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White Crane Style is a Southern Chinese martial art originating in Fujian province. According to oral tradition, Fang Qīniáng, a female martial artist, developed the style. It is associated with traditional fighting techniques, including long-range, but is most likely close-quarter or hand-to-hand combat. It is most recognizable when the fighter imitates a bird's pecking or flapping of wings. While some white crane styles use traditional weapons, others have discontinued their use. The Crane develops control, character, and spirit. Techniques develop the mind through concentration on one-legged stances.

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In Chinese, the term kung fu generally refers to skill, ability, and hard work rather than the fighting arts. It also comprises three significant areas of development: self-defense, health and fitness, and character training.

In general, kung fu and Chinese martial arts encompass a range of subjects for study. To one degree or another, most Chinese martial arts include the following subjects: basics, combinations, self-defense, forms, partner sets, weapons, pressure points, joint locks, sparring, chi kung, herbal medicines, and basic first aid. Below is a synopsis of the key subjects of kung fu.

Basics are specific techniques that students practice to perfect each technique's form, coordination, and power. Some of these techniques are punching, blocking, and kicking.

Combinations are basic techniques that are put together to develop greater coordination and concentration. The student should have a solid foundation in the basics before trying combination techniques.

Self-defense is how you learn to use the moves against specific attacks and attackers. The basic idea of kung fu is to move like the wind or the water continuously. This continuous movement can create tremendous force, like a tidal wave or hurricane. This constant movement also means the student never has to rely on a single self-defense technique. You can easily counter if you miss your initial defense movement or the attacker changes tactics.

Forms are the encyclopedia of your kung fu techniques. They contain all the movements combined. Forms can range from 10 moves to 1000s of steps. Forms are similar to combinations but are comprised of hundreds of combinations. Forms help students develop tremendous concentration, coordination, and discipline.

Partner Sets, like forms, are a series of movements in a sequence that can run from ten to hundreds of moves. Partner sets require coordination between two partners. The coordination involves distancing and focusing on each movement. Partner sets come in two types: open hand (no weapons) and weapons.

Weapons are taught as part of the Chinese kung fu tradition. Though these weapons are not used for combat today, they play an essential role in developing strength, agility, concentration, and coordination. Chinese weapons are classified into several major groups: long, short, and flexible.

Pressure Points maximize the potential of grabs, strikes, and kicks. In addition, pressure points are weak points in everyone's body, so kung fu practitioners can defeat attackers much larger or stronger than themselves.

Joint locking is the art of attacking the joints to either break, sprain, or cause extreme pain. Joint locks are usually combined with pressure points to make the kung fu practitioner a well-rounded martial artist and self-defense expert.

Throwing techniques use the body, hip, or legs to throw or knock the person off balance. This gives you a unique advantage in close-quarters combat.

Sparring is the one-on-one practice of randomly using techniques against another opponent. The student learns how to apply different techniques, including how to counter them against another opponent. The student learns how to apply various techniques, ranging from throws and locks to strikes and kicks. In addition, sparring teaches the students control, distancing, application, and counters.

Chi kung means "breath work" or, more commonly, "internal work." Chi Kung routines teach students specialized breathing techniques to improve their internal organs and develop a stronger mind and body.

Herbal medicines were necessary in Chinese martial arts to prevent and treat injuries to muscles and bones that practitioners might sustain. Herbal remedies are passed down from Sifu to Sifu, and most formulas are kept secret.

Conclusion

In ancient China, kung fu practitioners were revered as scholars and medical doctors for their extensive knowledge. But, as you can see from this basic outline, kung fu practitioners learn more than simply punching and striking. They understand the art of Kung Fu to keep their minds and bodies healthy. And isn't that the most crucial thing in today's fast-paced and stressful society?

The Nunchaku are two wooden sticks tied together with a small rope. They were initially used as farm implements to knock rice off the stalks. Later, the farmers used the Nunchaku to defend themselves from bandits.

The Nunchaku uses forward, backward, figure 8, reverse, figure 8, and many other spins to ward off attackers. Bruce Lee made this weapon famous. You will learn some of the moves you've seen him do in his movies.

The Nunchaku self-defense system includes many quick striking, blocking, and locking techniques to restrain an attacker. Because of its versatility, this weapon is becoming popular with many Police departments.

This month, we will have a unique Master's Class on the Nunchaku. Check with your Academy to find out what days and times are available so you can take advantage of it.

We will cover some of the basic strikes, blocks, and spins. Then, you'll learn excellent self-defense using the Nunchakus.

Choose either the wooden nunchakus or the foam rubber ones. Both are tied together with a rope. We have both available here at the Academy. However, we recommend you use foam for safety.

Kat Thomas
Trish Walendziewicz
Dave Roeser
Matt Batcho
Jason Paschel
Aranya Dasgupta
Joseph Martin
Kwaku Koram
Amanda Johnson
David Pitts Sr.
Rian Trbovich
Francis Fedinick
Nour Almushrif
Charles Asavatesanon
Jasmyn Brown
Ryan Allem
Leo Miranda
Johnny Miranda
Robert Kuhn
Sodi Pitts
Ray Kain

Amari Hameen
Cathy Jackson
Renee Webb
Ryan Anderson
Susan Anderson
John Tierney
Arrow Kuhn
Tia Phillips
Courtney Bartosh
Chistopher Blair
Roberta Muto-Criley
J Pounds
Scott Lloyd
Isabella Puleo
Sophia Topa
Pacifico Stella
Ryleigh Kush-Merithew

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