May 11

Kung fu training can be an exciting and demanding journey.  Its origins can be traced back many hundred years to China, with the most popular home of Kung Fu Being the Shaolin Temple.

Kung Fu, meaning sustained effort or skill’ incorporates hundreds of styles such as wing chun training, tai chi, Choy lee fut, monkey kung fu style and many more. However there are common traits, which complement the overall picture in Kung Fu.  All disciplines start with basic stances and motions that act as a platform, which a student may learn and study different, styles and forms.  As skill levels rise, these forms progress into higher levels of difficulty, allowing the student to gain fluidity and dexterity before competitive training.

Kung Fu training draws on many years of tradition and expands the full spectrum of the martial arts.  From devastating lethal attacks to soft smooth elegant meditative movements.  Kung Fu is much more than a physical pursuit.  It encapsulates a healthy body, through the physical discipline of Kung Fu, as well as  the mental and spiritual through the practice of meditation and soft martial arts of tai chi and Chi Kung.  Your  training will include adopting a philosophy of balance- the taoist understanding of Yin and Yang.  To get the most out of your Kung Fu it is important to keep an open mind.  There are many different styles out there and the more you learn the more you will be introduced to new concepts.

However there are a few fundamental basics you should be aware of when beginning.

They are:

Fitness:  Any martial requires some level of fitness. So be ready to train hard. You need stamina to continue and actually enjoy the class.  You don’t want to be panting and gasping for air during your training.  Not Much fun.

Flexibility: Stretching before a class should be a mandatory part of your training.  You don’t want to injure your self during an exercise.  You don’t need to be a yoga guru just some slight preparation to begin with.  Listen to your body and know its limits.  You can always progress at the appropriate pace-and you will feel so much better.  Above all have FUN!  You are suppose to be enjoying yourself so you get the most out of your martial arts.

For more insights into various martial arts and how they can complement your kung fu training visit:

 

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Sep 2
One of the keys to success with wing chun is sharpening your skills. here is a great way to improve your chi sao

via Wing Chun Island by noreply@blogger.com (Will) on 7/15/10


1. Intentionally lose. Let the other person win but keep your attention on the other person. Watch how they win. Concentrate on your balance and staying relaxed while they do whatever they want.

2. Make sure you aren’t leaning at all. All your weight should be balanced in the middle of the foot. You should conceive of your arms and your body as being in front of you. Move the whole body forward from the bottom, not from the top by leaning. Don’t lean ever… at all. Well ok, once you totally understand how balance works, then lean all you want. I promise I won’t say anything.

3. Don’t move until you are connected. Move the body forward until you can feel your partner’s core down to the ground. At that point, (if your arms are relaxed) you should feel where to move almost as though your arms are moving themselves. Work on improving connection rather than your arms’ position in relation to your partners’. Also, don’t pull away from your partner to get a move off.

4. Don’t speed up or do series of moves. Stay in the moment and do what you are doing at that moment. Don’t speed up in order to get a move to work. Don’t practice a series of moves to do something fancy. Just do what the system created by the connection between you and your opponent tells you to do.

5. Don’t look down until you don’t have any urge to look down at what is going on with the hands. Even then, nothing special to see.

6. Concentrate on your opponent as a whole body, not on his moves.

7. Don’t look for openings or ways to “get” or hit your opponent. Keep connected and take ground. The good stuff will happen naturally.

8. Try chisaoing with only one foot touching the ground at any given moment. Make sure you are relaxed and “seated” on the leg. Change legs at any time as often as you like.

9. What attitude or emotion or mental state do you decide to have when you chisao. Try answering this question and changing it up frequently.

10. Treat chisao as an experiment. Decide how you will change your approach each time you do it before you begin. Try relaxed, stiff, fast, slow, hard, soft, intentionally bad, leaning, moving forward, stationary, aggressive….try anything and everything you can think of. Do things no one else would ever try. See how it works. Change it up even more based on what you learn from your experiments. Most people just try their hardest each time. Trying is for people who haven’t decided what to do.

Ok, here is a bonus point.

Don’t stop when you manage to hit or push your partner or get hit yourself. Continue working. If you are much better than your opponent, you can see openings but not take them and just work to deepen the connection. Keep the connection and flow going as long as possible.

Aug 28

via chisautube.com by admin on 3/24/09


Part of the reason for me starting this site was to bolster my enthusiasm for Wing Chun. I used to suffer a lack of motivation to go to class. Once I got there, I would have a ball – the problem was in getting myself to leave the house. It’s not because I’m lazy: quite [...]

Aug 21

Tan sao technique explained

wing chun trainng

Aug 20
In Wing Chun Training the most fundamental aspect is the sil lim tau form.  It is the foundation of wing chun, to be the best wing chun fighter you can be.. you will need to master this form….

the first form of the wing chun training system is the shi lim tao or little idea form.  In this form the basics and complete concepts of the wing chun training system are introduced.  The shi lim tao form is also known as an internal kung fu form as it relies less on outward physical movement. Instead focussing on concentration and maintaining your posture and positioning.

Aug 5

Kung fu is one of the most well known examples of traditional Chinese culture. It is probably one of the earliest and longest lasting sports which utilize both brawn and brain. The theory of Kung Fu is based upon classical Chinese philosophy. Over its long history it has developed as a unique combination of exercise, practical self-defense, self-discipline and art.

The beginning of Chinese Kung fu probably started long before history was recorded. Kung fu techniques were discovered or created during the long epoch of continuous conflict between human beings and animals, or between different tribes of humans themselves. From these battles, experiences were accumulated and techniques discovered which were passed down generation to generation.

Chinese Kung Fu can trace its origins back some 4000 years to 2674 BC, when Emperor Huang Ti of China used a rudimentary form of martial arts called Chiou Ti as a form of individual combat and military tactic. At that time people use cudgels to fight against wild beasts. Gradually they accumulated experience of self defense. When Shang Dynasty began, hunting was considered as an important measure of Kung Fu training.

During Shang and Zhou Dynasties, kung fu developed to be a kind of dancing. Usually the dancing of Kung fu is utilized to train soldiers and inspire their morale. During Zhou Dynasty, Kung fu dancing was designated as a component of education. The application of wrestling techniques at the battlefield received much attention from various states during the period of Spring and Autumn. At the same time, the skill and technology of sword forging as well as sword ceremony achieved rapid development. In Qin and Han Dynasties, wrestling, swordplay, and kung fu dancing were very popular. The application of spear play in Han Dynasty reached its summit along with the appearance of many other techniques of spear usage.

During Tang dynasty, Kung fu became part of the examination process for the imperial courts. All officials and soldiers were required to pass some sort of Kung fu test before being promoted. Excellent candidates would receive titles and awards through the examination, largely propelling the development of Kung fu. By then kung fu had evolved to be an artistic form and an independent genre. It was gradually introduced to many countries in Southeast Asia. Today Kung Fu was honored as the ancestor of kickboxing, karate, aikido, and judo.

Song and Yuan Dynasties witnessed the climax of Kung fu development. Kung fu permeated society, as agile performers displayed their skills in the street. Practice of Kung Fu by civil organizations became more and more popular. Some organizations centered on the use of spear play and cudgel, and they were called Yinglue Organization; while others majored in the practice of arching and therefore called Arching Origination. Besides, there appeared another genre called Luqi People. They made a living as performer of martial arts all over the country. Usually their performance was carried out by a single person or two persons as a pair.

Chinese Kung Fu achieved larger development in Ming and Qing Dynasties. In Ming Dynasty, a lot of genres came into being and numerous books on Kung fu were published. In Qing Dynasty, the ruling empire banned the practice of martial arts. In 1644, the Manchurians invaded mainland China and replaced the Ming Dynasty with the Qing dynasty. The Shao Lin Temples ,which had great influence in the growth of Kung Fu, became hives of revolutionaries. In order to counteract the threat from these insurrectionists, the Manchurians destroyed the Shao Lin Temples. The inhabitants of the Temples fled, and in this way Kung Fu knowledge was spread. And the folk also set up various clubs or societies to pass down feat secretly. Qing Dynasty is the times of integration among different Kung Fu genres. Wrestling techniques were introduced into Kung Fu, facilitating the improvement and mature of martial arts. This period is the shed between genres for appreciation and those for actual combat.

The end of the Qing Empire and the beginning of the Republic generated renewed interest in the Kung fu. Practicing kung fu was seen as being in the national interest because it helped strengthen both the body and the mind. In modern times, Chinese Kung-fu was first introduced abroad to the United States by Chinese-American Kung-fu master Bruce Lee, whose agile movements in a series of his great movies swept American audiences off their feet. Thanks to the giant influence of the American movie industry, it soon swept across the world. The entire globe was enchanted by the magic act, starting the upsurge of interest in Chinese Kung-fu. From then on, Chinese Kung-fu learners can be found everywhere. Now, Lee’s followers, Jacky Chan (Cheng Long) and Jet Lee (Li Lianjie) carry the baton pushing themselves to novel heights.

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Jun 14

Wing chun training is probably the best know of the kung fu styles. Mainly due to the exploits of Bruce Lee.

Legend has it that it took all the elements of the other kung fu systems and took all the best bits and left out the inefficient moves.  The idea that wing chun was to be an attacking fighting system.  With at its essence use of economy of movement.  Traditionally kung fu systems where devised from animal forms were the movements mimicked by animals where the Shaolin monks would study them while  they attacked their prey.  Given the  effectiveness of these attacks they picked out specific moves that where not applicable and left with a strictly attacking system.  

 

They added the wing chun training dummy to assist in the development and training of the practitioner.  Depending on which school you talk to there are 108 moves in the wing chun wooden dummy and it is integral to the training of its fighters.  The three main forms of Wing Chun are the Sil Lim tao form , chum kill and bill jee.  You can also break them uop depending  on the development of the fighter with Sil lim tao the introductory form which goes over the basics.   Then chum kill the intermediate  form and Bill Jee being the most advanced form in the system. The positives of the system is than it builds up from the ground up as you learn.  This is also true for the wooden dummy.  You learn the stages as you progress and as they relate to the forms and your development.  One of the keys to the success of wing chun is that it is easy to learn and you can go through the whole system in a relatively short time. That is also one of its weaknesses.  Once they complete their training many people think that’s it they have mastered it and are finished with the system.  Truth is it is only the beginning.  Once you have completed the system then you spend time refining and perfecting what you have learned.  

 

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Jun 2

Sooner or later along your kung fu training you will come across opponents that are less experienced than you –where you may choose to show off and boost your ego to see how great you are.  However no doubt (especially in the beginning) you will come across opponents that are much more experienced.  And in some cases a lot better..  Hopefully you will come  across these individuals in classes rather than the real word,  But the same principles should apply, regardless of your kung fu style.  First up do not be intimidated by your foes –respect them for their abilities and don’t take anything for granted.  I would strongly advise that you fight more experienced opponents during sparring sessions in classes.  This way you have a controlled environment where you wont get too seriously hurt.

This is one of the most valuable experiences you will ever undergo in your kung fu training.  A valuable lesson.  You will be able to determine where you are weak and what your strengths are.,  what works and what doesn’t  AS STATED DON’T BE INTIMIDATED.  If you are too freaked out that you cannot move fluently you have already lost.  The key is to focus on your opponent and your training.  Identify your tactics and remember what you have learned. Do not deviate from your training.  It is a dynamic situation. So stick to your plan.  Stay with the basics within the framework of your system.  Sometimes ego takes over and we try something new or fear takes over and we panic with random strikes. Focus on your opponent as an obstacle to overcome—take emotion out of and back your self.  After all they also have two arms two legs and only advantage they have is just a bit more experience.  They have been in the exact same position when you started.  It doesn’t  make them invincible or unbeatable.

Sparring against a skilled opponent is the best way to fast track your progress.  During these sessions you will learn more about yourself more than anything.  Your confidence will grow.  You may not be able to beat all comers all the time but at the very least you can hold your own.  And remember you can always improve and more can be learnt from a stronger opponent than one  that  you can dominate.


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May 24

In its Traditional Kung Fu Training Mok Gar practice involves the use of two wooden dummys.  One is called mook-yann-jong with projections which resembles arms and is used for blocking and countering The others is called darn gee and is particular to mok gar.  These dummys are used to practice all of the attacks necessary for a student to learn.  This kung fu training is excellent for building physical power and developing effective punches and kicks.  This is important in Mok gar since every student has to pass through a stage where he or she develops a considerable amount of power before progressing.

One of the unique kung fu training drills on Mok gar is  the darn gee kicking drill.  In Kung fu each school has its own method of training the kicks using various mechanical facilities..  Irrespective of the method, the aim is the same: to increase the freedom of leg movements, enhance speed improve accuracy and to develop and harden the soles of the feet.  During the course of the training the darn gee helps practitioners improve their stamina, harness speed, accuracy and straight kicking techniques.

This unique training drill is a stage that all mok gar practitioners must experience if they wish to develop high standards within his style.

The 108 movements that are the basis of Mok Gar style can be used in many ways, from a single punch, which may be all that is needed to win a fight, to multiple jumping kicks.

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May 22

Shaolin mok Gar Kuen is one of the original family disciples of Kung Fu training. From Southern China and it is well known for its kicking techniques.  Practitioners are not restricted to just kicking; however since the full range of weapons is also part of the system.

The resulting flexibility of attack and defense epitomizes the original concepts of Chinese Kung Fu Training: To express yourself fully in the attempt to triumph in combat.  When engaging in combat, the objective is to win, so practitioners believe that to place any restrictions on one particular movement would be to put themselves at a disadvantage.

A midget called MoK Da Si in the Shaolin Monastery in Southern China, so legend has it originally developed Shaolin Mok Gar.  He taught this style, known then as Shaolin chuen to his family in the Tong-Kwin district in the Kwong Tong province. And the name remained until the third generation when it was renamed Mok Gar (after Mok’s family).

The style has passed virtually unchanged through many generations and  is still faithfully taught today, according to its original concepts.  Indeed it shares the same good reputation with four contemporary Southern Chinese Family styles Hung garm Lee gar an Lau-gar.  Each family became well known for its specific strength within the style. 

The Chinese have a traditional saying which when translated, calls to min the strong points of these styles “Hungs fists, mok’s kicks and lee’s staff.”

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