AMERICAN KANG DUK WON KARATE

When I spoke with my instructor, Master Robert C. Lawlor, about training with the bo, he commented that like any other part of my training, discipline and patience had to be foremost in my approach to learning even the most basic of techniques. In over twenty years of working with the bo, I am now realizing the wisdom of his words those many years ago. Like Funakoshi who, at eighty-eight years old, told his students that he was just "beginning to understand the punch," I feel that two decades of practice have just allowed me to barely scratch the surface of feeling and truly knowing the techniques. Discipline and patience are key elements of any martial artist's path to knowledge.

For the inspiration and insights which have always come to me through these great martial artists, I am truly indebted. Since 1969, Master Lawlor has carefully nurtured the growth of American Kang Duk Won so that it has become the dynamic, traditional martial arts school it is today. The future will hold only greater accomplishments for all of its members because of their superlative leadership and teaching skills.

It is my hope that the bo form SHEN-ZHONG-DE (literally, SPIRIT - LOYALTY- VIRTUE) will in some way offer present and future students of American Kang Duk Won Karate, and other serious martial artists, an opportunity to experience the same positive ki which has flowed through every aspects of my traditional martial arts training in the American Kang Duk Won Karate.

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SHEN-ZHONG-DE:
ADVANCED SEMINAR - BO FORM TECHNIQUES



NOTES: LETTERS AFTER TECHNIQUES INDICATE THE DIRECTION
DURING THE APPLICATION OF PRIMARY TECHNIQUES.
* INDICATES A KIHAP

1. Bow and Opening N

2. Ready position of bo N

3. Formal presentation of bo N

4. Salutation of Shen-Zhong-De "Spirit-Virtue-Loyalty" N



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SHEN
5. Standing crane stance with ready/guarding technique N

6. Horse stance, long over head strike N

7. Down block, inside/out block, slashing strike N

8. Leg sweep, stomping technique, thrusting strike N *

9. High horizontal block, center kick, slashing strikes E

10. Crushing strike E

11. Downward block, parrying technique, horizontal strike, downward driving technique, stabbing technique S

12. Guarding technique, redirecting outward block, skip kick, turning kick,slashing strike W

13. Crushing strike W *



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ZHONG
14. Standing crane stance with ready/guarding technique

15. Horse stance overhead strike N

16. Down block, inside/out redirecting block, high block, downward solar plexus strike N

17. Guarding position, horizontal strike to chest, head locking technique, knee smash, take down S,E *

18. Upward chin strike, stepping side kick, skip center kick NW

19. Crushing strike NW *



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DE
20. Standing crane stance with ready/guarding technique N

21. Horse stance, long overhead strike N

22. Figure eight blocks in back stance, figure eight blocks in standing stance, dynamic clearing technique, breathing technique N

23. High horizontal mountain block, low horizontal block E

24. High horizontal mountain block, low horizontal block W

25. Diagonal outside block, chin strike, stepping side kick, horizontal slashing strike W,E

26. Crushing strike W *

27. Standing overhead swinging strike to N-E-S-W



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28. Crane stance with ready/guarding technique N

29. Presentation of bo, breathing technique, chambering technique N

30. Chamber the bo, final bow N



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SHEN-ZHONG-DE
(ADVANCED BO KATA)

DIRECTIONS FOR THE APPLICATION OF TECHNIQUES





                    N (1-8, 14-16, 20-22, 27-30)
         NW (18,19) |
              \     |        
               \    |
                \   |
                 \  |
                  \ | 
                   \|
      W-------------------------- E
    (12,13,24-27)   |\         (9,10,23,25,27)    
                    | \
                    |  \
                    |   \
                    |    \
                    |     \SE (17)
                    |
                   S (11,27)

SHEN-ZHONG-DE:
ADVANCED SEMINAR - BO FORM TECHNIQUES



1. Bow and Opening

Chunbi and bow.

Bo is at left side in the chambered position. Left hand is to the front of the weapon, held close to the side of the body. The right hand is open and along side of the body with fingers together and pointing downward.


2. Ready position of the bo

Bo is brought from the chambered position with a slow, deliberate motion. The right hand crosses to the left side of the body and grips the bo just below the left chambered hand. The bo is moved to the ready position at left side of the body. (The right hand will be approximately at shoulder level on the left side as the proper balance and positioning of the bo is established.)

The right hand is moved along side of the right leg in an open hand technique, fingers together and pointing downward.

Balance and control of the bo must be established before initiating the kata.


3. Formal presentation of the bo

Move the bo directly in front of the body from the left chambered ready position. Grip the bo firmly at a position just below the mid-section of the weapon. (The right hand remains open and against the right leg.)

The bo is drawn back to the left side. (The right hand forms a fist and is chambered on the right side.) Draw the feet together (left to right) in a closed stance, ready position (to N).


4. Salutation of Shen-Zhong-De "Spirit-Loyalty-Virtue "

Slowly move (to N) in a modified cat stance. (First move the right foot slightly forward and then out to the NE, approximately 45 degrees.) The left foot then moves into the forward position of the modified cat stance. (Both knees are slightly bent.) The bo is brought out of the left chamber and presented with dynamic tension (to N).

Move the right fist to the front (as in a punch) with tension and power. Hold the position for a count and execute a focused, breathing technique. At all times the bo will be used in manner exhibiting martial discipline and commitment. The practitioner will complete all techniques with the philosophies of Shen-Zhong-De (Spirit - Loyalty - Virtue).

(Indicate this code of ethics.) The right hand opens (palm up) in a manner of displaying moral justification and control. Execute a focused breathing technique.

Draw the left leg back to a standing position (to N) and chamber the right fist. (These techniques exhibit the bo practitioner's willingness to apply non-aggressive techniques in an attempt to resolve the conflict (yin & yang). Since the opponent has chosen to confront the practitioner, the application of all blocks, counters, and attacks in Shen-Zhong-De must occur with focus and intensity.


5. Standing crane stance with a ready/guarding technique

Move the right hand across the front of the body forming a reverse grip (shoulder level on the left side). Move the left leg back (to S) and lift the right leg while pivoting upper body slightly (NW). The top end of the bo is pulled downward while pushing the bottom of the weapon up and forward with the left hand. Simultaneously establish a left standing crane stance with a ready or guarding technique. The bo is now perpendicular (to N) and protects the front of the body from head to mid-section to legs.

(The application of techniques in the standing crane guarding position remains the same throughout the form.)


6. Horse stance, long overhead strike

Step rapidly into a horse stance by moving the right leg toward E (facing N). Execute an overhead strike (to N) to the opponent's head - shoulders region. (The bo moves in a circular striking technique (right hand downward, then over the right shoulder to strike directly in front. With the completion of the strike, the left hand will be at the left chamber and the right hand approximately one third of the way up the the weapon.)

(The application of techniques in the long overhead strike remain the same throughout the forms.)


7. Down block, inside/out block, slashing strike

Step back (to S) with the right leg and execute a right downward block (bo crosses from l to r). Follow immediately with an inside/out block. (This block redirects an attack away from the mid-section of the body, moving an opponent's bo up and away to the right toward NE).

Step forward with the right leg (to N) and execute a slashing strike to the opponent's ribs. (Bo travels for right to left at mid-section level. The left hand is at the end of the bo and moves across the body to the left hip. The right hand is one third of the way up the bo.)


8. Leg sweep, stomping technique, thrusting strike

Step forward (to N) with the left leg forming a horse stance (body facing E). Simultaneously execute a left, low sweeping technique. Strike to the back of the opponent's knees by driving the bo downward (left to right) at a 45 degree angle. (The left hand pushes the bo through the target area while the right hand pulls back to the right shoulder to create the sweeping motion. This technique must follow immediately after the slashing strike.)

Lift the left leg (to avoid a strike or grab to the lower legs) and stomp down (striking to the wrist or forearm region of the fallen attacker). Simultaneously pull the bo up with the right hand and immediately drive the left end of the weapon down to the throat of the attacker. (This strike will be completed at approximately 45 degrees to NW, or behind and diagonal of the left lead leg in the horse stance.) KIHAP


9. High horizontal block, center kick, slashing strikes

Step back with the right foot (to W), forming a left front stance (facing E). Execute an overhead horizontal block. (The bo is positioned equally between both right and left grips).

Follow immediately with a right center kick to solar plexus of attacker (to E), keeping the bo in a high horizontal position.

Establish a right front stance (upon recocking the kicking leg) and execute a right, left, right slashing strike (hands at middle thirds of the bo) in rapid succession to mid-section of attacker.


10. Crushing strike

Draw the right foot back forming a left cat stance. The bo is lined up (to E) by positioning the left elbow forward, with the bo firmly resting along the forearm and elbow. (The left hand is slightly up from the end of the bo and held at chest level. The right hand is behind the right shoulder and maintains a 45 degree positioning of the bo prior to the crushing strike.) Hold the position for a count. Execute the crushing blow. (Move to E in a left front stance. The bo travels in a three quarters overhead manner. Upon completion of the technique, the left hand is at the left chamber while the right hand is one third up the bo with the index finger extended on the the weapon for direction and control.) KIHAP


11. Downward block, parrying technique, horizontal strike, downward
driving technique, stabbing technique

Look over the right shoulder. Immediately shift 90 degrees clockwise (cw). Move the right foot (to S) forming a right back stance. Simultaneously execute a downward diagonal block against an attack to legs. Add a parrying technique to attacker's attempt to strike or sweep the legs. (Bo travels in a ccw circular motion approximately 18" at its highest point from the floor. This technique is done slowly with an exchange of force against an attacker's weapon.)

Pivot into a horse stance (to S, body facing W) by moving left foot. Execute a left horizontal strike (to S) to side of attacker's head. (Bo is gripped with both hands equally positioned at approximately shoulder level.) Drive the bo outward from the left side while pulling inward to the right shoulder. Immediately follow with a left downward driving technique to opponent's shoulder. (This technique forces the attacker to the ground and is completed at practitioner's knee level on the left side.)

Lift the left leg (forming a right crane stance) and draw the bo back with the right hand. Execute a low stabbing technique (to S, slightly behind and diagonal of left hip) to the fallen attacker's solar plexus.


12. Guarding technique, redirectinq outward block, skip kick,
turninq kick, slashinq strike

Immediately step back (to E) with left foot (forming a right back stance, facing W). Bo is across mid-section in a guarding position. (The left hand is near the chamber while the right hand is forward and a third of the way up the bo.) Hold the position for a count.

Execute a right outward redirecting block against an attacker's straight thrust (from W).

Follow immediately with a right skip center kick, left a turning back kick combination (to W).

Establish a left front stance (following the second kick) and execute a (right to left) mid-section slashing technique. (The strike is done by driving the left hand out in front of the body and by drawing the right hand to waist level. A full swinging motion to attacker's ribs is executed as the left front stance is established. The left hand moves to the chamber and the right hand will now be forward.)


13. Crushing strike

Draw the left foot back, forming a left cat stance (facing W). The bo is lined up (to E) by positioning the left elbow forward, with the bo firmly resting along the forearm and elbow. (The application of techniques for the crushing strike remains the same throughout the form.) KIHAP


14. Standing crane stance with a ready/guarding technique

Move the right hand across the front of the body forming a reverse grip (shoulder level on the left side). Move the left leg back (to S) and lift the right leg while pivoting upper body slightly (NW). The top end of the bo is pulled downward while pushing the bottom of the weapon up and forward with the left hand. Simultaneously establish a left standing crane stance with a ready or guarding technique. The bo is now perpendicular (to N) and protects the front of the body from head to mid-section to legs.

(The application of techniques in the standing crane guarding position remains the same throughout the form.)


15. Horse stance, long overhead strike

Step rapidly into a horse stance by moving the right leg toward E (facing N).

(The application of techniques in the long overhead strike remain the same throughout the form.)


16. Down block, inside/out redirecting block, high block,
downward solar plexus strike

Step forward (to N) in a left front stance. Execute a left to right down block. (Left hand will travel from chamber area across the body to the right chamber while the right hand is forward and directs the bo at approximately mid-section of the weapon. Hands remain in same position.)

Follow in rapid succession with an inside/out redirecting block, high horizontal block, and a downward striking technique to the attacker's sternum. (In executing the strike, move to N with a half step, feet remain in the left front stance).


17. Guarding position, horizontal strike to chest, head locking technique,
knee smash, take down

Pivot cw (to SE) in a right back stance, positioning the bo across the front of the body. (Left hand at chamber and right hand approximately a third of the way up the weapon.) Hold the position for a count in preparation of the attacker's move (from SE).

Move the right foot out forming a right front stance (to SE). Simultaneously execute a horizontal strike to the opponent's chest. (Hands are gripping the bo equally at shoulder width. The technique drives forward at chest level. This strike is applied prior to the opponent's attempt to attack with a slashing strike to defender's right side.)

Immediately lift the bo up and behind the attacker's head (capturing technique). Pull inward and down while driving the left knee into the attacker's head. KIHAP (Hold the technique for a count.)

Move into a shallow horse stance (to SE) and drive the attacker to the ground. (Hands remain in same position throughout this sequence.)


18. Upward strike to chin, stepping side kick, skip center kick

Look over the right shoulder (to NW) and then move the right leg forming a horse stance (to NW). Execute a right upward strike to the attacker's chin. (Bring bo to shoulder level with the left hand and the right hand gripping the top of the bo. Push downward with the left hand while pulling upward to the chin with the right hand.)

Step forward (to NW) with a cross step (left foot moves in front of right) and execute a stepping side kick with the right leg. Establish a right back stance and follow immediately with a right skip center kick (to NW). Hold a guarding position for a count. (The bo is in a left hand chamber and right hand forward guarding position across the front of the body during both kicks.)


19. Crushing strike

Draw the right foot back ((to SE) forming a left cat stance. The bo is lined up (to NW) by positioning the left elbow forward, with the bo firmly resting along the forearm and elbow. Strike is completed in a left front stance. KIHAP

(Application of the striking technique remains the same throughout the form.)


20. Standing crane stance with a ready/guarding technique

Step back (to S) with left foot (facing N) and lift right leg forming a left standing crane stance.

(The application of the ready/guarding technique remains the same throughout the form.)


21. Horse stance, long overhead strike

Step rapidly into a horse stance (facing N) by moving the right leg (to E).

(Application of the long overhead strike remains the same throughout the form.)


22. Figure eight blocks in back stance, figure eight blocks in standing
stance, dynamic clearing technique, breathing technique

Move the left leg back (to S) forming a left back stance and initiate a sequence of figure eight blocking techniques (to N). (The right hand grips the center of the bo and the arm is extend in front of the body allowing the figure eight techniques to travel freely across the body. The left fist is chambered. The right hand should remain at mid-section level throughout the blocks.) Execute this blocking technique for approximately 10-12 revolutions of the bo.

Continue the figure eight blocks and draw the right foot back to left, forming a standing stance (to N). Execute another 10-12 revolutions of the bo. (Both hands are applied to the standing figure eight blocks, right over left.)

Upon completion of the standing stance techniques, chamber the bo to left side. Shift the hands during the final turn so that the left hand is at shoulder level and the right arm crosses the body at mid-section level with right hand near left hip.)

Execute a focused breathing technique. Hold this position for a count. Using peripheral vision prepare for the attacker's next moves. With dynamic tension, slowly draw the bo across the body in a perpendicular arcing block, 12-18 inches in front of the body, from left to right. (Hands remain in same position on the bo. When completed the left hand will be positioned at the right hip area and the right hand at the right shoulder. This block is done with dynamic tension, clearing a forceful thrust from directly in front at N.)

Execute a Focused breathing technique upon completion of the arcing block.


23. High horizontal mountain block, low horizontal down block

Step (to S) with the right foot (cw 90 degrees) forming a horse stance (facing E).Simultaneously execute a high horizontal mountain block. Follow immediately with a low horizontal down block. (Hands are approximately one third of the way in from each end of the bo during both blocks. The mountain block is executed above head level. Low block is executed at thigh level.)

Step (to N) with the right foot (ccw 90 degrees) forming a standing stance with the bo chambered at the left side (left hand at hip, right at left shoulder level). Hold position for a count. Breathe.


24. High horizontal mountain block, low horizontal down block

Step (to S) with the left foot (ccw 90 degrees) forming a horse stance (facing W) and execute a high horizontal mountain block. Follow immediately with a low horizontal down block. (Position of hands and application of blocks remain the same as to E.)


25. Diagonal outside block, chin strike, stepping side kick, horizontal
slashing strike

Step with the left foot (to W) forming a left front stance while looking over the right shoulder (to E). Simultaneously execute a diagonal outside pushing block. (Left hand is on the upper third of the bo, right hand is at lower third.) The technique defends against an attack from behind (E) toward the defender's right rib region.

Step into a horse stance by moving the right foot back (to S). Execute a right upward chin strike (to E).

Follow immediately with a stepping right side kick. (The left leg crosses in front of the right.)

Establish a right back stance (to E) and execute a left to right slashing technique. (The bo moves horizontally across the front of the body striking into the attacker's solar-plexus. Upon completion of the strike, the left hand will be across the body at the right hip, and the right hand is forward on the weapon directing the technique to the target area.)


26. Crushing strike

Turn 180 degrees ccw (to W),draw the left leg back (to E), forming a left cat stance. Set up crushing strike. Execute crushing strike to W (left front stance). KIHAP.


27. Standing overhead swinging strike to N-E-S-W

Draw the left leg to right, turn 90 degrees cw (to N), forming a standing stance. Move the hands to the end of the bo with a right over left grip. Extend the bo forward at a 45 degree angle. Execute two powerful counterclockwise overhead swinging techniques. (The first swing impedes the attacker's attempt to initiate a closing technique. Having been set up, the second swing is executed rapidly so as to eliminate each of the final attackers from N-E-S-W.) The second swinging technique is executed to side of the attacker's head.

Pivot 90 degrees cw (to E) and execute two overhead swinging strikes.

Pivot 90 degrees cw (to S) and execute two overhead swinging strikes.

Pivot 90 degrees cw (to W) and execute two overhead swinging strikes.

Pivot 90 degrees cw (to N), remain in a standing stance with bo in same position as at the beginning of the swinging strikes sequence. (Standing stance is maintained throughout this sequence. Right over left grip is also maintained. Hands will be at shoulder level at the completion of the second swinging technique in each sequence.)


28. Crane stance with ready/guarding technique

Step back (to S) with left foot (facing N) and lift right leg forming a standing crane stance. Simultaneously execute the application of the ready/guarding technique.


29. Presentation of the bo, breathing technique, chambering technique

Step back with the right foot (to S) forming a modified left cat stance (facing N). Move the bo forward in a perpendicular position with the left hand (one third up from end), arm slightly bent. Chamber the right fist. Execute a focused breathing technique.

Push the bo forward, locking the left arm in a fully extended position (to N). Bring the right fist out of the chamber (with dynamic tension) to a position along side of the bo (to N). Simultaneously execute a focusing breathing technique.

Open and rotate the right hand cw (palm up, fingers together) as in the initial salutation. Execute a focused breathing technique.

Slowly draw the bo back to the left chamber position while stepping back into a standing ready position (facing N). Bo remains at left side and right fist is returned to chamber.


30. Chamber the bo, final bow

Cross the right arm in front of the body at shoulder level and apply a right reverse grip to the upper third of the bo. Rotate the bo cw (top to bottom), chambering the bo beneath the left arm.

Slowly slide the right hand away from the bo (from beneath the left upper arm region) and position along side of the right leg (palm open, fingers pointing downward.)

Chunbi. Bow.

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