Kung Fu Forms
A form is a series of pre arranged offensive and defensive techniques which simulate combat against a group of imaginary opponents.
Contained within the numerous choreographed movements are the blocks, kicks, punches and various techniques exclusive to a particular kung fu system.
Visually a form seems like a dance, yet despite the dance like qualities
a form is not a dance.
Every movement is filled with hidden meaning.
Behind the elegant hand and foot patterns are deadly techniques that can injure or even kill.
Within the graceful flowing motion is a power that when unleashed can be destructive.
To say form is the heart of Kung Fu is not to exaggerate it’s traditional importance.
Everything is in the form, for it is the primary method of both instructing and training in the art. A way of transmitting a system of knowledge from master to student.
A form is an encyclopaedia of fighting techniques, applications to those techniques, principles of body dynamics and combat strategy.
As a formal exercise kung fu forms are an effective way of developing power, speed, footwork and fighting combinations. All this is necessary if the movements are to be effective in self defence.
Simply as an exercise form conditions the whole body for strength, flexibility, endurance and co ordination.
On a purely artistic level a forms beauty and grace of motion are a visual art that allow a practitioner, through their own body, a profound means of self expression.
When executed with precision and virtuosity a form epitomises the art itself.
Kung Fu is power concealed in elegance.
(Excerpt from a documentary of the tiger and crane from - publisher unknown) "we couldn't have put it better ourselves"
A form is a series of pre arranged offensive and defensive techniques which simulate combat against a group of imaginary opponents.
Contained within the numerous choreographed movements are the blocks, kicks, punches and various techniques exclusive to a particular kung fu system.
Visually a form seems like a dance, yet despite the dance like qualities
a form is not a dance.
Every movement is filled with hidden meaning.
Behind the elegant hand and foot patterns are deadly techniques that can injure or even kill.
Within the graceful flowing motion is a power that when unleashed can be destructive.
To say form is the heart of Kung Fu is not to exaggerate it’s traditional importance.
Everything is in the form, for it is the primary method of both instructing and training in the art. A way of transmitting a system of knowledge from master to student.
A form is an encyclopaedia of fighting techniques, applications to those techniques, principles of body dynamics and combat strategy.
As a formal exercise kung fu forms are an effective way of developing power, speed, footwork and fighting combinations. All this is necessary if the movements are to be effective in self defence.
Simply as an exercise form conditions the whole body for strength, flexibility, endurance and co ordination.
On a purely artistic level a forms beauty and grace of motion are a visual art that allow a practitioner, through their own body, a profound means of self expression.
When executed with precision and virtuosity a form epitomises the art itself.
Kung Fu is power concealed in elegance.
(Excerpt from a documentary of the tiger and crane from - publisher unknown) "we couldn't have put it better ourselves"