Form Elements

Phoenix Pecks Three Times

My student Tom Pasquale demonstrates this technique:



The first part of this video shows my son, Logan Tolson, demonstrating this technique on BOB in 2012:



Here I am explaining this technique at a Cleveland, Ohio seminar in 2015. Assisting me is Tom Gencope.



This combination can be found in:
Zhi Lu
Mei Hua Lu
Bai Yuan Tou Tao
Zhai Yao Yi Lu


Phoenix Pecks Three Times coupled with the Mandarin Duck Kick

Here is a video of a line drill for practicing this combination that I made in 2017:



Fine Points

1. In the beginning block, note that the lower sweeping motion redirects any attack from the diaphragm to the groin. While the upper block redirects any attack from the diaphragm to the face. Also note that the power of the blocking motion comes from the rotation of the hips and shoulders, not the arms.
2. The first punch is directed at the carotid area of the neck. The rear shoulder, front shoulder and fist should form a straight line. The blocking arm is kept high as a guard to protect the neck, jaw, cheek and temple from attack.
3. The second punch is aimed at the bladder. Again, the rear shoulder, front shoulder and fist should form a straight line. The withdrawn arm is kept high as a guard to protect the neck, jaw, cheek and temple from attack.
4. The crushing strike is a vertical back-fist that is directed at the eye socket. It should snap forward and back away from the enemy. It should not be left hanging out in space!
5. As the crushing strike is drawn back, the foot should rise to strike the enemy's groin or bladder area. Visualize a rope tied from the wrist of the lead arm to the ankle of the lead leg. As the lead fist is pulled back, the foot is simultaneously raised.
6. The "closing hands" at the end of the technique moves in an eliptical orbit. It's purpose is to ward off the enemy's advance. If the enemy does advance, the lead hand can strike and break the enemy's collarbone. The collarbone is one of the weakest bones of the skeletal system.
7. Remember that when you advance the foot forward, "every step is a kick". This acts to divert the enemy's attention down and away from our principle weapon, the fists.

Overturn the Cart, Single Stick of Incense Points to Heaven & Insert Elbow




This combination can be found in:
1. Zhi Lu
2. Zhai Yao Yi Lu

Hook Strike & Separate Elbow


This combination can be found in:
1. Zhi Lu
2. Mei Hua Lu
3. Zhai Yao Quan

At Mantis Masters Academy we use these strikes in the following combination:

Lead punch to the neck, reverse punch to the neck, hook punch to the point under the ear, hammer-fist strike to the side of the knee