Southern Kung Fu:
Low Stances & Solid Type Characteristic
Description: Stances are generally low, wide and solid with intermix of long and short hand techniques. Emphasis on large upper body movements, or long, or hard-power emissions.
Examples: Southern (Cantonese) Kung Fu Styles, Fei Hok Phai, Hung Gar, Chow Gar, Choi Li Fut, Fut Gar, Hap Gar, as they are commonly seen and practiced.
Areas of Movements Evaluation
Form and Spirit - includes proper execution of movements and techniques; good form and appearance; good eye focus and the ability to covey spirit and intent of movement.
Coordination - proper coordination of hands, eyes, body, wais/hip and stances; movements are completed in sync and in total unison.
Agility - in addition to qualities embodied in nimbleness, there must be extraordinary flexibility, bounciness, overall speed and the ability to accommodate sudden changes in direction, focus, time, centre of gravity and range, with total control.
Power Emission - Include qualities of suddenness, sharpness and explosiveness in movements employing either the whole body or certain parts. The impact value must be visually clear and apparent. Must take into account the various types of power emission employed by different styles of Chinese martial arts.
Solidity - Conveying a sense of being heavy, hard and compact. Solid, powerful, with a high degree of stability.
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Examples: Southern (Cantonese) Kung Fu Styles, Fei Hok Phai, Hung Gar, Chow Gar, Choi Li Fut, Fut Gar, Hap Gar, as they are commonly seen and practiced.
Areas of Movements Evaluation
Form and Spirit - includes proper execution of movements and techniques; good form and appearance; good eye focus and the ability to covey spirit and intent of movement.
Coordination - proper coordination of hands, eyes, body, wais/hip and stances; movements are completed in sync and in total unison.
Agility - in addition to qualities embodied in nimbleness, there must be extraordinary flexibility, bounciness, overall speed and the ability to accommodate sudden changes in direction, focus, time, centre of gravity and range, with total control.
Power Emission - Include qualities of suddenness, sharpness and explosiveness in movements employing either the whole body or certain parts. The impact value must be visually clear and apparent. Must take into account the various types of power emission employed by different styles of Chinese martial arts.
Solidity - Conveying a sense of being heavy, hard and compact. Solid, powerful, with a high degree of stability.
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Chinese Martial Arts
Chinese martial arts, also referred to by the Mandarin Chinese term Wushu (Traditional and Modern), are a number of fighting styles that have developed over the centuries in China. These fighting styles are often classified according to common traits, identified as "families" (家, jiā), "sects" (派, pài) or "schools" (門, mén) of martial arts. Examples of such traits include physical exercises involving animal mimicry, or training methods inspired by Chinese philosophies, religions and legends.
Styles which focus on improving muscle and cardiovascular fitness are labeled as external (外家拳, wài jiā quán), better known for their fiercely, aggressive movements, with a combination of PUNCHES, KICKS, STRIKES, HOLDS and THROWS; while others concentrate on "qi" ("chi") manipulation are labeled as internal (内家拳, nèi jiā quán), and known for their QUIET, SOFT MOVES. However, few experienced martial artists make a clear distinction between internal and external styles.
Most styles contain both hard and soft elements, regardless of their internal nomenclature. Analyzing the difference in accordance with yin and yang principles, philosophers would assert that the absence of either one would render the practitioner's skills unbalanced or deficient.
“yin and yang alone are each only half of a whole”
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Styles which focus on improving muscle and cardiovascular fitness are labeled as external (外家拳, wài jiā quán), better known for their fiercely, aggressive movements, with a combination of PUNCHES, KICKS, STRIKES, HOLDS and THROWS; while others concentrate on "qi" ("chi") manipulation are labeled as internal (内家拳, nèi jiā quán), and known for their QUIET, SOFT MOVES. However, few experienced martial artists make a clear distinction between internal and external styles.
Most styles contain both hard and soft elements, regardless of their internal nomenclature. Analyzing the difference in accordance with yin and yang principles, philosophers would assert that the absence of either one would render the practitioner's skills unbalanced or deficient.
“yin and yang alone are each only half of a whole”
___________________________________________________________________________________
Nan Quan - Southern Fists
Nan Quan: this term can be translated from Mandarin Chinese to mean Southern Fist. China is traditionally divided by the north and south by the great YangTze River. The main perceived difference between northern and southern styles is that the northern styles (Chang Quan) tend to emphasize high jumps and generally fluid and rapid movements, while the southern styles (Nan Quan) focus more on strong arm and hand techniques, stable stances, fast footwork and powerfull kicks.
Beyond that, there are 2 definitions for Nan Quan.
1) The first is that Nan Quan refers to all the fighting styles developed in Southern China (Traditional Nan Quan). This includes all of the traditional styles used of the South including; Hung Gar Kuen, Choi Gar Kuen, Mo Gar Kuen, Wing Chun, Choy Lay Fut, Fut Ga Kuen, Five Ancestor Fist (Wu Zu Quan), Black Tiger (Hei Hu Quan), Hakka Kuen (Ke Jia Quan), etc
2) The second definition refers only to Modern or Contemporary Nan Quan that was developed shortly after the founding of the Peoples Republic of China (1949) as part of the new Chinese National sport, the Modern Wushu.
Nan Quan (both Traditional or Modern) is characterized for its low stable stances and strong arm movements. The form emphasizes power, speed and stability. The movements are powerful and aggressive like those of a tiger. In fact one of the routines of Contemporary Nan Quan is a modification of the Tiger and Crane form (Fu Hok Kuan) present in all Hung Gar branches.
In Nan Quan, the arm combinations are used in their entirety to cover all ranges of attack and defense. Common in it is a unique form of simultaneous attack and defense called bridges (qiao) which use the forearms at diagonal angles to create both a block and a strike.
While the firm stances are required, a high level of mobility is also necessary despite the fact that the practitioner maintaining the low positions.
Also present in Nan Quan is the concept of releasing energy through fa-sheng (“to happen”) or "release shout" which helps generates power through a forceful breathing exhalation and varied sounds articulations, (i.e. “shout”).
___________________________________________________________________________________
Beyond that, there are 2 definitions for Nan Quan.
1) The first is that Nan Quan refers to all the fighting styles developed in Southern China (Traditional Nan Quan). This includes all of the traditional styles used of the South including; Hung Gar Kuen, Choi Gar Kuen, Mo Gar Kuen, Wing Chun, Choy Lay Fut, Fut Ga Kuen, Five Ancestor Fist (Wu Zu Quan), Black Tiger (Hei Hu Quan), Hakka Kuen (Ke Jia Quan), etc
2) The second definition refers only to Modern or Contemporary Nan Quan that was developed shortly after the founding of the Peoples Republic of China (1949) as part of the new Chinese National sport, the Modern Wushu.
Nan Quan (both Traditional or Modern) is characterized for its low stable stances and strong arm movements. The form emphasizes power, speed and stability. The movements are powerful and aggressive like those of a tiger. In fact one of the routines of Contemporary Nan Quan is a modification of the Tiger and Crane form (Fu Hok Kuan) present in all Hung Gar branches.
In Nan Quan, the arm combinations are used in their entirety to cover all ranges of attack and defense. Common in it is a unique form of simultaneous attack and defense called bridges (qiao) which use the forearms at diagonal angles to create both a block and a strike.
While the firm stances are required, a high level of mobility is also necessary despite the fact that the practitioner maintaining the low positions.
Also present in Nan Quan is the concept of releasing energy through fa-sheng (“to happen”) or "release shout" which helps generates power through a forceful breathing exhalation and varied sounds articulations, (i.e. “shout”).
___________________________________________________________________________________
"Health and Well Being - Chi Kung, Tai Chi Chuan and Kung Fu Practice"
by Marcelo Vidaurre Archanjo & Patricia Gurgel-Segrillo
published at MindHives.com
Most new students of Martial Arts have as one of their aims to develop self-defense skills that would potentially protect them against eventual aggressors. However, I believe that the majority of students that continue their learning process for a longer period of time are driven primarily by improving their physical and mental condition, achieved by constant practice of the techniques they learn.
Certainly, no one is immune to suffer a physical assault. It is known that the Martial Arts techniques prepare its practitioners to protect themselves against possible attackers. However this does not imply that conflict situations should be sought. Rather, it is a maxim in the contemporary Martial Arts, that physical conflict situations should be avoided.
Protection is only one of the aspects that Martial Arts provide for its modern practitioners, and it is sometimes overemphasized. The physical and mental benefits that can be attained with a regular practice of a Martial Art are, for me, more important.
The body’ physical abilities, i.e., flexibility and strength, deteriorate over time. One way to try to mitigate the effects of time on our bodies is the practice of a regular physical activity. The various techniques of punches, kicks, blocks, jumps, throws, among others, practiced in Martial Arts, “grease” our joints, tendons and ligaments, develop our muscles, as well as improve the general functioning of our respiratory and cardiovascular system.
Without considering the importance of the individual’s genetic inheritance, in order to maintain a good state of health, we need:
These factors are essential to the development and maintenance of the body’s flexibility. Flexibility is crucial in the practice of any form of Martial Art. When our body is too rigid it is more susceptible to injuries. A simple daily routine of movements with some stretching exercises can bring many benefits to our lives.
It is attributed to Lao Tze (Laozi – 604 BC), ancient Chinese thinker, the following words: “At birth the human body is gentle and flexible; in death it is hard and stiff. Green plants are soft and full of sap; dying are dry. Therefore the stiff and unbending is the disciple of death, while the flexible and gentle is the disciple of life. ”
The underlying idea is that the Universe functions following very precise Laws, and when tuning into these Laws, the human beings can become harmonious with themselves and the Universe. According to this point of view, the Universe is living and dynamic, consisting of a primordial cosmic energy from which derives, by condensation and differentiation, all existing things.
This cosmic energy, which the ancient Chinese thinkers called “chi”, “qi” or “hei”, flows through the human body by “energy channels” (the called “meridians”), conveying life to the cells and keeping the body in harmony with the environment that surrounds it.
This vital energy, the “chi”, is renewed through the breath, the assimilation of food, and the stimulus to the senses. As a consequence of this idea, we must take permanent care with the way we breathe, the food we eat and the stimuli that occupy our senses. The primordial energy of “chi” is continuously captured by certain points distributed through the skin. The proper functioning of the human organism would be linked to the perfect capture and flow of energy “chi” through the body.
“Chi” is a unit that manifests itself polarized in opposite and complementary aspects, the negative (Yin) and the positive (Yang). Yin is the negative principle that is manifested by the expansion, as opposed to the positive Yang that contracts. All the phenomena of life would occur from the interaction of these two opposing and complementary forces – expansion and contraction. Eternal and continuous is the attraction of Yin over Yang and vice versa, forming an infinite number of combinations that make up the diversification of the Universe.
Physical and mental health is understood as a result of the harmony and balance of these two energies. When an imbalance occurs between these two energies there is the development of what we call disease. Therefore, we should seek neither excess nor deficiency of energy. Excess clogs, deficiency drains. The vital energy flowing is what makes life. Yin and Yang are inseparable qualities from the same process. Nothing is Yin and Yang at the same time, when one reaches its maximum expression, becomes the other.
The balance between Yin and Yang creates a harmonious “chi”, a radiant vitality that protects the body against the negative factors of life. The technique of manipulating “chi” is called “Chi Kung” or “Qi Gong”. “Chi Kung” includes various forms of breathing exercises and body movements whose goal is to balance and harmonize the unity of body/mind.
The training of “forms” or “routines” (standardized sequence of movements), present in all Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chuan styles, has as one of its objectives the development of the spatial perception, balance and reflexes, as well as encourage the improvement of the muscles and breathing control of the practitioner. Last but not least, it is also intended that, by implementing the routines, the practitioners’ “vital energy”, their “chi” is developed, resulting in better overall health and well-being.
Therefore, a truly complete practice of what we call nowadays Chinese Martial Arts, should encompass not only Kung Fu, but also Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung techniques, for acquiring all the benefits of the development and harmonization of “chi”.
___________________________________________________________________________________
published at MindHives.com
Most new students of Martial Arts have as one of their aims to develop self-defense skills that would potentially protect them against eventual aggressors. However, I believe that the majority of students that continue their learning process for a longer period of time are driven primarily by improving their physical and mental condition, achieved by constant practice of the techniques they learn.
Certainly, no one is immune to suffer a physical assault. It is known that the Martial Arts techniques prepare its practitioners to protect themselves against possible attackers. However this does not imply that conflict situations should be sought. Rather, it is a maxim in the contemporary Martial Arts, that physical conflict situations should be avoided.
Protection is only one of the aspects that Martial Arts provide for its modern practitioners, and it is sometimes overemphasized. The physical and mental benefits that can be attained with a regular practice of a Martial Art are, for me, more important.
The body’ physical abilities, i.e., flexibility and strength, deteriorate over time. One way to try to mitigate the effects of time on our bodies is the practice of a regular physical activity. The various techniques of punches, kicks, blocks, jumps, throws, among others, practiced in Martial Arts, “grease” our joints, tendons and ligaments, develop our muscles, as well as improve the general functioning of our respiratory and cardiovascular system.
Without considering the importance of the individual’s genetic inheritance, in order to maintain a good state of health, we need:
- To breath properly
- To get enough rest
- To have a balanced diet
- To exercise regularly
These factors are essential to the development and maintenance of the body’s flexibility. Flexibility is crucial in the practice of any form of Martial Art. When our body is too rigid it is more susceptible to injuries. A simple daily routine of movements with some stretching exercises can bring many benefits to our lives.
It is attributed to Lao Tze (Laozi – 604 BC), ancient Chinese thinker, the following words: “At birth the human body is gentle and flexible; in death it is hard and stiff. Green plants are soft and full of sap; dying are dry. Therefore the stiff and unbending is the disciple of death, while the flexible and gentle is the disciple of life. ”
The underlying idea is that the Universe functions following very precise Laws, and when tuning into these Laws, the human beings can become harmonious with themselves and the Universe. According to this point of view, the Universe is living and dynamic, consisting of a primordial cosmic energy from which derives, by condensation and differentiation, all existing things.
This cosmic energy, which the ancient Chinese thinkers called “chi”, “qi” or “hei”, flows through the human body by “energy channels” (the called “meridians”), conveying life to the cells and keeping the body in harmony with the environment that surrounds it.
This vital energy, the “chi”, is renewed through the breath, the assimilation of food, and the stimulus to the senses. As a consequence of this idea, we must take permanent care with the way we breathe, the food we eat and the stimuli that occupy our senses. The primordial energy of “chi” is continuously captured by certain points distributed through the skin. The proper functioning of the human organism would be linked to the perfect capture and flow of energy “chi” through the body.
“Chi” is a unit that manifests itself polarized in opposite and complementary aspects, the negative (Yin) and the positive (Yang). Yin is the negative principle that is manifested by the expansion, as opposed to the positive Yang that contracts. All the phenomena of life would occur from the interaction of these two opposing and complementary forces – expansion and contraction. Eternal and continuous is the attraction of Yin over Yang and vice versa, forming an infinite number of combinations that make up the diversification of the Universe.
Physical and mental health is understood as a result of the harmony and balance of these two energies. When an imbalance occurs between these two energies there is the development of what we call disease. Therefore, we should seek neither excess nor deficiency of energy. Excess clogs, deficiency drains. The vital energy flowing is what makes life. Yin and Yang are inseparable qualities from the same process. Nothing is Yin and Yang at the same time, when one reaches its maximum expression, becomes the other.
The balance between Yin and Yang creates a harmonious “chi”, a radiant vitality that protects the body against the negative factors of life. The technique of manipulating “chi” is called “Chi Kung” or “Qi Gong”. “Chi Kung” includes various forms of breathing exercises and body movements whose goal is to balance and harmonize the unity of body/mind.
The training of “forms” or “routines” (standardized sequence of movements), present in all Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chuan styles, has as one of its objectives the development of the spatial perception, balance and reflexes, as well as encourage the improvement of the muscles and breathing control of the practitioner. Last but not least, it is also intended that, by implementing the routines, the practitioners’ “vital energy”, their “chi” is developed, resulting in better overall health and well-being.
Therefore, a truly complete practice of what we call nowadays Chinese Martial Arts, should encompass not only Kung Fu, but also Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung techniques, for acquiring all the benefits of the development and harmonization of “chi”.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Forms - "Kati" or "Jiazi" - to Black Sash
Beginner:
Intermediate:
Advance:
- Lim Pou Kuan (Stances and Fists) 練步拳
- Sam Sim Tui Tcha (Three Stars Fight) 三星對拆
- Wu Tip Kuan (Butterfly Palm) 蝴蝶拳
- Tit Kiu Kuan (Iron Bridge Fists) 铁桥拳
- Hok Kuan (Crane Fists) 鶴拳
- Hok Tui Tchá (Crane Fight) 鶴對拆
- Lin Wan Kwan (Staff) [1st Weapon] 連環棍
Intermediate:
- Pou Sam Kuan (Mountain Breaking Fists) 破山拳
- Mui Fa Kuen (Plum Flower Fists) 梅花拳
- Sapt Fook Fu Kuan (Taming the Tiger at + Cross-form Fists) 十京伏虎
- Fook Fu Tou (Taming the Tiger with the Broadsword) [2nd Weapon] 伏虎刀
- Pun Pin Lim Kuan (Half Lotus Flower Fists) 半邊蓮拳
- Pun Pin Lim Tui Tchá (Half Lotus Flower Fight) 半邊蓮對拆
- Tai Chi Kuan – 1st part (Supreme Ultimate Fists) 太極拳
- Tan Tao Tcheam (One Point Spear) [3rd Weapon] 單頭槍
Advance:
- Pao Hok Kuan (Leopard and Crane Fists) 豹鶴拳
- Pao Hok Tui Tchá (Leopard and Crane Fight) 豹鶴對拆
- Gung Gee Fook Fu Kuan (Taming the Tiger at “I-form” Fists) 工字伏虎拳
- Sean Pei Sao (Double Dagger) [4th Weapon] 又又匕首
- Fu Hok Kuan (Tiger and Crane Fists) 虎鶴拳
- Fu Hok Tui Tchá (Tiger and Crane Fight) 虎鶴對拆
- Tai Chi Kuan (Supreme Ultimate Fists) [2nd part] 太極拳
- Jian (Straightsword) [5th Weapon] 剑
Over 21 Years of Teaching Experience
One-to-one lessons or in groups
All ages and abilities are welcome
Please send an e-mail to arrange a sample
Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan & Chi Kung or Sanshou Classes
mobile: +353 (0)86 397 9832
One-to-one lessons or in groups
All ages and abilities are welcome
Please send an e-mail to arrange a sample
Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan & Chi Kung or Sanshou Classes
mobile: +353 (0)86 397 9832
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