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…
I have been a student of Grandmaster Willian C. C. Chen (陳至誠) since 1983. He is a senior disciple of Professor Zheng Manqing (郑曼青, 1902-1975 – 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…
Jing Wu Tiyuhui, (精武體育會) – Elite Martial Athletic Association, is more commonly known as the Jing Wu Athletic Association and as Ching Mo in Cantonese. It was founded in 1910 to develop fitness and lift the morale of the Chinese people, and to promote and advance traditional Chinese martial arts. Huo Yuanjia (霍元甲, 1868-1910), is traditionally regarded…
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 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…
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…
The posts on this Blog reflect the knowledge I have received from my teachers, and the volumes of information I have accumulated while doing research and conducting interviews with many masters, during the years of publishing the Wu Gong Journal and the Journal of Chinese Martial Arts. All the material published on this Blog is copyrighted. — Nick Scrima
