WCI Review - Todd Taganashi - Long Pole: Vol. 1 Ip Man Lineage Form

In this third instalment of reviewing select volumes of Sifu Todd Taganashi's instructional videos, this issue features the "Six-and-a-Half Point Pole" form, the relative training, partner drilling and application. With that information, we can virtually step into his Kwoon to get moving and working one of the system's two weapons that relate to his methods.

After a brief personal introduction and overview of training history, Sifu Taganashi wields the wooden training apparatus, performing the entire Long Pole form, from multiple angles, to set the standard for one to aspire to. However, fundamentals always come first. The essential elements of measuring one's grip length, hand positioning, the variety of stances (Cat Stance, Side Stance and Horse Stance) and the corresponding footwork to support combat applications of the pole are all broken down.

The form is played again, but this time with the accompanying terminology for each technique given for reference. More concepts are explained with regards to the range of motion of the pole for blocking, thrusting, striking, etc., with basic understandings of the essential purposes of each. The viewer is slowly walked through it with the unspoken invitation to play along in real-time to reinforce the information shared with added supporting points of interest.

With the scene set, the student training partner comes into frame to introduce a series of partner drills that are, "not training the drill for your partner's (gain) but for (your) gain." Essentially communicating that the training is less about what's happening externally but how the pole is working for the practitioner. Countless pole-to-pole drills are introduced into the mix, covering a variety of ranges, from connected to disconnected, simple attacks to more complex ones, and lines of attack, which are complemented throughout the play by explanations that are bookended in demonstration by their dynamic play.

Sifu Taganashi's final exercises focus on the practical combat applications of the pole against an equally long weapon, such as a spear, working from bridging to blocking, to disarming, to counter-attacking the opponent to finish them off. Further application into working with the weapon against the system's famous Butterfly Knives is also introduced.

As the video progresses from section to section, the intensity ramps up by a considerable degree, demonstrating the efficacy one will achieve with a comprehensive understanding and diligent practice, which will result in controlling, not only the apparatus, but also one's self through the application of it. There's a lot of information to sort through in the absence of having the video partitioned into chapters. Many of the points driven home with conviction and ferocity, all to the viewer's interests.

Todd Taganashi - Long Pole: Vol. 1 Ip Man Lineage Form
Language: English
Running Time: Approx. 80 min.
Availability: This title is no longer available for sale