Archive for January 2012
Shaolin Longfist Kung Fu: Lien Bu Chuan and Gung Li Chuan!
‘Longfist’ Kung Fu
Shaolin Longfist Kung Fu owes its origin ultimately to the ancient battlefields of Northern China. The same notions of striking, stabbing, sweeping and cutting etc at long-range were extensively systemized and codified at Bei Shaolin Si, the Northern or ‘Grandfather’ Shaolin Temple for over 150 years, before their first open display at the start of the Tang Dynasty,
The Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) apogee of Chinese Culture to date owed its existence to the Shaolin Temple’s support of Emperor-to-be Li Shi-Min whose far-sighted generalship is redolent of Shaolin long-range thinking. General Zhao Kuang-Yin, who established the Sung Dynasty (960-1279 CE) acknowledged as the founder of Nothern Shaolin Longfist Kung Fu, was similarly Shaolin trained.
Kung Fu Forms
Forms, predetermined sets of inter-connected Kung Fu moves, embodying certain themes or particular aspects of their parent style, are an essential aspect of Kung Fu training. Varying in length from less than 30 to more than 300 moves, Forms become more sophisticated, advanced and demanding as Students progress with an entire Section of Kung Fu Contests devoted to Forms Competition.
Sometimes described as the ‘Spirit of Kung Fu’ Forms repeated performance imprints Students’ Technique with the parent style’s fundamentals. Demanding recall of long sequences and their accurate physical performance, Forms are also renowned for invigorating the mind and sharpening the intellect, whether individuals are at School, College, work or in retirement. Through Form practice coordination and balance are acquired, kicks, blocks and hand-strikes are ‘polished’, speed, stamina and flexibility enhanced and body, mind and breath linked together until they operate as one. Northern Shaolin Longfist forms usually embody the extended circular movements, power and, athleticism that typify the style.
Lien Bu Chuan/’Continuous Step Sequence’
Developed Circa 1910 by Huo Yuen-Jia (played most notably by Jet Li in ‘Fearless’) at the Chin Woo (‘Pure Spirt’) Association in Shanghai. Lien Bu Chuan’s upright stances show its affinity with the Crane. Fighting on-the-move (albeit in straight lines) is emphasised, sometimes against multiple opponents. The form’s success led to its adoption by the Central Kuoshu Institute of Nanjing for Chinese Army Kung Fu Training purposes. The opening and closing salutes reveal its Northern Shaolin origins, representing the Northerners’ custom of tying up and untying their long tunics before and after Kung Fu practice, whilst the moves in-between are full of kicking, striking and Qin Na applications.
Gung Li Chuan/ ‘Power Training Sequence’
Gung Li Chuan, also known as ‘Power-Training Sequence’, like Lien Bu Chuan, a basic training Form at Huo Yuen-Jia’s Chin Woo Association, was similarly selected by Chinese Military Authorities for Army-Training purposes. However, the Form was created by Chao Lian (1657 – 1748) during the early part of the Qing Dynasty. Gung Li Chuan’s deep stances help to develop lower body strength and endurance:
“Zuo fu mian, Heu hu tuo xin, Xia da zai hu xi qian.”
“Sweep left-face, Black Tiger Steals the Heart, Double fists hammer downwards to stop knee.”
Thus runs Verse 3 of ‘The Song of Northern Gung Li Chuan’, describing moves 5-8 of this classic, flowing ‘Longfist’ Form. Apart from its dynamic strength and stamina-enhancing qualities, and a certain aesthetic appeal, Gung Li Chuan also has curative and health-giving properties and is conducive to longevity!
Filmography
Many films have depicted Huo Yuen-Jia’s untimely death and the way his Senior Student, Chen Zhen, avenged this, including: Bruce Lee’s ‘Fist of Fury’ (1972); Jet Li’s ‘Fist of Legend’ (1994) and ‘Fearless’ (2006); and ‘Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen’ (2010) starring Donnie Yen, currently on release.
Shaolin Tiger Kung Fu Mysteries Revealed
So I have been a huge Kung Fu fan forever. You know that crazy martial arts stuff you see on the movies? Punch, kick, pow! I love it. Love it all and always have. One of my favorite forms of fighting is called Shaolin Tiger Kung Fu. Why is it one of my favorites? Let me tell you why.
Now, you may think you have seen this kind of fighting before, but I assure you that you have not. Shaolin Tiger Kung Fu is different from a lot of the others. This is a more acrobatic style of fighting, stuff I really like because it is fast and very fun to watch. There are also a lot of jump kicks that lend themselves very well to this kind of style. I can not get enough of the stuff.
They use weapons as well, fighting with such lightning speed, it makes my head spin. There is also the regular empty hand style familiar to most people who watch martial arts being performed, specifically a kind of boxing style that is very devastating in the right hands. All of it is spectacular.
One of the most popular weapons, at least one of my favorites, is the long spear. This thing scares the heck out of me, that is for sure! I have seen some of these guys use this weapon as easy as using a spoon to mop up some soup. At one time, this simple weapon was the most feared of all weapons in the world. I can see why since its incredible length can stop anybody from doing anything. I’ve seen opponents get so frustrated because they can not get inside the spear welder’s defenses to attack. These things are long and mean and Shaolin Tiger practices some pretty awesome techniques using them.
I learned a bit about the history of Shaolin Tiger Kung Fu, too, and it was interesting, to say the least. It seems this monk from way back in the day, got together what he thought were the best fighters. He watched them all fight and then put together all the best techniques and fighting moves from their actions. No wonder I like this style so much. It is the best of the best.
Because of this beginning, because Shaolin Tiger Kung Fu incorporates all the best moves from a lot of different sources, it has become the foundation of martial arts today. I can see why, since I watch so many other kung fu styles and I see the Shaolin teachings there, as well. So, whenever I watch other guys doing all their stuff, I can’t help but think of how important Shaolin Tiger Kung Fu was to the development of all the things I love about kung fu in general.
5 Tips On Shaolin Kung Fu Exercises
It was Michael Tyson’s second day at our Kung-Fu school and I took a hard look at him. He was built like King Kong, was as hairy as King Kong, sported Mr. T’s hairstyle, but he had Oprah Winfrey’s puckered lips and Michael Jackson’s kohl-lined eyes. This made me a wee bit suspicious of his intentions, but I was in full concentration mode as I began teaching him some basic Shaolin Kung Fu tips.
“Tyson, in Shaolin Kung Fu, the Chi (breath) must unite with the Li (force). Do not lose focus, because the brain must coordinate with the heart, the heart must coordinate with the mind and the mind must dictate the way you breathe. Persevere and you will be rewarded.” I began educating Tyson.
“Man, you just sound like my Grandma when she’s chanting hymns at the church! Ha, ha!” Tyson guffawed, his lips vibrating, his eyes filled with merriment. Hmm, Tyson was a casual customer.
I smiled back, “Thanks for that, Tyson. In Shaolin Kung Fu, it is necessary for the body to be agile, swift and packed with energy. The movement of all parts of the body must be coordinated and you must focus on your body movements. If you move forward one step, your hand should move, too, in rhythm. Even when you strike, do not focus on your fist or the force you put behind it – just concentrate on your body rhythm. Understood?”
“Dude, is this a ballet school or what? Ha, ha!” Tyson laughed, his lips puckering even more. A little bird flew inside my brain and told me Tyson was an irreverent type.
“Thanks again, Tyson. Now, pay attention: In Shaolin King Fu, the five elements of nature – wood, fire, earth, metal and water form a unique fusion during a fight. You must observe them and the arrangement of the universe around us. When you practice Shaolin Kung Fu, you will one day understand that your Chi (breath) can influence these five elements. When you reach that level of realization, you will be able to move very heavy objects with one movement of your hand or foot. Shaolin Kung Fu is that powerful, Tyson.
“Hey, buddy, I came here to be a fighter – I don’t wanna be no weight-lugging porter, my friend!” Tyson continued his rocking and rolling.
Well, it was my Shaolin Kung Fu training that helped me maintain my cool. Otherwise, Michael Tyson would have been toast by now with a lot of jam on him, “Tyson, please pay attention – So far, you have learned that in Shaolin Kung Fu, you have to focus on your breath and your body movements while observing and connecting with the five elements of nature. Now here’s the fourth tip: Shaolin Kung Fu requires you to be an expert in fist work. You must move your arms in such a way that the enemy cannot get sight of your fist. Your arms and fists must move at the speed of light and for that to happen, you will have to train your sinews in such a way that when you punch, your arm must glide like a bird landing on a lake.”
“Sure, leg movements are important too: In fact, there are seven kinds of leg movements in Shaolin Kung Fu, but we’ll come to them later on.” I continued.
“Got any cool underarm movements, eh, Balboa boy?” Tyson sniggered, looking at me with come-hither eyes. I wished he’d get pregnant and go away.
“Okay, Tyson, this is your last tip for the day: In Shaolin Kung Fu, your eyes, ears and heart must be in perfect rhythm. Your eyes must follow the enemy’s movements and your ears should be sharp enough to detect the slightest of sounds – this, while your heart is steady, cool and calm. If you are able to achieve this state, you will not make mistakes. That’s enough for today Tyson, class over. Now join me for a round of Shaolin Kung Fu sparring.”
“Hey Balboa, whatever you say! Hee, hee” Tyson said grinning ear to ear, not knowing what was coming at him.
That was the last time Tyson ever fooled around in Kung Fu class. And in case you are wondering, no, I didn’t kill him – but that’s another story.
Yoshi E Kundagawa is a freelance journalist. He covers the
mixed martial arts industry. For a free report on shaolin kung fu stances visit his blog.