Classical Shaolin Quan

Volume IV

Jun Da Dao Shu(Military Big Saber Art)

by

Huang HonfanAnd

Huang Honchao

translated by

Joseph Crandall

Smiling Tiger Martial ArtsPinole, CA 94564

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Copyright March, 2001, Joseph CrandallAll rights reserved.

ISBN 1-929047-25-8 (electronic)

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by anymeans without written permission of the publisher.

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Smiling Tiger Martial ArtsP.M.B. 110

1564A Fitzgerald Dr.Pinole, CA 94564

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Preface

The Severing Horse Saber has a big edge and short handle. It is a good infantry weapon. It is especiallygood for chopping the legs of horses. The cavalry fears it. It has been used on battlefields from ancienttimes.

My country’s military authorities have trained its citizens to protect themselves for thousands of years.They were trained to use the point and the edge and instill fear in the enemy. Therefore the militaryauthorities look for experts to drill and teach the big saber. My teacher, Mr. Luo, used the Fan Gongsecret skills to change and simplify the training for use in modern times. In autumn of 1938, I visited theLuo family in order to learn this skill. It was used extensively in battle. Luo’s style became famous insome places, but not everywhere. I have written this book so that the style can be spread everywhere. Itis good for protecting oneself when surrounded by the enemy. One need not join the army in order tolearn it. That is why I wrote this book.

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An Description of the Saber

The length, from the guard to the tip, is 18 to 20 inches. Width at the upperend is 3 inches. The middle section is 2.5 inches. The lower end near thehilt is 1.75 inches. The edge is thin and sharp. The back of the saber is 0.4inches. The circumference of the hilt is 11 inches. The edges rise up 0.2inches. The handle is long and slightly curved. The handle is 9.5 incheslong. The approximate diameter is 3.2 inches.

When you hold the saber upright next to your side, the tip of the sabershould come up to the shoulder. If it exceeds this then perhaps a shortperson can use it as a long weapon or a large person can use it as a shortweapon.

Ancient and Modern Types of Sabers Examined

In ancient times, sabers were considered to be composed of five elements.These elements are metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. In the saber they arecalled heaven, earth, king, minister, and teacher. Also in the Republic it hasbeen changed to become heaven, earth, country, self, and teacher.

Without a doubt, in both ancient and modern times, the focus is on the fiveelements. We can capitalize on the teacher’s words according to the truetransmission of Shaolin fighting. When you hold up the saber, the saber tipmakes heaven. The lower edge makes earth. The back of the blade makesthe king. The hilt makes the minister. And the handle makes the teacher.

This whole saber is drawn out in order to examine it. I examine all itsdetails. It really implies that it has other meanings. One is so that I get anidea of its true length. Two is so that the saber and scabbard are properlydisplayed. You really never see it [the precious saber] waved about. It ismoved with dignity (like a female slave dresses the wife).

Since ancient times, martial artists have been fond of "precious sabers" and"precious swords". Those that owned a quality precious sword would graspthe scabbard and gradually pull it out in order to examine its edge and point.This is a poor way to judge the quality of a sword. Those that do it this wayare putting on airs and making themselves look foolish. The correct way isfound in the old martial arts of my country, and is therefore not leisurelyundertaken.

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Upper picture: When theopponent uses a long weapon tostrike down on me, I use thecounter-clockwise saber reverseupward assist.

Middle picture: When theopponent uses a long weapon tosweep across my lower area, Imust use the sitting coiling lowerblocking form to cut across it.

Lower picture: Practicing the form “Crossshaped Horizontal Saber”.

Huang Honfan is wielding the staffHuang Honchao is wielding the saber

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1. Hold the Saber Center Level Form.

Explanation: Pick a spot in the west to make the beginning. Thefront faces south. The back faces north. The left faces east and theright faces west. The right hand hangs down by the side of the leg.The left hand tiger’s mouth faces down and grips close to the hilt ofthe saber. The saber points up and the tip sticks next to the outside ofthe shoulder. Keep it still, it shouldn’t wave about. If not, then it iseasy to have the bad practice of a dancing saber. Your attention isfocused towards the front. This saber posture is used to open theform.

2. Level Raise the Saber Form.

Explanation: From the above form. First the left foot steps backhalf a step. Pull the right foot back to make a right sitting tiger step.The right hand grasps the saber near the hilt and replaces the lefthand. The left hand moves down to the pommel and grasps at thatposition. Raise the tip of the saber up. The edge of the saber facesoutwards towards the east. The right arm makes a level straight line.

Function: He uses a long weapon like a spear or staff to try to killme. I quickly use both hands to raise the saber up with a flickingaction. This is the core of the saber method. It causes the incomingweapon to slip down to the left or right. It doesn’t matter how fiercethe attack is, it will fall into emptiness. After it falls into emptiness, Ireturn the strike. It does not matter how much power he tries to useon me, I can still do this. Knowledge of this method is one of themysteries of this weapon.

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3. Climb the Mountain, Sever the Enemy’s Skull .

Explanation: From the above form. The right foot steps forward tomake a right climbing the mountain form. Simultaneously bring thesaber towards the front and cut slightly diagonally to the north or leftside. Also the right arm is level, making the closed form.

Function: He uses his weapon to strike down diagonally to my rightside. I instantly advance my horse to get near him. I use the saber todiagonally stroke his neck area. This method pares along the inside ofthe weapon. To be a good technique, this posture must be quick andcause injury. If the weapon is long it is easy to take it by force from asuperior posture. Advance inside his weapons range to make himregret his error. My saber can then strike him.

4. Leaping Step, Sever the Enemy’s Skull.

Explanation: From the above form.First raise the left rear foot. Thenusing the back of the saber, reverseto the lower rear part and return.(see the transition form) Then leaptowards the front and make a rightclimb the mountain step. The saberthen strokes diagonally from thelower rear to the upper frontdirection.

Function: He uses a staff to strikemy kneecap. I instantly use themethod of pulling the saber back topare the incoming posture. Then Ileap forward and bring the saber upto split his neck area.

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5. Lying Leg, Horizontal Sever the Horse.

Explanation: From the above form. First change from the right climbthe mountain step to make the right lying leg. The saber pares downalong the upper side of the left from the north and strongly strokesback toward the south.

Function: He moves his head to evade my splitting his neck. Iquickly move the front edge of the saber and cause him to have toconsider his danger. The idea is that in order to shoot the man , I firstshoot his horse. To strike the man, you must first strike his hand. Hemoreover raises his horse and I do battle. If his is careless, I can woundhis foot. He is injured and lamed by my severing his raised horse.This is also one of the fundamental qualities of the Sever the HorseSaber. Therefore when severing, do not forget to wound in the lowerareas.

6. Sneak Away, Horizontal Sever the Horse.

Explanation: From the above form.First raise the right foot to make thesingle standing form. Lift the saberup like in the picture of thetransitional form. Then jump backtowards the west. In general, take ahalf step and make a right lying legform. The saber, from above,strokes diagonally above your thigh.The edge of the saber faces back tothe south with the appearance ofstrength.

Function: He slips past my saber.Instantly he strikes at my lowerbody or knee area. I raise my leg toevade him. Then I jump back andsplit his weapon with my saber andcause him to have to change.

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7. Sitting Tiger, Double Raise the Saber.

Explanation: From the above form. First pull back the right foot andmake a right sitting tiger form. The saber, from the lower horizontalparing method, turns to point upwards.

Function: He uses a long weapon like a spear or staff to try to kill me.I quickly use both hands to raise the saber up with a flicking action.This is the core of the saber method. It causes the incoming weapon toslip down to the left or right. It doesn’t matter how fierce the attack is ,it will fall into emptiness. After it falls into emptiness, I return thestrike. It does not matter how much power he tries to use on me, I canstill do this. Knowledge of this method is one of the mysteries of thisweapon.

8. Leaping Step, Sever the Enemy’s Skull.

Explanation: From the above form.First raise the left rear foot. Thenusing the back of the saber reverseto the lower rear part and return.(see the transition form) Then leaptowards the front and make a rightclimb the mountain step. The saberthen diagonally strokes from thelower rear to the upper frontdirection.

Function: He uses a staff to strikemy kneecap. I instantly use methodof pulling the saber back to pare theincoming posture. Then I leapforward and bring the saber up tosplit his neck area.

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9. Rotating Turning Sitting Coiling Saber.

Explanation: From the above form.First the feet do not change. Fromthe high posture, the saber returnsand scoops downwards. Have theedge of the saber face downwards.(see the transition picture) Then theleft foot steals a step towards thefront making a sitting coiling step.The saber, from the rear, then goesback in a circle. At the end of thecircle, it then splits down to thefront.

Function: He uses his weapontowards my lower area to force hisway inside. I instantly reverse theback of the saber to carry off theincoming weapon. Then I stealinside half a step turn the saber up tosplit his face. It contains thetechnique with the intent of striking twice. The turning and sitting coiling must be smooth. The sittingcoiling and severing must be quick.

10. Wind Around, Sever the Enemy’s Skull.

Explanation: From the above form.The feet don’t change. Bring thesaber back next to the left shoulder.(see the transition picture) Thenturn to the left. Step around in acircle. Then raise the right foot tomake a right climb the mountainform. The saber splits downdiagonally to the front from theshoulder area.

Function: In winding around, usethis saber method to help protectyour upper body. Moreover you canuse this turn to seek out the enemy’sweak points. When you becomesensitive with this method, you canuse this to attack his weak points.

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11. Slip Saber Block Waist Sever.

Explanation: From the above form. The feet don’t change theirpositions. Shift to make a riding horse form. The saber, from thefront, makes a half circle and levelly cuts to the right rear.

Function: He decides to use his weapon to stop me from severing hisneck. I wait until he is close and quickly slip my saber horizontally tocut his waist. This blocking the waist severing method is a core sabermethod. It makes the staff fear the middle level. The saber fears theblocking the waist as it is a similar menace. If you are not good, byunderstanding this, there is no one who won’t be killed by this. To getskill in this, work arduously at it.

12. Sneak Away, Meet the Head Chop.

Explanation: From the above form.First raise the right foot. Then bringthe saber back and raise it up like inthe transition picture. From thisraised step, leap back to the west. Ingeneral, the distance is one step.Then make the right climb themountain form. The saber chopsdown towards the front from above.

Function: He frames my block thewaist method. And then he attacksmy lower area. I raise my leg toevade him as before. I sneak away,turn back and chop down on hisweapon.

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13. Sneak Away, Meet the Head Chop.

Explanation: From the aboveform. First raise the right foot.Then bring the saber back andraise it up like in the transitionpicture. From this raised step, leapback to the west. In general thedistance is one step. Then makethe right climb the mountain form.The saber chops down towards thefront from above.

Function: He frames my blockthe waist method. And then heattacks my lower area. I raise myleg to evade him as before. I sneakaway, turn back and chop down onhis weapon.

14. Diagonal Step, Raise the Saber Form.

Explanation: From the above form. The right foot steps from theeast towards the south and makes a right sitting tiger step. The saberfollows the step towards the south, and is flicked upwards.

Function: When I continue to make the sneak away form, hesuddenly moves to my right corner. He uses his long weapon tostrike down on my head. I instantly use the flicking saber to parry it.From facing directly on then he turns to the corner to attack. If themethod isn’t strong and stable then the enemy will easily put you inhazardous circumstances. If the step follows the saber’s turn, then itwill prevent the enemy from being able to take advantage of it. If thesaber follows the stepping turn, then my enemy will use the emptyspace to change.

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15. Leaping Step, Sever the Enemy’s Skull.

Explanation: From the above form.First raise the left rear foot. Thenbring the back of the saber back tothe lower rear area and return it.(see the transition form) Then leaptowards the front and make a rightclimb the mountain step. The saber,then strokes diagonally from thelower rear to the upper frontdirection.

Function: He uses a staff to strikemy kneecap. I instantly pull thesaber back to pare the incomingweapon. Then I use the leapforward and bring the saber up tosplit his neck area.

16. Rotating Turning Going Up Flicking.

Explanation: From the above form.The feet do not move. Only bringthe saber back and raise it up. Theedge faces the rear. (see thetransition picture) The left footsteals a step towards the front tomake the sitting coiling step. Thesaber, from the upper rear direction,turns back as far as it can go anddrops down. It then returns and cutsup from below. It comes level andstops.

Function: He wishes to use hislong weapon to block my splittinghis neck. I instantly do a counterturn, reverse the saber, and scoop itinto his crotch. The counter turn isone of the deadly saber methods. Ifit is no trouble I use the counter turnbecause it is easy. He does not have an easy time evading it.

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17. Reverse Body Sitting Coiling Saber.

Explanation: From the above form. The feet do not move. Twist thebody back towards the north and make a sitting coiling step. Thesaber, from the counter turn, follows the body and splits towards thenorth.

Function: He comes in my direction when I face the south. He rushesat my back to strike me. I quickly see him coming. I don’t wait butturn my body and step following the saber’s turn to face his attack.This method is as quick as lightning. It causes him difficulty inseeking to ward off my attack. And now I am in a position to quicklyattack back, which shows how true these words are.

18. Wind Around Form, Big Posture Turn.

Explanation: From the above form.The feet don’t move. The saber firstturns past the left shoulder like thetransition form. Then turn to theleft. The whole body rises up. Youmust quickly turn to make a horsestep. The saber stretches out fromthe left direction to split towards theeast.

Function: When I have manyenemies surrounding me on allsides, I first bring the saber next tomy body, I first desire to seek toprotect myself. My whole bodyquickly rises up and causes thehorizontal saber to cut all thosearound me.

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19. Wind Around Big Turn the Posture.

Explanation: From the above form.First bring the saber across the front.Turning to the rear, it sticks next tothe left shoulder like the transitionpicture. Then rise up in the air. Thewhole body, from facing north, turnsto face south. As before, make ahorse step. The saber follows thebody’s turn and cuts out to the front.

Function: When I have manyenemies surrounding me on allsides, I first bring the saber next tomy body, I first desire to seek toprotect myself. My whole bodyquickly rises up and causes thehorizontal saber to cut all thosearound me. With the above formsyou can strike to the front and back,left and right, all around.

20. Withdraw Step, Meet the Head Chop.

Explanation: From the above form. The left foot steps back to make aright climb the mountain form. The saber, from levelly stroking, turnsand goes back to the east. It then splits straight down.

Function: He blocks my block the waist method. Then he stabstowards my middle or lower area. I retreat to evade it. I sneak away,turn back my body, and use my saber to chop down on the incomingweapon.

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21. Flick the Saber, Leaping Step, Split.

Explanation: From the aboveform. First raise the left foot.The saber slightly rises up like inthe transition picture. Then jumpforward one step. The saberchops straight down from above.

Function: His weapon strikes atmy head. I instantly use thetransition form of flicking up thesaber to block the weapon andthen advance to chop his skull.The flick and split are smoothand continuos in this posture.And putting forth your strength isalso easy. Moreover the leap andchop are like the water flowingdown a big river. He won’t beable to block this posture.

22. Flick the Saber, Leaping Step, Split.

Explanation: From the aboveform. First raise the left foot.The saber slightly rises up like inthe transition picture. Then jumpforward one step. The saberchops straight down from above.

Function: His weapon strikes atmy head. I instantly use thetransition form of flicking up thesaber to block the weapon andthen advance to chop his skull.The flick and split are smoothand continuos in this posture.And putting forth your strength isalso easy. Moreover the leap andchop are like the water flowingdown a big river. He won’t beable to block this posture.

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23. Sitting Tiger Horizontal Parting Saber.

Explanation: From the above form. Pull back the front foot tomake a right sitting tiger step. The saber horizontally parts andreturns to the north direction.

Function: He slips past my weapon and attacks my left side. I firstquickly change from the climb the mountain to the sitting tiger. ThenI move the saber toward the left to disperse the incoming weapon.When the incoming weapon is dispersed, then I can decide what todo. I take advantage of the posture, and flow with the weapon. Thisallows me to find an opening in which to attack.

24. Reverse Saber, Sever the Enemy’s Skull..Explanation: From the above form.The feet do not move. First bringthe saber toward the top of the headand horizontally block like in thetransition picture. The right foot infront advances and the left foot inthe rear steps up to make a left climbthe mountain form. The saber, fromhorizontally above the head, passesto the left rear direction and turns tocut horizontally to the right. Theedge of the saber levelly faces south.

Function: I parry his weapon. Heturns, passing to my right rear toattack. I first use the saber tohorizontally carry it off. Then I turnmy horse and change my posture. Ireverse the saber and horizontallysplit his neck.

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25. Wind Around, Block the Waist, Sever..Explanation: From the above form. First I advance my right footand make a horse step. The saber sticks by my back area. It followsthe step, turns to the front, and then goes levelly out to the front.

Function: He sits in a horse and moves his head sideways to avoidmy saber. I instantly advance my horse. The saber, from the backgoes straight towards the front to block the waist and sever him.Perhaps there are many men surrounding me and I am in the center. Ihave enemies on all four sides. I have to use the method of windingaround my body. The posture must make the people be wary. I firstdesire to cover and protect my whole body. Then, as the whole bodyspins, I seek to be able to rush the circle. This is aptly named “FromDeath then I Seek Life” method.

26. Diagonal Step, Raise the Saber Form..Explanation: From the above form. First the right foot movestoward the north making a sitting tiger posture. The saber, frombelow, is lifted up to the north.

Function: When I continue to make the Wind Around method, hesuddenly moves to my left corner. He uses his long weapon to strikedown on my head. I instantly use the flicking saber to parry hisweapon and pierce him. From facing directly on, I turn to the cornerto attack. If the method isn’t strong and stable then the enemy won’teasily be defeated. If the step follows the saber’s turn, then theenemy will not be able to take advantage of it. If the saber followsthe stepping, turn then the enemy will use the empty space to change.

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27. Striding Step, Sever the Enemy’s Skull.

Explanation: From the above form.First raise the left rear foot. Thesaber is pulled back like in thetransition picture. Then leap straightto make a right climb the mountainform. The saber splits diagonallytowards the left front direction.

Function: He uses a staff to strikemy kneecap. I instantly pull backthe saber to pare the incomingposture. Then I leap forward. Ireverse the saber upwards to split hisneck area.

28. Wind Around, Big Turn Posture.

Explanation: From the aboveform, the feet do not change theirposition. Bring the saberhorizontally past the left directionlike the transitional picture. Thenthe left foot steps to the side andmakes a horse step with the frontfacing north and the back facingsouth. The saber, from behind theback, splits towards the north.

Function: When I have manyenemies surrounding me on allsides, I first bring the saber next tomy body. I first desire to seek toprotect myself. My whole bodyquickly rises up and causes thehorizontal saber to cut all thosearound me.

29. Wind Around, Big Turn Posture.

Explanation: From the aboveform. In place the feet don’tchange. Bring the saberhorizontally past the left shoulderlike the transitional picture. Thenthe right foot advances to the westto make a horse step. The saber,from behind the back, reacheslevelly towards the front and goesout to the west direction.

Function: When I have manyenemies surrounding me on allsides, I first bring the saber next tomy body. I first desire to seek toprotect myself. My whole bodyquickly rises up and causes thehorizontal saber to cut all thosearound me. With the above formsyou can strike to the front and back, left and right, all around.

30. Withdraw Step, Chop Towards the Head.

Explanation: From the above form. The right foot, from the reardirection, withdraws one step to make the climb the mountain form.The saber then flows in the same direction and splits down to the east.

Function: He blocks my Block the Waist method and then stabstowards my lower area. I retreat to evade it. I use my saber to chopdown on the incoming weapon.

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31. Level Raise the Saber Form.

Explanation: From the above form. Pull the right foot back to makea right sitting tiger step. Simultaneously raise the saber up.

Function: He uses a long weapon like a spear or staff to try to kill me.I quickly use both hands to raise the saber up with a flicking action.This is the core of the saber method. It causes the incoming weaponto slip down to the left or right. It doesn’t matter how fierce the attackis, it will fall into emptiness. After it falls into emptiness, I return thestrike. It does not matter how much power he tries to use on me, I canstill do this. Knowledge of this method is one of the mysteries of thisweapon.

32. Retract the Saber Level Form.

Explanation: From the above form. Bring the right foot back nextto the left foot and stand up straight. The left hand comes near thesaber hilt. Change the tiger’s mouth to make it go down. The righthand lets go of the saber hilt. And use the left hand to take itsplace. Then have the saber stick next to the body and hang down.The right hand changes to make a palm. From below, it circles upto do a horizontal block above the top of the head. At this point,the form is done. Then bring the right hand to hang down so thatboth the left and right hands hang down. Then bow and make theproper etiquette.

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