Many Chinese martial arts systems owe their origins to the famed Shaolin Temple in Henan Province. The Arhat or Luohan Gong Fu Style is perhaps the oldest of all these systems. From Shaolin, the Luohan Style spread widely. Over time, different variations developed and blended with other styles of Gong Fu. There is even a…
This is the first of a series of essays which 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…
Spontaneity is the split-second response to an opponent’s aggressive action. It is the reaction that occurs without deliberate thought. However, this does not mean that no thinking is involved because no action is possible without a deliberate command of the mind. Spontaneity is quick, natural, and direct thinking, the same type of thinking involved when…
Mizong Quan, also known as Mizong Yi and Yanqing Quan, originated at the famed Shaolin Temple in the later part of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Mizong Quan translates as the Lost Track Style. The name is due to the fast changing and baffling footwork which makes it difficult for the opponent to keep track of…
Singleness of purpose is an ultimate quest – Lao Zi The quote above, by Lao Zi, refers to the importance of mental concentration in all activities, but paramount in martial arts. To project and focus the mind on one subject to the exclusion of everything else is called concentration. In today’s lifestyle, where a diversity…
Chinese martial arts are an integral part of China’s history, philosophy and culture. Their origins span more than 4000 years, back to primeval society. Recorded accounts place the early development of the martial arts to the Xia Dynasty (夏朝2070–1600 BC) when Jiao Di (角力), an early form of Chinese wrestling, was used by Huangdi‘s (皇帝)…
Jing Wu Tiyuhui, (Elite Martial Athletic Association), in Shanghai, is more commonly known as the Jing Wu Athletic Association and as Ching Mo in Cantonese. It was founded in 1909 to develop fitness and lift the morale of the Chinese people, and to promote and advance traditional Chinese martial arts. Huo Yuanjia is traditionally regarded as the founder…
The Northern Shaolin Systems practiced at our school fall into the category of Chang Quan (Long Fist). These methods employ combinations of long explosive movements and require that several techniques be performed with one breath. This builds both speed and explosiveness. Combinations are often executed in quick bursts, like a string of firecrackers. This style…
Grandmaster William Chen has always emphasized the practical aspects of Tai Chi Quan, thus Push Hands, Practical Applications, and Free Style Boxing have been an integral part of his teaching. Taiji Quan, to be effective, requires that one must immerse oneself deeply into this work. Forms practice alone will avail to nothing if you have never crossed hands with a…
Yang style Taiji Quan, also written Tai Chi Chuan, traditionally did not have many weapons in its curriculum. Nonetheless, particular attention was placed on the Jian (Sword), Dao (Saber), Qiang (Spear), and Gun (Staff). These four weapons are divided into two groups: short weapons and long weapons. The short Tai Chi weapons are the sword and the saber; the long Tai Chi weapons…
