Flesh-on-Flesh!

Busy week at the monkey factory so I’m late on my post.

Most of the guys had commitments or where on vacation which made for a small chin na class. Smiley (aka Mr. Hardcore) was running the show this week. We did about a million finger tip push-ups then spent more time than normal working locks. It was good in that I got much needed practice. It was bad in that I got cranked on more than normal.

I’m still having trouble with white crane twists neck. When done properly attackee should feel pressure and pain on the side wrist tendon. All I seem to give is finger pain which is “OK” but not where it should be. Well running through it with Tornado the next day helped. I finally figured out that I was grabbing a tad too high and also not getting a flesh-on-flesh seal. Coming down on the hand just a tad so my pinky cuts across attacker’s knuckles did the trick!

Now lets hope I remember it!

We also reviewed turning body elbow wrap and two options. One of the options I have down but the other one I’ve lost (again).

Past that the only thing to report is that I am considering Mantis. In just about every class someone hints around about it. Plus I’m just plain curious. I am concerned that overall Mantis has many more forms than taekwondo. They also look pretty complicated. Then there’s the added cost.

Whatever the case it’s not happening this month. There’s a chance I’ll try it next month just so at the very least I can rule out my curiosity.

I think I’ll close this post with a video of Mantis. Bear in mind that what these guys are demonstrating is at a very high level and is far past what you’d get in the first year.

Addendum:

One commenter pointed out that the video I showed is Southern Praying Mantis. He wants to know what style is taught at my school. Answer: Northern 7 Star Praying Mantis. To be honest I know so little about both that they look the same to me. However, to be fair and give ya’ll a comparison here’s a little Seven Star (and no offense to the Mantis aficionados):

~BCP