It's nice to hear a traditional martial arts instructor speaking so logically and practically. Every thing he says in this video is true and easily verifiable. I don't know why people still want to argue the points he makes.
I learned this while a student at KSU under Mr. ALLEN. I can honestly say that I didn't keep up with all the forms but I did stone religiously, combined with push ups , sit ups, and snake turns I was in the best shape of my life. I was 185 lbs and 8 % body fat. I tacked all stances and extras on after awhile but considered stone as my basis. Now I can't do push ups because of shoulder injury but I just started up again with stone and still consider it the best work out I've ever had. In addition it actually help my shoulder. Whether your 20 or 50, it works on all levels.
So very true. Thanks for the nice comments. Add in Tai Chi if you can to give yourself a little additional rehab. Kung Fu is amazing and, to me, has always been something that actually improves health and flexibility and actually works as a rehab system, as opposed to other workouts that can tear you down. Keep going!
Sifu Allen has said he has seen the bronze body programs (I suppose he means goldenbell training, bodybuilding, iron shirt) and stone warrior is still the premier program. I have uped the program from 36 to 52, eventually 64 and into the 100's at least 200repetitions per exercise. I love stonewarrior, iron vest and give you tremendous credit Sifu Willis for keeping John Allens spirit alive thru training. He was a righteous man when he lived amongst us and i pray he has made it to heaven as a Seraphim. Sifu Willis keep a going, keep training and keep the videos coming your in tremendous shape and do GreenDragon credit, to the school and your sifu. Thanks for all these freebies online. :)
WOW - Thanks for the wonderful comment. Those are great programs, keep training on them. Sifu Allen was an amazing man and I'm honored to have known him and trained under him for so long. Yes! He is a Christian and I know he's in the presence of God right now and probably still working hard!
Thanks for the comment! I can't post the entire program as it is currently for sale from Green Dragon Kung Fu. You might check out greendragonkungfu.com and order it for yourself. You will NOT be disappointed!
I've done the entire 21 move stone warrior set from Green Dragon to 36 reps. Didn't keep it up though. It took me longer than the program was supposed to take. The usual start again and this time get it right non linear training. But there is some experimentation as to exactly how hard to lay on the tension. For awhile after I would do 12, 18 or 24 reps per day for quite awhile. It is a worthwhile and interesting training modality. I still do it every so often, although I realize it is supposed to be done daily. I couldn't do it daily and still keep up with other training. I don't understand why it isn't done more. Or why it doesn't get more favorable attention. Maybe because it is too hard. Or maybe because lifting the big compound movements is better? for an aging individual? I don't know, haven't figured it out and it has only been fifty years. Except that my shoulders aren't too good from benching and overhead pressing. Who knows? everything is individual.
Hi Robert. Thanks for the comment and yea - pretty much true. We've found that the most developmental programs are always the hardest to do (either in time, effort or both). That usually means, that people won't do them because they are so hard. I'm glad you have Stone Warrior - keep it up and keep training!
Can you speak to proper breathing while exerting this amount of tension throughout the body? Is there a breath pattern that follows the movement? ie.....breathe out while pushing the palms forward?
Thanks for the question. Ideally, breathing should always be diaphragmatic - meaning deep, belly breathing (see our breathing video). With external exercises it's tough if you're pressing hard because you'll find your diaphragm is also tense. That's why you will often see that advanced tension exercises will have hard inhale and exhale exercises near the end to clear your lungs. This is NOT like internal exercises like Tai Chi where breathing is a key part of the actual exercise. If possible, it's good to try to follow that kind of breathing though. The rule: any time your hands and arms are moving inward towards the body or lifting upward - you inhale. Any time your hands and arms are moving outward (away from the body) or downward - you exhale. Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Stone Warrior is a very challenging set, no doubt. I am concerned about time constraints in working the full set daily and having time to work any other kung-fu; however, like most things, perhaps a balance must be sought. I assume that folks often work the set hard for a period of time ... and then back off for a period of time???
Stone Warrior is a commitment for sure!! Most Kung Fu programs have set periods or durations. For example, many have a kick off at 100 days, then the next period is 6 months, then lifetime. 100 days will get your body setup for Stone Warrior but if you work it HARD for 6 months, you'll have an amazing change in your power. I'll do a short video about breaking up your training very soon.
I have a question please. There are some opinions floating around online that the Stone Warrior program was Sifu Allen's creation and not of Chinese origin. What is the truth about this? Thank you.
Hi. Sorry for the delayed reply. It is a legitimate Chinese Program. Sifu Allen had access to many rare forms and programs. There are several rumors going around the internet (and have for years) that he made up all the material he taught. First, that's obviously wrong because the more common forms and programs are taught at many other schools (Tams, Iron Vest, Long Fist, etc.). Second, if he did make them all up, he is the greatest master of all time.
@@WhiteLotusKungFu No one is saying ALL the material. And you're not addressing the question....which was in regard to stone warrior. Post up the proof? Oh, that's right....you don't have any!
Thanks for the kind words dragon he was surely a great man and, I'm proud to say, my mentor. I also wanted to say that I'm not on here to prove anything to anyone because I don't need to. My 30 plus years in the martial arts has taught me a lot and my 3rd Degree Black Sash from the ISCA stands on it's own. I am here to share training that I have. If you're not interested, no problem, go where you will learn something and don't waste your time or my time.
I'm sore just from watching. There is another exercise routine from china that uses tension. The spelling differs but it is Yi Jin Jing. The muscle tendon change classic. I mention it here because it was supposed to give you super human strength.
HaHa Thanks! Muscle Change is a great program. There are quite a few amazing programs out there and they can all give you different benefits and strengths. Iron Vest is another that develops muscle over your entire torso to make you resistant to striking. We're also currently teaching an Shaolin Iron Rings strength form in the school. My Sifu always joked that if you did all of these programs the way you were supposed to, you could probably put on a red cape and fly around the room!
@@WhiteLotusKungFu Thanks! I'm very interested in the stone warrior after the demo you did. Where can I get the whole program? I like your style of teaching... did you a DVD I can buy? I really need this kind of training. I'm 64 yrs and wonder what can be accomplished starting as an out of shape and injured beginner.
It's an amazing program. You can actually but this program at GreenDragonKungFu.com/products/stone-warrior. I learned it during my 30+ year tenure under Sifu Allen. He is the one who actually teaches it on the video so it is the best teaching on it you'll find. It depends on the injury of course (ask your doctor to review it with you) --- medical disclaimer aside, if you can do isotonic tension, you can do Stone Warrior. You'll also need to be able to do some basic stances to execute it correctly. The exercise I do in the video is strictly done in a Horse Stance but other parts of the program are done in other postures. I highly recommend it!
The premise presented that if your fighting someone 100lbs. larger you better be strong....it's illogical! Yes you want to have a strong body, but you cannot rely of strength to defeat someone stronger!!! You need to pit your strength against the weakest areas of the body. OR you need some Gracie Jiu Jitsu!
Thanks for you comments Bill. Yes, attacking weak areas is a key part of true martial arts as is using your opponents weight and force against them and the delivery of chi in all of your striking. Having said that, if you're fighting someone that has that much more strength or is that much bigger, you may not be able to hurt their weak areas if you're not strong. Strength is a very key ingredient in fighting and self defense! Eyes are always the exception. Sifu Allen always taught that eyes are a great target because they are so vulnerable to attack.
Size does matter though. A lot of people argue that it doesn't or that somehow the smaller guy is automatically more skilled than the larger but that isn't always the case. Equally skilled individuals if they are sized differently, the larger usually has it much easier.
It's nice to hear a traditional martial arts instructor speaking so logically and practically. Every thing he says in this video is true and easily verifiable. I don't know why people still want to argue the points he makes.
Thanks for the nice comment! Technique - Speed - Power ... The three key ingredients.
I learned this while a student at KSU under Mr. ALLEN. I can honestly say that I didn't keep up with all the forms but I did stone religiously, combined with push ups , sit ups, and snake turns I was in the best shape of my life. I was 185 lbs and 8 % body fat. I tacked all stances and extras on after awhile but considered stone as my basis. Now I can't do push ups because of shoulder injury but I just started up again with stone and still consider it the best work out I've ever had. In addition it actually help my shoulder. Whether your 20 or 50, it works on all levels.
So very true. Thanks for the nice comments. Add in Tai Chi if you can to give yourself a little additional rehab. Kung Fu is amazing and, to me, has always been something that actually improves health and flexibility and actually works as a rehab system, as opposed to other workouts that can tear you down. Keep going!
Sifu Allen has said he has seen the bronze body programs (I suppose he means goldenbell training, bodybuilding, iron shirt) and stone warrior is still the premier program. I have uped the program from 36 to 52, eventually 64 and into the 100's at least 200repetitions per exercise. I love stonewarrior, iron vest and give you tremendous credit Sifu Willis for keeping John Allens spirit alive thru training. He was a righteous man when he lived amongst us and i pray he has made it to heaven as a Seraphim. Sifu Willis keep a going, keep training and keep the videos coming your in tremendous shape and do GreenDragon credit, to the school and your sifu. Thanks for all these freebies online. :)
WOW - Thanks for the wonderful comment. Those are great programs, keep training on them. Sifu Allen was an amazing man and I'm honored to have known him and trained under him for so long. Yes! He is a Christian and I know he's in the presence of God right now and probably still working hard!
Please do a full stonewarrior full body training video session 💪❤️⭐️
Thanks for the comment! I can't post the entire program as it is currently for sale from Green Dragon Kung Fu. You might check out greendragonkungfu.com and order it for yourself. You will NOT be disappointed!
Great Video and Workout thank you !
You're very welcome. The entire Stone Warrior program is killer. We'll try to put more exercises online soon!
I've done the entire 21 move stone warrior set from Green Dragon to 36 reps. Didn't keep it up though. It took me longer than the program was supposed to take. The usual start again and this time get it right non linear training. But there is some experimentation as to exactly how hard to lay on the tension. For awhile after I would do 12, 18 or 24 reps per day for quite awhile. It is a worthwhile and interesting training modality. I still do it every so often, although I realize it is supposed to be done daily. I couldn't do it daily and still keep up with other training. I don't understand why it isn't done more. Or why it doesn't get more favorable attention. Maybe because it is too hard. Or maybe because lifting the big compound movements is better? for an aging individual? I don't know, haven't figured it out and it has only been fifty years. Except that my shoulders aren't too good from benching and overhead pressing. Who knows? everything is individual.
Hi Robert. Thanks for the comment and yea - pretty much true. We've found that the most developmental programs are always the hardest to do (either in time, effort or both). That usually means, that people won't do them because they are so hard. I'm glad you have Stone Warrior - keep it up and keep training!
Thanks! I’ll add this to my snake turns over and palm exercises!
You're welcome Zara. This is a great little exercise to add to any strength workout.
Can you speak to proper breathing while exerting this amount of tension throughout the body?
Is there a breath pattern that follows the movement?
ie.....breathe out while pushing the palms forward?
Thanks for the question. Ideally, breathing should always be diaphragmatic - meaning deep, belly breathing (see our breathing video). With external exercises it's tough if you're pressing hard because you'll find your diaphragm is also tense. That's why you will often see that advanced tension exercises will have hard inhale and exhale exercises near the end to clear your lungs. This is NOT like internal exercises like Tai Chi where breathing is a key part of the actual exercise. If possible, it's good to try to follow that kind of breathing though. The rule: any time your hands and arms are moving inward towards the body or lifting upward - you inhale. Any time your hands and arms are moving outward (away from the body) or downward - you exhale. Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Stone Warrior is a very challenging set, no doubt. I am concerned about time constraints in working the full set daily and having time to work any other kung-fu; however, like most things, perhaps a balance must be sought. I assume that folks often work the set hard for a period of time ... and then back off for a period of time???
Stone Warrior is a commitment for sure!! Most Kung Fu programs have set periods or durations. For example, many have a kick off at 100 days, then the next period is 6 months, then lifetime. 100 days will get your body setup for Stone Warrior but if you work it HARD for 6 months, you'll have an amazing change in your power. I'll do a short video about breaking up your training very soon.
I have a question please. There are some opinions floating around online that the Stone Warrior program was Sifu Allen's creation and not of Chinese origin. What is the truth about this? Thank you.
Hi. Sorry for the delayed reply. It is a legitimate Chinese Program. Sifu Allen had access to many rare forms and programs. There are several rumors going around the internet (and have for years) that he made up all the material he taught. First, that's obviously wrong because the more common forms and programs are taught at many other schools (Tams, Iron Vest, Long Fist, etc.). Second, if he did make them all up, he is the greatest master of all time.
@@WhiteLotusKungFu Thanks. I was sorry to hear of his passing.
@@WhiteLotusKungFu No one is saying ALL the material. And you're not addressing the question....which was in regard to stone warrior. Post up the proof? Oh, that's right....you don't have any!
Thanks for the kind words dragon he was surely a great man and, I'm proud to say, my mentor. I also wanted to say that I'm not on here to prove anything to anyone because I don't need to. My 30 plus years in the martial arts has taught me a lot and my 3rd Degree Black Sash from the ISCA stands on it's own. I am here to share training that I have. If you're not interested, no problem, go where you will learn something and don't waste your time or my time.
I spoke to Grandmaster Gene Chicoine and he told me Sifu Allen made it up. In fairness, they had a falling out. 🙏🏻
❤❤❤
Thank you!!
I'm sore just from watching. There is another exercise routine from china that uses tension. The spelling differs but it is Yi Jin Jing. The muscle tendon change classic. I mention it here because it was supposed to give you super human strength.
HaHa Thanks! Muscle Change is a great program. There are quite a few amazing programs out there and they can all give you different benefits and strengths. Iron Vest is another that develops muscle over your entire torso to make you resistant to striking. We're also currently teaching an Shaolin Iron Rings strength form in the school. My Sifu always joked that if you did all of these programs the way you were supposed to, you could probably put on a red cape and fly around the room!
@@WhiteLotusKungFu Thanks! I'm very interested in the stone warrior after the demo you did. Where can I get the whole program? I like your style of teaching... did you a DVD I can buy? I really need this kind of training. I'm 64 yrs and wonder what can be accomplished starting as an out of shape and injured beginner.
It's an amazing program. You can actually but this program at GreenDragonKungFu.com/products/stone-warrior. I learned it during my 30+ year tenure under Sifu Allen. He is the one who actually teaches it on the video so it is the best teaching on it you'll find. It depends on the injury of course (ask your doctor to review it with you) --- medical disclaimer aside, if you can do isotonic tension, you can do Stone Warrior. You'll also need to be able to do some basic stances to execute it correctly. The exercise I do in the video is strictly done in a Horse Stance but other parts of the program are done in other postures. I highly recommend it!
@@WhiteLotusKungFu Many thanks
I did that 30 years ago. I suddenly got grey hairs.
HAHAHA - Thanks for the comment.
The premise presented that if your fighting someone 100lbs. larger you better be strong....it's illogical! Yes you want to have a strong body, but you cannot rely of strength to defeat someone stronger!!! You need to pit your strength against the weakest areas of the body. OR you need some Gracie Jiu Jitsu!
Thanks for you comments Bill. Yes, attacking weak areas is a key part of true martial arts as is using your opponents weight and force against them and the delivery of chi in all of your striking. Having said that, if you're fighting someone that has that much more strength or is that much bigger, you may not be able to hurt their weak areas if you're not strong. Strength is a very key ingredient in fighting and self defense! Eyes are always the exception. Sifu Allen always taught that eyes are a great target because they are so vulnerable to attack.
@@WhiteLotusKungFu True. Leopards don't go after rhinos for a reason.
Size does matter though. A lot of people argue that it doesn't or that somehow the smaller guy is automatically more skilled than the larger but that isn't always the case. Equally skilled individuals if they are sized differently, the larger usually has it much easier.
I understand, Allen Sifu! Learned Stone Warrior from Tung Sheng Chang Sigung 😅