Formosa: Soulistic Tuina x Martial Artist

 

Introduction: Standardizing Excellence in a Digital Age In 2020, the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA) hosted a landmark online seminar series specifically designed for coaches. This comprehensive program, led by world-class Thai Masters (Ajarns), aimed to standardize Muay Thai techniques globally. From foundational movements to advanced tactical combinations, this series serves as the definitive blueprint for authentic Muay Thai instruction. The 8 Pillars of the IFMA Coaching Series P art 1: Warm-Up Exercises Focus: Muay Thai-specific joint mobilization and dynamic stretching. Key Takeaway: A proper warm-up isn 't just about heat; it’s about activating the "Muay Thai rhythm" and opening the hips and ankles to prepare for high-impact movements. Part 2: Footwork and Body Movement Focus: The three-point stance, sliding steps, and pivoting. Key Takeaway : Balance is the foundation of power. Coaches are taught how to help students maintain a stable...

There is a specific kind of energy that takes over the gym when a competition is on the horizon. The rounds feel sharper, the footwork gets lighter, and the focus becomes absolute. As we look at the calendar for 2026, Formosa Kickboxing Academy (Bracknell Savate Club) has two massive opportunities to show the UK—and the world—what we are made of. 1. The British Savate Assaut Championships Date: April 25th, 2026 | Location: Guildford Spectrum (GU1 1UP) This is our immediate mountain to climb. Hosted by Greig Bradbury, this is a multi-style event featuring clubs from across the UK. For us, this means more than just fighting—it’s about exposure . We get to show practitioners of other martial arts the beauty, grace, and "fencing with the feet" that defines Savate. Why You Should Step Up For the Competitors: This is where you find out who you are as a martial artist. There is no better way to grow than to test your skills against someone you don't train with every day. For...

There is a common, often uninformed, critique leveled against modern Taekwondo: that it is a purely sport-focused art, lacking the full-range combat techniques necessary for real-world self-defense. This claim suggests an over-reliance on dynamic, long-range kicking, neglecting the brutal efficiency of close-quarters fighting. However, this critique fundamentally misses the point of the Poomsae (formal exercises). The Poomsae are not just sequences for tournament scoring; they are a historical and comprehensive curriculum of combat principles. The fault lies not with the art of Taekwondo itself, but with the lack of focus on the close-range applications often found hidden within the forms. The mere existence of the Elbow Strike and the Knee Strike  within the basic Taegeuk forms—designed for beginner students—serves as undeniable proof that Taekwondo is, and always has been, an all-round martial art prepared for any range of combat. These strikes demonstrate that Taekwondo contai...

 We currently have two training points : Emmbrook Village Hall 🗓 Wednesdays, 6:00–7:00pm 💰 Fee: £15 per person 👨‍👩‍👧 Special: One adult + one child (under 18) = £15 total 🎄 17/12 will be our last session of the year , with a special Promotion Class. Easthampstead Works 🗓 Sundays, 4:30–5:30pm 💰 Fee: £10 per person ⚙️ Equipment rental: £5 per person ✨ Updates Our Carrd page has been refreshed — check it out for the latest info 📝 https://formosakickboxing.carrd.co/ In March , we’ll have our first Taeguk 1–3 checking . The following article is for practice purposes , to help everyone prepare and feel confident with the forms:  https://xiwenyuan.blogspot.com/2023/01/blog-post_26.html ✨ I’ll be happy to join the promotion event and help direct the performance show — looking forward to celebrating everyone’s progress together!

1. Eight Basic Strikes (劈法八勢) – Movements and Rhythm The eight strikes are broken down into four sets, emphasizing learning the first four before the latter four: A. First Four Strikes (1-4) Movements 1 & 2: Vertical downward strikes (up and down). Movements 3 & 4: Diagonal strikes, slashing diagonally upward (slash and diagonal upward strike). Practice Focus: Do not try to perform the entire motion initially. Only practice the decomposition of movements 1-4. B. Latter Four Strikes (5-8) Movements 5 & 6: Horizontal strikes (lateral slashing). Movements 7 & 8: Pull and Select/Turn (Likely a pulling motion leading to a turn or spin/sweep). C. Overall Practice and Power Application Points Initial Stage: Release power (洩勁) and stretch loosely (movements 1-4). Intermediate Stage: Gradually apply force. Final Requirement: Rely on the rotation of the body to channel power starting from the soles of the feet. 2. Rapid Hand Exchange (極速換手) – Movement Decomposition and...