DVDs: SUN LU TANG page two
Sun
Lu Tang was a very influential practitioner and writer. His three
forms of expertise: Tai Chi; Xing Yi and BaGua were - in his writings
- subsumed under the general heading of "Internal Styles"
a designation still used today. Here are a number of DVDs showing
various aspects of Sun's particular approach. Deng Fu Ming is turning out to be one of the main exponents of the SUN legacy. His teaching is strong and martially oriented as will be obvious when you see him move.
Click on pictures to see larger
versions. See PAGE ONE. Read customer opinion on this series. |
SUN style Bagua Zhang |
DVD#11433 Sun style Swimming Dragon Bagua
Sun style Bagua is shown. Not so much a form as a verbal explanation mixed with a spontaneous demonstration of what it means to “link palms.” There is also a section on usage that gives a good representation of the applications locked within the form. For at least fifteen minutes teacher Deng moves through various postures while explaining the key points of Sun Lu Tang style of Bagua with emphasis on the differences between XY and BG palm formation, what is meant by continuous change, etc. Next he demonstrates key points of form with his disciple. Finally they lightly spar and show applications with an emphasis on Bagua’s special characteristics.
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DVD#18043 Sun Xing Yi Bagua 64 Hands
Much as in Gao Bagua Zhang style, the Sun combines the straight line practice. This DVD shows 8 lines each of 8 movements which pretty clearly show the Sun style application of its particular intersection of Bagua and Xing Yi. Deng demonstrates once again on his student, Li YiHua, with very precise angles and points of applications.
Just a note concerning the differences between this DVD and #18047 below: both of these DVDs show separate motions to practice for application and health. The earlier number #18043 shows individual strikes and movements from both Xing Yi and Bagua. The movements are performed in the air with issuance of power and a little demonstration of usage with a partner. The other DVD #18047 has the same format but concentrates on explosive single movements strictly from Bagua and those that can be performed while circle walking. Over all, Deng's movement have authority and he has an obvious interest in applications.
51+
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DVD#18047 Sun Xing Yi Bagua 64 Turning Palms
Deng demonstrates the Sun Bagua Zhang in an unusual and instructive way by showing, as he teaches the breakdown, the applications energy of each movement of each palm. Then he demonstrates on Li Yi Hua at the end. It can be a little confusing because, like a real martial artist, he loves to mix all the possible variations in with the basic instruction but at least you won't be wondering what it's all about. As Deng says in his introduction, Bagua is fighting and not that mysterious.
Just a note concerning the differences between this DVD and #18043 above: both of these DVDs show separate motions to practice for application and health. The earlier number #18043 shows individual strikes and movements from both Xing Yi and Bagua. The movements are performed in the air with issuance of power and a little demonstration of usage with a partner. The other DVD #18047 has the same format but concentrates on explosive single movements strictly from Bagua and those that can be performed while circle walking. Over all, Deng's movement have authority and he has an obvious interest in applications.
50+
Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles
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DVD#18048Sun Xing Yi 5 Elements Bagua Spear
Here is a very flexible series of movements done in a circle but with the energy of the Xing Yi spear added. Deng also demonstrates on his partner with spontaneous oral "notes" on the usage. The emphasis here is on usage but the circling patterns act as a template for a Bagua Spear performance though the order and timing can be changed.
52+
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DVD#18046Sun Hook Sword & Linked Saber
This is a demonstration and breakdown of the rare double hook swords which are smaller, like butterfly knives, with cross blades extended like a "plus" sign and sharp hand guards. Some of the actions are obviously similar to the Deer Horns but there are distinct differences. Deng also shows the Big Saber. He goes into spontaneous demonstration of the weapons and their usage at the end of each section.
52+
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SUN style Tai Chi Chuan |
DVD#18041 Sun Open & Close Taiji
Double DVD
Sun Lu Tang created his Open/Close form of Taiji in 1918. He incorporated his philosophy and the arts of Xing Yi and Bagua. Sun had started his training with Li Gui Yun at the age of 12. Next he studied with "Devil Hand" Guo Yun Shen. Next he learned Bagua from Cheng YanHua. Hao Wei Zhen taught him Hao Taiji. From all this Sun decided that Xing Yi was characterized by its character, Bagua by its unification and Taiji by its softness.This Double DVD shows the entire Sun Taiji form along with standing practice and applications. The main recommendation is that Deng is attempting to give you a specific understanding of what is contained in the Sun form. He draws many parallels to other Taiji practices and offers some perspective for Sun's contribution.
104+
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DVD#18044 Sun Taiji Sword
The Sun sword is said to have special characteristics. First, it is considerably longer than that which is normally used. The set itself is conservative with nothing but useable movements and very little flash indeed (we note with pleasure that the entire Sun style emphasizes this focus on essential movements and not extraneous actions). What is also important, and people should look for this, is that the actions are demonstrated as individual elements before combination. This, and his movements, shows us that Deng is actually familiar with sword usage, a vanishing skill.
50+
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DVD#18045 Sun Taiji Push Hands
With
Li Yi Hua, Deng demonstrates the peculiarities of Sun style Push hands. We once practiced a Push Hands derived from Chen Pan Lin with much the same directness and compactness. The hand pattern is simple and much more practical than many. From here he shows many patterns, free steps, Da Lu and applications along with a final Free Practice. Well examined and demonstrated and superior as far as structure to many other approaches which, while seemingly more fluid, have less content.
51+
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SUN style XING YI |
DVD#11428 Sun style Five Elements
What is the usage hidden in the five key movements of Xing Yi? This is one of the best examples answering that question which we have seen to date. Instructor Deng Fu Ming moves and thinks like a martial artist. In a series of none too gentle applications he shows Xing Yi as it should be shown: that is, a series of very simple movements which hide a multitude of applications and responses. He also changes moves spontaneously as he talks giving us a valuable insight into the way a Xing Yi artist would fight.
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Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles
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DVD#11429 Sun style Linked Boxing
People often want applications with their VCD demonstrations. This series, based on Sun style Xing Yi, is exceptional in the precision of the details regarding usage. The instruction break down is also quite details with many fine points on posture and alignment. Instructor Deng has a well refined sense of angles and timing for fighting. His hands are quite fast, as befits a Xing Yi artist.
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DVD#11430 Sun style 12 Animals Combat
Also a student of Liang Feng Xiang, teacher Deng here shows the famous 12 animals of Xing Yi. As with other VCD's in this series, the details of usage and instruction show a real understanding of martial thinking. The movements are quick, clean and mean. The rather simple looking actions of Xing Yi are shown to contain all the key concepts of even the most sophisticated martial experience. A good representation of general XY principles. This is a Double DVD.
104+
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DVD#11431 Sun style Mixed Fists of Xing Yi
Zha Zhi. This is one of the more famous combination sets in Xing Yi training. It combines the animal and elemental movements. It also specializes in retreating moves. Deng's approach is different, his movements do not emphasize graceful transitions but rather issuing of energy and directness of movement. Deng's interpretation of Xing Yi is very direct. His method of teaching is not just a rendition of the classic movements. Even when he is introducing the form, he will repeat moves again and again to show their characteristics. Applications are shown, mostly from a spontaneous clash where Deng then points out key points. He's not always elegant but he's always flexible and to the point.
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Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles
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DVD #11432 Sun style An Shen Pao Combat
In the world of Kung Fu there are many two person sets. The majority of them are mediocre down to ridiculous (though a heck of a lot of fun). An Shan Bao, a well known XY form, is one of the most realistic and rational, especially for boxing skills. The hands are fast and immediate, eschewing the wasted motion of so many paired forms. How do you show applications for a duet form? Teacher Deng goes over the form after it is demonstrated showing key points to the application of the moves. Contrary to what one might think, the evident movements of the form are insufficient for understanding even a two person set if explanation is lacking.
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DVD#11437 Sun style Chun Yang Sword
The “Pure Yang” sword is a famous Xing Yi weapons form. This version is compact, straight forward and without the floaty posing of so many glazed over editions. As with other DVD's in this series, teacher Deng takes almost half the disk to demonstrate sword usage. The lessons are spontaneous with Deng identifying the skills involved with each ad lib response. Very instructive.
52
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DVD#18042 Sun Xing Yi 12 Shapes
Deng Fu Ming, who is an experienced Kung Fu instructor, shows the famous 12 Animals (Shapes) of Xing Yi. His demonstration is clear and informed by his experience as a fighter. The twelve shapes differ from one Xing Yi style to another but they are all good because they are movements you can practice in any order one animal at a time or mixed together as you want.
53+
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DVD #11434 Sun style Xing Yi Ba Zhi Combat
Another classic Xing Yi practice shown with attention to detail and in a completely non-dramatized manner. Teacher Deng gives extensive applications at the end of the DVD.
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DVD#18049 Sun Taiji Partner Sword
What we have here is that famous Xing Yi partner set known as the San Cai Jian—that is to say a version of it. In this case some of the movements are reinterpreted to make it a "Taiji" sword. This is an absolutely acceptable practice especially in the hands of someone like Sun Lu Tang. The two person set is fluid and decently constructed. San Cai is famous for being one of the best partner sets as to the actual application of the weapons and that's no doubt why Sun picked it. Individual applications and breakdown are given covering steps, angles and strategy. A good presentation.
BONUS: After the sword play there is a demonstration of the Sun style "whip stick," a rod that reaches about to the armpit. This is a rather sophisticated version of this routine, with lots of off-angles. No instruction, but whip stick sets are not as common as demand!
53+
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DVD#11435 Sun style Snowflake Saber Combat
Xue Pian Saber is from Sun Lu Tang.
This is one of the most awkward looking sabers in our repertoire but also one of the more solid. The movements are completely unlike tournament performance sets. Actions emphasize blocking and striking instead of twirling and rolling. The second half of the VCD has a lengthy section on applications where Deng and his disciple spontaneously spar and show key points and applications as they come up.
52+
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DVD#11436 Sun style Qi Spear Combat
To some this may seem strange (another meaning to “Qi” the title of the set) but Deng’s performance is anything but smooth and finished which suggests a familiarity with the weapon beyond that of someone who just does the set. When you see a form where, rather than mindlessly continuous, the movements look considered, organic and even difficult for the performer there may be a chance he is actually doing the form and its many tasks, not smoothing them over. The set itself is interesting, with unusual movements and some solid basics. Deng then demonstrates spontaneously with spear vs. spear showing key points of usage for dozens of applications.
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