December 14, 2007 by george.

Here’s some of the Fu Hu Gong exercises as performed by Steve Cotter, who learned from Mike Patterson, who learned from Xu Hongji, who learned from Hong Yixiang (although it was Xu Hongji who codified them and gave them a name - apparently Hong just taught different things as conditioning exercises without specifying a certain amount as a specific set).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Yr75_WwKAc

Posted in General Info | 1 Comment »

December 14, 2007 by george.

Sorry, couldn’t figure out how to embed two videos in one post without it changing the margins of the written posting area…

Here’s the one with the jumping single leg squats to a table and down.

Posted in Training | 2 Comments »

December 14, 2007 by george.

Here are some pretty impressive “feats” of strength performed by Steve Cotter. I have no knowledge of the man other than through the internet, so I’m not trying to promote the guy or anything, but these are some impressive abilities he has gained. Steve Cotter is also an internal martial artist who trains xingyi, bagua and taiji and won a number of full contact competitions with his xingyi skills. Check out the jumping splits on the bosu balls and the jumping pistols from the floor to a table.

Posted in Training | 1 Comment »

December 14, 2007 by george.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUne9Xg55og

Kyuzo Mifune was one of the most technically excellent judo masters of all time. He was the last 10th dan directly promoted to that level by the founder, Jigoro Kano.

I have always admired his technique and dedication to using skill to defeat greater force. He was known as the most technically skilled in the Kodokan. You can see in this video how he was able to continue randori (grappling practice) with his students up through old age. Every student he is grappling with in this video is far younger than him and often far larger and stronger. His dedication to life-long training, skill in technique and ability is always something to strive for.