FORMS, WEAPONS & SPARRING
Forms
A form is a choreographed series of motions, techniques, and stances. They contain all the elements of the Yinglong System and allow a student to practice techniques at full speed and power without the need for a partner. Each rank has its own form, and each form is designed around the specific techniques and requirements of that rank, thus aiding in the learning of the techniques. At intermediate levels, students will learn to analyze forms for specific sequences to learn how the sequence can be used or adapted for common attacks, as well as how the techniques express core principals of the Yinglong System. Forms are a primary aspect of training, and time will be spent on forms training regularly in class.
WEAPONS TRAINING
Weapons training occurs with all students starting at the gold sash level. In the system there are 6 classical weapons taught. The spear, staff, broadsword, Quandao, straight sword, and the steel fan. At advanced levels knife and gun defense are taught. The value in training in classical weapons lies in that students learn to extend their situational awareness further out. They also have to learn greater body control as weapons work requires a greater amount of finesse than does unarmed fighting. Knife and gun defense is learned due to the practical nature of the system.
At each rank students will the learn the basics techniques of a weapon, and at the next rank they will learn the specific form for that weapon. E.g. - at orange sash they learn basics of the staff, at green sash they learn the staff form, as well as the basics of the broadsword, Etc.
SPARRING
Sparring is required as part of testing at all ranks beyond gold sash. Sparring is an important aspect of training as it allows students to pressure test what they know. It also reinforces to themselves that their skills are effective. It also helps them prepare for the adrenal response that occurs in a crisis situation. Rounds will last 2 minutes each. As rank increase the amount of sparring rounds will also increase. At novice ranks both students will wear hand and foot pads, along with head gear with full face shielding. Chest pads are optional. As ranks increase students may choose to retain padding or they may reduce it to their comfort levels. Students who are under 18 must continue to wear full padding for sparring at all levels.
