Yan Zhen Fa – Shaolin Damo (Bodhidharma) Weaponed Series

About 60 Minutes each, Mandarin/ English

#21041  Shaolin DaMo 24 Techniques #1
Demonstrator: Yan Zhen Fa This is the fundamental routine for Yan Zhen Fa’s description of the DaMo branch of Shaolin. The “24 Techniques” is actually a little misleading. What you have here is a linear form such as Tan Tui. Shaolin has a number of these such as the LuoHan Fists and the Punching Form. This series of three DVDs actually covers what is essentially a 12 Road Tan Tui. What’s unsual here is that each pair of roads is the obvious counter to the previous pair so, by the time you’ve learned the 24 roads you’ve learned a single person set AND a two person set. This is not the same as a typical two-person set because each road sticks to one series of actions and one theme. It take all three DVDs, each about an hour for all the details, and there is no demonstration of the partner version of the form: just the individual practice.

About 53 Minutes Mandarin/English Subtitles

#21042  Shaolin DaMo 24 Techniques #2
Demonstrator: Yan Zhen Fa This is the fundamental routine for Yan Zhen Fa’s description of the DaMo branch of Shaolin. The “24 Techniques” is actually a little misleading. What you have here is a linear form such as Tan Tui. Shaolin has a number of these such as the LuoHan Fists and the Punching Form. This series of three DVDs actually covers what is essentially a 12 Road Tan Tui. What’s unsual here is that each pair of roads is the obvious counter to the previous pair so, by the time you’ve learned the 24 roads you’ve learned a single person set AND a two person set. This is not the same as a typical two-person set because each road sticks to one series of actions and one theme. It take all three DVDs, each about an hour for all the details, and there is no demonstration of the partner version of the form: just the individual practice.

About 53 Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles

#21043  Shaolin DaMo 24 Techniques #3
Demonstrator: Yan Zhen Fa This is the fundamental routine for Yan Zhen Fa’s description of the DaMo branch of Shaolin. The “24 Techniques” is actually a little misleading. What you have here is a linear form such as Tan Tui. Shaolin has a number of these such as the LuoHan Fists and the Punching Form. This series of three DVDs actually covers what is essentially a 12 Road Tan Tui. What’s unsual here is that each pair of roads is the obvious counter to the previous pair so, by the time you’ve learned the 24 roads you’ve learned a single person set AND a two person set. This is not the same as a typical two-person set because each road sticks to one series of actions and one theme. It take all three DVDs, each about an hour for all the details, and there is no demonstration of the partner version of the form: just the individual practice.

About 60 Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles

#21044  Shaolin DaMo Duck-Shaped Fist
Demonstrator: Yan Zhen Fa This form of boxing imitates the movements of the duck flying, in the water and on the ground. Yan Sifu says this is quite rare and he would feel guilty if he didn’t pass it on. Duck boxing typically and in this case has some unique facets. The first is an expanded chest. This is accompanied by an arched back, both quite unusual in Chinese martial arts. His demonstration of it also includes the distinctive duck walking and crossing foot steps. There are many double armed actions such as windmill blocking and wing flapping. Stances are short and often accompanied by head bobbing distinctive to the style. Some circling movements resemble Bagua and, in that vein, there are no fist actions but many palms strikes. Yan, though an old man, had a light and lively spirit during the demonstration. This is a traditional set with no attempt to make it pretty or fancy.

About 55 Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles

#21045  Shaolin DaMo Shaolin Tai Chi Quan
Demonstrator: Yan Zhen Fa This is a very unsual set bearing no resemblance to normal Tai Chi Chuan whatsoever. Though based on Tai Chi principles this form is “firm” without being hard. The movements probably resemble the Long Fist boxing of the Cha style more than any other. There is some indication that there may be a little Duck Boxing, Tai Zu and even Sun Bin Quan spicing up the mix.

About 59 Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles

#21046  Shaolin DaMo Snowflake Knife
Demonstrator: Yan Zhen Fa From his second teacher, Xia Jun Hui, Yan learned this “Cold Light Snowflake Saber”. It is divided into ten sections. This is a real undertaking being a substantial Shaolin style saber with multiple actions and turns. This one incorporates extended footwork, standard wrapping over the head but with body spins, and considerable directional changes. Yan Sifu is not young but he gives a respectable performance which has obviously been refined through demonstration and competition. A solid sword set done with a calm assurance not seen so much any more. Don’t expect gymnastics.

About 60 Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles

#21047  Shaolin DaMo Dragon Movement Double Sabers
Demonstrator: Yan Zhen Fa

As you watch Mr. Yan gives the introduction to this set you will notice the trembling leaf-like actions of his right hand. He goes onto apologize that some of the actons of the double swords are very hard and he is a bit old and might not accomplish them. Martial artists of this generation all over the world are creating these DVDs not so much to make the big bucks as to record what they know will be their last chance to keep alive their beloved styles. That doesn’t mean we have to do anything about this other than recognize their motives for what they are. Actually he gives a perfectly respectable performance in a form that has more unusual double saber actions that most and even a touch of Duck Boxing, it seems.

About 60 Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles  

#21048  Shaolin DaMo LuHua Spear
Demonstrator: Yan Zhen Fa

This set acts as a respository of so many spear thechniques that it might be called more of a master set, as in the case of Yan’s Snowflake Saber. It won’t be to everyone’s taste since, though not plain, it’s down to earth and solid; but this set contains more basic techniques, along with hand changes, whirls, rolls and thrusting variations that most of those we see. Again, age is a factor in performance: not knowledge.

About 53 Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles

#21049  Shaolin DaMo Forest Penetrating Sword
Demonstrator: Yan Zhen Fa “Forest Penetrating” is a common espression signifying speed and variability.This was passed to Yan from his first teacher, Huang Ying, so we may assume it’s Shaolin pedigree is solid. This swordplay has a surprising number of body turns and spinning movements where the sword is kept in continuous motion as the body rotates. Yan chose to add the often difficult long tassel to the performance and, in the main, things go well. Almost a Bagua sword in execution and temperment.

About 81 Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles

#21050  Shaolin DaMo Survey
Demonstrator: Yan Zhen Fa This DVD is a demonstration of the major contents of the Damo Shaolin lineage. Besides the 12 Road Tan Tui, we are shown the Snowflake Saber, The Forest Piercing Sword, the LuHua Spear, and the basis of the style: the 24 Technique Form.

About 46 Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles