Evolutionary Martial Arts

初学徒弟 水平一
Chūxué Túdì Shuǐpíng Yī
1^st Grading – Beginner Disciple Grade 1

Upon graduation, the student will be awarded a

Red Sash

This is the first step for a Chuxue Todai – a beginner on the path. It’s a relatively small step compared to other gradings but it is not insignificant. 打击 (Dǎjí – Striking) at this stage is simple but effective, including hammer fist and palm striking as well as simple strikes with the knuckles such as jab, cross and hook, and two simple kicks: rising kick and side kick.

The first grading’s main focuses are on the fundamentals of form, parrying and blocking, and simple striking. 拍手 Pak Sao (Slapping Hand) and 摊手 Tan Sao (Dispersing Hand) are, of course, the staple diet of the beginner and are among the most important points for the beginner to focus on.

The emphasis within our 擒拿 (Qínná – Biomechanical Manipulation) curriculum at this time is on escaping by breaking grips, as well as learning the fundamentals of effective grappling positions such as head control/collar tie, wrist control, arm drag and Russian tie, etc. The student at this stage must also demonstrate their understanding of and capability with fundamental grips such as monkey grip, gable grip and S-grip, as these will be invaluable as they move on through future stages.

The emphasis within our 轻功 (Qīnggōng – Agility and Mobility) curriculum is on the most simple form of rolling and on getting from one place to another effectively and efficiently, as well as the fundamentals of how to fall safely to the ground (including on a hard surface) forwards and backwards, absorbing the impact and protecting themselves from harm.

The beginner student even when taking this first step must demonstrate their embodiment of our Three Principles.

Form work at this stage begins with 五步拳 Wǔ Bù Quán – the Five Fundamental Stances. At this stage, students learn 馬步 Mǎ Bù (Horse Stance) and 弓步 Gōng Bù (Bow Stance), which set them up well for their future learning and develop key attributes of strength, stability and mobility.

As with all things, we must have balance: for every strike learned, whether it be a punch or a kick, the student must demonstrate competency in protecting themselves against those same strikes being thrown at them. This sets a solid foundation to build upon and is assessed through light-contact sparring rounds.

The student must also be effective in managing distance using The Fence, and understand key theoretical concepts such as the Escape Principle, the tap-out safety system, our aforementioned Three Principles and current UK law on self-protection and the use of force in self-defence.