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Topic: "Ship Pal Gi"
I have been told that Ship Pal Gi is Korean Kung fu. What Chinese style
if any can it be compared to or what type of applications are used?
- David
Answer:
Ship Pal Gi (pronounced SIP Pal Gi) roughly translates as "18 skills."
The earliest references to this art exist in a book called "Hyun
Rung Ji," which described 18 techniques for the use of the spear.
Later the art reputedly incorporated horseback techniques. Although there
is currently an art existing by this name, its connection to these original
arts is anything but clear.
Sip Pal Gi as taught today is largely a Korean adaptation of Northern
T'ang L'ang (Northern Mantis Kung Fu) often with the addition of classical
Chinese weapons. Although there are claims for this art dating back to
the Yi (Choson) Dynasty (1392-1910), this cannot be confirmed to be the
original art or a reconstruction.
Northern Mantis (to which many Sip Pal Gi adherents claim lineage) is
far easier to track historically than its southern counterpart and can
be recognized as having been created by a Wang Lang (believed to have
been a Ming Patriot). Lang allegedly seeking greater skill, went and trained
at the Honan Temple, and was reputedly inspired by the observation of
a Praying mantis locked in combat. Studying the movements of this fascinating
creature, Wang combined new movements with several systems he had studied
(often noted is Monkey style footwork).
After it grew in popularity the original Northern Mantis style (sometimes
referred to as Temple style) splintered into many derivatives or "offshoots,"
such as Seven Star, Jade Ring and Dragging Hand, amongst others. The differences
between these variations is relatively minor, and one can easily recognize
the classic use of "Mantis Hands" (resembling those of the creature
itself) as well as its elbow striking techniques and footwork. It should
also be noted that one interesting derivative, Plum Blossom Mantis, uses
closed fist technique more than other variants.
Thus a Sip Pal GI practitioner would likely wish to seek stylistic similarities
in Northern Mantis Gung fu.
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