The correct translation of the word Kung Fu refers to a high level, specific skill that few people actually attain. It is more apt to talk about someone who has a ‘Kung Fu’ – an attainment.
In this light ‘Kung Fu’ is a general term defined as the mastery of an art, method, accomplishment or a difficult task through highly concentrated effort. The proper Chinese word used to describe martial arts is Wushu (Military Arts). The two main styles of Traditional Wushu taught at the Chinese Martial and Arts Centre are Northern Longfist (Chang Quan) and Hong Quan (Hong Family Style).
Effective striking, weaponry, throwing and locking techniques. We focus on the three requirements of traditional Kung Fu:
– Self-Defence
– Fitness
– Nurturing Health
Kung Fu Styles
Northern Shaolin Long Fist
This style includes a wide variety of barehand and classical weapons in its training. In this style the postures are open and wide with a lot of emphasis on legwork and kicking. This style has been heavily influenced by the Nanking Central Martial Arts Institute that was founded in 1928 with the purpose of consolidating and promoting traditional styles of chinese Kung Fu. There are ten barehanded forms, which also include various animal forms. The weapons used in Northern Shaolin Long Fist are staff, saber, straight sword, spear and include double (two-man) sets.
Hong Family Fist
This is another Shaolin based style. It is perhaps the most well known style of the five main styles that originated in Southern China. It is famous for its widely varying arm techniques which are expressed in its animal imitation movements. Among its many animal styles, the Hong Quan methods concentrate on Tiger, Crane, Snake, Leopard and Dragon styles. Hong Quan’s weapon forms include the staff, sabre straight sword and spear and also have many unique weapons such as the halberd, iron forks, fan and umbrella. The bare-hand sets include the famous Subduing Tiger Fist, Iron Wire and Tiger-Crane forms.