Kick High and Apply Low in Mizong Luohan

Mizong Luohan, because of its characteristics, falls into the Chuantong Chang Quan or the Traditional Long Fist School. This is an important distinction because the Chang Quan featured in modern Wushu is far removed from its original roots.

Traditional Chang Quan is characterized by kicks and strikes that are executed fully extended; by rapid footwork that is combined with leaps and jumps; and by postures that change from low to high.

Kicking Skills, or Ti Fa, play an important role in Mizong Luohan. To be versatile and efficient with kicking techniques, the following physical attributes must be highly developed: balance, flexibility, and strength.

Balance

Developing good balance is a prerequisite for gaining proficiency with your kicks, and balance exercises are practiced in every class. Kicks require that you balance on the support leg. Different kicks affect the positioning of your support foot and the shifting of your center. Your supporting foot aids in balance but also in the swift and powerful delivery of your kicks. These subtle changes cannot be explained in a post as they require practice under the watchful eyes of your Shifu.

Flexibility

Many kicks are practiced high, and some kicks incorporate leaping and jumping. This requires a great degree of flexibility. Hence stretching is an important part of each class and follows immediately after the conditioning. Different kicks require the practice of different stretches to target specific muscle groups. Exercises that open the hips are especially important. Most people have tight hips and getting the hips to open and be flexible requires diligence and perseverance.

Strength

Good balance and flexibility are not enough to ensure swift and effective kicks. Strong powerful legs are a necessity. Stance training, and various conditioning exercises, will help you develop strength and quick-twitch response in your leg muscles. Auxiliary exercises that incorporate weights can also be included in your training regimen.

Yong Fa – The Application of kicks

There is an adage that refers to kicks, Gao Ti Ai Shi, which means “Kick High and Apply Low.” Does this mean that high kicks are not practical in a real fighting situation?
In actuality, many high kicks are extremely risky if you are facing an experienced fighter. They take longer to execute and leave you more vulnerable to a takedown. Real life is not like you see in movies. Jump kicks have no place in a street confrontation.

Considering the above, you may ask why you should bother practicing high kicks. There are several reasons why it is important to not only practice high kicks, but to become proficient with them.

I said that “many high kicks are extremely risky if you are facing an experienced fighter.” This refers to a street confrontation where your life might be at risk. On the other hand, we often see that even in professional fights, high kicks are powerful and often kicks to the head will result in a knockout.

A high kick is a powerful tool and one that can end a fight quickly. But a high kick becomes extremely risky if you lack proficiency. Not only do you need good balance, but you must also be flexible and possess the strength required to deliver swift powerful kicks. But these attributes are not enough; you also need the technical understanding required for each kick. If you lack skill delivering a side kick, it would be dangerous to attempt to kick at head level. Know your limits.

Further explanation of Gao Ti Ai Shi

“Kick High and Apply Low” is a significant rule from both a practice and an application perspective. We have already discussed applications. What about from the practice perspective? The practice of high kicks will not only enhance your balance but will also help you open your hips and build your confidence as you develop your skills. More importantly, the practice of high kicks will make the delivery of low kicks faster and more powerful.

Striking kicking pads and heavy bags with high kicks is very important to test your impact power. If your delivery is poor, and if power does not come from the ground, your kicks will be ineffective, and you will most likely lose your balance. The striking pads and heavy bags provide instant feedback, and they are a measure of the maturity of your kicks.

Note: Refer to the topics on Mizong Luohan for more information on the style.