The Muk Yang Jong is a
traditional Chinese Kung Fu training apparatus typified in Wing Chun and many other
Chinese arts. It trains the student to build sensitivity around the forearms, close
range combat abilities and in-fighting techniques. Traditional and modern workout
drills can be performed on the Wooden Dummy resulting in very strong forearms, close range
punching abilities and unusually perceptive blocking skills. Continuous use of the
Wooden Dummy trains your arms to be insensitive to pain but sensitive to the movement of
your opponent.
There are several variations of theWooden Dummy. There is the traditional wooden
dummy that is framed, and today in modern times Gungfu.com also offers less expensive PVC
models as well as high quality polymer models that are practically indestructable.
There is also the newly designed JKD dummy which sports a human shaped head. The
PVC models can't give you the kind of resistance workout that the polymer or traditional
wooden dummy offers, but can still teach you the basic techniques required to be aware of
your opponenets striking movements. For the best combination of sensitivity and
strength training, we recommend the Traditional Wooden Dummy or the new Polymer Dummy.
Traditionally, the Muk Yang Jong is crafted from a heavy hardwood and mounted in the
ground. A more usual mount is a wall or standing rack with the Wooden Dummy supported on
wooden slats. The slats allow the dummy to absorb more power without damaging the
practitioner. Gungfu.com offers three different stand configurations.The classic Wooden Dummy consists of two arms set at
about shoulder height, a third arm underneath, and a leg which extends outward with a bend
that approximates the placement of the human knee. The upper arms are angled away from the
trunk, emphasising proper angle of attack and force application. If force or explosive
power is applied without the correct vector or angle of application, the Wooden Dummy will
bounce the practioner off balance.
Though commonly thought to be a device to
aid conditioning, one of the primary uses of the Muk Yang Jong is to train "Chi
Jong" or sticking technique. As one executes the Wooden Dummy form, a martial artist
learns to stick and adhere, and at higher levels, to flow with the technique and issue
explosive power without the need to break contact or pull back. Throughout the form, both
hands are used simultaneously in complex patterns that draw on the techniques of Chi Sau
or Sticking Hands Wing Chun.
Techniques practiced on the Wooden Dummy
also include both hand and leg techniques. Kicks, traps and proper footwork are all
practiced throughout the Wooden Dummy form.
In combination with a traditional heavy
bag, and a makiwara bag, the Muk Yang Jong will assist the student in becoming the very
best martial artist and fighter they could possibly be!
Gungfu.com
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