Formosa: Soulistic Tuina x Martial Artist

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...

The Kukkiwon's Himchari poomsae (meaning "strength") symbolizes "A Powerful Challenge"—strength achieved through the accomplishment of a difficult challenge. The form’s flow and floor pattern are intended to symbolize a sprout stretching skyward in its growth, emphasizing dynamic power, verticality, and relentless progression. This article details the first 16 movements, establishing the poomsae's theme of aggressive dynamism, complex transitions, and close-quarters control. 1. Up the Stem: The Opening Sequence and Grappling (Moves 1-3) The form begins from the joonbee spot, facing GA (north), moving up the core stem of the floor pattern. The opening posture is the Covered Fist Joonbee , executed over an 8-count, setting a tone of deep focus and readiness. Move 1: Stepping the right foot back into a Left Walking Stance , the practitioner executes a Left Knifehand Inward Block . Crucially, the blocking hand is left in position, immediately followed by a...

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...

Zhonghua Duanbing (中華短兵), often simply called Duanbing, is a unique and captivating modern combat sport in the realm of Chinese martial arts. It doesn't just inherit the profound weapon culture and techniques of the Chinese nation; it transforms the ancient clash of blades into thrilling yet safe athletic contests through modern rules and protective gear. What is Zhonghua Duanbing? "Duanbing," as the name suggests (literally "short weapon"), refers to combat using short-handled weapons, primarily Chinese sabers (like the dao) and Chinese swords (like the jian). Unlike traditional forms (taolu) or choreographed routines, it's a genuine, simulated combat sport. Practitioners wear specialized protective equipment and wield custom-made safety weapons, showcasing traditional Chinese weapon offensive and defensive techniques, footwork, and body mechanics on the combat stage. Historical Origins and Modern Development The development of Zhonghua Duanbing dates back ...

Often seen as a martial arts relic or a flashy show weapon, the nunchaku (雙節棍) might seem an unlikely training tool for modern combat sports like boxing, MMA, or wrestling. However, a deeper look reveals that dedicated nunchaku practice offers a surprising array of benefits, particularly in developing crucial physical attributes that directly translate to enhanced performance in the ring or cage. While they may not be used in direct combat, the indirect advantages are profound. Unlocking Superior Coordination and Proprioception At its core, nunchaku training is a masterclass in hand-eye coordination, ambidexterity, and refined timing . The rapid, intricate movements required to control the weapon synchronize different parts of the body, building a seamless connection between intention and execution. Perhaps even more critically, nunchaku heavily engage and develop small muscle groups in the hands, wrists, and forearms. This isn't just about strength; it's about significantly ...

Savate, also known as French boxing, is a martial art renowned for its elegant yet powerful kicking techniques, performed with specialized boots. Among its diverse arsenal, one kick stands out for its unique blend of circular motion and frontal targeting: Le Revers Frontal . This article delves into the mechanics, training drills, competitive applications, and self-defense utility of this distinctive Savate technique. Introduction to Le Revers Frontal At first glance, the name "Revers Frontal" might seem contradictory. "Frontal" suggests a direct forward motion, while "Revers" implies a reversal or turning. In Savate, this paradox is elegantly resolved: Le Revers Frontal is an outward circular kick delivered with the kicking leg, while the body maintains a frontal profile to the opponent. The kick typically targets the opponent's face, making contact with the outside edge of the Savate boot . Both the support leg and the kicking leg are extended duri...

Ever wondered how martial artists get better, step by step? In Savate, the cool French kickboxing style, we don't use belts like some martial arts. Instead, we have a "glove system" that's super smart! It's not just about getting a new color; each glove shows you've learned something new about fighting and, even more importantly, how to outsmart your opponent. Think of it like a ladder, with each rung teaching you a new skill for sparring. Let's break down what each glove means in simple terms: Blue Glove: The First Touch 🔵 This is where everyone starts! As a Blue Glove, your main goal is simply to touch your opponent . It's about learning the very basics – how to move, how far away to be, and how to land your first hits. At this level, your opponent might be new too, giving you easy chances to touch them because their guard might be open or they're not moving much. You learn to spot these "free" openings. Green Glove: Touching Back 🟢 O...

In the late Victorian and early Edwardian eras, a gentleman's walking stick or umbrella in the streets of London was more than just a fashion accessory or a practical item; it could become a vital tool for self-preservation in a moment of crisis. At the heart of this practical application was Bartitsu , the eclectic martial art system founded by E.W. Barton-Wright , which incorporated stick fighting as a core component of its training. Barton-Wright himself extensively detailed the unique methods of self-defence using a walking stick or umbrella in his seminal series of articles, "Self-defence with a Walking-stick: The Different Methods of Defending Oneself with a Walking-Stick or Umbrella when Attacked under Unequal Conditions (Part 1 and 2)." These articles, originally published in the prestigious Pearson's Magazine in 1901, offer invaluable insights into Bartitsu's approach to weaponized self-defence and historical martial arts. A Unique Philosophy: Beyond Tr...