I was recently watching a sanshou tournament (of an yiquan school) and was surprised at the lack of head movement which i thought led to the fighters getting tagged quite often. I was told that bobbing, weaving and slipping etc isn't used as it can leave you susceptible to chops, grabs throws etc and also isn't good regarding structural alignment. At Shen Wu (or anybody else) do you utilize head movement whilst sparring / fighting etc

johnmitchell,

One of the more advanced techniques in Yi Quan is using the head to weaken or break your opponents hands and feet rendering them defenseless. Then using only the head- bludgeoning the defenseless opponent.

That's why Yi Quan is such a little known art.

Next.
Bob#2

I don't think he was talking about that type of "head offensive", rather defensive.

The only place you are going to find people that will teach you good head movement is in boxing or kickboxing gyms, and I doubt if too many traditional stylist visit those.

Bobbing and weaving can be dangerous against a well-rounded fighter who has good knee strikes. But learning how to "slip" punches is very valuable for all fighers. But you have to train with someone really trying to punch you.

Backarcher, Listen to Bob#2 on this one. He is a bonafide expert on "head offensive" techniques, hence the term "bobbing". If you ask him very nicely, he would show you his tatto on the back of his head which reads; "Let go of my ears, I know what I'm doing"

J.V.

You must have mistaken me with some Bob from your past. I am tatoo free.

Next.
Bob#2

P.S.
If you are able to examine the 'back' of someone's head while receiving a blowjob, you may want to consider penile augmentation- you're missing out on quite a bit.

Johnmitchell,
We slip straight punches (usually moving the head forward and outside the punch) and we duck hooks (but always with our heads up).

thanks, is the basic stance forward or rear weighted ?

The problem of how the head should be held is usually only a problem in those many taiji and internal arts classes in which there is nolonger even a pretense of martial practise.

Even the dullest student quickly learns how to hold their head properly after being hit there, with or without control, a few times. The same pragmatic practise will also teach you why the traditionalists suggested that you keep the tip of the tongue behind the front teeth and the jaw closed. It ain't just about chi flow!

Bobbing and weaving can be dangerous against a well-rounded fighter who has good knee strikes. But learning how to "slip" punches is very valuable for all fighers. But you have to train with someone really trying to punch you."

you can get neck kicked (with a shin) or neck grabbed by bobbing and weaving hence why mt doesnt teach it. Also mt doesnt really teach or advocate slipping punches (just watch any thai mt match and you wont see any). Unlike boxing they also keep the hands fartehr away from the head and higher with loose hands (not fists). As for ducking punches with your head up I dont think its a good idea, if they hit lower or see you duck before they punch they could still ko you and hit your jaw but if your face is pointed down and head forward all they will hit is skull.