A kung fu class would not be a kung fu class without combat.
Kung fu, however, is not about fighting - it is about self defence - and the two are rather different.
Fighting is about contesting yourself against another, besting them in combat and perhaps obtaining a prize.
Self defence is about escaping harm - using the minimum degree of effort and commitment.
There are no prizes or runners-up in self defence; if you lose in a real life confrontation, you could die.
Class practice must skirt the edge of reality; tasting the danger without running the risk of serious injury.
Sunday
There have been some pretty weird definitions of 'internal' from various instructors across the years.
A lot of needless debate has been carried out.
Whole-body soft movement is quite unique and easy to identify.
If you have received an internal strike, you are unlikely to confuse it with anything else.
Anyone who has tried to grapple with a real kung fu person tends to be amazed by their malleability.
The fluid, adaptive approach creates a sense of 'fighting with yourself' or with water.
What people find most odd about kung fu is the ease of the art.
A small movement produces a disproportionate consequence; and no muscular tension is ever used.
Yet it works.
To accomplish this, the tai chi classics must be adhered to strictly, with no deviation.
Yielding must be your first and last thought at all times.
A lot of needless debate has been carried out.
Whole-body soft movement is quite unique and easy to identify.
If you have received an internal strike, you are unlikely to confuse it with anything else.
Anyone who has tried to grapple with a real kung fu person tends to be amazed by their malleability.
The fluid, adaptive approach creates a sense of 'fighting with yourself' or with water.
What people find most odd about kung fu is the ease of the art.
A small movement produces a disproportionate consequence; and no muscular tension is ever used.
Yet it works.
To accomplish this, the tai chi classics must be adhered to strictly, with no deviation.
Yielding must be your first and last thought at all times.
We adopt a 'grass roots' attitude to kung fu, going right back to the basics.
Students explore the human body, physics, biomechanics, principles and martial theory.
They discover the difference between jing and li; and come to recognise the significance of tao.
Such an adventure is not for the half-hearted. This is no quick fix.
The syllabus is lengthy and thorough, but you can study it at your own pace.
Students explore the human body, physics, biomechanics, principles and martial theory.
They discover the difference between jing and li; and come to recognise the significance of tao.
Such an adventure is not for the half-hearted. This is no quick fix.
The syllabus is lengthy and thorough, but you can study it at your own pace.
Tuesday
Apprenticeship involves following the syllabus of one particular instructor.
Learning the art their way.
It is literally the cliché: "My way or the highway..."
Being an apprentice entails strict adhesion to the instructor's approach at all times...
No deviation. No debate.
Learning the art their way.
It is literally the cliché: "My way or the highway..."
Being an apprentice entails strict adhesion to the instructor's approach at all times...
No deviation. No debate.
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