pic: qigong display demonstrated by shirfu jeff lan in his 20's.

kung fu styles mind map
Kung fu's power and beauty is demonstrated in its kicks and leaps, the legs provide the most extended boundary, as well as our grounding and movement; demanding flexibility. The movement is smooth and swift within our physical capacities as well as our energetic and mental flexibility to adapt to circumstances. Health is simply this capacity to be able to adjust to our experiences.

Click on the topic of choice for easier selection.

1. shaolin quan (kung fu, wushu)

2. sanda

3. taiji /tai chi quan

4. yong chun quan

5. qi gong

6. weapons

7. lion & dragon dance

Kung Fu is an ancient fighting system which makes optimal use of the human body and the laws of physics.

kung fu/wushu encompasses all styles - wushu, shaolin, taiji, yong chun, sanda, qi gong, philosophy, culture, lion & dragon dance.

Kung fu/gong fu (Cantonese dialect) is the old term made famous in the west; the correct reference is wushu (martial arts).

 

 

shaolin quan
Shaolin/Wushu - Imitating movements of nature utilizing the whole body and referred to as the foundation of Chinese Martial Arts. Characteristics are short and long range applications, grappling, trapping, locking, acupoint techniques and weapons. Synonymous by animal patterns and Shaolin monks.

Shaolin branch is called kung fu, wushu as it holds all these ideas. Also renowned for its Shaolin monks, animal styles and weaponry. Practical and far from showy; its main design is for close and distant combat and is a very comprehensive foundation system.

pics: kid with fan,classical hand form & iwf regulation form.

Facts:
Movements imitate animal postures, implementation of intrinsic energy (Qi Gong) and weaponry demonstrates various skills and levels are common practice in these systems. Ground Techniques are utilized in higher levels of training to empower the student with a better understanding for the art of defence.

 

pic: sitting low stance - balance, strength and flexibility.

History:
Referred to as the foundation system and a history steeped in Shaolin monks; dates back to BC 400. In the past and to date; the system holds claim to many female & male counterparts playing large roles in the development and mastering of the art around the world. In fighting the Shaolin Quan master; “Looks fierce in appearance yet remains inwardly calm" - "acts like a maiden in defense; but a tiger in attack".
Our family tree for shaolin quan.

Styles & Weapons:
Classical Northern & Southern styles with competition sport styles as an added choice for competitive attitude. Chin-Na (catch-lock/pressure points), Shuai Chao (throwing), Grappling, This evolves into the application system, Sanda.
Weapons are a big part of the Shaolin branch: i.e. long sword, broad sword, cudgel, kwan dao, whip chain, three section, staff etc.
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sanda - chinese free fighting
Sanda - A free or loose defensive and offensive fighting system; which utilises the various styles of Chinese martial art. No weapons but very effective and practical in management of body potential and awareness; can be competitive or non-competitive.
Sanshou, freehand or loose fighting; free of formalised set movement and is renowned for legs used like whips (snap kicks); fast "one-inch" punches rather than drive through action; allowing for throws, grappling, ground fighting and trapping.

pics: grabbing, throwing, locking, trapping.

Facts:

The main focus of sparring is to proceed with a take down or knock out or incapacitation as quickly as possible. It’s a simple drilling style. Normally full contact; students have the option to be non-competitive and focus on self defence or traditional skill. Initially its is not a system for sport. Today it has a sport aspect which has a main focus of pushing or throwing your opponent out the ring. Not really the type of challenge it was intended for originally. Training profiles will change for competition and realistic applications.

pic: kicking, grabbing and punching

 

History:
Roots of Sanda, dates back as far as the Zhou dynasty (11 century B.C. China), also referred to as. A platform would be built for sparring known as "lei tai" about the size & height of a boxing ring with no ropes. Used to challenge the best fighter of kung fu in the country.

Styles & Weapons:
Sanda fighters’ basic training and fighting skills stemmed from their skills in the traditional kung fu /wushu. Most of the techniques are derived from; Shaolin, Yong Chun, Shuai Chao (throwing), Chinna (catch-lock-trapping) Grappling etc.

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taiji/tai chi quan
Taiji/Tai Chi - Rated as the ultimate Shaolin & Qi Gong movement system - the ability produced when in training enhances hidden potential and allows for its logical use in relation to everyday movement, awareness, interaction and mental balance.
The main focus of Taiji Quan is to harmonize the physical, mental and intrinsic energy (Qi).  Slow, gentle intentional movement defines Taiji; definitely not to be perceived as pain free or inadequate for self defence.

pics: taiji stances; snake creep, low punch and singl whip.

Facts:
Physical movement emphasises the expansion and contraction of organs, muscle, sinew, ligaments and tendons facilitating massage, strength, flexibility, circulation, muscle realignment to the skeletal structure. Intrinsic energy (Qi) assists nutrition and vitality by permeating the surface and interior organs on a cellular level and stimulates the bone marrow. Balanced movement regimes maintain and regulate body chemical balances, boosting immune, strengthening the mind alongside the body. Results are beneficial to maintain longevity (quality of life).
pdf file fo download Taiji helps with fibromyalgia

History:
Our major Taiji style is Traditional Yang, modern Yang style and Zhao Bao Taiji. Thousands of years of theory and practice have enhanced the effects of efficacy. It can be practiced by young and old alike; no level of fitness is needed.
Our family tree for taiji quan.

 

Styles & Weapons:
Long, Short form, application sets, long sword, broad sword & fan.

 

below: shirgung lin (1990) being pushed by a huge gentleman, doing yang taiji & shirfu jeff.

 

These sites seem to hold great knowledge if you seek more.

Read more on Wu Wie - http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Wu-wei

some interesting reading - http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Koan

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yong chun quan (peng nan)
Yong Chun/Wing Chun - Derivative of Shaolin and Taiji; its main focus is defined by short, close defensive applications and has a fundamental; defence on center line focused attack. Renowned for its use of qi gong as a integral part this knowledge system. Synonymous with the boat people, butterfly knives and wooden dummy.
Also known as "Foshan Shaolin Yong Chun Quan" also referred to as Wing Chun. More emphasis placed on internal dynamics (intrinsic energy / Qi gong), philosophy and principles to develop the internal side in practice and execution.

pics: marcello & rob doing hand form, weapons of yong chun & derek doing hand form.

Facts:
A system developed around the boat people; synonymous for its narrow stances, low kicks, short “earth bound” stepping, very close defensive and attack action allowing “skin touch” contact, joint manipulation and trapping action. Intrinsic energy/Qi Gong exercise is taught to enhance the quality of the system.

History:
Peng Nan (Shaolin) Yong Chun Quan is not commonly found throughout the world. Grandmaster Peng Nan after whom the style is named; died at the age of 85 on 10th October 1995; dating back to Yi Chum a 22nd generation Shaolin monk. To date the organisation is represented by Peng Nam's son, Pan Shu Shong, in Foshan, China. Liang Dong Sheng now resides in Mauritius, Patrick Wan in Canada, Jeff Lan (certified directly by Peng Nan) in Cape Town, South Africa.
Our family tree for yong chun quan.

 

Styles & Weapons:
The style itself consists: 3 Hand Forms, Wooden Dummy, Tiger Tail Knives, Six and a Half Point Pole, Chi Sau Exercises.

 

pics: grandmaster pen nam & sifu liang dong sheng (chi sau) and with knives.

 

pics: shirfu jeff and his teacher sifu liang dong sheng

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qi gong
Qi Gong/Ki Gong - "The practice of energy" encompasses wide range of traditions. Meditative and active postural sequences or routines emphasizing intentional training i.e. medical qi gong, iron shirt, sexual qi gong, internal qi gong.

 

Qigong or Chi kung (气功 or prana force) is the philosophy and practice of aligning breath, physical activity and awareness for mental, spiritual and corporeal health, as well as the development of human potential. It includes certain forms of martial arts and the spiritual awakening to one's true nature.

 

Qi Gong (Ki Gong) simplistically explained as being " intrinsic life force, bio energy or vital energy". Calm, relaxed movement and patterns of breath work; emphasizing the harmony relative to human, nature and health. Culturally the Chinese believe Qi gong practice is as important as the air that we breathe. It is not a miracle cure and must be practiced in conjunction with other forms of exercise and therapy in order to effect.

 

pics:shirfu jeff, ba daun jin, fahjing and daoist qi gong postures.

Facts:

Qi gong is a series of breathing patterns aimed at stimulating intrinsic energy (Qi) to strengthen immunity to disease, adapt to the external environment and repair internal damage to the human body and regain optimum health. All Chinese Martial Arts (wushu/kung fu) rely on the mastery of Qi Gong techniques for the attainment of mental and physical harmony. Historically the vitality of the Asian nation is admirable.

 

Modern science has demonstrated that electromagnetic fields of the body are generated during various biological processes, including rapid cell division; during natural growth processes, such as growth of bone cells; as well as following fracture, intense nervous activity associated with mental processes, and various pathological conditions, such as abnormal cell growth with diseases like cancer. The distinction between conservative medical practitioners and the new proponents of energy medicine is summed up well by one of the early researchers in the field, Dr. Glen Rein (1992), who wrote:

It is now well known that the human body emits a broad spectrum of electromagnetic and acoustic radiation. Traditional medicine looks at these as by-products of biochemical reactions in the body. They are not considered by most biomedical researchers to be involved with the basic functioning (or healing) of the body. The basic tenet of energy medicine is that these fields are not only involved with functioning of physical/chemical body but regulate these processes. (p. 7)
From Energy Psychology by Michael Mayer, published by North Atlantic Books, copyright © 2009 by Michael Mayer.

History:
The first recorded history of exercise in China is the Daoist Qi Gong regime. Extract: Huang Di Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Manual of Internal Medicine): "One must breathe the essence of life, regulate one's respiration to preserve one's spirit and keep the muscles relaxed”.

 

Styles & Weapons:
Meditation is an integral part of Qi Gong as it is one of three forms commonly trained; i.e.
1) relaxing exercises
2) strengthening exercises
3) internal exercises
Comprises:
Daoism Healing, Tien Dao, Fukien White Crane, Bone Marrow Washing & Changing sinew routines, etc.

 

These sites seem to hold great knowledge if you seek more.
good reference site for more on Qi Gong and scientific research; they also have an amazing donation program; go read more.

http://www.qigonginstitute.org/main_page/main_page.php

student testimonials; read more about these experiences.

pics: step rooting done by shirfu jeff (1992) to remain stationery while all force is used to move you.

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weapons
Weapons - an extension of the martial artists’ ability to master the first weapon - their own body. The true proficiency of ability comes about when a martial artist can manipulate the weapon in such a way that it looks as if it is part of the body.

There are much more than eighteen types of weapons used in wushu. The issuing of Qi into the weapon is perceived as the "cherry on the cake" to show the ability and understanding of weaponry.

pics: kim with long sword, kwan dao, spears & long pole, ana with fan.

Facts:

Weapons come in short or long. Though most of them are of ancient origin, some have proved their worth in modern warfare. One who has a good command of kung fu/wushu is often described as being "versed in all the eighteen fighting skills". And these words have almost become a set phrase in the eulogy of a versatile master of a trade. The words "eighteen fighting skills" were initially associated with eighteen kinds of weapons used by the ancients. They were first mentioned in a classic on the history of the Ming Dynasty.

pic: kim with broadsword

 

History:

When Emperor Ying Zong was captured by enemy troops in Shanxi in 1449, the story goes, the Ming court decided to replenish its armed forces with men good at fighting. A selective contest was held and an applicant called Li Tong, who could dexterously use eighteen kinds of weapons, defeated all other contestants to win top honor. Thus Li was said to be expert at "eighteen fighting skills".

 

At the turn of this century, the north China peasants, arid handicraftsmen in the Yihetuan Movement were armed with broadswords when they rose against imperialist invaders equipped with firearms. During the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-1945), Chinese peasants were organized in "broadsword detachments" and militiamen were armed with red-tasseled spears when they stood on sentry. Numerous stories were told about patriotic men and women fighting in these battles.

 

In the west the historically infamous; Wong Fie Hung & Disney production Mu Lan. Some of the weapons used did not have good memories; e.g. the Kwan dao (long pole attached with a version that looks like a broadsword) was used to chop the legs off of horses when horse cavalry was utilised for warfare.

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lion & dragon dance
Lion & Dragon Dance - is considered part of completing the circle of training which all kung fu practitioners go through; i.e. martial skill, self-defence, meditation, lion & dragon dance; reflecting the ability of a true Chinese martial arts practitioner.

Chinese Lion & Dragon Dancing is but one of the Chinese Cultural sport activities that take place throughout the Lunar Year. Traditionally the Lions and Dragon dance at the opening of a new business venture and starting of Lunar New Year (Nian); scaring away evil spirits and omens to facilitate good Feng Shui (harmonizing of elements within your environment and yourself) bringing health, fertility and long life to its fortune seekers. 

 

Lions in gold and silver at launch of china town in cape town.

Facts:

A symbol of Traditional Chinese martial art (Wushu) schools; Lion & Dragon dancing is considered part of completing the circle of training all stylists go through; i.e. martial skill, self-defence, meditation. Lion & dragon dance reflects the ability of the true Chinese martial arts practitioner. (Wushu knowledge is a prerequisite to the mastery of this sport, as the martial skill provides the backbone to further development and reflects the best teams’ competence level.) Being South Africans our team consists of non–Chinese and female performers.

 

Dragon - 20m and15m long

History:

The group’s reputation has surpassed them out of Africa all the way to China (PROC).  In March 1999 the team has had the honor of performing to a delegation of government officials from the Overseas Offices of Guangdong, China. They were so impressed by the level of competence of the South African students that a container of equipment containing two Chinese Lion costumes (gold and silver), musical instruments along with some Chinese Wushu weapons was sent to our centre as a donation.

 

Background:
The Lion is played by two dancers under the each costume; the Dragon is the long snake-like prop, which takes plus minus 15 to 30 persons to muster depending on the length. Emphasis on physical fitness and stamina is top priority for all dancers and musicians alike.
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Feb 2011