By Dr. Daniel Wong
Many people assume that the “Ten Handsets Techniques” are merely ten moves, each with a positive and reverse variation. However, this is an incomplete understanding.
1. Taiji (太極): This technique trains practitioners on how to identify an opponent’s weaknesses when facing them. Unlike other styles that emphasize frontal engagements, this style employs a sidestepping approach, creating a distinct difference.
2. Liangyi (兩儀): This technique focuses on combat strategies when restricted to moving only to the left or right.
3. Sancai (三才): This technique is employed when the opponent attacks. Using a triangular footwork pattern, the practitioner counters by advancing and launching a counterattack.
4. Sixiang (四象): This technique uses a Chinese figure-eight footwork pattern to evade the opponent while employing a penetrating strike to attack.
5. Wuxing (五行): This technique trains practitioners on how to respond to attacks from behind.
6. Liuhe (六合): This technique deals with situations where there are opponents both in front and behind. It involves attacking the opponent in front to create an opening, then turning to attack the one behind.
7. Qixing (七星): This technique trains practitioners to maintain a continuous attack on the opponent’s (upper, middle, and lower) body. If the opponent neutralizes the initial strikes, the practitioner follows up with successive attacks.
8. Bagua (八卦): This technique involves circling around the opponent to attack. At the same time, other techniques from the Ten Techniques are incorporated as needed.
9. Jiuzhi (九子): This technique focuses on how to execute continuous attacks while accounting for the opponent’s movements in various directions (retreating, moving left, or moving right).
10. Chongwei (重圍): This technique trains practitioners on how to handle being surrounded by multiple opponents and how to engage them effectively.
Each technique encompasses a variety of applications, including sidestepping strikes, intercepting strikes, and combined evasion-interception maneuvers.
The above is a summary of my practice and understanding of the Ten Handsets Techniques.
Dr. Wong Kwok Yin
Fifth-generation successor of the Southern Lineage of the White Crane Style
27th direct disciple of Master Kwong Poon Fu, with the courtesy name Wing Leung.