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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
