The first thing we must understand is the correct translation of the word Kung Fu. Kung Fu is a general term defined as the mastery of an art, an accomplishment or a difficult task through highly concentrated effort. It ultimately means a lot of hard work or practice. Kung = accomplishment, Fu = effort. The two main styles of Kung Fu taught at the Chinese Martial and Arts Centre are Chang Quan and Hong Quan.
CHANG QUAN
The embryo stage of Northern Long Fist was developed by Emperor Tsai Tsu (Sung dynasty – 1200). Nan-King Central Martial Arts institute was founded with the purpose of consolidating Wu Shu masters together under one organization. These masters were particularly known as the “FIVE NORTHERN TIGERS”. These masters put aside age old prejudices to discuss the best techniques for each style. For this reason, this style developed at Nan-King contains best elements from the many styles. This diverse style became known as the Northern Long Fist. Grandmaster Li Mao Ching (1920-) a Chang Quan teacher and Han Ching Tan (1903-1976) are second generation martial artist in the Nan-King Institute. After the communist take-over of mainland China in 1949, the masters left for Taiwan and Hong Kong. Grandmaster Li left for Taiwan. Our Master Chen studied under Grandmaster Li. Chang Quan (northern) has many diverse styles. There are ten barehanded forms, which also include various animal forms. The weapons used in the Chang Quan are long staff, saber, straight sword, spear and double sets.
→ CHANG QUAN
→ CHANG QUAN LINEAGE
HONG QUAN
When the Manchurians invaded China (1644 – Chin dynasty) five monks fled and traveled south. These monks were Hong, Lau, Choy, Lay, Mok therefore becoming the southern masters. The southern systems were further developed in the Shaolin temple in Fukien province of China. A gifted southern student Hong Che Kwang under the teachings of Monk Tse Shan develop the southern system into his own personal style. He was the creator of the system as we now know it.
Hong Quan is divided into northern Hong Quan and southern Hong Quan schools. Northern Hong Quan in turn can further be branched into a number of different schools, for example, within Cha Quan schools there are Tou lu Hong Quan, San lu (3) Hong Quan,Chi lu (7) Hong Quan. Two other forms include Da Hong Quan (Big Red Hong Fist) and Shiao Hong Quan (Small Red Hong Fist). Hong Quan has spread widely, including Shansi, Gansu, Honan, Shansi, Szuchuan, Hupei, Anhwei and Yunnan provinces. It is characterized by its beautiful posture, nimble movement, quick rhythm and ingenious strikes. The training pays attention to soft force, elastic motion, smooth breathing and incorporating circular movement. Intention in the mind is the base, using the mind but not the force. The body movements, including punching and kicking methods, each have their own criteria. Our southern Hong Quan is also known as Hong Chia Quan (Hong Family Fist), notability regarded as the leader in the five fist schools of 13 families (known as Ling Nan). Southern Hong Quan style can be distinguished by two factors: 1) long hand movements and big stances, and long hand in long range and wide movements; 2) short hand movements and narrow stances, and short hand in short range attacks to the body when attacking opponentsâ?? fighting skills. Among our school, there are many famous forms such as Gon Tse Hwo Fo Quan (I-shaped Subduing Tiger Fist), Tiger Crane form, Iron Wire, Five-element Form, 10 animal forms, staff, broadsword, straight sword, spear, tsai, fan, tong fa, umbrella and kwan dao and many other weapons.
→ HONG QUAN
→ HONG QUAN LINEAGE