Warrior Body Buddha Mind

New Omei Bak Mei video available for download!

2012-02-25T15:39:00.005+01:00

Our new workshop video on Omei Bak Mei Circling Hands is now available for instant download!

Approx. running time is 62 minutes it covers both the basic practise and also how to integrate the techniques from Jik Bo Kuen into the training method.

Filmed during one of our workshops in Sweden last year, it is perfect for both beginners and experienced practitioners who wish to learn more about this rare and powerful martial art!

Get it now for only $19.95!

http://store.payloadz.com/go?id=1000780

Check out the trailer on Youtube!

Lower Dantien cultivation the Shattering Palm way

2012-02-04T19:41:00.004+01:00

There are many different ways of cultivating your lower Dantien, every internal system system seems to have their own idea of how this should be done. The exercises are many and varied, ranging from quiet sitting practises to focused visualisation to powerful compression techniques.

In the Shattering Palm system, developing your lower Dantien is of outmost importance and the training starts right away when you first enter the system. In fact, most of the work done by the student during the initial year of training is aimed at creating a powerful lower Dantien that is capable of exploding power out from the centre of the body.

However, the bulk of the work is not done during sitting or standing exercises that people usually associate with lower Dantien development, rather it is performed during very dynamic and intense physical exercises where this development happens automatically as a result of the training undertaken.

These Neigong exercises are primarily designed to increase the whole body power generation of the practitioner and are a vital part of the martial side of the Shattering Palm system. For instance, during the different pushing exercises of the system, the practitioners undivided attention is on generating as much pushing power as humanly possible and there is no thought at all on cultivating the lower Dantien. Due to the strong, rooted pushing action the lower Dantien is still developed since this action automatically causes the practitioner to create powerful compression and sinking of energy into the lower Dantien area. The cultivation side of the system is directly tied to the physical conditioning and power training methods. By not having a strong focus on the lower Dantien and by not trying to direct any internal energy circulation, the mind gets out of the way and the energy is simply allowed to flow naturally as dictated by the training exercise itself, this is a very important key to the fast results of generated by the Shattering Palm system.

Wrefors Sifu showing part of a Heigong
exercise from the Shattering Palm system.

Later on, once the initial exercises have been trained sufficiently and the practitioner has developed a powerful foundation, more advanced exercises are taught, such as the Shattering Palm Neigong form which teaches how to utilize the newly developed power in kinds of martial applications while circulating the internal energy and eventually opening up the practitioner to the Tin Sunn Ging which is the special power cultivated by this art.

Take a break!

2012-01-20T20:23:00.001+01:00

Take a quick meditation break, you know you need one! Click on the article to see the media player.

A short meditation break by Christer Wretfors

Music from the album Cybernetic Dreams, available on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify :)

Bak Fu Sunn Yee Gung

2012-01-18T21:40:00.001+01:00

The Bak Fu Sunn Yee Gung (White Tiger Heavenly Healing Methods) consists of 72 levels where each level, in turn, has several stages of training. The art is a complete Daoist internal training system in its own right with a special focus on developing healing energy. Learning and developing the skills of the entire system is a life long undertaking but the most important work is found in the early levels as these prepare the person for the higher level methods.

It should be noted here that phrases such as "higher level methods" simply refer to later levels of training and that the earlier levels of training are just as valuable and "advanced" in their own right.

The foundation methods stay with the practitioner throughout his or her entire life and are never really left behind as new layers to these exercises reveal themselves with proper practise over time. The training is done in a progressive manner where each level builds on the previous and the skills develop naturally as the student invests time and energy into the daily practise.

Sifu Wretfors during an exercise from level one
of the Bak Fu Sunn Yee Gung.

The first few levels of the system share much in common with other Daoist Neigong methods in that they prepare the body, energy system and mind of the practitioner for the work ahead.

The first of the 18 sitting Neigong exercises is extremely important to the Sunn Yee Gung practitioner. It begins the process of building the lower Dan Tien by filling it with Qi and during later stages of the first level it gives rise to the "inner thunder" and starts the process of forming the "elixir" as Yin and Yang are balanced by the practise.

The 18 levels of sitting practise in the Bak Fu Sunn Yee Gung
form a comprehensive system of Daoist meditation.

The practitioner is taught to feel the actual movement of energy inside and outside of the body, as opposed to relying on visualizations. Human imagination is very powerful and if we rely too much on mental imagery then we can deceive ourselves during training.

The micro-cosmic orbit is achieved, or rather improved, during the first level practises as the energy circulation around the body, particularily along the spine, becomes stronger. This method does not use any strong mental focus or visualization for running the orbit, instead the increased circulation is just a natural outcome of the practise.

The mind of the practitioner is trained to stay extremely calm and quiet, the stillness achieved being an important key to success in the later levels of the system.

Sifu Garry Hearfield and Sifu Christer Wretfors will be teaching an online course in the first 18 levels of the Bak Fu Sunn Yee Gung, starting February 2012.

An introduction to Dao Gar

2012-01-16T21:14:00.000+01:00

Dao Gar (Daoist Family) is a Daoist internal Kung Fu system hailing from the area around the Mount Omei in China. It consists of a two empty hand sets, different Nei Gong methods, cotton palm training, iron body training, partner exercises and a special close range weapon, the hair pins.

The system specializes in extremely soft, explosive power generated at very close range to the opponent. Where many other southern Kung Fu systems tend to do a lot of work on the bridge, Dao Gar prefers to get in even closer.

Every part of the body is trained to deliver powerful strikes using soft, penetrating energy to the vital points on the opponent using Dim Mak / Dim Yuet theories. Common techniques include different palm strikes, phoenix eye strikes, hammer fists, elbow strikes, low kicks, joint locks, throws and takedowns. Biting, pinching, spitting and scratching are also employed to keep the opponent busy.

The Dao Gar fighter trains other areas of his body as weapons too, including the chest, side, back, hips and shoulders. This is possible due to the systems comprehensive iron body training which both toughens the practitioner and teaches how to generate shock power using any part of the body.

When applying the art, the Dao Gar practitioner is extremely soft and relaxed. A thorough understanding of how different body shapes can be used allows the opponents force to swallowed and redirected while a counter attack is launched at the same time. The system doesn´t use “sticky hands”, rather it uses “sticky body” with the idea that any contact point between the practitioner and the opponent can be used to cause pain, damage and fear.

The concept of “moving in the opponent’s shadow” makes use of striking the opponents “blind spots” as his attacks leave openings for the Dao Gar expert to counter attack. This requires fast reflexes and a good understanding of angles and paths of motion trained during the partner exercises of the system.

A trademark of the system is the emphasis on Chum Ging or “sinking power”, this can be seen throughout the fighting applications and it is used to manipulate the structure of the opponent and to restrict his freedom of movement. It helps facilitate takedowns and causes the strikes of the Dao Gar practitioner to penetrate deep into the opponent’s body.

While a devastating fighting system, Dao Gar is also a beautiful art for health and longevity, firmly rooted in Daoist Nei Gong practices. The longer of the systems two unarmed forms is known as Dao Gar Jeung (Daoist Family Palm), it is a slow-moving meditative practice that is worth learning for its health benefits alone.

The Dao Gar Jeung form is somewhat unique in that it is mostly stationary, taking up very little space to perform and hence ideal for people with little room to practice. The Nei Gong built into the form promotes the circulation of blood and Qi in the body, keeps the spine supple and strong, builds and refines the three Dan Tien and follows the alchemical formula for returning the practitioner to a state of true emptiness. The form also builds up ample amounts of energy in the hands making it well suited for massage therapists, practitioners of acupressure and Qi Gong healers.

If you are interested in learning more about the Dao Gar system, you are most welcome to attend one of our workshops.

Dao Gar Kung Fu workshop February 11-12 2012

2012-01-16T18:23:00.001+01:00

I have decided to change the topic of the February workshop from Bak Mei to Dao Gar!

The rare Dao Gar system taught by the WBBM is an internal Daoist martial art from Omei in China and the workshop will cover fundamentals, Qigong, partner exercises, fighting applications and the first section of the long form Dao Gar Jeung (Daoist Family Palm).

The first day of the workshop will focus on fundamentals, stance work, posture, power generation, Dao Gar Qigong for health and the first section of the Dao Gar Jeung form.

The second day of the workshop will be dedicated to Dao Gar fighting applications and partner exercises.

Participants can choose between attending both days or just the first day if they're only interested in learning the system for health and longevity.

Where: Sösdala, Sweden. You can get there easily by train from Malmö and Lund.
When: February 11-12, 2012. Training starts at 10.00 and finishes at 17.00 on both days.
Price: 1500 SEK for both days, 800 SEK if you are only attending the first day.

For more info and to reserve your place at the workshop, please email Sifu Christer at chriswret (at)hotmail.com

See you there! Train hard, stay safe!

Sifu Christer Wretfors

Internal Strength Weight Training program - intro phase

2012-01-10T16:34:00.001+01:00

Introduction to ISWT

The ISWT program is designed for martial artists who wish to combine weight training with internal work and focuses on your muscle development, explosive short power and mind-body connection. It will, of course, also work well for other athletes and fitness enthusiasts :)
The basic program presented here assumes that you are a martial artist doing that kind of training as well, hence the lower training volume for the legs and the absence of pure abdominal exercises.

You should only start this program if you are free from injuries and have been training with weights regularly for at least one year or more. Please ask your physician before starting the program.

The program assumes that you are familiar with basic training exercises using machines and free weights. If not, then you should seek out a qualified trainer and follow a basic strength training program for a sufficient amount of time before starting this program.

Ideally the program is personalized for each individual and his/her training goals, this includes the program structure, specific exercises, internal methods used during rest periods and dietary recommendations.

For this general version of the program, please follow a few simple rules:

1) Never miss a meal! Eat six meals per day including breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner and finally an evening snack before going to bed. Some of the snacks, for instance the evening snack, could just be a protein shake and a very small amount of carbs but never allow your body to go without enough nutrients to help it repair and grow.

2) Always get enough protein! I usually recommend between 2 .0 grams and 2.5 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight, evenly spread throughout your waking hours. If you are a vegetarian, then this is even more important. Make sure to follow rule #5 below!

3) Avoid unhealthy fats while making sure you get enough carbs with all your main meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner). The exact amounts need to be tailored to your physique and individual training goals.

4) Up to three protein shakes per day, one in the morning right after waking, one after training and one before going to bed. The rest should come from regular food. I do recommend taking extra glutamine as well.

5) Water, water and more water. Drink small glasses throughout the day. Muscles are mostly water anyhow and surprisingly this is where a lot of people fail because they are simply too dehydrated. I remember this really made a huge difference for me once I started drinking enough water. I sometimes wonder if there is a connection between hard gainers, too much coffee and a state of constant dehydration...

The training program uses very high intensity training so if you are training alone then I recommend using machines, especially when training your chest, like a chest press machine. Definitely find a good spotter for those exercises that need one if you are a “free weights only” kind of person.

Intro phase training program

The following program is for you to get used to the high intensity training before we start to add more of the internal components and intensifiers. You should follow this for at least one month in order to allow your body to adjust to the high weight / high intensity / low reps training. You will also start to develop your body-mind awareness and to use the time between sets to focus inwards.

The program uses the following four types of sets: warm-up sets, heavy weight sets, stretch sets, pump sets. We are trying to maximize the muscle stimulation to encourage growth and power.

General instructions for the intro phase:

1) Always do the warm-up sets with full focus, proper form and full range of motion.

2) During your warm-up sets, do 20-30 repetitions using a very light weight. You should not feel tired afterwards, only ”ready” to do more.

3) Less is more when doing high intensity training. You will use relatively few sets and longer resting periods. No stretching before the workout or between sets, only afterwards.

4) During your heavy sets, work in the range of 3-6 repetitions. Use a weight that allows you to do a maximum of 6 repetitions. When you reach 6 reps, increase the weight until you can only do 3 repetitions again.

5) During stretch sets, work in the range of 6-10 repetitions. Use a weight that allows you to do a maximum of 6 repetitions. When you reach 10 reps, increase the weight until you can do only 6 repetitions again.

6) During pump sets, work in the range of 12-15 repetitions. Use a weight that allows you to do a maximum of 12 repetitions. When you reach 15 reps, increase the weight until you can do only 12 repetitions again.

7) During all working sets (heavy, stretch, pump), do the intensifying extra movements during the last set of each category only, not during each set. During the intro phase, we add one extra intensifier; later on we will add more to really punish those muscles!

8) Between all sets, do a simple meditation exercise by just relaxing your body, quieting your mind and listening to what is going on inside. How is your body reacting to the training, what is going on in there? Become aware in changes in body temperature, blood flow, nerves firing and your breathing pattern. More advanced internal work is added in later stages of the training program.

9) When doing the final intensity set for each exercise, it should take at least 40-50 seconds to complete the set including the extra intensifying movements.

Day One: Chest, triceps, shoulders

Warm-up sets:

Set 1, wide grip chest press or bench press, 20-30 reps using a light weight.

Rest 1 minute, meditate during the break.

Set 2, narrow grip chest press or bench press, 20-30 reps using a light weight

Rest 1 minute, meditate during the break.

Note: You can do pushups instead if you like to warm up.

Heavy weight sets, chest:

Set 3, decline wide grip chest press, 3-6 reps using a heavy weight.

Rest 3 minutes, meditate during the break.

Set 4, decline wide grip chest press, 3-6 reps using a heavy weight, when you can't do a full repetition, do partial repetitions in the lower half of the movement, near the chest, until you reach muscle failure, try to do 10 partial reps (yes it burns).

Rest 3 minutes, meditate during the break.

Stretch sets, chest:

Set 4, dumbbell flyes, 6-10 reps using a medium weight, really feel the stretch at the bottom of the movement, don't bring the hands to close at the top, don't loose the muscle activation in the pecs.

Rest 1 minute, meditate during the break.

Set 5, dumbbell flyes, 6-10 reps using a medium weight, when you reach muscle failure, hold the weights in the lower stretch position with tension in the pecs for at least 10 seconds (don't just let the arms fall back and hang in the joint, use the muscle to keep them in the stretched position fighting gravity).

Rest 1 minute, meditate during the break.

Heavy weight sets, triceps (these also count as pump sets for the chest)

Set 6, narrow grip chest press, 3-6 reps using a heavy weight.

Rest 3 minutes, meditate during the break.

Set 7, narrow grip chest press, 3-6 reps using a heavy weight, when you can't do a full repetition, do partial repetitions in the lower half of the movement, near the chest, until you reach muscle failure, try to do 10 partial reps.

Rest 3 minutes, meditate during the break.

Stretch sets, triceps

Set 8, triceps presses behind the head, two hands using a machine or single arm using dumbbells, 6-10 reps.

Rest 1 minute, meditate during the break.

Set 9, triceps presses behind the head, two hands using a machine or single arm using dumbbells, 6-10 reps, when you reach muscle failure, hold the weights in the lower stretch position with tension in the triceps for at least 10 seconds.

Rest 3 minutes, meditate during the break.

Pump sets, triceps

Set 10, standing triceps pull downs or barbell french presses, 12-15 reps

Rest 1 minute, meditate during the break.

Set 11, standing triceps pull downs or barbell french presses, 12-15 reps, when you can't do another full repetition, do small pumping partial reps in part of the ”bottom part” of the movement where your arm is bent the most, try to do at least 10 partials.

Rest 3 minutes, meditate during the break.

Set 12, rotator cuff exercise using a very light dumbbell, do 15-20 reps with the upper arm resting on a support using only the shoulder to lift the weight.

Rest 1 minute, meditate during the break.

Set 13, rotator cuff exercise using a very light dumbbell, do another 15-20 reps

All done, have a protein shake, drink plenty of water and stretch!

Day two: Back, biceps, traps and forearms

Warm-up sets:

Set 1, standing straight arm pull-downs or pullovers, 20-30 reps using a light weight.

Rest 1 minute, meditate during the break.

Set 2, standing straight arm pull-downs or pullovers, 20-30 reps using a light weight

Rest 1 minute, meditate during the break.

Heavy weight sets, back:

Set 3, normal grip pull-downs or bent over barbell rows, 3-6 reps using a heavy weight.

Rest 3 minutes, meditate during the break.

Set 4, normal grip pull-down or bent over barbell rows, 3-6 reps using a heavy weight, when you can't do a full repetition, do partial repetitions in the lower half of the movement, near the chest, until you reach muscle failure, try to do 10 partial reps (yes it burns).

Rest 3 minutes, meditate during the break.

Stretch sets, back:

Set 4, sitting machine rows or single arm bent over dumbbell rows, 6-10 reps using a medium weight, really feel the stretch at the bottom of the movement, don't loose the muscle activation in the back.

Rest 1 minute, meditate during the break.

Set 5, sitting machine rows or single arm bent over dumbbell rows , 6-10 reps using a medium weight, when you reach muscle failure, hold the weights in the lower stretch position with tension in the back for at least 10 seconds (don't release your grip, use the back muscles to stay in the stretched position).

Rest 1 minute, meditate during the break.

Pump sets, back

Set 6, straight arm pull-downs or pullovers, 12-15 reps

Rest 3 minutes, meditate during the break.

Set 7, straight arm pull-downs or pullovers, 12-15 reps, when you can't do another full repetition, do small pumping partial reps in part of the ”bottom part” of the movement, try to do at least 10 partials.

Rest 3 minutes, meditate during the break.

Heavy weight sets, biceps

Set 7, reverse grip pull-downs or barbell rows, 3-6 reps using a heavy weight.

Rest 3 minutes, meditate during the break.

Set 8, reverse grip pull-downs or barbell rows, 3-6 reps using a heavy weight, when you can't do a full repetition, do partial repetitions in the middle part of the movement, until you reach muscle failure, try to do 10 partial reps.

Rest 3 minutes, meditate during the break.

Stretch sets, biceps

Set 9, two hand rows using a machine or bent over rows using barbell, 6-10 reps.

Rest 1 minute, meditate during the break.

Set 10, two hand rows using machine or bent over rows using barbell, 6-10 reps, when you reach muscle failure, hold the weights in the extended stretch position with tension in the bicep for at least 10 seconds.

Rest 3 minutes, meditate during the break.

Pump sets, biceps / forearms

Set 10, reverse grip bicep curls using a barbell, 12-15 reps

Rest 1 minute, meditate during the break.

Set 11, reverse grip bicep curls using a barbell, 12-15 reps, when you can't do another full repetition, do small pumping partial reps in part of the middle part of the movement where your arm where the tension is greatest in your forearms, try to do at least 10 partials.

Rest 3 minutes, meditate during the break.

Set 12, shrugs using a barbell or machine, do 6-12 reps with a medium weight.

Rest 1 minute, meditate during the break.

Set 13, shrugs using a barbell or machine, do 6-12 reps with a medium weight, when you can't do another repetition, hold the weight in the starting position for another 10 seconds before releasing your grip.

All done, have a protein shake, drink plenty of water and stretch!

Day three: quads, hams, glutes and calves

Note that we use somewhat higher reps / lower weights for the legs and that as martial artists our legs do a lot of work during our stance and footwork training. Also the structure is slightly different due to the synergy between the muscles.

Warm-up sets:

Set 1, body weight squats, 50-60 reps

Rest 1 minute, meditate during the break.

Set 2, body weight squats, 50-60 reps

Rest 1 minute, meditate during the break.

Heavy weight sets, hamstrings:

Set 3, leg curls, 6- 8 reps using a heavy weight.

Rest 3 minutes, meditate during the break.

Set 4, leg curls, 6- 8 reps using a heavy weight, when you can't do a full repetition, do partial repetitions in the middle part of the movement until you reach muscle failure, try to do 10 partial reps.

Rest 3 minutes, meditate during the break.

Stretch sets, hamstrings, glutes, lower back:

Set 4, deadlifts, 8-12 reps using a medium weight, really feel the stretch at the bottom of the movement.

Rest 1 minute, meditate during the break.

Set 5, deadlifts, 8-12 reps using a medium weight, really feel the stretch at the bottom of the movement, no holding the stretch in this exercise though.

Rest 1 minute, meditate during the break.

Heavy weight sets, quads, glutes

Set 7, barbell squats or machine squats, 8-10 reps with heavy weight.

Rest 3 minutes, meditate during the break.

Set 8, barbell squats or machine squats, 8-10 reps with heavy weight.

Rest 3 minutes, meditate 1 during the break.

Pump sets, hamstrings, glutes, quads

Set 8, single leg lounges with dumbbell, 8-12 reps then switch leg.

No rest, just go straight into the next set.

Set 9, single leg lounges with dumbbell, 8-12 reps then switch leg.

Rest 3 minutes, meditate during the break.

Pump sets, quads

Set 10, machine leg extensions or hack squats with a barbell or other weight held behind your back (below the glutes), 20 reps using a moderate weight

Rest 1 minutes, meditate during the break.

Set 11, machine leg extensions or hack squats with a barbell or other weight held behind your back , when you can't do a full repetition, do partial repetitions in the middle part of the movement until you reach muscle failure, try to do 10 partial reps.

Rest 3 minutes, meditate during the break.

Pump sets, calves

Set 12, single side calf raises with a dumbbell, 30-50 reps, repeat on other side.

No rest between sets, just go into the next one straight away.

Set 13, single side calf raises with a dumbbell, 30-50 reps, when you can't do another full rep, do partial reps at the top of the movement, try to do 10 partials, repeat on other side.

All done, have a protein shake, drink plenty of water and stretch!

Follow this routine for at least a month or two, after that you might be ready for the more intense routines!

Good luck, train hard, stay safe!

New website in the works, old website RIP

2012-01-10T15:21:00.000+01:00

Hi all,

Starting tomorrow, our old website at www.wbbm.se will be taken offline. We are currently re-designing it from the ground up and will also be changing our webhost in the process. Expect the website to be down for at least a couple of months.

In the meantime all updates will be posted here instead.

At the moment, our DVD on Omei Bak Mei's Yum Yeung Jik Bo Kuen is out of stock, we hope it will be available again about a week from now. Those who have expressed an interest in ordering it will be notified via email once it is back in stock. The price is $49.95 USD + $15 USD for international shipping and handling.

Stay tuned, lots of articles coming this spring :)

Train hard, be safe!

Christer Wretfors Sifu

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

2011-12-23T15:45:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone,

It is that time of year again!

Lots of fun stuff in store for next year, including a Bak Mei (White Eyebrow) seminar in February and a Gum Tong Long (Golden Praying Mantis) seminar in April. The Golden Praying Mantis seminar will be the first time that the system is taught openly to the general public in Europe :)

More info about the seminars will be posted after the holidays!

Have a great Christmas and New Years!

Sifu Christer Wretfors

2011-09-13T23:43:00.001+02:00

Inbjudan Bak Mei workshop 12-13 november 2011

Bak Mei workshop 12-13 november 2011

I samband med releasen av vår första DVD http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRfnw_M_KKY, kommer vi nu introducera ett av de mest kända och effektiva kinesiska kampsystemen Omei Bak Mei till allmänheten. Bak Mei är ett beryktat Sydkinesiskt Kung Fu system, känt för sina aggressiva tekniker som utförs på kort avstånd. Vår kursplan är designad så att i kombination med workshop som DVD kan man nå en god grund i Omei Bak Mei även om man ej har tillgång till regelbunden träning/instruktör. Formen Yum Yeung Jik Bo är absolut nödvändig för vidare studier i Omei Bak Mei men är även ett utmärkt komplement till din nuvarande träning, för ökad förståelse för kraftgenerering etc.

Denna workshop går igenom grunderna inom Omei Bak Mei (Omei White Eyebrow Kung Fu). Fokus kommer att ligga på formen Yum Yeung Jik Bo Kuen (Yin Yang Straight Step Fist) med tillämpningar. Grundläggande principer och träningsmetoder från systemet kommer också att läras ut t.ex. ställningar, fotarbete, struktur och kraftgenerering. Iron Hand träning för att stärka upp utövarens Phoenix Eye Fist (systemets berömda slag med pekfingerknogen), hammarslag m.m. kommer att läras ut till de som önskar detta. Dit Dar Jow (liniment) för Iron Hand träning kommer också att finnas till försäljning.

Instruktör: Sifu Christer Wretfors, europeisk chefsinstruktör för Warrior Body Buddha Mind och representant för Yau Kung Mun familjen under Sifu Garry Hearfield.

Plats: RF Bergsgatan 56, Limhamn, Malmö.
Datum och tider: 12-13 november, kl. 10.00 -17.00.
Pris: 1500 SEK (inkluderar en kopia av Omei Bak Mei Yum Yeung Jik Bo Kuen DVD 1).
Anmälan: skicka e-post till sifuchris@wbbm.se för att anmäla dig, observera att anmälan är bindande. Avgift inbetalas via PayPal senast 1 november. Max 10 deltagare.

http://www.wbbm.se/
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheWBBM
http://www.youtube.com/user/fiercesttiger

Omei Bak Mei DVD 1 now available!

2011-09-02T13:04:00.004+02:00

Hi everyone,
Just a quick post to let you know that our first DVD on the Omei Hung Mo Bak Mei system is now available at $49.95 USD + S&H.

The DVD covers the foundation form of the system called Yum Yeung Jik Bo Kuen (Yin Yang Straight Step Fist) in detail, conditioning and power training, basic training theories and the first level Neigong method in a practically oriented and down to earth manner.
We hope you will enjoy it!

/ Team WBBM

Burning Palm System - Interview with Sifu Garry Hearfield

2011-07-15T14:19:00.000+02:00

Chris

Hi Sifu, welcome again & thanks for sharing

Sifu Garry

Hi Swede, hope all is well and no problem, sharing and getting the information correctly out there is what I’m hoping to do. Educate some people regarding GMDW Bak Fu Pai the best I can!

Chris

Ok, Burning Palm, why have you promoted this one more so that the others?

Sifu Garry

The Burning Palm System suites me to a T, cause its meditations are very nice and teaches you many hidden things when you go deep enough. Mostly this system is based on the Fire element as the name Fo Jeung - Fire Palm, but GMDW says he rather use Burning Palm in English because westerners might have seen this as more acceptable. So it uses the sun as a primary source of energy together with the other elements of nature. It´s the only system I have known that has 3 times of day training for receiving the sun energy, each different time a different group of meditations and training methods.

Chris

Intriguing, can you give us some more details Sifu?

Sifu Garry

Sure, morning has seated and standing meditation facing the sun, there is visualization methods to enhance your awareness and take you deeper into the mind or outer body. It has supplementary exercises that work on the energy body and cleanse it. This is what we call the spiritual part of BP. At midday it’s based on Internal Springy Force or Soong Tahn Ging Meditations and body conditioning, internal strength training and stretching to make the body soft and flexible. At sunset or dusk it has the healing meditations, massage and BP healing techniques as well as researching the body and studying other healing traditions for similarities and differences etc.

So you see it´s hard to find dedicated students to learn this the proper way, doesn´t mean you cannot do it anytime just means you won’t get the benefits of the energy of the sun at its rising and noon when its most yang. There are other reasons which I won’t go into now!

Chris

So I see what you mean about the elements, where does water and earth come in?

Sifu Garry

Well the morning method has a sun meditation and the standing meditation is done connecting with the air or wind and clouds but done under big healthy tree’s which we connect to the Earth with our feet by rooting or sinking our energy, mind and body. The water method is used for its magnetic energy and to help cool or settle any excess Yang during the day practice. The night meditations can also be trained with the moon so you can balance your body.

Chris

What is the origin of BP?

Sifu Garry

According to GMDW it has been around for thousands of years the technique but he said it resurfaced as other names like Buddha Palm and Imprint Palm which Burning palm is known for, because the slapping methods leaves palm imprints on the skin which was used in healing and in some cases fighting. GMDW said it belonged to a Nomadic tribe outside the Omei mountains that Fung Do Duk came into contact with, he also said it has roots in Tibetan energy healing mixed with Daoist and Buddhist elemental magic. It uses something like a Reiki hand healing but has massage and other stuff.

Chris

Does Burning Palm have any weapons?

Sifu Garry

Yes but haven’t mastered these as yet, they are throwing weapons, spikes, knives or daggers, stars etc. I think GMDW called its Fei Bui!! It has levels as well but maybe for another article? ;) Many of the hand movements can incorporate a stick or knife, sword and is used in training with a partner.

Chris

What fighting methods are in BP?

Sifu Garry

It is very unique because the conditioning, for example 5 shadows or 5 hand strikes, are to be learnt and broken down with a partner and worked on technique speed, accuracy using trapping at the same time makes for many 2 man drills. Sparring is light and only the 5 shadows are to be used and mastered so each person will find what works and what doesn't. After that each level is added to the 5 shadows creating and developing a Burning Palm Boxer. There are long and short range hand strikes, claw and controlling, sweeping, throwing and wrestling techniques. It has a few kicks similar to southern arts!

Meditation and Qigong is vital for BP practitioners because they know that it brings them health and happiness during these times and this can affect people in the hustle and bustle of the real world by making them more aware and think clearer etc. The meditations are also for breathing in the energy at different stages of the day with intent connecting to these elements so it´s very magical to me and you feel more grounded afterwards.

Chris

Would you say it´s a rare alchemical spiritual system?

Sifu Garry

Most definitely, I think it was for a Spiritual Warrior because the way the system is built, the fighting isn´t for everyone but in those days they had wars and they figured out techniques for their villagers to protect themselves. For me it´s a beautiful system that combines inner and outer work and connecting to the elements brings one back to what life was truly meant to be about “Blissful”. It brings good health benefits for me and has helped me understand many things about myself and how to benefit better from these methods and ancient teachings.

Chris

Best thing you like to see for Burning Palm?

Sifu Garry

I hope for it to spread for its healing practices, the fighting side I´m not as into these days as I’m into my 40’s now, my path is on the spiritual side and rather learn more of the healing and helping people.

Chris

Thanks again for another awesome interview Sifu!

Sifu Garry

My pleasure, love how you helping spread the WBBM, that´s what we are about my friend.

Chris

Thank you Sifu!

Golden Praying Mantis Kung Fu

2011-06-16T23:26:00.001+02:00

Interview with Sifu Garry Hearfield about the Golden Praying Mantis Kung Fu system

The following interview conducted with Sifu Garry Hearfield via e-mail and online chats sheds some light on the very rare Golden Praying Mantis Kung Fu.

Chris:

What is the Golden Mantis?

Sifu Garry:

The name is called Gum Tong Long meaning Golden Mantis or Golden Praying Mantis which is an internal martial arts system that seems to be of Buddhist faith according to Grandmaster Doo Wai. Gold in Chinese belongs to purity and is spiritual in essence, such as how alchemy turns lead into gold, this is what we are trying to perfect within ourselves in the Golden Mantis System.

Chris:

What is its origin?

Sifu Garry:

Unknown, only that it was handed down inside the Doo family and belongs to a Buddhist temple somewhere in China. I believe he said Goddess of Mercy or Kwan Yin temple in southern China but don't quote me on that. Possibly 200 - 300 years old, it has some characteristics of both the Nam Tong Long and the Bak Tong Long southern and northern Mantis.

Chris:

What does Golden Mantis contain?

Sifu Garry:

This mantis is very internal, uses the elements just like the insect itself connected to the earth but uses the sun and moon for its rest and feeding habits. It has a morning practice at sunrise with seated meditation and energy exercises and the Golden Mantis Hei Gung which has been closely guarded. According to Grandmaster Doo Wai this set contains many secret keys for health and internal power.

It also contains one long hand set with over 150 moves that is broken down and developed individually to express each hand or force. San Sau is broken down with pad and hanging bags to condition and understand the style. Two-man drills and body conditioning is trained also along with rolling bar and claw bags. It also has a healing side with its energy and Chinese Dit Dar therapies.

Chris:

Does Golden Mantis have any weapons?

Sifu Garry:

We teach two weapons, the staff and the double butterfly knives, it’s a small system but less is more in this case. I like smaller systems, means I can tear it apart and it’s not redundant in its forms!

Chris:

What type of healing does it use?

Sifu Garry:

It uses traditional Chinese medicine - Dit Dar but also has its own energy work that is unique to this mantis style.

Chris:

How did you learn it?

Sifu Garry:

I studied this through Grandmaster Doo Wai and he has allowed me to release certain information at certain times, this is the time for Golden Mantis. This system can be learnt very fast, only a few years, to be very efficient and will bring healthy results. Only took me two years to get it down due to my training in Yau Kung Mun and Bak Mei Pai so was an easy transition. I’ve been doing this system now for the last 6 or 7 years with other information that he has selflessly shared with me, he is a man of much knowledge indeed.

Chris:

What would you like to see happen with the Golden Mantis System?

Sifu Garry:

Well I would love for it to live on and never die, it’s a true treasure with all my Kung Fu systems I teach, of course, but right now I want to push and promote this very rare style. It’s hard to find dedicated students, even harder to find dedicated and respectful students. We’d rather it not be taught at all to people that will bring it shame or disrespect than to have it out bastardized so to speak. I guess sooner or later it will happen regardless right?? Hahaha sad but true!!! If we can get a nice following and later teachers out there teaching this healthy martial art system with quality and not so much quantity I think there is a chance this system may survive.

Sifu Garry Hearfield performs a technique from

the Golden Mantis Kung Fu system.

Chris:

What fighting methods does it contain?

Sifu Garry:

It is a close to middle range system, that uses the phoenix-eye fists, claws, elbows, knees, forearms, finger strikes, like most fighting systems. Also has clinch and standing arm locks and submissions. Does not contain ground fighting but added to would make a super MMA system. It uses many trapping and sticking, smashing and destruction techniques.

Chris:

What is it you the love most about this system?

Sifu Garry:

The Golden Mantis Hei Gung, it’s a real treasure, the core of this system hence the name, very basic set but powerful with its symbology and meaning, breathing patterns and understanding of Yau Kung forces within the body. The set helps cultivate energy through its standing practice which alone is excellent for health regardless of system. It distributes the energy through blocking of energy points in the body with certain postures and movements that resemble the insect itself. To wake up to the sunrise and embrace the force that gives life to all living things on this planet makes this system worth more than gold or wealth. This system is a spiritual path of a warrior monk and I can see why!

Chris:

Is there anyone teaching this system?

Sifu Garry:

To my knowledge, no, it is only because of my training over the years with Grandmaster Doo Wai that I was picking it up and never spoke of anyone that I know of in BFP family. Although I could be wrong!! He appointed me the BFP representative as well for other Doo family treasures such as Omei Bak Mei Pai, Omei Fo Jeung (Burning palm) and many more methods. I still have a lot to master myself but rather than keep this secretive, he has asked for me to release it to the public now. I know you have been doing this for some years now; maybe you like to share some of your own views on Golden Mantis?

Chris:

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer all these questions Sifu!

Sifu Garry:

Your welcome brother, we all here for a good time and learning the ancient ways can only make us better human beings. Kung Fu is a life style, not a fad...best wishes to the family!

Kung Fu Panda 2 och Yau Kung Mun

2011-06-14T13:57:00.006+02:00

Skådespelaren Jack Black poserar tillsammans med ett lejon ifrån australiensiska Yau Kung Mun vid premiären för Kung Fu Panda 2 :=)

Yau Kung Mun lejondans ifrån premiärkvällen syns bl.a. i klippen nedan.

A short introduction to Tung Jee Kuen

2010-09-14T12:11:00.000+02:00

Tung Jee Kuen is the first form taught in the Yau Kung Mun system

The meaning of the name of the form roughly translates to “training the joints and muscles form” and is also sometimes called the ”straight through fist” since it teaches the YKM practitioner to move aggressively forward while attacking with powerful blows that drive through the opponent.The form strengthens the joints and muscles to develop a stronger body that is ready for higher level training within YKM.

Originally created by Great Grandmaster Ha Hon Hung as a combative form taught to the Chinese Army, it relies on simple and brutally effective techniques together with circular footwork moving in a linear attacking fashion, constantly invading the opponents space. There are no blocks, only direct counter-attacks that take the initiative away from the opponent, inflicting pain at first contact.

The six harmonies are taught in this form to generate whole body power. Key methods such as float, sink, swallow and spit are introduced together with other concepts such as opening and closing the gates of the body and changing between body shapes.

Techniques in Tung Jee Kuen rely primarily on gross motor skills and include hand strikes, elbows, knees, kicks, grabs, joint breaks and take downs. It also begins the very important process of creating an aggressive, combat-oriented mindset crucial to surviving a violent confrontation.

This form will be taught during our October 2^nd -3^rd workshop, see you then!

Yau Kung Mun weekend camp October 2-3

2010-09-14T10:11:00.003+02:00

Hi everyone,

We are teaching a Yau Kung Mun weekend camp on October 2-3, 2010.

The camp will cover the first level of the Yau Kung Mun system as taught by Warrior Body Buddha Mind, including stances, footwork, foundation techniques, power generation, partner drills, body conditioning and the first form Tung Jee Kuen with fighting applications.

On both days, there will be an extra evening workshop by guest instructor Sifu Gerry O'Connor from Bud-Dao Energy Arts who will teach Xing Yi and Ba Duan Jin Qigong.

Instructors:
Sifu Christer Wretfors, teaching Yau Kung Mun.
Sifu Gerry O'Connor, teaching Xing Yi and Ba Duan Jin.

Date and time:
October 2-3, 2010. The Yau Kung Mun training starts at 1000 hrs on both days and ends at 1600 hrs, followed by dinner and then another 2 hrs of training in the evening.

Location:
Budo Höör IF, Björkvikshallen, Friluftsvägen 13, 243 30 Höör, Sweden.

Cost:
500 SEK includes both Yau Kung Mun training and the evening workshops. Only a few places left and then the camp is fully booked so reserve your place soon!

For more information and to reserve your place at the seminar, please e-mail: sifuchris@wbbm.se

Have fun, train hard and stay safe,

Sifu Christer Wretfors

Our YouTube channel is up!

2010-05-31T21:16:00.002+02:00

Hi everyone,

Just want to let you all know that our new YouTube channel is up and located at:

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheWBBM

We have a number of cool clips that we will be adding including a technique workshop series demonstrating various aspects of Omei Bak Mei, Yau Kung Mun, Dao Gar and the other systems that we practise. We will also be starting a series on fundamental Neigong training, the first clip should be up within a weeks time!

We hope that you will enjoy the clips and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us!

If you are on Facebook, then feel free to join our Warrior Body Buddha Mind group too! A great place to get to know us personally, ask us questions and meet other practitioners from different systems!

Kindest regards

The WBBM Team