Most Martial Arts styles, especially Chinese martial arts, have formal routines. These routines are the technique encyclopedia of Kung Fu. Forms contain all the basics, self-defense, and fighting strategies. Forms also teach you to move from one technique to another and improve flexibility, strength, concentration, and endurance. Forms are style-specific.Read More →
Ground Fighting involves a variety of techniques to defend yourself on the ground. Kung Fu teaches you to avoid getting knocked down to the ground. Kung Fu uses a variety of footwork, postures, angles, and critical distance. However, you can never predict when a confrontation might end on the ground.Read More →
History of the Lion Dance Lion dancing originated during the Tang dynasty (618-906 AD). Legend has it that the emperor had a dream one night in which a strange-looking animal saved his life. The following day, the emperor described the dream to his ministers. One minister told the emperor thatRead More →
Year of the Snake Happy Chinese New Year (gong hei fat choy – Congratulations and be Prosperous)Happy Chinese New Year (gong hei fat choy – Congratulations and be Prosperous) Emperor Huang Ti introduced the concept of a chronological record of years in the 61st year of his reign. The twelveRead More →
Sensing Hands (Pushing Hands) teaches a Tai Chi student how to use Tai Chi for protection. If you’re unfamiliar with Tai Chi, it is a slow-motion – low impact exercise and self-defense system. The words Tai Chi Chuan mean Grand Ultimate Fist. The Chinese consider Tai Chi the best methodRead More →
I’ve noticed this same general feeling with many kung fu students. The basic assumption is that their style of kung fu does not teach defense against street fights (basic jabs and hook-type punching), which stems from the misunderstanding of the protection philosophy. We teach self-defense against various attacks, including leftRead More →