WING CHUN (A FORM OF KUNG FU) MAYHEM

VIDEO: Check this out for a Wing Chun EPIC devastation!

Since dates and details of Chinese history are often ambiguous and considered myths, most of kung fu’s history is vague. In China, the basic methods of self-defense were converted into advanced methods of combat over time. These methods integrated fighting tactics with the principles of psychology, physiology, meditation and even medicines. The regular kung fu practice brings physical fitness as well as confidence in battle. It also brings clarity in thought processes and helps in spiritual awakening.

When Bodhidharma, or Da Mo, the First Patriarch of Chan Buddhism, arrived at the Shaolin Temple in Henan in 528 CE he introduced the Shii Soei Jing into the Monks’ training schedule, bringing about considerable improvements in their Martial Arts and overall health.

This Training Programme improves physique, makes the 5 major internal organs ‘Qi -batteries’ (empowering martial activities) cleans and refreshes brain and bone marrow, strengthens the immune system and generally conditions the interior of the body. A potent anti-aging tool, the ‘Da Mo’ Set is also used in the pursuit of enlightenment as well as longevity.

Metal: corresponds to the lungs. Lightweight in construction these power the whole body–like Metal displaying a high power-to-weight ratio. The Leopard displays similar size-to-strength features. Stronger pound-for-pound than the much heavier Tiger he is, unfortunately, no match, even fully grown, for his striped superior. Leopard Techniques are usually medium-range, involving knees and elbows, whose sharp-pointed nature concentrates more attacking power into each strike.

Water: corresponds to the kidneys. These govern (amongst other things) the hormonal secretions into our bloodstream that need to be balanced for optimum health. Corresponding to Water, the elegant Crane, symbolises balance, poise, endurance and longevity–Crane Technique embodies skillful defence and counter-attacks.

Wood: The only ‘living’ Element of the 5. We depend on Wood for life itself, eating either grains, grasses, vegetables and fruit etc. or animals that do. Wood corresponds to the Liver which filters and purifies the various food essences into ‘spirit’ or body-fuel, which provides energy. The Dragon is the associated Animal here–powerful locking and pulling techniques, alongside nimbleness, dexterity and wisdom are all Dragon characteristics.

Fire corresponds to the Heart. Those with strong healthy hearts are frequently ‘warm‘ and courageous. The Tiger, top of the food chain, is unused to losing fights. Kung Fu Techniques taking the fight to reluctant opponents fall into the Tiger category.

If you can’t afford to enroll at a kung fu school, you can use instructional videos and books to teach yourself. It will be more difficult to gain the same kung fu and wushu skills from an instructional video, but with the right amount of dedication, you can get the same results from books and videos as you would if you paid for a full course.