Kung Fu Stick Techniques

Kung fu is a Chinese martial art that originated in Shaolin temples in the 4th century. Kung fu was used as a spiritual and physical exercise ritual for the monks to stay both mentally focused and physically fit. The art has since been refined to become a complete self-defense system, with meditation and mental relaxation still an important part of its teachings. Kung fu does use some weapons in its training, and there are a variety of stick fighting techniques in its arsenal.

  1. Block and Disarm Combo

    • One common block and counter-attack used in kung fu stick fighting occurs when an attacker swings his stick towards the defender's head or neck. The defender can lift his stick outward and away from his body to block the attacker's stick by targeting his wrist with the blocking stick. Meanwhile, the defender brings up his opposite hand to his neck as an added defense if the block is ineffective. For example, if the left hand is blocking the attack with the stick, the right hand comes across with the back of the hand against the left side of the neck for added defense. Once the attacker's stick is blocked by the defender's stick hand, the defender can then grab the attacker's stick with the other hand and pull it down over his own stick as a fulcrum to strip it right out of the attacker's hands. An immediate counter-strike can then be launched to the head and body with both sticks now in the defender's possession.

    Overhand Block and Kick

    • A stick is very useful in blocking a downward strike from either a hand or a weapon, and an immediate counter-strike can be delivered because the attacker's body is wide open as the stick deflects the overhand blow. As an attacker brings his own stick down towards the head, the defender can grasp both ends of his stick with his hands and lift it over his head. By slightly bending his knees, he can brace himself for the force of the blow that his stick is blocking. As soon as the block is successful, the defender can then send a powerful thrust kick out into the sternum of the attacker, who has no defense because his hands are still high from the blocked strike attempt.

    Side Thrust

    • The side thrust is more effective with a longer stick such as a bo staff, but it can be used with a smaller stick as well. As an attacker comes forward, the defender can turn his body sideways to protect his center line--the area down the center of the body containing the throat, solar plexus and groin--and then step sideways towards the attacker while jabbing the end of the stick outwards into the sternum. A bo can be held with both hands to generate more force, while a smaller stick will get more reach if it is held with the lead hand and jabbed outwards with the lead arm providing the force behind the blow.