You may be wondering why I am writing a martial arts post on China’s Seven Military Classics. The reason is an essential one because the fighting principles of Chinese martial arts derive largely from these classic works; every serious martial arts student should study these works. They will help develop strategic thinking. The Wu Jing…
In martial arts there are different concepts for expressing power in a technique. Some styles advocate that power comes from the hips. And other styles propose that power comes from the waist. In the Shaolin Styles such as Long Fist, the above concepts of expressing or generating power are referred to as Yong Jing Wu…
In times past, when masters were very demanding and training was intense, students were often made to train for extended periods in Si Bu or Death Step to refine their skills. By extended periods I am referring not only to the time spent in a single training session, but over many months. What is the…
Tang Quan is a Chinese martial arts system whose origins span back 1300 years. The development of the style is credited to Li Xuanba (李玄霸) who was the third son of the Emperor Gaozu (高祖), the founder of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). The style is named after the dynasty, hence Tang Quan. My interest…
This series of essays deals briefly with Chinese Martial Arts Principles and Sayings. These sayings have been developed over time and are meant to direct your daily practice. Adhering to them will help you develop a proper mindset reflective of a true martial artist. They also reveal distinctive fighting concepts, strategies, and training precepts contained…
Within the Mizong Luohan Style there are three Tao Lu, or forms, that bear the name Tong Bei. One is an Empty Hand form, and the other two are Partner Fighting Sets. The late great Grandmaster Ye Yuting travelled throughout northern China. It is known that besides learning from his grandfather and uncle, he also…
Historically, in a traditional Chinese martial arts school, the Shifu should be versed in the use of 18 Weapons known as Shi Ba Bing Qi. As it pertains to Traditional Long Fist, there are Four Major Weapons or Si Da Bing Qi, which are considered of primary importance. These are listed here in the typical…
It is said that the Seat of Power in Gong Fu resides in the Legs and the Root of Power lies in your Feet. Stance refers to the position of your legs and the placement of the feet. Stances are an essential aspect of building a solid foundation. They differ widely with each style, particularly…
Grandmaster Willian C. C. Chen is a senior disciple of Professor Zheng Manqing (Cheng Man-Ching). William Chen developed the 60 Movement Yang Style Tai Chi Form based on the teachings of his late master and his own experience in the art. The 60 Movement Form is equal in length to Professor Zheng’s 37 Posture Form. If we count…
Jing Wu Tiyu Hui, (Elite Martial Athletic Association), is more commonly known as the Jing Wu Athletic Association and as Ching Mo in Cantonese. It was founded in 1909 (some sources cite 1910 as the founding year) to develop fitness and lift the morale of the Chinese people, and to promote and advance traditional Chinese martial arts….
