Kung Fu Masters. Sun Lu Tang

Sun Lu Tang was born in Wan County in 1861. His name rings familiar to almost anyone who has studied one or more of the major internal styles of Chinese martial arts. Because Sun was highly skilled in Xingyiquan, Taijiquan, and Baguaquan, wrote five different books on these subjects, and synthesized the three arts to invent Sun style Taijiquan, his name has become well known wherever Chinese martial arts are practiced.

Like many of the Chinese martial arts heroes, as Sun's fame grew he became legendary and fantastic tales of his martial arts abilities spread like wildfire. Sun's daughter, Sun Jian Yun, who is now over 80 years old, shakes her head when she hears many of the stories that are commonly told about her father. She states that although her father was a very highly skilled martial artist, he was not super-human.

Sun Lu Tang's ability to apply Baguaquan's quick footwork methods and fast stepping changes were legendary. He was small and looked weak, but very powerful, often deafeating opponents with very little movement and what appeared to be a small force.

Sun believed that the martial arts were to be practiced for three reasons. First was to maintain one's own health, second to defend one's self and third was to defend others. In order to gain the full health benefits one should practice all of the styles equally. Otherwise there will be imbalance. When the art is applied to fighting, naturally each student will have techniques which are best suited to them. Sun felt that it was important that they understand and develop these skills on their own.
  
Like any traditional teacher, Sun gauged how deeply he taught his students by how much interest they displayed. If a student practiced hard physically and also conducted intellectual research to learn the philosophy of the art, he taught them more than other students who did not show much interest.

Sun Lu Tang was always a humble and honest man, he was never proud or arrogant. Most martial artists of the day were illiterate and uneducated, and although the only formal schooling he received was between the ages of seven and nine, he was a respected scholar.

Sun, who throughout his life accumulated such nicknames as "Tiger Head Hero," "First Hand Uner the Sky," and "Smarter Than An Active Monkey," is respected as a giant in the martial arts and master of his generation.

Sun died at the age of 73 in the same room he had been born in. According to his daughter, he used the Yi Jing (Book of Changes) to predict the exact date and time of his death. There is a famous story that says just before Sun died his students asked him what was the secret to internal martial arts training. The story states that Sun wrote a character in his hand, showed it to his students and then died. The character he had written was the character for "practice." Sun's daughter, who was with her father when he died, said that this story is not true. However, she said that he did say that if there was any secret to internal arts it was simply to practice hard.

History of Tai Chi Chuan

The origin of Tai Chi Chuan is somewhat obscure.  This page will look at the history of Tai Chi Chuan  from two perspectives; Chang Seng Feng and the Chen Village.

Chang Seng Feng:

Chang Seng Feng (pronounced Chang Sang Foong) was a Taoist priest who lived toward the end of the 13th century.  He was highly skilled in the fighting arts as he was a graduate of the well known Shaolin Monastery.  This was the center of learning for Shaolin Kung Fu, Chi Kung and Zen meditation.  After his intense training at the Monastery he then proceeded to live and train deep within the Wudang Mountains in China waiting for Enlightenment.

One morning, early upon arising, he witnessed something that had an amazing impact on him.  He saw just a short distance away from him a snake and a crane in the midst of an intense battle.  Chang noticed however that each time the crane tried to peck or attack the snake, it twisted and yielded to avoid the beak of the crane.  This gave him a notion that was for the most part contrary to his “hard” martial arts training at the Shaolin Monastery.  He pondered the ideas of training the human body to move like water.  As an attack came in, “Why not move and yield with it, instead of trying to block it?”  This helped him develop the softer and “internal” style of Tai Chi Chuan.  He was one of the first masters to discard old training methods such as; striking one’s hands into sandbags or “conditioning” one’s body to take pain by repeatedly hitting it.  Chang Seng Feng emphasized aspects such as the importance of breath control, mental focus, relaxation, and chi control through visualization.  He felt these elements brought about a much more effective fighter without the health risks of hurting one’s self in training.

Chang Seng Feng is considered by many schools to be the founder of internal kungfu which includes; Tai Chi Chuan, Pa Kua, and Hsing-I.

Chen Village:

The origins of Tai Chi Chuan in regards to the Chen villiage begin with a man named Chen Wang Ting.  History books will not agree to exactly where Chen Wang Ting obtained his martial art prowess but do agree that he probably did have a major impact on influencing the philosophy behind Tai Chi.  During this time rumors spread far and wide as to the martial ability of this man and his family.  The Chen family began to develop a very large reputation because they would soundly beat any who came to challenge them.  No matter who came or what style they practiced the challenger would have no chance.  And to whomever that asked to learn the Chen family style the reply would be no.  The secrets were held within the family.            

One day, a man formidable in his own ability came to the Chen villiage to learn the mysterious art.  However, instead of asking to be taught the art he asked if the family needed any servants or butlers and luckily they did.  The man's name was Yang Lu Chan and over time he learned that the family  practiced at midnight in the courtyard so no one from outside could see them.  And everynight thereon, he was hiding in the dark listening to every aspect of their art, then would go back to his room and practiced.

This went on for a few years until one day, he was finally caught!  He was then brought before the head instructor for a descision of what to do with him.  The head instructor was curious to how much someone could learn hiding in the bushes so he brought out his best student and put Yang Lu Chan to the test.  With a few moves of the soft but powerful art Yang Lu Chan had learned the opponent was easily defeated.  The head instructor was dumbfounded.  He saw that Yang Lu Chan had truly remarkable natural ability in the martial arts and thought it would be a disservice to Tai Chi Chuan if he was not taught.  So he broke his rule of only teaching famiy members and formally accepted Yang Lu Chan as his student.  Yang Lu Chan progressed very quickly as to he was a good listener and a diligent student.  Yang Lu Chan then left to spread Tai Chi Chuan throughout the country and his now know as the founder of Yang style Tai Chi Chuan.

If your belive in chi, you must see that

Some martial artists say they have focused their chi to the point that they can knock an opponent over without even touching them, but this Kiai Master forgot to tell his opponent. I our school I hear many questions about chi frome newbies. And I have only one answer to thier questions: “Forgive all what you hear about chi. You must study, you must training from morninig to night. And maybe you understand what is chi…. after 10–20 years”

THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL, AND THE KING OF KUNG FU in London

Coming to the 2007 Seni Film Festival in London are a collection of new and classic martial arts movies dominated by a screening of rare Bruce Lee footage from his live demonstration during a Long Beach competition in 1967.

Rising Sun Productions came across this rare and mint condition 16mm color film, along with a 16mm film of Elvis Presley performing a demonstration of Kenpo Karate in the early 1970s. Both film strips have been edited into a short film entitled THE TWO KINGS: THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL, AND THE KING OF KUNG FU. This screening marks the first public showcase for European audiences of this 40-year-old footage.

In addition to the short film, Seni will offer the big screen premieres of Donnie Yen’s DRAGON TIGER GATE and Ryoo Seung-wan’s stylish street brawler THE CITY OF VIOLENCE, featuring the action direction of leading man Jeong Du-hong.

Other films to be shown include two recent Don Wilson features THE LAST SENTINEL and SCI-FIGHTER, Donnie Yen classics SHANGHAI AFFAIRS and LEGEND OF THE WOLF, and Bruceploitation classics CHINESE GODFATHER, NEW FIST OF FURY (starring Jackie Chan), and THE DEADLY STRIKE. A feature-length documentary entitled BRUCE LEE MARTIAL ARTS MASTER will also be shown.

The festival will be complimented by guest star appearances, Q&A sessions and workshops by Hollywood stunt coordinator Dave Lea and rising U.K. stars Silvio Cimac (DEAD OR ALIVE) and Scott Akdins (UNDISPUTED 2). Veteran genre star Don Wilson will also be making an appearance to meet fans and talk about his latest release, THE LAST SENTINEL.

The Seni Film Festival will take place on May 19th and 20th at ExCel London, an international exhibition and conference center set in the heart of the London Docklands. The film fest is part of the Seni Combat Sports Show, a large fighting arts festival that began as an expo in 1999 and has grown into one of the largest events of its kind in the world.

The Seni show stretches across 14,000 square meters with five zones containing over 15 feature arenas, 30 live events, 30 instructional seminars and interactive workshops, hundreds of demonstrations, eight open championships, and numerous challenges that visitors can get involved in.

For ticket sales and more information about the Seni Film Festival or Combat Sports Show visit their official site at Senishow.com.

Xinyiba

The monks in the past used to pratice xinyiba secretly, because it needs special attention and advance training. on other hand, in Qing dynasty, the practice of gongfu was outlawed by the govenment. even in the past, very few monks knew xinyiba, and it is very difficult to reach the level, and monks need to be very sure who they were passing on.

Today, there masters who know xinyiba don't teach many people. and some monks and gongfu practitioners who claim to know shaolin xinyiba, which is not true. Shaolin monk Shi Dejian is the fourth generation inheriter of wugulun gongfu and xinyiba

THREE TREASURES: ESSENCE, ENERGY and SPIRIT

What can we do to avoid sickness, debility, and senility in our lives? What can we do to help ourselves heal from diseases or afflictions already a part of our lives? What can we do to create a longer, healthier, enjoyable, and more productive life? I suggest we look toward the ancient wisdom of the Chinese people who have studied the phenomenon of longevity for over 5,000 years. A vast body of Chinese medical knowledge has accrued from these efforts, providing a viable alternative to unhealthy, destructive life habits.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine paradigm of health and healing emphasizes the influence of emotions, nature, electromagnetic forces, and energy on the human body and spirit. This system is built on the belief that energy flows throughout every living thing and health depends on how and where this energy is flowing. The Traditional Chinese Medicine  view of health maintenance emphasizes the importance of prevention as a necessary first step.

THE FIRST CLASSIC OF CHINESE MEDICINE, THE NEI JING, STATES THAT TREATING DISEASE AFTER IT ARISES IS LIKE BEGINNING TO DIG A WELL AFTER ONE HAS BECOME THIRSTY OR LIKE FORGING SPEARS AFTER WAR HAS ALREADY BROKEN OUT.

Ancient Chinese medical texts are filled with information about how to prevent disease and degeneration. These texts offer a variety of guiding principles about how to create and maintain a healthful and long life. A basic tenet of these teachings holds that we are born with an abundant supply of “THE THREE TREASURES”: which are ESSENCE, ENERGY and SPIRIT. These three treasures are believed to have a direct affect on the aging process as proper cultivation, preservation, and protection of them creates a greater likelihood for a long and healthful life.

A fundamental relationship exists between essence, energy and spirit whereby an accumulation of one, in turn, creates abundance in the other. To retard the aging process, it is, therefore, essential to maintain balance and harmony within not just one, but all of the treasures. Understanding how these three treasures work together to promote proper body function provides a compelling impetus for making healthier choices in one’s life.

TREASURE #1: ESSENCE, also known as Jing, forms the initial substance from which the body is created and determines genetic make-up and constitution. The quality of Jing determines longevity and resistance to degenerative disease. Strong Jing generates a long life free of degenerative disease. Weak Jing manifests in children as failure to thrive and in adults as premature aging. Tooth decay, arthritis, hearing loss, lack of sexual drive, osteoporosis, and senility are all examples of the physical and mental deterioration that occurs with diminishing of essence.

A finite amount of Jing exists within the body at birth and when it is ultimately used up, one dies. To allay this process, extra energy left over at the end of a day can be transformed during sleep and used to protect Jing from being consumed too quickly. Since we tend to have less excess energy as we age, our bodies can be depleted of Jing more quickly during our latter years. For this reason, it is best to conserve energy each day, go to bed and rise at a reasonable time, and avoid chronic stress throughout life, but especially in our later years. In addition, Jing receives its nourishment after birth from food and water. Practically speaking, this explains why consuming organic foods and drinks can help to maintain a healthy body through promoting strong Jing.

Essence is related primarily to the kidneys, the main organ that controls growth, maturation, aging, and natural death. The kidneys are considered to be the root of the body’s energy and spark the energy of other vital organs. Maintaining proper amounts of kidney essence, therefore, has a profound effect on the energetics of the body. This explains why strengthening, protecting and cultivating kidney essence is a major focus in Chinese longevity practices.

Chinese tradition dictates that the kidneys are nourished by warmth, yet injured by cold. It is also believed that they are depleted from excess sexual activity. What constitutes excess in this case varies for each person, however once or twice a week is typically recommended.

Self-Help Hints to protect kidney essence:
• Sleep with socks on and refrain from walking barefoot on cold floors to warm and protect the “Bubbling Well Point” which is the first point on the kidney meridian located on the soles of the feet .

• Wear a band (or extra covering) around the lower back or simply make certain the lower back is covered to protect the kidneys from the cold elements, especially in the winter months.

• Abstain from ingesting cold food and drinks, especially in the cold weather or right after vigorous exercise.

• Don’t overdo sex (on a average no more than 1 to 2 times per week). It is also common practice to refrain from orgasm to preserve kidney jing, especially during a healing process.

• Do self-acupressure on the acupoint “Kidney 3” (on each foot behind the inner ankle bone midway between this bone and the Achilles tendon) once daily for two minutes on each foot to strengthen not only the essence, but also the energy of the kidneys. Practice your acupressure in a quiet place so you can concentrate on your breathing and achieve a relaxed, receptive state of mind and body. Breathe into your lower abdomen, rather than into your chest as you perform it to further strengthen your kidney essence and energy. Use firm pressure applied gradually on the acupoint, using your thumb or middle finger.

TREASURE #2: ENERGY, also known as Qi, refers to the life force flowing throughout every cell and tissue of the body. Qi motivates all vital functions and transformations and thus sustains life. Ultimately, everything in Chinese medicine is based on the concept of Qi.

After birth, Qi comes from the digestion and transformation of the food, water and herbs we ingest and air we breathe. This means that to have strong Qi, it is important to eat correctly, drink pure water (liquids), live in a well-ventilated environment, get plenty of fresh air, and use herbs for your healing.

The ancient Chinese exercises of Tai Chi and Qigong are excellent ways to cultivate Qi, thereby supporting the welfare of the physical body. These slow, rhythmical, and meditative movements permit the entire body to relax, opening and restoring the proper flow of Qi within the energetic pathways (meridians) of the body. The enhanced and free flow of energy created through these movements promotes blood flow, thus transporting nourishment to our vital organs, glands, and tissues.

Tai Chi and Qigong movements are often coordinated with slow, rhythmic, and deep breathing techniques to increase lung capacity, cultivate and balance vital energy (Qi), calm the emotions spirit (Shen), as well as nourish vital essence (Jing).

The following Qigong exercise Fluffing White Clouds, as found in my book, Qigong for Staying Young, can be practiced to strengthen your Qi and nourish the three treasures.

To begin, stand with your feet parallel, shoulder-width apart with your knees slightly bent. Your hands are resting open at your sides with your pinky fingers next to your legs and fingertips facing the earth. As you inhale, straighten your knees and lift your hands to shoulder height in front of you with palms facing upward and elbows slightly bent.

As you exhale, turn your palms downward and bring your arms down, drawing your wrists back in toward your body and bending your knees again. The heel of your hand leads and fingertips follow. End with elbows slightly bent, palms face downward, your hands by your sides stretched out flat as if gently patting white clouds. Turn your palms upward and continue from the beginning. Coordinate the movement of your hands with the bending and straightening of your legs.

The sensation of Qi during this exercise can be extraordinary. As your palms move upward, you may feel as if they are holding a heavy weight – this signifies an abundance of Qi in your hands gathered from the heavens. By contrast, when your palms turn down and float back to your sides, it may feel as if there is a light, fluffy pillow beneath them This is the Qi from the earth that you are feeling in your hands. The power of these sensations increases with every repetition of the movement and your deep, rhythmical breath.

TREASURE #3: SPIRIT, also known as Shen, represents the infinite aspects of consciousness and the mind including awareness, cognition, thinking, feeling, will and intent as reflected in our personality. The Chinese medicine principles for nourishing the spirit suggest openness and peace combined with a balanced and tranquil emotional life. It is believed that the more you can flow within your psyche, the more things will flow around you and the brighter your Shen will be.

The following suggestions can be followed to create a vibrant, shining Shen.

• Visualize yourself strong, yet flexible as bamboo – a Taoist symbol of longevity. Bamboo bends in the strongest winds. It survives without breaking, whereas rigid plants break and die. Remain firm in your inner goals, yet flexible in your choice of methods to achieve those goals.
• Create relationships with people that make you feel happy, respected and good to be around.
• Find what you truly love to do and go for it! Focus yourself toward specific goals to manifest your dreams. Be one of those people living well into your nineties still imbued with a passion for life.
• Find time for fun, rest and relaxation.
• Learn to acknowledge and express your emotions as they arise. Chinese medicine theory teaches us that the five emotions of anger, fear, sadness, grief, and worry, need to be expressed in order for us to stay healthy. If you keep these emotions pent up inside they can have a negative affect on your vital organs. Begin this practice with care and take your time! Be gentle with yourself and those around you as you honor and share your feelings. It is not the easiest route but it is certainly the healthiest.

Be flexible, spontaneous, and free from judgment. This is the best way to achieve peace within yourself and your environment. The more your mind flows, the more your Shen will be pacified, your Jing cultivated, and your Qi will flow freely throughout your body.

AS THE MASTER CHANG PO-TUAN SAID A THOUSAND YEARS AGO: "THE WORDS ARE SIMPLE, AND THE WAY IS EASY. IT'S LIKE FINDING THE SOURCE BY FOLLOWING THE STREAM." AS LONG AS YOU STAY ON COURSE AND DON'T GET SIDETRACKED EN ROUTE, YOU WILL GET THERE SOONER OR LATER. MEANWHILE, THE JOURNEY ITSELF IS HALF THE FUN, AND THE TAO TEACHES US HOW TO ENJOY THE TRIP WITHOUT EXHAUSTING ALL OUR RESOURCES.

Author's Bio

Shoshanna Katzman is author of Qigong for Staying Young: A Simple 20 Minute Workout to Cultivate Your Vital Energy, Avery/Penguin Group USA, October, 2003 along with a companion DVD and video produced by Swing Pictures, LLC. She has been a Tai Chi and Qigong practitioner since 1974 and Director of the Red Bank Acupuncture and Wellness Center (healing4u.com) since 1988. Shoshanna is Ambassador and the first woman President of the National Qigong Association (nqa.org). She is also Secretary of the New Jersey Acupuncture Examining Board, producer of annual women wellness conferences (caringwomen.com), and co-author of Feeling Light: The Holistic Solution to Permanent Weight Loss and Wellness Avon Books, 1997. Shoshanna can be reached at 732-758-1800 or visit qigong4everyone.com to view and order her qigong book, DVD, and video.

Life in Qi

Chi (also spelled qi) is often translated as "life force." It is similar to what we mean by "energy," but it's much more than that. Qi is the vital force that flows through all things - humans, animals, plants, rocks, microbes, mountains. Qi connects us to all other things in the universe. It is the source of all spiritual, mental, and physical energy and health. It is dynamic, circulating in us like our blood. It has been compared to electricity flowing through circuits, and to the force flowing around magnetic poles.

When our minds, and bodies are in harmony and in balance, the qi flows freely, helping us to live beautiful lives. When our lives are out of balance, the chi may be blocked or depleted. Stimulating the correct flow of chi can heal us when we are sick and invigorate us when we are tired.

Qi is the force that gives kung fu masters their incredible power. It is through stimulating and guiding the flow of chi that we train and push our bodies to actions we might never have known we could do before. The more qi you put into your exercises and movements, the harder you are able to train. The harder you train, the more you master your body and its movements, and the more chi you'll have.

Some beginners fear that they'll never be able to master certain stretches or movements. It's not unusual to experience some muscle pain when first performing certain exercises and stretches. A "pulled muscle" is a muscle that's not used to being stretched and worked. In the modern world, we use our legs for so little. We sit all day in our cars, at our desks, on the sofa, watching TV. Now you're suddenly asking your muscles to do some work. It's no wonder they're sore!

The wrong way to respond to that sore muscle is to tense up, physically or mentally. Tension will only block the flow of chi to that muscle.

The right way to respond is to relax your body and your mind, extend your body and your mind, and train harder. Athletes have that saying, "No pain, no gain." That's what "Train harder!" means as well. Don't back away from the work, don't tense up, and certainly don't give up. If you give up on your exercises, you give up on yourself. Have faith and confidence in yourself, and tomorrow the stretch you found difficult will feel easier. The next day, it will be easier still.

Today, think about how you can apply this warrior's attitude to your whole life. The more chi you put into your life, the more you'll get out of your life. When you feel like you just can't face another day of washing and folding the kids' laundry . . . when your boss drops an extra stack of paperwork on your desk an hour before quitting time . . . when you get home exhausted after fighting rush hour and plop down on the sofa, and your son asks you to help him with his math homework. Whatever chores, problems, or responsibilities you face today, don't flinch from them, don't avoid them, don't feel defeated by them. Tackle them head-on. Put more qi into it and get it done. Train harder!

Shaolin Kung Fu iron Eggs

Its incredible, but possible

7 steps to became master of Kung Fu

These seven steps will help you along the path to mastery in your kung fu  training if you apply them. So start today and apply these seven simple steps and who knows you might be our next kung fu master…

Step 1: Practice your kung fu throughout the day - Here is the truth; you don’t have to train hours a day. In fact, it’s better to take your training time and divide it into two or three sections. Do a little in the morning, a little in the afternoon, and a little in the evening. Three 15 minute sessions done everyday, or four times a week, can revolutionize your skill level-and it’s easy. I could write a small book on this; its number one for a reason.

Step 2: Have your goal in mind and train for it - You need to train the proper way or your wasting your time. For instance, if you want to train your speed, don’t waste your time on exercises that aren’t helping you progress toward your goal. I see this a lot. During your workout always ask yourself, “Is what I am doing right now getting me closer to or farther from my goal. – Don’t underestimate this. Wasted time is lost forever, and may actually hold you back.

Step 3: Pay attention to the beginning and end of a motion, technique or exercise - You must start and end right. Most people get sloppy on the end of the movement because they think they have completed the motion and are just returning to a starting position. However, the end of a motion is just as important because it is the beginning of your next motion or next attacker. If you end wrong your next technique will start wrong…that could cost you your life.

Step 4: Let Your Body Tell You What Works For You - This takes faith in yourself and your instructor. Do not let your mind get in the way by questioning everything you do. Let it happen…it will.

Step 5: Find a Training Partner – Train them and keep them. A training partner can make the difference between failure and mastery. Training with a partner also helps with motivation. You don’t feel like training, but oops…your partner will be there, so you better not let them down. Just make sure your training partner is a good one. I had to go through eight before I found one that was good.

Step 6: Clear Your Mind Before and After Training- A busy mind can distract from your discipline. Sit and just focus on your breath until your thoughts slow down. Start and end your training the same way. It will turn your workout into a discipline and it does something else…

Step 7: Keep a Notebook of Your Training – Write in it everyday and use it. This is so important. Ask any distance runner if they have a running log or weightlifter if they keep records of their sessions. If you train you need to keep notes. That is how you become a master. Read your journal or training log and keep track of what works. When you master the art, you will understand this point. You must keep training notes if you want to master your martial art.

A Final Thought

In martial arts school teaches that it’s the small things that make up the big things, the whole is greater than the parts of the sum. What I mean is that, each of the little things by themselves is just that, little things, but put them together and you have a very powerful approach! These seven tips are all good by themselves but together they can really make the difference. So good luck and if there is anything myself or my staff can do to help you please give us a shout.

All what you want to know about kung fu.

What is Kung Fu?

The literal meaning of Kung Fu is "hard task". In ancient times the monasteries in China were the repositories of knowledge. The hard task was to masterself-defense, Chinese medicine, philosophy, music, painting and calligraphy. Today most commercial clubs only emphasize self-defense or sporting competitions.

In this modern world of specialization it seems unbelievable that one person can master so many diverse disciplines. However, the ancient Chinese philosophers were generalists rather than specialists. They discovered that these apparently diverse disciplines have a common basis, Taoist philosophy. Nevertheless, Kung Fu was considered a lifetime study.

What is a Master?

A Master is a hereditary title designating a person who knows a whole system. Although a Master is a highly skilled martial artist, a highly skilled martial is not necessarily a Master. Each classical system has only one Master (sometimes called a Grandmaster). When he retires, he appoints a new Master.

There are very few Masters alive today. Some of the systems are very old and many of the techniques and forms have been lost because the Master died before passing them on.

Sometimes a Master died before designating a successor and many students claimed to be the Master and they alone knew the "true system". Even if a Master was appointed, other students claimed to be the Master since their teacher was not alive to dispute their claims.

How can you tell who is the true Master?

This is difficult especially for a beginning student. These fakes are highly skilled con artists who prey on students' ignorance and psychological weaknesses. Their tools are extreme friendliness, excessive praise and flattery, pretending to care for their students and feeling their pain. They use meaningless Chinese phrases to make weak, useless techniques seem powerful and exotic. The following criteria can help distinguish a Master from a phoney.

In classical Kung Fu the student must imitate the teacher and learn certain forms. Therefore, two "Masters" cannot have very few forms or techniques in common and move differently.

Sometimes they are movies or videos of the former Master. If a Master's hands do not resemble the former Master hands, for example it looks like he is doing a hard style when the system is soft, then he must be a fake.

The Master appoints a successor who is a highly skilled martial artist. A student with knowledge of any martial art would be able to tell if the "Master" had a strong stance etc. A person who looks like a beginner cannot be a Master.

Another trick of "Masters" is to pull out photos of them with their teacher. These photos were obtained by paying hundreds of dollars to the teacher, pretending that they were a friend of a friend of the teacher or having a friend shoot a picture at a demonstration or seminar. Many of these photographs do not show the "Master" practicing with his teacher but friendly horseplay. Such photographs are then passed off as serious self defense moves.

Who can teach a particular system of Kung Fu?

Only a student who has the permission of the Master of that system. His school is usually a branch of Master's school.

How many different styles of Kung Fu are there?

There are about 300 styles. The styles are based on mammals, birds, insects, mythical creatures, colors, spirits, philosophies, and combinations of these categories. There are also family Kung Fu systems which are passed on to the descendants.

Is there a grading system in classical Kung Fu?

Not usually; however, in some classical schools the students are divided into categories, such as student and disciple.

Many commercial schools make up their own ranking system and award different colored belts or sashes. There are some organizations in China who make up their own forms, based on classical forms, and have a belt-ranking system.

How can you tell if a Kung Fu system is legitimate?

The teacher should be able to trace the Masters back to the founder.
Contact the Master of the system to find out if the student has his permission to teach. Sometimes it is difficult to determine if the head of the organization, even if it is large, is a Master.

Some systems have their forms recorded in books or videos. For example, the Chen Tai Chi form has been recorded. If a teacher's movements don't resemble the recorded form, he is not a Master.

Learn the difference between an external and internal system so you can tell if the teacher is teaching according to the correct principles.

If a number of different styles are taught as a single system, be on your guard. This usually indicates that the teacher has never learned a single system thoroughly.

Any good system has techniques for dealing with all possible types of attack(short to long range; armed and unarmed). Many times the systems taught are incompatible (e.g. Shaolin and Tai Chi). They are based on opposing philosophies and muscle action.

Be suspicious if free (uncontrolled) fighting is introduced in a relatively short time. If you have not mastered any techniques of the system, what are you doing?

Promotions after a fixed time period are fraudulent. Each person's ability is different.

Weapons should not be taught to beginners. Beginning students do not have a strong stance, cannot maintain the proper distance from an opponent and cannot transmit a great deal of power to their hands. All of these skills are required to use a weapon properly.

The student is taught a new technique only when the Master thinks he is ready and may be required to practice the same technique for years.
Some non-classical systems have rejected classical forms and have combined techniques from several systems. The rationale is that free fighting is not patterned. By combining the best techniques from several systems it is thought that a superior system is obtained. However, a good classical system already has most of these techniques. If not, the Master can add these, but never eliminates previous forms and techniques which characterize the system.

What are the difference between a hard (external) and a soft (internal) system?

Some of the differences are summarized below. Some external styles may possess some of the characteristics of an internal system.

External style

Relatively little time is devoted to developing a strong stance as compared to an internal style which emphasizes relaxation.

Straight line force is used in blocking. Sometimes large circular blocks which require a great deal of force are used.

Not much attention is paid to developing feeling for interpreting force. Attack and defense depend on fast reflexes, so practioners reach their peak when they are young.

Force is opposed by force.

Practice sparring, which is not free style, usually consists of a few moves.
Techniques rely mainly on external strength. However, inernal power may be emphasized later.

Muscles are used inefficiently. Many techniques only use the legs or arms. Frequently, extraneous muscles are used. A rigid type of force is produced.

Internal style

Balance and a strong stance are developed through relaxation and proper body alignment.

Small, subtle, circular, efficient movements are used.

Sensitivity and relaxation are emphasized. Thus, one's skill can be continually improved, even when one is older.

The opponent's force is used against him.

Longer two-men sparring forms are practiced. The shorter forms are cyclic and illustrate that fighting is continuous consisting of countering an attack and countering the counter.

Development of internal power is the chief goal.

Only necessary muscles are tensed. Power from the body is transferred to the arms and legs in a synergistic manner. Relaxation is emphasized. A flowing, smooth force, like a whip, is produced.

Qigong is practiced not only for martial applications, but also for health.

The above description is an attempt to help beginners distinguish between internal and external systems. Internal systems are not just Bagua, Hsingyi and Tai Chi.

In fact, some of the so-called practioners of internal systems violate the stated principles and are harder than many hard-stylists. Internal systems are not just characterized by claims of chi development, since this is also a part of some external systems.

Which is easier to master: an external system or an internal system?

Both are difficult to master. It requires more patience to become proficient in an internal system.

One must "invest in loss" - that is, be willing to lose contests rather than violate the principles of the internal system.

The cardinal principle is relaxation. It requires years of practice, frequently in slow motion, to become soft (Yin). The body must be changed from concrete to rubber. Often, the student begins to move too rapidly too soon in applications in order to generate force (Yang) and make a poorly executed technique work. The result is that the forms and techniques are performed in a hard-style manner.

The constant training training necessaryto master an internal system is illustrated in the following story. A Tai Chi student was determined to defeat his Master at push hands. He practised six hours a day for a long time. He met his teacher and engaged in a push hands' contest.

The student was easily defeated and complained, "I practised six hours a day!" His Master responded, "I practice 24 hours a day."

The Master's cryptic comment means that he used the principle of his art in performing his daily tasks. He tried to interact with people in a way which produced as little tension as possible.

The body and mind are intertwined. Any stress in the mind is reflected in muscular tension and vice versa. This muscular hardness not only leads to defeat, but is also detrimental to your health.

Can one master an internal and external system simultaneously?

Not generally, since the muscles are used differently in each system. It isnot the sequences of movements alone that characterize asytem, but also the way in which they are done. The result of studying both tyoes of systems is usually that neither is performed correctly.

In order to punch or kick powerfully must one study soft-style if one is a hard-stylist and conversely?

Tremendous power can be generated through proper training in either style.

Do soft-stylists always block softly?

Some soft-stylists generally block softly using redirection; others use both hard and soft blocks. However, the power for a hard block is not generated in a hard style manner.

Which style is more suitable for older people?
The soft style is more suitable for older people. Some soft-stylists reach their peak when they are well over 60. Theoretically, one could improve forever.

A soft-stylist mainly depends on relaxation, sensitivity and the ability to turn his opponent's strength against him and not on muscular strength or fast reflexes.

The hard style is hard on the body. Hard-stylists usually retire young, like gymnasts, or modify their techniques to resemble a soft style.

Ten Precepts of Shaolin Kung Fu Fighters

Combat arts Precepts of the Shaolin Monastery have come down from generation to generation. Not far from the Main Gate, there was a bronze plate with basic combat precepts written on it.

1. First of all, it is necessary that the body would be agile, quick and energetic. For instance, if you take a step, your hand should make a correspondent swift movement; movements of all parts of the body must be coordinated. When you have to strike, try not to look even at the shadow of your hand, i.e. do not attract your attention to the fist. You must improve your skill all the time, only in this case you will be able to reach staggering results.

2. The second precept: motion and rest of two arms and two feet must be in coordination and in supplement of each other. 

Motion of the heart that controls the distribution of "chi" energy is born in the region of cinnabar "dantian" field (approximately 3 to ?>?>?>5 cm below the navel). The activity of the "chi" energy enforces the body to carry heroic struggle and to be valiant like a tiger or a dragon. If force and energy are melted into a single whole in the body, it is demonstrated by the ability to exert astonishing sounds.

3. The third precept of combat arts is as follows:

During a fight all the five elements should represent a unique fusion. In order to understand the interaction of the five elements of nature, one should observe Nature and the arrangement of the Universe around us. If you perceive laws of the birth and the surmounting of the five elements, you will understand the nicety of combat arts. Each of the five elements originates with the single "chi" energy. This energy is the base of the force which makes the body to act. If you understand their mutual transformation, you could move things weighing thousand of jins (one jin is equal to about 600 g) with one motion of your hand or foot. This precept also demands that blood and "chi" should be in harmony with each other. If the blood and "chi" are in harmony and good health, the man enjoys iron health and strength.

4. The fourth rule you must know demands the knowledge the eight-point theory of "ba tiao". For instance, you move up and down, retreat, but your retreat appears to be an advance. If you follow this law, your eight successes will become more impressive. Owing to it your movements up will be energetic and your movements down will be pliable and soft, and all the movements will be coordinated.

You must be prepared to meet an enemy who appears, disappears and appears again. Your enemy can be as dangerous as a tiger released from its cage. However, if you are able in an instant to turn about to defend yourself from the front and from the rear, you would look like a divine protector of combat arms who is always protected from all the sides. You should be able to turn very quickly to face an enemy's attack from the left and from the right. If you retreat, you should decoy your enemy into a trap. During an attack fury will be helpful for you. In that case you will look like infuriated tigers and snow leopards. A small birdie which takes its chance can fly over a high mountain.

5. The fifth precept one should know about combat arts is: your gait must be as stout as that one of gods. It is better to make five more steps than to make a mistake by one qun (one qun is equal to 3.2 cm approximately). There are different types of movements during a fight. Measured steps (qun bu) should be separated from each other by not more than three chis (one chi is equal to 0.32 m). In a struggle your life is at stake all the time, that's why you should step carefully and measurably. Steady steps should be separated from each other by five chis, and a too big step is equal to two gongs (in the ancient times one gong was equal to five chis). A quick step (kuai bu) is equal to one zhan (one zhan is equal to 10 chis). As a matter of fact, it is a horizontal leap that is made with energetic force of thighs and feet (i.e. by the whole leg). A spilling step (zhan bu) is a great upward leap to be made, if you are rounded up and you have to break out of encirclement.             

6. The six rule is the knowledge of arm and leg work during a fight. The special point with Shaolin combat arts is fist work. The pugilistic methods are such that each punch must pierce the enemy and cut him into pieces. The arm should bend without bending and unbend without unbending so that the enemy could not follow your movements and could never get sight of your punch. Your arms should separate your thorax with a speed of a lightning. Activity and training of sinews determine the force of arms. The punch must be a surprise, so the enemy could not avoid it. The arm must make an accurate cut, obediently flying up and readily, if necessary, going down. Notwithstanding how your body is twisted and your hands are bound by the enemy, there is always a chance to free yourself, like a swallow has always a chance to find water springs. If in a close combat one of the hand is pinned down or both hands are neutralized, you can punch with a stone elbow. Your punch can be directed into the enemy's pudenda from below. Leg movements are more mysterious. There are seven leg works: "qi" - uprising, "fan" - overturning, "lo" - tumbling, "zhin" - advance, "ti" - kick, "qai" - kick, "zhuan" - kick. All the five natural elements unite into one "chi", feet act in unison striking from the front and from the rear, so it is impossible to approach you. Step by step and no any sound is heard except sounds of punches of infuriated soles touching the ground after strikes. The legs are like ferocious tigers or dragons in the sky.

7. The seventh rule demands simultaneous advance of arms and legs, because during the fight they act together and depend on each other. If you furiously use only your arms, the result may be only satisfactory; the reason is: when you advance, your feet, arms and torso should act in complete agreement.

One should aim at achieving the following qualities: mind, body obedience, manhood, speed and fury. During an actual fight those five qualities will bring you miraculous results. Mental work - "gong" means that during a fight one must more depend on one's mind. Body obedience - "shun" means that one must train his body for a long time to make it natural one. Manliness -"yong" means that one should work out bold plans and boldly realize them. Speed - "ji" implicates that during the execution of methods of hand-to- hand fighting one must act fast like a lightning. Fury - "hen" is required only at the moment of your attacks.

You should keep a vigilant watch over enemy's stances and positions and clearly understand them. You must easily find his weak points. You should not rashly start fighting and deliver blows.

8. The eighth precept one should know about combat arts is all-round defense, its distinct manifestations and timely pursuit. If a man keeps in harmony those rule in his actions, he will become invincible. The rule of cover - "ting" consist in the necessity of permanent protection in the front, from the behind, from the left and from the right. Besides, one must not forget that the enemy can strike from above and from below. The rule of opening - "kai" consist in the necessity of opening your weak or strong points depending on the situation on the left or on the right and in the necessity of delivering and receiving blows with the support of sinew force. Both fist and palm must be formed during a spurt.

The rule of distinct manifestation - "zhe" is used for the work of arms, body, head and heart. At the moment of an action there should be a clear and efficient manifestation. If you act, you must be as fierce as a tiger, and if you manifest a sentiment, it must be a frightening fury. Your shout should frighten your enemy. You should be able to win without a fight, only with your loud laughter. This rule consisting of few hieroglyphs is more precious than gold. The rule of pursuit - "zhui" consists in the following. You should use any opportunity to pursuit your enemy and should not give him a chance to collect himself. As soon as steps become faster, you should use this opportunity to rush to the enemy. If at that moment you act like lightning and thunder, you can take anyone by surprise.

9. The ninth rule which one should know about combat arts is as follows. Three human elements - eyes, ears and heart intelligence must be in harmony. You should have attentive and active eyes and follow any enemy's manipulations all the time. You must prick your ears to sense movements and rest. You should have keen ears to hear voices of tigers and snow leopards from the eight sides of the Universe. The eyes look, the ears listen and they transmit the received information to the heart. If the heart is bright and eyes are alert, you will not commit mistakes.

10. The tenth rule for those who practice in combat arts is as follows. Use your sinews, because "shen", the ability to use spiritual sources, allows to achieve a great success. Sinews are chiefs of bones. If sinews tremble, "chi" energy is wasted. Furthermore, sinews are transmitters of information of three senses (vision, hearing and mind). If you are in possession of them, it is a great success.

Those are the Ten Basic Precepts of Combat Arts. To achieve them, one must work a lot. The most valuable quality for mastery of combat arms is persistence. One must persistently engage in pugilistic arms and weapon use. In winter frost and snow are not hindrances to it. In summer one should train himself notwithstanding hot weather, when you are running wet with sweat. Even if you have a headache, you should train your body to make it firm and strong. Do not stop, even for a moment, your persistent efforts to preserve your life and destiny.

One should remember that only the noble men of high morals may be taught the true combat art. On no account a bad man who does not follow true "dao" (the way) should be taught.