Left Low Block): The sequence begins with a low block. Oreun Ap Chagi + Double Jireugi (Right Front Kick + Double Punch): Following the block, a right front kick is executed. As the foot lands, a rapid double punch is delivered, showing a seamless transition from a kick to a close-range hand attack. Oreun Arae Makgi (Right Low Block): This block prepares for...

The Ap Chagi (앞차기) , or Front Kick, is one of the most fundamental and universally recognized techniques in Taekwondo. Often among the first kicks a student learns, its deceptive simplicity belies its effectiveness as a powerful offensive and defensive tool. More than just a linear strike, the Ap Chagi forms the bedrock for developing balance, power, and precise body mechanics essential for all other kicking techniques in Taekwondo. 1. What is Ap Chagi? "Ap" (앞) translates to "front," and "Chagi" (차기) means "kick," hence "Front Kick." Executed correctly, it's a direct, piston-like strike that aims to deliver force straight into a target. The mechanics of a basic Ap Chagi involve: Chambering: The knee of the kicking leg is raised directly in front of the body, bringing the heel close to the glutes. This compact chamber allows for maximum power generation and conceals the kick's trajectory. Extension: From the chambered positi...